Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Safety to modify a contract with BakerHostetler, LLP, for the purpose of conducting investigations related to citizen complaints against the City of Columbus Division of Police for the alleged use of force during the recent protests in Columbus, OH. BakerHostetler was selected due to their breadth and depth of experience related to Public Safety operations, as well as their in-depth knowledge of the Fraternal Order of Police (“FOP”) bargaining unit contract. Additional funds are needed on the existing contract so that a comprehensive review of citizen complaints can be conducted quickly and to ensure that such review conforms with any investigation deadlines stipulated by the FOP bargaining unit contract.
BakerHostetler, LLP; Federal Tax ID# 34-0082025, CC: CC82025-101058
Fiscal Impact: This legislation authorizes the transfer and expenditure of $500,000.00 within and from the General Fund with BakerHostetler, LLP for the purpose of conducting investigations related to citizen complaints against the City of Columbus Division of Police. Funding in the amount of $500,000.00 is budgeted and available within the 2020 General Fund Budget.
Emergency action is requested so that the existing contract can be modified immediately in order to expedite a comprehensive and timely investigation of citizen complaints.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Safety to modify a contract with BakerHostetler, LLP to conduct investigations related to citizen complaints against the City of Columbus Division of Police related to the recent protests in Columbus, OH; to authorize the transfer of $500,000.00 within the General Fund; to authorize the expenditure of $500,000.00 from the General Fund; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code; and to declare an emergency ($500,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City has a need for conducting investigations related to citizen complaints against the City of Columbus Division of Police for the alleged use of force during the recent protests in Columbus, OH; and
WHEREAS, BakerHostetler, LLP was selected for this contract due to their breadth and depth of experience related to Public Safety operations, as well as their in-depth knowledge of the Fraternal Order of Police (“FOP”) bargaining unit contract; and
WHEREAS, this contract modification is needed so that a comprehensive review of citizen complaints can be conducted quickly and to ensure that such review conforms with any investigation deadlines stipulated by the FOP bargaining unit contract; and
WHEREAS, a waiver of the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code is necessary as BakerHostetler, LLP has the expertise to conduct these investigations and is currently under contract with the Department of Public Safety in such capacity; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to modify a contract with BakerHostetler LLP for conducting investigations into citizen complaints against the Division of Police related to recent protests, so that such investigations can be conducted quickly and in conformity with investigation deadlines stipulated within the FOP bargaining unit contract, for the preservation of 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 Director of the Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to modify a contract with BakerHostetler, LLP for the purpose of conducting investigations related to citizen complaints against the City of Columbus Division of Police for the alleged use of force during the recent protests in Columbus, OH.
SECTION 2. That the transfer of $500,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized within Fund 1000 General Fund, from Dept-Div 3003, Object Class 10 - Transfers Out to Dept-Div 3001 Public Safety Director’s Office, Object Class 03 - Contractual Services per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
See Attached File: Ord 1814-2020 Legislation Template.xls
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of up to $500,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed pursuant to the action authorized in SECTION 1, is hereby authorized in the General Fund 1000, in Object Class 03 - Contractual Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
See Attached File: Ord 1814-2020 Legislation Template.xls
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 relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes regarding competitive bidding are hereby waived.
SECTION 6. That the monies appropriated in the foregoing Sections shall be paid upon the order of the Department of Public Safety, and that no order shall be drawn or money paid except by voucher, the form of which shall be approved by the City Auditor
SECTION 7. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications.
SECTION 8. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, 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.