AGENDA #4k

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT:      Resolution Authorizing Electronic Advertising of Bids

DATE:            September 12, 2005

The attached resolution would authorize the method of electronic advertising for bid proposals in lieu of advertising in a local newspaper. 

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION

On August 2, 2001, the State enacted Session Law 2001-328, titled “An Act Amending The Local Government Purchasing Laws Under The Laws Relating To Public Contracts And The Sale of Property For Cities And Towns”, a provision that gives Local Governing Boards authority to approve the method of electronically advertising bid proposals via the internet in lieu of the requirement to advertise in a local newspaper.  We believe that by using internet advertising we can increase exposure for Chapel Hill bids and thereby increase the number of potential bidders.  We also believe that this action would reduce advertising costs to the Town.

We will also advertise construction bids in a minority newspaper to continue our outreach to minority bidders.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing electronic advertising of bids.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ELECTRONIC ADVERTISING OF BIDS (2005-09-12/R-9)

WHEREAS, Chapter 328 of the 2001 Session Laws authorizes to approve the established method of electronic advertisement of bid proposals; and

WHEREAS, the method of electronic advertising would save tax dollars in advertising costs and would reach more potential bidders; and

WHEREAS, the method of electronic advertising may be used instead of, or in addition to advertising bid proposals in a local newspaper;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the method of electronic advertising of bid proposals via the internet in lieu of advertising in a local newspaper.  Advertisement for bid proposals may take either the form of an electronic advertisement or the form of a local newspaper advertisement when all other provisions of G.S. 143-129 regarding the advertising of bid proposals are met.

This the 12^th day of September, 2005.