(a)    Subject to the provisions of this article, the purchasing agent is authorized to contract for the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment and services for which appropriated funds are available.

    (b)    Subject to the competitive bidding provisions of this article, when appropriated funds are available, the purchasing agent is authorized to contract for any project that fits into any of the following categories:

    (1)    Ordinary maintenance of public improvements,

    (2)    Construction, upgrade or relocation of electric distribution lines less than sixty-nine (69) KV that is estimated to cost less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) and that does not require the exercise of the power of eminent domain, and

    (3)    Construction, upgrade or relocation of water distribution mains sixteen (16) inches or less in diameter that is estimated to cost less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) and that does not require the exercise of the power of eminent domain.

Public improvement projects falling within any of these categories may be contracted for under this subsection without following the public improvement process of Chapter 22.  However, special assessment tax bills shall not be issued for any public improvement unless the public improvement process of Chapter 22 has been followed.

If a project with a cost limitation is bid under this subsection and the bid of the lowest and best, responsive and responsible bidder is for more than the authorized amount, the contract may be entered into only with the specific authorization of the city council.

The total amount of all change orders executed in connection with any contract for capital or public improvements authorized by this article shall not exceed 15% of the contract price without the written approval of the city manager.

    (c)    When appropriated funds are available, the purchasing agent may contract for emergency work on public improvements and for repairs of public improvements requiring prompt attention without following the competitive bidding provisions of this article.    

(Code 1964, § 2.785; Ord. No. 018178. § 2, 7-19-04; Ord. No. 20880, § 1, 2-21-11 )