HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-26100 ResoRESOLUTION NO. 2006-261 O0
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, WAIVING BY 5/7TM VOTE, THE COMPETITIVE
BIDDING REQUIREMENT, FINDING SUCH WAIVER TO BE IN THE BEST
INTEREST OF THE CITY, AND APPROVING TOWING PERMITS WITH
BEACH TOWING SERVICES, INC. AND TREMONT TOWING SERVICES,
INC., RESPECTIVELY; SAID PERMITS HAVING AN INITIAL TERM OF
THREE (3) YEARS, COMMENCING ON MARCH 1, 2006, AND EXPIRING ON
FEBRUARY 28, 2009, WITH A TWO (2) YEAR OPTION TERM, AT THE
SOLE DISCRETION OF THE CITY.
WHEREAS, Chapter 106, Article V, of the Miami Beach City Code, provides for police
vehicle towing permits for the towing of vehicles identified by the City as requiring removal from
public and private property; and
WHEREAS, in 1991, the City issued Request for Proposals No. 1-91/94 for Providing
Police and Parking Department Towing Services in the City of Miami Beach and, thereafter, the
Mayor and City Commission selected Beach Towing Services, Inc. and Tremont Towing
Services, Inc., respectively, as the successful proposers to provide these services; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 95-21615, the Mayor and City Commission
extended the towing permits issued for Beach Towing Service, Inc. and Tremont Towing
Service, Inc. for a fifteen (15) month period that commenced on July 1, 1995, and expired on
September 30, 1996; and
WHEREAS, on June 21, 1996, the Mayor and City Commission approved a second
extension of the permits for a period of sixty (60) days, from September 30, 1996 to November
30, 1996, to negotiate additional terms and conditions of the towing permits with Beach Towing
Service, Inc. and Tremont Towing Service, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, on November 20, 1996, the Mayor and Commission approved an extension
of the towing permits for a period of two (2) years, expiring on November 30, 1998, with a one
(1) year option, to be renewed at the sole discretion of the City; and
WHEREAS, on November 18, 1998, the Mayor and Commission approved the two (2)
one-year renewal options of the towing permits, expiring on November 30, 1999 and 2000,
respectively; and
WHEREAS, on October 18, 2000, the Mayor and Commission waived, by a 5/7th vote,
the competitive bidding requirement and approved a two-year towing permits with Beach
Towing Services, Inc., and Tremont Towing Services, Inc., expiring on November 30, 2002, with
three additional one-year terms, to be renewed at the sole discretion of the City; and
WHEREAS, on October 23, 2002, the Mayor and Commission approved the first of
three one (1) year renewal terms for the permits, commencing on December 1, 2002 and
expiring on November 30, 2003; and
WHEREAS, on October 15, 2003, the Mayor and Commission approved a three (3)
month extension, commencing on December 1, 2003 and expiring on February 29, 2004,
allowing for the Administration and towing service providers to negotiate contract terms; and
WHEREAS, on January 14, 2005, the Mayor and Commission approved the final one-
year term of the permits, commencing on March 1, 2005 and expiring on February 28, 2006;
and
WHEREAS, Beach Towing Services, Inc. and Tremont Towing Services, Inc. continue
to be the only two service providers which satisfy all requirements as stipulated in the City's
towing permit requirements, including the ability to provide storage facilities within the City
limits; and
WHEREAS, the Administration, including the Police Department and the Parking
Department, are satisfied with the level of service provided by both Beach Towing Services, Inc.
