Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Alameda Journal for the Publication of Legal Notices for the Remainder of Fiscal Year 2023-24. (City Clerk 10022020)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City) Charter requires the annual award of a newspaper advertising contract for legal notices. The Alameda Sun was previously awarded the contract but provided notice it is ceasing operations. The City Clerk recommends awarding the contract to the Alameda Journal for the remainder of the Fiscal Year.
BACKGROUND
City Charter Section 3-18 requires City Council to: “award a contract to the responsible bidder who submits the lowest and best bid for publication of all legal advertising of the City in a newspaper adjudicated to be a newspaper of general circulation within the City of Alameda. The newspaper published by the successful bidder is known as the Official Newspaper of the City.”
On June 20, 2023, City Council awarded the contract to the Alameda Sun. The Alameda Sun submitted a Notice of End of Operations on November 10, 2023 (Exhibit 1). The Alameda Journal has agreed to provide the services for the remainder of the Fiscal Year.
DISCUSSION
On May 4, 2023, the City received bids from the Alameda Sun and Alameda Journal. City Council awarded the contract to the Alameda Sun on June 20, 2023. Since the Alameda Sun is ceasing operations, staff is recommending that the City Manager be authorized to execute into an agreement with the Alameda Journal for the Journal to provide publication of legal notices for the remainder of this Fiscal Year. The Alameda Journal has agreed to charge the City the same rates as the original bid submitted by the Alameda Journal.
ALTERNATIVES
• Award the contract to the Alameda Journal.
• Direct the City Clerk to solicit bids, using the Alameda Journal in the interim time.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Each department’s budget appropriation for legal advertising is approved by City Council during the budget process. In FY 2023-24, it is anticipated the City will spend approximately $48,000 for legal notices. No additional budget appropriations are needed.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
City Charter Section 3-18.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE ACTION
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement with the Alameda Journal for publication of legal notices for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Alameda Sun Notice of End of Operations
2. Agreement