Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Board of Health to modify an existing contract with James G. Ryan for hearing officer services in an amount not to exceed $10,800.00 for a new contract amount of $14,850.00; and to modify an existing contract with Phillip L. Wright Jr. for hearing officer services in an amount not to exceed $7,350.00 for a new contract amount of $15,300.00. Both contracts were entered into on March 1, 2024 for the period ending February 28, 2025. The total increase in funding for both contracts shall not exceed $18,150.00. All other provisions of the contracts remain in effect.
The need for additional goods or services could not be foreseen at the time both contracts were initially awarded because of the recently passed legislation by the Ohio General Assembly to overturn local laws prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products, resulting in an increased amount of hearings by businesses wanting to appeal their current fines in hopes they will be overturned as well.
It would not be in the city's best interests to have the additional contract requirements for both contracts awarded through other procurement processes as specified in Columbus City Code 329 because hearings are either scheduled or ongoing for the remainder of the contract cycle and there are select hearing officers who have the expertise to facilitate.
The price for the additional goods or services for both contracts was determined based on the number of currently scheduled hearings and estimated future number of hearings.
Columbus Public Health has a need for hearing officers to preside over hearings on matters relating to business conducted by the Board of Health as prescribed by Ohio Revised Code 3709.20, Ohio Administrative Code 3701-21-26 and Ohio Administrative Code 901:3-4-08 and Columbus City Health Code 209.05.
James G. Ryan and Phillip L. Wright Jr. are operating as sole proprietors in relation to these services and are therefore not requ...
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