and Tremont Towing Services, Inc., and
WHEREAS, as there are no further renewal options within the current thP~ermits, the
Administration recommends that the Mayor and Commission waive, by 5/7 s vote, the
competitive bidding requirement, finding such waiver to be in the City's best interest, and
approve a three (3) year towing permit to Beach Towing Services, Inc. and Tremont Towing
Services, Inc., respectively, commencing on March 1, 2006 and expiring on February 28, 2009,
with a renewable two (2) year option period, at the sole discretion of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation and' Parking Committee (TPC) endorsed this
recommendation at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 19, 2005.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby waive, by 5/7th vote, the competitive bidding requirement, finding such
waiver to be in the best interest of the City, and approve towing permits with Beach Towing
Services, Inc. and Tremont Towing Services, Inc., respectively; said permits having an initial
term of three (3) years commencing on March 1, 2006, and expiring on February 28, 2009, with
a two (2) year option term, at the sole discretion of the City.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this [[th dayof ,~anuar¥
,2006
ATTEST:'
~ ~.¢ - MAYOR
Robert Parcher
T:~AG E N DA2006\JAN 1 I\REG U LAR\TOW EXTJAN 112006. RES. DOC
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
Condensed Title:
COMMISSION ITEM SUMMARY
A Resolution of the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami Beach, Florida,
approving the waiver, by 5/7th vote, the competitive bidding requirement and approving a
three (3) year towing permit to Beach Towing Services, Inc. and Tremont Towing Services,
Inc., respectively, commencing on March 1,2006 and expiring on February 28, 2009, with a
renewable two (2) year option period, at the sole discretion of the City.
Key Intended Outcome Supported:
lAs a service provider' the towing operators provide services that will assist in increasing
parking availability and decreasing traffic and congestion.
Issue:
IShould the Mayor and Commission, by 5/7th vote, waive the competitive bidding requirement
and approve a three (3) year towing permit to Beach Towing Services, Inc. and Tremont
Towing Services, Inc., respectively?
Item Summary/Recommendation:
The City's agreement for towing services with Tremont Towing Services, Inc. and Beach
Towing Services, Inc. will expire on February 28, 2006. As the current service providers are
the only illegible providers on the City of Miami Beach and the Parking and Police
Departments are satisfied with the level of service provided, the Administration is seeking to
re-issue contracts to the two service providers. The service providers have agreed to
maintain the current fee structure for a contract renewal and have also agreed to provide
customer service training to all of its employees. In order to renew the contract, approval by
5/7ths vote of the Mayor and City Commission of a waiver of competitive bidding is required
and recommended. The term of the recommended agreement would be an initial term of
three (3) years and a provision for a two (2) year renewal option at the sole discretion of the
City.
Advisory Board Recommendation'
IThe Transportation and Parking Committee endorsed this recommendation on Monday,
December 19, 2005.
Financial Information:
Financial Impact Summary:
City Clerk's Office Legislative Tracking:
n-Offs:
T:~,GEN DA~2006~jan 1106\Regular\towextj
;.sum.doc
MI AMIBEACH
AGENDA ITEM
DATE
· / 'CH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission
City Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez .X~~~-
January 11, 2006
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, WAIVING BY 517TM VOTE, THE COMPETITIVE
BIDDING REQUIREMENT AND APPROVING A THREE (3) YEAR TOWING
PERMIT WITH BEACH TOWING SERVICES, INC. AND TREMONT TOWING
SERVICES, INC., RESPECTIVELY, COMMENCING ON MARCH 1, 2006 AND
EXPIRING ON FEBRUARY 28, 2009, WITH A TWO (2) YEAR OPTION FOR
RENEWAL PERIOD, AT THE SOLE DISCRETIONS OF THE CITY.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution.
ANALYSIS
The towing service providers Tremont Towing located at 1916 Bay Road, Miami Beach,
Florida and Beach Towing, located at 1349 Dade Boulevard, Miami Beach, Florida, each
currently have a permit issued by the City to provide towing services to the Police and
Parking Departments. On November 20, 1996, the Mayor and City Commission waived, by
a 5/7ths vote, the competitive bidding requirement, and approved an extension of the towing
permits for a period of two years, to expire on November 30, 1998. On November 18, 1998,
the Mayor and City Commission approved two (2)additional one (1)year options, to be
renewed at the sole discretion of the City. The second one (1) year option expired on
November 30, 2000. On October 18, 2000, the IVlayor and City Commission waived, by a
5/7ths vote, the competitive bidding requirement, and approved a two (2) year contract, with
three (3) one-year options, to be renewed at the sole discretion of the City. Subsequently, all
renewal options have been exercised and the current agreement will expire on February 28,
2006.
Vehicle impoundment is a traffic/parking management tool that removes an unauthorized
vehicle so that either public safety is effectuated or an authorized vehicle maytake its place.
