Discuss Selection of Towing Vendor for the City of Ramsey

The City of Ramsey has had a two-year contract for towing services with Champlin Towing that will expire June 30, 2011. Staff is requesting authorization to enter into a new contract for towing services for the City of Ramsey for a two-year period.

A notice was published in the Anoka County Union once a week for two weeks beginning April 1, 2011. The deadline for proposals was Monday, May 23, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. The same RFP that was used in 2009 was used with minor changes.

Staff was aware of four towing companies that had shown interest in providing a proposal for service. These four companies were mailed requests for proposals during the release date.

Four proposals were received by the City that met the requirements as stated in the RFP. The four proposals that were received are attached to this case. A summary sheet has also been added that shows the various charges for services. Two of the proposals that were received are from Ramsey businesses (Champlin Towing and First Choice Towing) and the other two are from businesses outside of Ramsey (North Star - Anoka and Collins Brothers - Elk River).

North Star Towing had the City contract from 2007-2009 and Champlin Towing has had the contract from 2009-2011.

A case has been placed on the regular Council agenda for this evening to formalize selection of the towing contract based upon Council discussion.

Police and Fire vehicles will be towed at no cost. Seized vehicles will be at a rate determined in the towing contract. Tows that occur due to arrest, accident, motorist aid or other police matter will be paid by the owner/driver of the vehicle at the rate determined in the selected proposal.

Based upon discussion - make recomendation for selection of towing contraact and formalize that action at tonight's regular Council meeting.