Award Contract for a 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, 2013. Staff is requesting authorization to enter into a new contract for towing services with Champlin Towing for the City of Ramsey for another two-year period.
A notice was published in the Anoka County Union and a Request for Proposal (RFP) was released on March 1, 2013.  The deadline for proposals was Monday, April 1, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. The same RFP that was used in 2011 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 2009-2013.

Letters will be mailed to the three companies not selected.

Staff is recommending entering into a contract with Champlin Towing for two years. Champlin had the overall lowest bid prices and met all the conditions of the RFP.  The City Attorney will review the contract prior to signing.

Police, Fire and Public Works 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.

Motion to authorize City staff to enter into a two year contract with Champlin Towing.