Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with HERO USA for the operation of a non-motorized watercraft rental concession for the general public.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department solicited through the City of Columbus Vendor Services, for proposals for the operation of non-motorized watercraft rentals to the general public on the Scioto River, within the downtown riverfront pool (defined as the area from the Lower Olentangy Boat Launch (W. Nationwide Blvd) to the Scioto Audubon Boat Launch). Proposals were requested to assure highly competent, economic and practical management and operations at a public venue and to accommodate the public in their pursuit of recreational opportunities.
The area in which the vendor will perform the concession services will be designated to the Lower Olentangy Boat Launch Parkland (W. Nationwide Blvd) and shall be within the limits outlined within the proposal.
The scope of the proposal includes providing, maintaining, and operating a variety of recreational non-motorized watercraft such as but not limited to canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats for use by the general public at/near the Lower Olentangy Boat Launch/Parkland area, within the downtown riverfront pool (defined as the area from the Lower Olentangy Boat Launch (W. Nationwide Blvd) to the Scioto Audubon Boat Launch). The scope also includes providing, maintaining and operating adequate amounts of boats, personal protective equipment and properly trained staff to safely serve the general public.
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on May 8, 2017 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on May 15, 2017. Proposals were received from the following companies:
Company
HERO USA (Non-profit)
Clintonville Outfitters (MAJ)
See Columbus (MBE)
Gateway Adventures (MAJ)
After reviewing the proposals that were submitted, it was determined that HERO USA was the most qualified vendor.
Principal Parties:
HERO USA
3051 Downhill Drive, Columbus, OH 43221
L. Michael Bain, 614-595-1777
26-4808134
Exp Date: 5/15/19
Emergency Justification: This legislation requires emergency processing due to the nature of the contract, which has a limited season for offering the concessions and warrants a quick turn-around. The upcoming Red, White and Boom event, constitutes a large portion of the revenue that this concession would generate.
Benefits to the Public: The City of Columbus, by contracting services with HERO USA, will provide the recreational amenity of non-motorized boating in the downtown area which is currently a service that we do not offer. This concession will provide the public with rental of canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and peddle boats for use between the Lower Olentangy Boat Launch, through downtown and down to the Scioto Audubon Boat Launch. This concession will be open to the public to provide the rental service.
Community Input Issues: CRPD has been in ongoing discussions over 4 years with Friends of Groups as well as partner groups such as ODNR, CPD and Metro Parks. The community has been requesting non-motorized boating concessions in the downtown area for several years through 311, Metro Park inquiries, multi-use trail users and residents living in the downtown area.
Area(s) Affected:
Planning Area: 18
Lower Olentangy Boat Launch (at terminus of W. Nationwide Blvd at the Olentangy River) through the downtown water pool, down to the Scioto Audubon Park Boat Launch.
Master Plan Relation: Entering into a contract with HERO USA will open opportunities to offer the public the ability to rent canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and peddle boats for use between the Lower Olentangy Boat Launch, through downtown and down to the Scioto Audubon Boat Launch, which is not a service that is currently offered to the general public. This will demonstrate a partnership with a non-profit, HERO USA and will provide a service that we currently do not offer within the City. Further, activating the downtown riverfront area, particularly the waterfront, is a key in the Master Plan.
Fiscal Impact: None
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with HERO USA for the operation of a non-motorized watercraft rental concession for the general public; and to declare an emergency. ($0)
Body
WHEREAS, the community has been requesting non-motorized boating concessions in the downtown area for several years through 311, Metro Park inquiries, multi-use trail users and residents living in the downtown area; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department solicited bids, as required by City Code Chapter 919, through the City of Columbus Vendor Services for the operation of non-motorized watercraft rentals to the general public on the Scioto River, within the downtown riverfront pool (defined as the area from the Lower Olentangy Boat Launch (W. Nationwide Blvd) to the Scioto Audubon Boat Launch); and
WHEREAS, the scope of the proposal includes providing, maintaining, and operating a variety of recreational non-motorized watercraft such as but not limited to canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats for use by the general public and providing, maintaining and operating adequate amounts of boats, personal protective equipment and properly trained staff to safely serve the general public; and
WHEREAS, after reviewing the proposals that were submitted, it was determined that HERO USA was the most qualified vendor; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Recreation and Parks in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with HERO USA for the operation of a non-motorized watercraft rental concession for the general public so the concession is set up by July 3rd, for the public health, safety and welfard; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized and directed to enter into contract with HERO USA for the operation of a non-motorized watercraft rental concession for the general public.
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.