Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Public Safety Director to enter into a contract with Helicopter Minit-Men Inc. in the amount of $200,000.00 for the repairs of the Division of Police's helicopter fleet. The agreement is to pay for the repair of Police helicopters that had began prior to the expiration of the contract that ended June 30, 2025. These repairs include an engine overhaul, vertical Stabilizer, several Fuel Control Units and Tail Rotor Transmission as required by the FAA. Due to the length of time and parts availability to do the repairs, it is necessary for the Division to request a Bid Waiver for the City to complete its obligation and pay for the repairs
Bid Information: Due to the repairs starting prior to contract expiration but concluding after, the Division of Police request a bid waiver to pay for the requested repairs.
This company is not debarred according to the Federal excluded parties listing or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State unresolved findings for recovery certified search.
Contract Compliance No: CC004181 expires 5/14/2026
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency legislation is requested so helicopter maintenance can continue and maintain the fleet in operational performance without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $200,000.00 from the General Fund for a helicopter maintenance contract. $1,503,200.00 is budgeted in the 2025 Police General Fund for helicopter maintenance. In 2024, the Division spent or encumbered $1,238,222.00. In 2023, the Division spent or encumbered $1,151,222.00.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Public Safety to enter into contract for helicopter maintenance with Helicopter Minit-Men, Inc. for the Division of Police; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code; to authorize the expenditure of $200,000.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($200,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Safety, Division of Police, has a need to enter into a contract for helicopter maintenance with Helicopter Minit-Men, Inc. for the repair of parts occurring past contract expiration; and,
WHEREAS, the Division of Police has determined that it is in the City’s best interest to waive the competitive bidding procedures of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 to allow Helicopter Minit-Men, Inc. to finish the repairs; and,
WHEREAS, funds are budgeted for this purpose in the Division of Police's 2025 General Fund budget; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a contract for helicopter maintenance with Helicopter Minit-Men, Inc. so that repairs currently underway and maintenance may continue and to maintain the flight readiness of the fleet, all for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health, safety and welfare; Now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Safety be, and is hereby, authorized and directed to enter into contract with Helicopter Minit-Men, Inc. for helicopter maintenance repairs for the Division of Police.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $200,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and is hereby authorized in the General Fund in object class 03 contractual services per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the City Council finds it is in the City’s best interest to waive the competitive bidding requirements of City Code, Chapter 329 to allow the aforementioned contract with Helicopter Minit-Men.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance and to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that this contract is properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the City's financial records.
SECTION 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.