A byproduct is that towing is an educational tool which acts as a disincentive for illegal
parking.
The Administration, including the Police Department and the Parking Department are
satisfied with the level of service provided by both Beach Towing Services, Inc. and Tremont
Towing Services, Inc. Moreover, both "Beach" and "Tremont" are the only qualified towing
service provider satisfying the minimum vehicle storage requirements (capacity for storage
of 100 vehicles) within the city limits. The vehicle storage within the city limits is a
requirement that only "Beach" and "Tremont" satisfy. The altemative would be to relax this
requirement which would then allow vehicle storage in Miami-Dade County. However, this is
not recommended as a viable option as visitors and/or residents would then be required to
January 11, 2006
City Commission Memorandum
Towing Permit- Renewal
Page 2 of 3
travel to the mainland to retrieve their vehicle, Causing more delay, expense, and frustration
to already taxing experience. Although vehicle impoundment is a necessary tool in parking
enforcement and designed to be an incentive to park legally, the patron's vehicle retrieval
process should certainly be an efficient and expedient one.
Additionally, maximum allowable rates, customer service, and complaints were addressed in
the last renewal period. These provisions all remain in effect. Moreover there will be no
increases in maximum allowable rates recommended through the initial term of three (3)
years.
Service Rate
Class "A" $115
Adm Fee
$30 (private tows $30 & tdgger for Adm Fee 12 hrs).
After Hrs Fee*
$30 (imposed Monday thru Friday from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and on
weekends starting at 8:00 p.m. on Friday thru 8:00 a.m. on Monday.)
Labor** $25
Ind°or Storage $30
Class B, C, & D $145/$175/$200
* Implemented on 11/1/03.
** Not an automatic fee. Imposed only when access to enter vehicle required in order to
properly engage/tow vehicle.
Employees of the towing operators represent the City in their role as service provider. The
towing industry is a challenging one from a customer relations standpoint. Nevertheless, it is
our (City's and service provider's) responsibility to ensure the highest levels of customer
service are provide to our residents, visitors, and tourists. To this end, all employees of the
towing service providers that may have contact with customers and/or the general public
must attend and participate in the City's TACC (Towing and Customer Contact Training).
This training session will specifically address customer relations training, including diffusing
situations, demeanor/body language, and conflict resolution. All employees of the service
providers that have customer contact will be required to attend this training twice annually
(every six months). In addition, both towing service providers have agreed to provide
informational matedal to the general public, providing information on frequently asked
questions, including: rates, directions to storage locations, and contact information of both
towing service providers.
It is the responsibility of the service provider to address customer service issues in a polite,
courteous, and respectful manner, regardless of the comportment of the complainant.
Clearly, verbal or physical abuse is unacceptable and police assistance should be sought if
a conflict escalates. The towing service providers shall provide written responses to
complaints within five (5) business days of receipt. Responses should include identification
of the complaint(s)/issue(s), proposed resolution(s), and corrective measures for the future.
The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to have the service provider refund all or
any portion of the towing fees to the complainant, as liquidated damages, should the City
rule in favor of the complainant.
January 11, 2006
City Commission Memorandum
Towing Permit- Renewal
Page 3 of 3
Therefore, in order to continue to provide a higher level of service to recipients of non-
consensual tows, the Administration recommends that the Mayor and Commission approve
the waiver, by 5/7th vote, the competitive bidding requirement and approve a three (3) year
towing permit to Beach Towing Services, Inc. and Tremont Towing Services, Inc.,
respectively, commencing on March 1, 2006 and expiring on February 28, 2009. There
would also be an allowance of a two (2) year renewal period at the sole discretion of the City
Also, the City's TPC (Transportation and Parking Committee) endorsed this
recommendation at their regularly scheduled meeting held on Monday, December 19, 2005.
CONCLUSION
The Administration recommends that the Mayor and Commission approve the waiver, by
5/7th vote, the competitive bidding requirement and approve a three (3) year towing permit to
Beach Towing Services, Inc. and Tremont Towing ,Services, Inc., respectively, commencing
on March 1, 2006 and expiring on February 28, 2009.
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