Rome board approves eight agreements totaling about $1.12 million; clarifies fireworks funding and Johnson Controls role

The City of Rome Board of Investment and Contracts on Sept. 11 approved eight resolutions authorizing the mayor to enter into agreements with vendors for a combined total of about $1.12 million.

The votes covered a range of routine procurement and service contracts, including agreements with the Oneida County STOP‑DWI program, Majestic Fireworks Inc. for Oktoberfest fireworks, Maple Ridge Organics LLC and a service contract with Johnson Controls Inc. Staff clarified that the fireworks funding is budgeted and that the Johnson Controls agreement is for maintenance and monitoring, not a performance‑guarantee energy contract.

All eight resolutions were moved, seconded and carried by voice vote with no roll‑call tally recorded on the transcript. The resolutions and amounts recorded in the meeting minutes were:

- Resolution 169: Authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with the Oneida County STOP‑DWI program for selective high‑visibility engagement patrols, $4,871.60. (Carried.)

- Resolution 170: Authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with the Oneida County STOP‑DWI program, $12,662.26. (Carried.)

- Resolution 171: Authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with Majestic Fireworks Incorporated, $4,000, for Oktoberfest fireworks. Mayor Lanigan said the event fireworks are budgeted but staff is continuing to seek sponsorship. The board carried the resolution.

- Resolution 172: Authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with Grama Peterson Incorporated, $75,000. (Carried.)

- Resolution 173: Authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with Maple Ridge Organics LLC, $949,899.20. (Carried.)

- Resolution 174: Authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with 2K Design, $6,375. (Carried.)

- Resolution 175: Authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with MRB Group, $20,000. (Carried.)

- Resolution 176: Authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with Johnson Controls Incorporated for an amount not to exceed $46,441. During discussion, a board member asked whether the contract included guaranteed savings or was a performance contract. A staff member replied that the Johnson Controls agreement is for monitoring and maintenance of the building control system — “This is just the maintenance” — and added, “So there’s no no savings guaranteed.” The board carried the resolution.

Several items drew brief discussion but no changes to the motions. The Johnson Controls contract was described by staff as covering support for the building automation system (identified in the meeting as Metasys) and computer communications; building maintenance personnel operate the equipment day to day and Johnson Controls will provide backup and system maintenance. On the fireworks item, the board clarified the appropriation is aimed at the Oktoberfest event and that staff continues to pursue private sponsorship to offset city expense.

The board adjourned after the items were approved.