Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Director of Human Resources seeks the authority to enter into contract with the law firm of Sybert Rhoad Lackey and Swisher LLC for legal consultation services rendered in conjunction with collective bargaining negotiations and related activities in the amount of $200,000.00.
The competitive bid process would not be conducive to ongoing and anticipated negotiations, as this law firm brings a wealth of experience in labor relations issues. Therefore, competitive bidding requirements are being waived.
FISCAL IMPACT: Sufficient funds are available from and within the employee benefits fund for this contract.
Emergency Action: Emergency action is being requested to allow for representation by the law firm of Sybert Rhoad Lackey and Swisher LLC for legal consultation services rendered in conjunction with collective bargaining negotiations and related activities.
Title
To authorize the Human Resources Director to enter into contract with Sybert Rhoad Lackey and Swisher LLC, for the provision of legal consultation services rendered in conjunction with collective bargaining negotiations and related activities; to authorize the expenditure of $200,000.00 from the employee benefits fund, or so much thereof as may be necessary, to pay the costs of said contract; to waive the competitive bidding requirements of the Columbus City Codes; and to declare an emergency. ($200,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to contract with Sybert Rhoad Lackey and Swisher LLC for the provision of collective bargaining negotiations and related activities; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of up to $200,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, to pay contract costs for collective bargaining negotiations and related activities; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the city to waive relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code relating to competitive bidding in this situation, due to the law firm’s experience in ongoing labor relations issues; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Human Resources in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to contract with Sybert Rhoad Lackey and Swisher LLC, for the provision of collective bargaining negotiations and related activities to ensure the city is provided legal counsel consultation services for current and upcoming labor negotiations and related activities, 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 Human Resources Director is hereby authorized to contract with Sybert Rhoad Lackey and Swisher LLC, for the provision of labor negotiation, legal consultation services and assistance in the amount of $200,000.00, to ensure the city is provided legal counsel consultation services for current and upcoming labor negotiations and related activities.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $200,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized to be expended from the employee benefits fund 5502 in object class 03 services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it is in the City's best interests to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes and such are hereby waived.
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 for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is 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.