City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
TO SOLICIT COMPETITIVE BIDS
FOR CITY TOWING SERVICES
Whereas, by letter dated October 28, 2024, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (“DPW”) has requested legislation authorizing the Department of Public Safety to initiate a solicitation process for competitive bids from qualified towing service providers to serve the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon has not had an active contract for towing services since 2005, and an established towing service agreement is necessary to ensure efficient handling of vehicles related to law enforcement and public safety operations; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety requires a reliable and competitively priced towing provider to expedite the removal of vehicles categorized as evidence, scofflaw vehicles, impounded vehicles, and illegally parked vehicles; and
Whereas, a contract based on competitive bidding will allow the City to secure the best rates and services available in the marketplace, ensuring a high standard of towing service at an equitable cost; and
Whereas, the solicitation for competitive bids will cover an initial period of ninety (90) days, during which bids will be evaluated and a towing service provider selected to enter into a formal agreement with the City; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Solicit Bids. The City Council hereby authorizes the Department of Public Safety to initiate a solicitation process for competitive bids from qualified towing service providers to serve the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 2. Scope of Services. The scope of the services to be provided under this contract shall include, but is not limited to:
• Remove and tow vehicles that are classified as evidence in investigations.
• Towing and storage of scofflaw vehicles in accordance with city regulations.
• Impounding vehicles as required by law.
• Towing vehicles illegally parked on city streets or city property.
Section 3. Bid Period and Evaluation. The Department of Public Safety shall oversee the bidding process for ninety (90) days. All bids received shall be evaluated for cost-effectiveness, provider reliability, and compliance with city towing requirements.
Section 4. Contract Award. Upon completion of the bid evaluation process, the Department of Public Safety shall present its recommendation to the Board of Estimate and Contract for final approval of the selected towing service provider.
Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage by the City Council.