Every contract involving an expenditure of more than two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) for public works projects, including the construction of improvements of public buildings, streets, drains, sewers, utilities, parks and playgrounds shall be let either to: (1) the lowest responsible bidder, after notice by publication in the official newspaper by one or more insertions, the first of which shall be published at least ten (10) days before the time for opening bids, or as otherwise permitted by Section 19.5, or by State law; or (2) the best value design-builds entity or best value design-build-operate entity responding to a request for proposals.
Public works projects of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) or less may be let to contract by informal bid procedures as shall be set by the City Council by ordinance.
Public works projects of sixty thousand dollars ($60,000.00) or less may be performed by employees of the City by force account, by negotiated contract or by purchase order.
The Council may by ordinance with four-fifths (4/5ths) vote amend each of the above dollar limits by no more than twenty-five percent (25%), and no less than five (5) years between amendments.
The Council may reject any and all bids received whenever in the opinion of the City Council:
(a)
The bid or bids do not strictly comply with the notice and specifications.
(b)
The Council finds and determines that the proposed project or purchase should be abandoned.
(c)
The Council finds and determines that the materials may be purchased more reasonably on the open market and the work done cheaper by day or City labor.
(d)
The Council determines that the bids are higher than anticipated and a new call for bids would result in savings to the City.
(e)
The Council determines that it would be in the best interest of the City to delay the work or purchase for an indefinite period of time.
(f)
The best interests of the City would be served by a rejection of all bids.
(g)
The proposal is not suitable for the project.
[1]
19—as amended by elections 4-11-67, 3-7-89, 3-6-01, 3-7-23 and 3-4-25.