Title
Resolution to Order Election and to Determine Ballot Question for Amendment to Section 14.3 of the City Charter Related to Best Value Purchasing (7 Votes Required)
Staff
Prepared by: Betsy Blake, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Betsy Blake, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Body
Whereas, The City recognizes the need to ensure that work performed on City contracts, including public improvements, is performed by responsible and qualified firms that have the capacity, experience, personnel, and qualifications to perform such contracts timely, reliably, and with the necessary skill;
Whereas, Section 14.3 of the City Charter, entitled "Limitations on Contractual Power," subsection d provides:
Except as provided by ordinance authorized by Section 14.2 of this chapter, each contract for public improvements or for supplies or materials shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder after reasonable opportunity for competitive bidding. All bids shall be opened in public by the City Administrator, or if the City Administrator is absent or incapacitated, by the City Clerk. The Council may reject any or all bids if deemed advisable. If all bids are rejected, or if no bids are received, the Council may obtain new bids or authorize the City Administrator to negotiate in the open market for a contract at a reasonable price, or to purchase in the open market, or to have the work performed by city employees;
Whereas, Such subsection requires that the purchases outlined therein be let to the lowest responsible bidder, which prevents award of contracts based on consideration and weighing of factors that impact the contract's overall value to the City;
Whereas, the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) encourages the use of best value when selecting sources; and
Whereas, If the City was able to consider which bid provides the overall best value, the City could consider factors that impact value beyond simply price such as: 1) the qualification...
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