Item Coversheet

BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT

Item No. 4.G.
For Meeting of: November 2, 2020

ITEM TITLE:Ordinance amending Section 1.80.020: Opening and tabulation of bids
SUBMITTED BY:

Sara Watkins, Senior Assistant City Attorney

Maria Mayhue, Senior Buyer

Sonya Claar Tee, City Clerk

SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
Currently bids are obtained and opened in two ways:  the traditional way where bids are submitted on paper and in an envelope and are opened in public and tabulated (for public works projects); and through purchasing software where the computer opens and tabulates the bids in public (for purchasing contracts mainly).  In both cases, a purchasing representative and the city clerk are present in Council Chambers when the bids are opened (either by hand or by the computer software).  The current Ordinance only contemplates the traditional bidding procedure.  With the new purchasing software “opening” the bids, it was determined that the city clerk need not be present for those openings.  However, the proposal is to have the purchasing manager (or designee) and another witness be present during the public opening.  The current Ordinance also does not contemplate a situation where the city clerk is not present, due to, for example, working remotely.  The proposal would amend the traditional bid opening to allow the city clerk to have someone designated from the clerk’s office to attend the traditional bid opening in their place when necessary.  In all events, bids will still be opened in public.
ITEM BUDGETED:NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:Public Trust and Accountability
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION:
Pass Ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionUpload DateType
redline10/26/2020Cover Memo
ord clean10/20/2020Cover Memo