Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public Works explains unauthorized basement‑backup spending and approves emergency chlorine procurement
Summary
The board noted DPW’s unauthorized basement‑backup procurements (wet‑weather cleanup) while approving an emergency procurement to cover a paperwork error for chlorine supplies; DPW said procurement of future IFBs is underway and the chlorine emergency was needed to maintain water treatment.
The Department of Public Works described two related procurement issues on Tuesday: an "unauthorized procurement" for basement backup cleanups tied to a consent‑decree wet‑weather program, and an emergency procurement to add funds for chlorine supply at Montebello No.1.
Bureau Head Steve Sharkey (speaker 19) said the basement backup service responds only to wet‑weather backups (a 0.5‑inch‑or‑greater rain threshold) and historically used a piggyback arrangement after a previous contract lapsed. He said procurement is drafting an IFB for multiple bidders but acknowledged the city may need to use emergency contracts in the short term to pay vendors. "If we do this again, we will probably have to go for an immediate emergency contract," Sharkey said.
Separately, Deputy Bureau Head Michael Hallman (speaker 20) explained an emergency procurement for Cooney Chemical to add sufficient funds ($754,000) to cover chlorine gas supplies after a change‑order time extension was processed without the associated funding. He said inventory had not been exhausted and the emergency action corrected a paperwork error to ensure continued compliance. "The emergency was necessary just due to a paperwork error," Hallman said.
Clerk and board members noted that approving invoices for unauthorized procurements requires a formal vote; the board returned to the unauthorized‑procurement item later in the meeting and approved payment so DPW can compensate vendors. The board also moved and approved the emergency chemical procurement and associated change order.
