Explanation
This ordinance amends various sections of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes. Specifically as it relates to the City’s environmentally preferable purchasing program and construction pre-qualification. Regarding the construction pre-qualification section, the amended language will add an additional factor that may be used by construction companies to be deemed responsible. The new factor will allow credit if the applicant is a socially responsible business, evidenced by helping displaced workers and/or formally incarcerated persons re-entering the community.
These changes are an acknowledgement by the City of Columbus that the items and services it buys have an inherent social, health, and environmental impact on society. By making these changes, the City is furthering its commitment to its social and environmental responsibilities.
The effective date of these revisions and modernization will be January 1, 2018, to allow sufficient time for the Director of Finance and Management to prepare processes and update relevant documentation.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To amend various sections of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes regarding Environmentally Preferred Purchasing and to enact additional criteria in Section 329.211 related to the Construction Prequalification process with these changes to be effective January 1, 2018; and to repeal the existing Sections being amended.
Body
WHEREAS, Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes governing the procurement of goods and services for the City of Columbus is in need of revision to better serve the City’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility; and
WHEREAS, it is the shared goal of this Council and the Mayor’s Administration to update Chapter 329 to better acknowledge the City’s said commitment; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance addresses this commitment by ensuring the City purchases environmentally sustainable and safe products; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance addresses this commitment by ensuring the City acknowledges and supports businesses that perform in a socially responsible manner through helping displaced individuals and those who are re-entering society after incarceration; and
WHEREAS, full implementation of this code modernization on January 1, 2018, will provide the Finance and Management Director with the necessary time to prepare processes and update necessary documentation; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Finance and Management to amend various section of City Code Chapter 329; NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That Sections 329.01(n) and 329.17 of the Columbus City Codes are hereby amended and Section 329. 211(c)(10) is hereby enacted as stated on the attached document (“Ordinance 1970-2017 Chapter 329 as amended to the City Clerk”).
SECTION 2. That prior existing sections 329.01(n) and 329.17 are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after January 1, 2018.