Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes a noncompetitive purchase of bi-polar ionization equipment for Metro Transit buses. The purpose of this equipment is to help protect employees and the public from COVID-19 while on City buses. The expected cost of this equipment is $175,228.
To cover the cost of this equipment, the proposed resolution amends Metro's 2021 operating budget to increase the use of CARES funding by $175,228. In 2020, Metro was awarded $24.5 million through the initial round of the CARES Act stimulus program. Metro's 2020 operating budget was amended to utilize $11.6 million of this award to cover the agency's operating deficit. Metro's 2021 adopted operating budget includes an additional $3.1 million from the CARES Act award. With the addition of CARES funding to cover the cost of bi-polar ionization equipment, approximately $9.7 million of the original CARES award would be available for future uses.
Title
A Resolution Authorizing the noncompetitive purchase of more than $50,000 in goods from Muncie Reclamation and Supply Company as a sole source provider of bi-polar ionization equipment for Metro Transit buses and amend the Transit Utility 2021 Operating budget, using GL 85120-53450 with CARE’s funding of approximately $175,227.50, for this purchase.
Body
Metro Transit has identified this specific bi-polar ioniziation equipment as the best to protect employees and the public from COVID-19 on buses while providing superior efficiencies. The system does not require routine cell or filter changes, saving parts expenses and employee time. It is installed within the HVAC ducting and as the air passes through the unit, the ionized oxygen attaches itself to the particulate matter and neutralizes it. It is proven effective for the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus amond other particulates.There is no odor, so it will not affect those sensitive to fragrances, it can be run while the coach is in operation, which eliminates downtime for cleaning. Since there are no chemicals used, there are no residues to be cleaned off of surfaces. These systems will save countless hours of labor and disinfection product costs while providing the safety necessary during this on-going public health emergency.
WHERAS, Metro Transit has identified the equipment that best meets its needs for sanitizing buses and keeping employees and the public safer; and
WHEREAS, as the recovery plan in the City of Madison progresses, more Transit Operators will go back to driving and Metro's additional bus cleaning staff will diminish; and
WHEREAS, the specific product identified offers a number of efficiencies in both parts and labor;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and the City Clerk are authorized to enter into a noncompetitive purchase of more than $50,000 in goods from Muncie Reclamation and Supply Company as a sole source provider of bi-polar ionization equipment for Metro Transit buses and that the Transit Utility 2021 Operating budget can be amended to reflect this purchase using approxinately $175,227.50 of CARES funding for this purpose.