COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

January 16, 2009

BOARD MEETING DATE:

February 3, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Ordinance to Adopt Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Procedures

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt an Ordinance adding Chapter 2.54 to the San Mateo County Ordinance Code specifying bidding procedures for public works projects, and adopting uniform construction cost accounting procedures.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

Adoption of this Ordinance will establish a contract bidding process in compliance with the California State Public Contracting Code. Individuals/ organizations doing business with the County will have clear direction on the rules for competing for government contracts.

BACKGROUND:

In 1994 the Board adopted Resolution No. 58373, electing to be subject to the Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Procedures. In July 1994, the Board adopted Ordinance 3580 to set forth the procedures for contracts let by the formal and informal bid processes. Several necessary sections were inadvertently deleted as part of the 2006 reorganization of Title 2 of the Ordinance Code.

DISCUSSION:

As part of the 2006 reorganization of Title 2 of the Ordinance Code several necessary sections were inadvertently deleted, including the ordinance that is required in order for the County to utilize informal bidding procedure for projects of One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand dollars or less. This section should be reenacted. Although the prior ordinance limited this process to contracts of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) or less, it is recommended that the process be used for projects up to the statutory maximum of One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000) or less.

The Ordinance has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Contracting: The informal bidding process and contracting authorization for the Public Works Director and the County Manager are being established at $125,000 consistent with the Public Contract Code.

There will be no impact to the County’s General Fund as a result of this ordinance amendment.