Agenda Date: 12/2/2014
Subject:
Title
Resolution granting emergency procurement authority to the city manager in cases of emergency affecting public property, health, peace or public safety
Body
Presented By:
Doug Farmen, Finance Director
POLICY QUESTION:
Does city council support granting authority to the city manager for procurement during cases of emergency that affect public property, health, peace or safety?
BACKGROUND:
The city charter, section 102, states, "In case of emergency affecting the public property, health, peace or safety, the Council may waive all provisions for competitive bidding and direct the purchasing officer to procure necessary supplies or services in the open market at not more than commercial prices." This resolution grants authority to the city manager to act in the best interest of the city during an emergency affecting public property, health, peace or public safety by waiving city competitive bidding provisions to procure necessary supplies or services in the open market and at not more than commercial prices.
This procurement process would also conform to common language found in other local government policies per the state's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: "Notwithstanding any other provision of this policy, the City/County Manager/Administrator may make or authorize others to make emergency procurements when there exists a threat to public health, welfare, or safety under emergency conditions."
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Typically, there are one or two instances each year when an emergency occurs, mostly involving street repairs. In these cases, the public works director must expedite repairs due to the imminent public safety and property concerns, and there is not sufficient time bring the request before council or bid out the project in a competitive manner. Approval of this resolution will also enable the city manager to make procurement decisions during major emergencies, espe...
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