After extensive discussion, council on Monday ultimately approved an ordinance focused on qualifications for those bidding on city construction projects.
The ordinance, proposed by Councilman Jeff Dennis, amends Chapter 35 of the city’s codified ordinances.
In it’s “whereas” section, the ordinance states in part that the city has an interest in ensuring that major publicly funded construction projects are completed by highly skilled workers who receive fair and competitive compensation for the work they perform, including the provision of healthcare and retirement benefits as a standard part of their compensation package … and noted that the city’s “best bidder determination” policy dates back to the 1980s.
The new language of the chapter, among other provisions, would require that all bidders of public improvement construction projects must show the city that it provides healthcare benefits to its employees as a standard part of its compensation package and not only on projects subject to a state or federal prevailing wage requirement; that it provides retirement benefits to employees; and “the bidder participates in, sponsors, or exclusively hires graduates of a construction apprenticeship program certified and regulated by the State of Ohio or the U.S. Department of Labor.” Bidders on such construction projects would also be required to provide evidence of, among other items, safety violations or settlement agreements with the Occupational Safety & Health...
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