ORDINANCE No. 177160

*Extend contract with Arch Wireless, Inc. for paging service and provide for payment. (Ordinance; amend Contract No. 30709).

The City of Portland Ordains:

Section 1: The Council Finds:

1.  The City is working with other public agencies on a procurement process that will result in new contracts for paging services with multiple wireless vendors. This will increase the service options available to City Bureaus, insure new applications and technologies are available when needed, and provide pricing options in this volatile market. It is anticipated that these contracts will not be available until mid-2003.

2.  The current contract with Arch Wireless, Inc. was awarded June 19, 1996. It expires January 15, 2003.

3.  Arch Wireless, Inc. has offered to decrease the rates for their paging services based on a one-year extension. The new rates are anticipated to result in a savings of approximately $38,400 per year, or 22%. The proposed rates are cost-effective and competitive.

4.  The City requires continuity of its paging service to support its public safety, public service, and administrative functions. There is a large and complex number of paging groups associated with 911 dispatch and law enforcement that must not be interrupted.

5.  Substitution of another carrier’s service would require City Bureaus to exchange their paging equipment and change pager numbers, at a significant cost to the City.

6.  Funds for these paging services have been budgeted and approved in various center codes.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:

a.  The Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to extend Contract No. 30709 with Arch Wireless for one additional year.

b.  The Mayor and Auditor are authorized to draw and deliver warrants chargeable to the appropriate budget when demand is presented and approved by the proper authorities.

Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because it is necessary to insure continuity of paging service to the City’s Bureaus on Contract No. 30709; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage by Council.

Passed by the Council, December 26, 2002  GARY BLACKMER

 Auditor of the City of Portland

Mayor Vera Katz  By /s/Terry Reisz

Sue Klobertanz  Deputy

December 26, 2002

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 1512-2002

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 177160