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Council delays vote on inspection and permit-billing contract after questions about procurement
Summary
Council continued discussion on a proposed contract for inspection and permit billing (Fire Recovery USA) and directed staff to gather procurement details and alternatives, including RFP options and month-to-month terms.
The City Council voted unanimously on July 1 to continue consideration of a professional services agreement with Fire Recovery USA for inspection and permit billing services, asking staff to return with procurement details and alternatives.
The item was continued after several council members raised procurement concerns and asked staff to verify whether the city should conduct its own competitive solicitation rather than piggyback on another city’s contract. Council member Jen Gutierrez requested language in any agreement to protect the city from liability and to ensure renegotiation if the city adds additional ambulance or inspection services.
Council member Gutierrez and others said the city should give local vendors a fair chance through an RFP process unless a formal exemption applies. “I would like to see an actual RFP be done,” Gutierrez said. The city attorney and purchasing staff told the council the current proposal relied on a piggyback procurement from another city and that purchasing had validated the exemption for the current item; council members asked staff to confirm the underlying contract term and whether month-to-month coverage is possible during transition.
Councilman Oli Cantos moved to continue the item to allow staff time to gather the requested information; Councilwoman Diaz seconded. The motion passed 5-0. Acting Chief Brown and the city manager said staff will provide details about contract timelines, termination provisions, and options to bring parts of the service in-house if warranted.
