SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a purchase order to Bliss Products, of Lithia Springs, Georgia for the purchase of various amenities for multiple park locations in the total amount of $249,427.55, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Sections 2.563(1)(c), piggyback, and 2.563(1)(d), Impractical, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The Parks and Recreation Department maintains over 100 parks with approximately 1,700 acres of parkland. Many parks have site furnishings which include trash receptacles to reduce litter, picnic tables for residents to enjoy friends, family and outdoor spaces, and park benches, giving residents an opportunity to rest and enjoy the outdoors.
This contract will provide for the purchase of park benches, picnic tables (both traditional and ADA accessible), and trash receptacles. The amenities purchased are comprised of cement and recycled plastic. The materials used in these amenities are attractive, easy to maintain, sustainable, have a life cycle of 20 years and provide savings to the City with reduced maintenance costs and longer product lifespans.
Existing older park amenities made of metal and wood are rated on a poor, fair and good standard scale. The new items will replace those existing amenities that are rated poor to fair throughout the park system. The new amenities will require minimal maintenance and will be pressure washed annually.
The proposed pricing for Bliss Products, Inc. is established under a contract with Clay County, pursuant to RFP No. 18/19-2. Bliss Products, Inc. was approved by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners as the most responsive bidder for replacement of park and playground amenities on May 28, 2019, for an initial contract term expiring May 22, 2022. Extension of contract no. RFP 18/19-2 was approved by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners on May 23, 2023, for an additional one-year renewal expiring May 22, 2024. Pursuant to 2.563(1)(c) piggyback, the amount off piggyback will be 179,820.55 (concrete & recycled plastic amenities).
Pursuant to 2.563(1)(d), non-competitive purchase under proposal no.70267, a total of $69,607.00 will be considered impractical ($24,997.00 for freight, $23,220.00 for Sandblast Brown Pigment Finish, $20,520.00 for Sealer and $870.00 for ADA Custom Form Modification). The sandblast with brown pigment finish was selected to ensure uniformity with prior purchase of benches, picnic tables (ADA and classic) and litter receptacles. The manufacturer suggests two coats of sealer applied to the concrete portion to enhance the beauty of the stone, resist salt, chloride, and makes graffiti cleanup easier. The concrete finish and sealer reduce the frequency of amenity cleaning and the related labor costs. These items of the purchase are impractical as shipping, sandblasting, pigment finish, and sealing are provided by the manufacturer and any deviation from using the manufacturer will cause delays in the delivery of the product and will void warranties.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in capital improvement project M2206 “Parks and Beautification R & R”.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
In funding the purchase of new park amenities, the City is supporting Objectives 1.3, adopting responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities; 1.5, embracing a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement and successfully serves all our customers; and 2.3, promoting Clearwater as a premier destination for cultural experiences and tourism.
