[Amended 5-21-1974 by L.L. No. 2-1974; 10-17-1978 by L.L. No. 5-1978; 12-20-1983 by L.L. No. 1-1984; 12-15-1992 by L.L. No. 10-1992]
Except as otherwise provided by law, it shall be the duty of the Common Council and each board and commission after public notice to let to the lowest responsible bidder who will give adequate security therefor, all contracts for public works involving an expenditure equal to or greater than the amount specified for public works in Subdivision 1 of § 103 of Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law as it may be amended from time to time and all purchase contracts involving an expenditure equal to or greater than the amount specified for purchase contracts in Subdivision 1 of § 103 of Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law, and the nature of such public works or purchase contracts will admit of competition on the part of those who might perform the same. The notice shall describe the work and materials for which contracts will be let, and the day and hour and place of the meeting at which proposals therefor will be opened, and shall be published in the official newspaper of the City at least two successive days prior to the date of said meeting. At least five days shall elapse between the first publication of such advertisement and the date so specified for the opening and reading of bids. Specifications of work to be done, or the materials to be furnished, shall be prepared and set forth with sufficient detail to inform all persons of the materials to be supplied and written or printed copies thereof shall be delivered to all applicants therefor. Surplus and secondhand supplied materials or equipment may be purchased without competitive bidding from the federal government, the State of New York or from any other political subdivision or district, as well as materials and/or equipment through New York State or Columbia County uniform bids.
No contract shall be let except after the receipt of sealed bids or proposals therefor, and no bids or proposals shall be received at any time other than at a regular meeting of the Common Council or of such board or Commissioner in accordance with published notice under the provisions of this Charter.
In case of public emergency involving accident or other injury by which the heating, plumbing or safety of any public building, or the fire apparatus of said City, or the water supply or sewer system of said City, or the safety or welfare of the public, shall become disabled or be in danger of becoming disabled, the Common Council or the board or Commissioner having jurisdiction thereof shall cause repairs thereto to be made without letting by contract, upon filing with the City Clerk a certificate approved by the Mayor, showing such emergency and necessity of such repair.
The provisions of this Charter, or of any law requiring advertisements for bids or proposals for the awarding of contracts for supplies to be furnished for any of said departments, shall not be applicable to the supplies which may be furnished under the provisions of the Correction Law.
Every contract for a public improvement shall be based upon an estimate of the whole cost thereof, including all expenses incidental thereto and connected therewith, to be furnished by the proper officer or Commissioner having charge of such improvements, and no contract for a public improvement shall be entered into for a sum greater than the estimated cost thereof.
All municipal lighting shall be supplied according to plans and specifications prepared under direction of and approved by the Common Council and pursuant to contract therefor awarded by the Common Council as herein provided. No contract for municipal lighting shall be advertised for or entered into for a period exceeding five years.