CR 92-171 Authorize Bids Towing & Impounding
.August 12, 1992 ~ Council Report 92-171
AUTHORIZE BIDS FOR
TOWING AND IMPOUNDING VEHICLES
Proposed Action
Staff recommends that the Council approve the following motion: "Move that the Hopkins City Council
authorize staff to amend the current towing bid specifications to allow impound lots to located outside of the
Hopkins city limits. and to solicit bids for the towing and impounding of vehicles. n
This motion will begin the process of soliciting new bids for the towing and impounding of vehicles.
Overview
The current towing contract is held by Dick Hughes, Inc. The contract expires in November. The City may
exercise an option and renew the contract for one more year.
The current bid specifications require the impound lot to be located within the City limits. Dick Hughes, Inc.
.has lost its lease in Hopkins and wiH be reopening in S1. Louis Park. The City will keep its current contract
with Dick Hughes, Inc. through November.
Staff recommends that, since the current contractor is now located outside the City, the contract should be
re-bid allowing other towing companies that are located outside of the City to bid on the contract.
Primarv Issues to Consider
. Should the bid specifications be changed to allow the impound lot be located outside of the City limits?
The bids specifications have, in the past, required the impound lot to be located in Hopkins. Increased
development and limitations on the use of the landfill property have made in increasingly difficult to
locate a auto storage lot in Hopkins. In recent years only a single bidder was able to meet
specifications. Staff is recommending this limitation be removed from the bid specifications. It is
possible to put a distance limit on the location of the storage lot, e.g. not more than 5 or 10 miles from
the Hopkins city limits.
Supportin2 Information
. Current bid specifications and the current towing contract are available from the City Clerk.
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mes A. Genellie
Assistant City Manager