LAKEPORT >> In 30 days, the new purchasing system ordinance will take effect in Lakeport.
The Lakeport City Council (LCC) unanimously approved the ordinance Tuesday, after holding a second public hearing regarding the purchasing system.
The LCC last updated the city purchasing system in 1979, Lakeport Interim City Attorney David J. Ruderman said. Under the current purchasing system, any purchase over $500 must be informally bid on, by awarding to the lowest of three bids from the open market. Any purchase above $5,000 must be formally bid and approved by the City Council. Therefore, the Lakeport City Manager”s authority to enter into contracts for the purchase of supplies and equipment is limited to $5,000, according to Ruderman.
Under the new ordinance, contracts less than $3,000 will not require a purchase order, professional service agreement (PSA) or bidding process. Authorization from the department head will be required. For contracts between $3,000 and $25,000, a purchase order and PSA are required, as well as an informal bidding process. Authorization from the department head and either a purchasing officer or the city manager is also required. Authorization from the department head, the city manager and LCC is required for contracts between $25,000 and $50,000. A purchase order, PSA and an informal bidding process will also be required. For any contract more than $50,000, a formal bidding process, purchase order and PSA will be required, as well as approval from the department head, city manager and city council. During a declared state of emergency, the only requirements are authorization from the city manager for contracts up to $100,000 and the city council for any contract more than $100,000.
The council also unanimously approved the purchase of an Aquatech Sewer Combination Cleaner for a little less than $383,000.
Being equipped with a high pressure water system and vacuum, the vehicle can be used for multiple jobs, according to Lakeport Public Works Director Mark Brannigan. Jobs includesewer and storm drain maintenance, as well as non-obtrusive digging.
“This piece of equipment will be used on an almost daily basis,” he said.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
