DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Ratification of Contracts for the Clearing of Debris and Emergency Structural Repairs
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the ratification of contracts with Big-Tex Contractors, Ida Ponce, Michael Ramirez, and JR Ramon & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $ 107,706.00, for debris removal services and incidental repairs as a result of a storm that occurred on June 6, 2019. Funding was provided from the Development Services - Code Enforcement General Fund in the FY 2019 Adopted Budget. These contracts were procured citing a Public Health and Safety exemption according to the provisions of Texas Statutes Local Government Code 252.022.02.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of San Antonio’s Development Services Department, Field Services Division, is made up of Code Enforcement officers and Building Inspectors. The Damage Assessment Team (DAT) is part of the Field Services Division and is comprised of 70 officers and inspectors that are specially trained to activate and assist when the emergency operation center becomes active due to a large weather event or a natural disaster. The DAT consists of thirty-six Code Enforcement Officers and thirty-four trade Inspectors (building, electrical and plumbing), all certified under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) five year training program and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).
On June 6, 2019, a storm front of heavy rain and sustained straight line winds as high as 70 miles per hour caused significant damage to homes throughout the city. On the morning of June 7, 2019, the DAT team was activated. They assessed over 3,000 locations and found 135 locations needing some type of additional resources including, but not limited to, removing large tree limbs from resident’s homes and yards. Of the 135 locations needing assistance, contractors completed work at 85 locations and 50 locations were assisted internally by Development Services. Assessments considered whether debris removal could be performed internally or if contractor assistance would be needed. Additionally, the assessments included a homeowner review that considered the age, veteran status, disability status and insurance coverage for the homeowner. It was determined that one homeowner had sufficient insurance coverage. Since, that particular homeowner has processed a claim and the proceeds from the claim will be paid out to the City for costs incurred for that property. Funds will be deposited into the City’s General Fund.
An additional 95 properties were also provided immediate assistance with cutting and removing debris from yards and alleys. Contractors were able to coordinate with owners to alleviate these safety issues so that residents could concentrate on making repairs to their homes and prevent further damage. Final costs for all debris removal and some incidental repairs totaled $107,706.00.
ISSUE:
This action will ratify contracts with Big-Tex Contractors, Ida Ponce, Michael Ramirez and JR Ramon & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $107,706.00 for debris removal and incidental repairs resulting from a storm that occurred on June 6, 2019.
These contracts are an exception to the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) and Local Preference Programs.
The Veteran-Owned Small Business Preference Program does not apply to goods/supplies contracts, so no preference was applied to this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
As an alternative, the Development Services - Code Enforcement Department could have declined any assistance and required the owners to make necessary arrangements; however this delay would have caused additional damage to many homes and could have created fire and safety hazards for the affected homes and neighboring properties.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the ratification of contracts with Big-Tex Contractors, Ida Ponce, Michael Ramirez, and JR Ramon & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $107,706.00 for debris removal and incidental repairs. Funding in the amount of $107,706.00 was provided from the Development Services - Code Enforcement General Fund in the FY 2019 Adopted Budget.
The table below provides a breakdown of payments made to Big-Tex Contractors, Ida Ponce, Michael Ramirez, and JR Ramon & Sons, Inc. which total $107,706.00.
|
Vendor Name |
Total Amount Paid |
|
Big-Tex Contractors |
$67,179.00 |
|
Ida Ponce |
$5,632.00 |
|
Michael Ramirez |
$31,935.00 |
|
JR Ramon & Sons, Inc. |
$2,960.00 |
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of action to ratify the contracts with Big-Tex Contractors, Ida Ponce, Michael Ramirez and JR Ramon & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $107,706.00 for debris removal and incidental repairs resulting from a storm that occurred on June 6, 2019.
These contracts were procured on the basis of a Public Health and Safety Exemption and a Contracts Disclosure form is not required.