During the Dec. 2 pre-meeting the council raised questions about several consent and procurement items introduced by the clerk. A line on item 21-15-02 (cases of medical gloves) showed a 'not to exceed $3,000,000' amount; an administration speaker clarified the procurement is an item-based bid meant to set unit prices and said the $3,000,000 figure was a placeholder, not an anticipated expenditure.

Council members asked that agenda language be clarified to indicate the award is an item-based bid and, if desired, that the 'not to exceed' amount be amended for clarity. One member noted that long-running "not to exceed" placeholders can obscure actual spending and asked staff to ensure reporting prevents large unintended expenditures.

Separately, a council member asked for documentation for DBE subcontractors on item 21-15-03 to explain why the 15% DBE participation goal was not met; staff agreed to provide the supporting documentation before the council meeting.

What happens next: Staff said they will provide a clarified agenda summary and the requested DBE documentation ahead of the council meeting; the consent items were introduced but not voted at the pre-meeting.