2000-10-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

188 Ma:. Caravati asked Ms. Kelley to discuss the opinion given by the Attorney General about Alexandria's ordinance, and Ms. Kelley said that in December of 1999 Alexandria asked the Attorney General for a legal opinion. It was the Attorney General's conclusion that a locality such as Alexandria has no authority under the public procurement code to enact this type of ordinance. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Ms. Richards said that two state bills which would have required living wages for contractors were carried over last year and are expected to be reintroduced this year, though some think they do not have much of a chance of being adopted. Mr. Caravati asked if"best buy" is the underpinning of Alexandria's ordinance, and Ms. Kelley said the language of Alexandria's ordinance suggests it can do so as a way of getting the best value for its money. Ms. Kelley noted that this conflicts with procurement law that says they can only make a decision on sealed bids based on the lowest bidder. Mr. Cox said that one of the arguments against such an ordinance is the need for one or more in-house employees that would be needed for enforcement, and asked if Alexandria has had to hire additional people. Ms. Kelley said that Alexandria is not far enough along to know if additional people will have to be hired, but noted that they have a much larger purchasing department. Mr. Cox said he is interested in hearing what other Councilors have to say about the proposed ordinance. Mr. Cox said he feels the decision is a "no brainer" as the ordinance would affect exactly the people Council is trying to advocate for, and it seems a natural step to extend this protection to those with which the City contracts. Mr. Lynch said he would tike to go forward with the ordinance, but does not agree that it is a "no brainer." Mr. Lynch said he feels it ties in with the idea of a better educated, more motivated work force. Ms. Richards said she still has questions about the ordinance. She noted that the survey of contractors done last spring showed that a verdi small number of City residents are employed by those contractors, and she is concerned about the relative cost versus the benefit to City residents, especially since the additional cost will be paid by City taxpayers. Ms. Richards said she would feel more comfortable if the County joined the effort. Ms. Richards said she needs to know more about the potential impact of such an ordinance. Mr. Cox asked how other data could be collected, and Ms. Kelley said that there is no systematic way to collect more data in the short-mn, but contractors could be required to provide information in order to qualify for bids over the next several months. Mr. Cox said he is not ware if that information will be a deciding factor. Mr. Cox said he feels there is some value in setting a community standard and inviting Albemarle County to join the effort. Mr. Caravati said he is thirsty for more comprehensive knowledge, and is concerned about the City subsidizing other jurisdictions. Mr. Caravati said he feels it is paramount to join with Albemarle County. Mr. Caravati said he feels more comprehensive data needs to be collected and Albemarle County approached before the City takes action. Mr. Caravati said that ifthere is a lawsuit it could cost the City a lot more money, and he would like to get a better feel for the legal status. Mr. Caravati said he favors the Alexandria model. Mr. Caravati suggested that suppOrting state legislation that would allow such an ordinance be included in the City's legislative package. Ms. Richards said that the University of Virginia has thousands of affected employees, and likely many more City residems. Ms. Richards said she would be interested in joining with other localities that have a large number of state employees to lobby for higher wages for state employees.