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Commission split over continuing services CMAR approach; opponents say it limits competition
Summary
A proposal to authorize continuing services agreements with five construction manager‑at‑risk firms for up to $7.5M per project drew criticism from Commissioner Matlo, who unsuccessfully moved to reject the item; the commission ultimately approved the authorization 3‑2 after debate about competitive bidding and statutory procurement rules.
City staff asked the commission to authorize continuing services agreements (sometimes described as 'Seymar' in the record) and delegation to negotiate contracts with up to five firms to perform vertical construction projects expected to exceed the scope of standard term contracts. The program allows the city to prequalify firms and negotiate individual projects (up to $7.5 million each) as needs arise.
Commissioner Matlo opposed the approach, arguing that projects of that size should be individually competitively bid rather than covered by continuing agreements that permit negotiation with preselected firms. He moved to reject the recommendation, citing past projects that escalated in cost and urging that large projects be advertised for competitive bids. That motion failed at one point (vote 3‑2) and subsequent motions brought the item back; the commission eventually approved the staff recommendation 3‑2, with Matlo and Porter dissenting.
Staff explained the approach is permitted under state law for the procurement method used and said continuing services agreements allow early contractor involvement during design that can produce cost savings and value engineering.
Outcome: authorization to proceed with the continuing services agreements and negotiation with ranked firms for qualifying projects, with votes recorded in the transcript reflecting the commission's split view on procurement best practices.
