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<br />DRAFfMINUTES Page 10 <br />City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-March 19, 2007 <br /> <br />9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR <br /> <br />Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker per item, subject to adjustment by the <br />Mayor. <br /> <br />Items 8.E. and 8.G.: <br /> <br />Vice Mayor Grant expressed concerns regarding the award of the contracts to Kennedy/Jenks <br />without a formal bid process and the differences in the rates charged by Kennedy/Jenks for <br />the two contracts. She asked what the threshold amount was for requiring a competitive bid. <br /> <br />Mr. Jermanis commented that there is no competitive bid (equirement for professional <br />services; the recommendation is based on the qualifications of the consultant. <br /> <br />Mike Bakaldin, Public Works Services Director, noted that Kennedy/Jenks has a long history <br />of work at the Water Pollution Control Plant. He stated that Public Works sought out several <br />consultants and hired two other firms for design projects; however, the Department was <br />compelled to select Kennedy/Jenks for the record drawings project because the firm already <br />has most of the plans required for the project. Similarly, Kennedy/Jenks designed the water <br />reclamation system, and so were selected to manage the Effluent Project construction. Mr. <br />Bakaldin indicated that in the next several months, the Council will see different design firms <br />working on upcoming projects at the Water Pollution Control Plant. Regarding the difference <br />in the rates, Mr. Bakaldin indicated that the agreement for the record drawings was negotiated <br />approximately a year ago, which may account for the rate difference. <br /> <br />Mr. J ermanis commented that the City Council may want its Finance Committee to revisit the <br />subjects of professional services and the purchasing ordinance. Under the current ordinance, <br />the City Manager has a good deal of latitude in the selection of professional services. It was <br />the consensus of the Council to refer this matter to the City Council Finance Committee. <br /> <br />Engineering and Transportation Director Uche Udemezue commented that consultants <br />typically change their rates annually. While the rates quoted to Engineering are for the current <br />year, Public Works received their quote last year, and the consultant is honoring the lower <br />rate. <br /> <br />Councilmember Stephens asked if staff believes Kennedy/Jenks is the company to which <br />these contracts should be awarded. Mr. Udemezue confirmed that it is. Mr. Udemezue <br />reported that the City sent out an RFP to approximately 20 companies, to which fewer than <br />half responded, and four were interviewed. He noted that staff makes its best efforts to select <br />the most qualified firms to provide services to the City. <br /> <br />Vice Mayor Grant commented that she does not doubt the services or reputation of <br />Kennedy/Jenks, but is concerned about awarding both contracts to the same firm. <br /> <br />8.E. Resolution No. 2007-040. Resolution Approving a Contractual Services Agreement <br />with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants Related to Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) <br />Consolidated Plant Record Drawings Set (provides engineering services to modify and <br />