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File #: 1120-2015    Version: 1
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
File created: 4/17/2015 In control: Finance Committee
On agenda: 5/11/2015 Final action: 5/13/2015
Title: To authorize the Finance and Management Director, on behalf of the Fleet Management Division, to enter into a Propane Golf Equipment research program with R & R Products, Inc. and the Propane Education Research Council (PERC); and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Explanation
 
Background:  The Fleet Management Division has been asked to participate in a Propane Golf Equipment Research Program during the 2015 mowing season with R & R Products (R&R Products, Inc. Tucson, AZ), the leading manufacturer of propane mowing equipment and the Propane Education Research Council (PERC).  The city started purchasing and using propane mowers in 2013 and currently has 21 active mowers at Recreation and Parks locations throughout Columbus.  Propane is a clean-burning fossil fuel that results in producing significantly lower amounts of some harmful emissions and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.    
The research program scope consists of R & R providing, at no cost to the city, the exclusive use of four (4) pieces of new golf course mowing equipment.  This equipment is to be used at the Airport Golf Course during the research testing.  PERC is providing the funding to R&R for the equipment to be furnished to the city.  PERC will manage all promotional activities for this research program.  During the research testing period the city will record equipment data and track propane fuel consumption.  The city will furnish propane fuel through a contract set up by Fleet Management with a propane fuel provider for the equipment during this research program.  There are no other costs to the city for participating in this program.  In exchange for the city participating in the research program, at the end of the program, the city has the option to purchase the equipment at a depreciated 55% discount rate. If the city chooses to proceed with the purchase of the mowing equipment another ordinance will be necessary to authorize the expenditure of funds and to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes.
The city is one of eight golf courses nationwide (Airport being the only municipal golf course) participating in the research program. Other participants are: Stone Mountain Golf Club (Marriott) Stone Mountain, GA., Fernandina Beach Golf Club  Fernandina Beach, FL., Marriott Desert Springs (Marriott) Palm Desert, CA., Renaissance Vinoy (Marriott) St. Petersburg, FL., Eagles Pride Golf Course (Military) Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA., Reston National Golf Course Reston, VA., and George W. Dunne National (Billy Casper) 16310 Central Ave, Oak Forest IL.
Fiscal Impact:  The ordinance will require no expenses on the part of the City.  
 
Emergency action is requested so that the agreement can be entered into prior to mowing season.
 
Title
 
To authorize the Finance and Management Director, on behalf of the Fleet Management Division,  to enter into a Propane Golf Equipment research program with R & R Products, Inc. and the Propane Education Research Council (PERC); and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
 
Body
 
WHEREAS, the City will participate in a Propane Golf Equipment Research Program with R & R Products, Inc. and the Propane Education Research Council (PERC); and
 
WHEREAS, PERC will provide the city with four (4) pieces of new golf course mowing equipment at no cost to the city; and
 
WHEREAS, at the end of the program the city has the option to purchase the equipment at a depreciated 55 percent discount rate; and
 
WHEREAS, if the decision to recommend purchase the mowers then another ordinance will be submitted in order to establish the funding and to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes; and
 
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Finance and Management in that it is immediately necessary to enter into this program prior to the 2015 mowing season to take full advantage of the program's benefits, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE
 
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
 
SECTION 1.  That the Finance and Management Director is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a Propane Golf Equipment research program with R & R Products, Inc. and the Propane Education Research Council (PERC).
 
SECTION 2.  That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.