Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into an agreement with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. for the purchase of one Division of Police Bell 407GXi helicopter. The Columbus Division of Police Aviation Section, Helicopter Unit has proudly served the citizens of Columbus since 1972. The police helicopter has proven to be a dynamic force multiplier in the detection and apprehension of criminals. Since 1996, the Helicopter Unit has operated MD Helicopter, Inc. helicopters.
A helicopter purchase committee was formed to research helicopter products that would meet and/or surpass the unit mission platform, while achieving the best economic value for the city. Helicopter research factors that were considered included pricing and value (both current and residual), performance, mission, payload/capability, maintenance and direct operating cost (DOC).
While researching all manufacturers, the Committee narrowed the choice down to two (2) helicopter manufacturers …. MDHI and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell). Both manufactured products that would meet or exceed CPD’s goals and expectations.
The base price of the Bell 407GXi is less and the Bell 505 is significantly less when compared to the MD530F model. Moreover, the Bell 407GXi will increase the overall mission capability when compared to the MD530F. Lastly, pilot transition into the Bell 407GXi and Bell 505 will be seamless due to the similarities in the rotor system to the MDHI.
The future transformation of the Division of Police's fleet of five MD530F models over to Bell helicopters is estimated to save over $6 million in purchasing cost while at the same time better enhancing mission capabilities.
Bid Information - This purchase is recommended to be made with a waiver of formal bidding requirements, because a helicopter purchase committee was formed to research helicopter products that would meet and/or surpass the unit mission platform, while achieving the best economic value for the city.
Emergency Designation: Emergency legislation is requested because of the need to get this agreement implemented as soon as possible and maintain the capabilities of Division of Police Helicopters.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $3,404,050.00 from the Special Income Tax Debt Fund to enter into an agreement with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. for the purchase of one Bell 407GXi Helicopter. Funds are available in the Special Income Tax fund for this agreement.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into an agreement with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. for the purchase of one Bell Helicopter for the Division of Police; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure of $3,404,050.00 from the Special Income Tax Debt Fund, and to declare an emergency. ($3,404,050.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Division of Police has the need to improve its helicopter fleet and expand the mission capabilities of their aircraft; and,
WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Public Safety seeks authorization from City Council to enter into an agreement with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. for the purchase of one Bell 407GXi Helicopter for the Division of Police; and,
WHEREAS, a helicopter purchase committee was formed to research helicopter products that would meet and/or surpass the unit mission platform, while achieving the best economic value for the city; and,
WHEREAS, while researching all manufacturers the Committee narrowed the choice down to two (2) helicopter manufacturers: MDHI and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) who both manufacture products that would meet or exceed CPD's goals and expectations, and,
WHEREAS, the price of the Bell helicopters are less than the model offered by MD and would also increase the overall mission capability when compared to the MD530F; and,
WHEREAS, the Division of Police recommends that it is in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bid procedures of the City Code Chapter 329 to allow for this agreement in order to take advantage of the competitive pricing and mission capability of the Bell 407GXi; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Police, Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to enter into an agreement for the purchase of a Police Helicopter as soon as possible in order to maintain aircraft capabilities for the 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 Public Safety Director is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. for the purchase of one Bell 407GXi Aircraft for the Columbus Division of Police.
SECTION 2. That this Council finds it is in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding requirements of the City Code to allow the aforementioned purchase from Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
SECTION 3. That from the unappropriated monies in the Special Income Tax Debt Fund No. 4430, and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, the sum of $3,404,050.00 is appropriated to the Division of Police, Department of Public Safety, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this legislation.
SECTION 4. That the expenditure of up to $3,404,050.00, or so much as thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized from the Special Income Tax Debt Fund to pay Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. per the accounting codes in the attachment to this legislation.
SECTION 5. 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 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part thereof, 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 ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.