TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary documents including any necessary amendments, with MediaNews Group, Inc., of Denver, CO, to provide The Press Telegram digital subscription access for City of Long Beach employees, in an annual amount not to exceed $5,500, for a period of two years with the option to renew for three additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into an agreement with MediaNews Group, Inc. (MediaNews Group), to obtain digital access for the Long Beach Press-Telegram (Press-Telegram) news content. The Press-Telegram is the only daily newspaper with general circulation specifically for the city of Long Beach.
Multiple City of Long Beach (City) departments currently receive daily print newspaper copies of the Press-Telegram. As the City transitions to an increased hybrid work setting including increased mobile work environments, the Technology and Innovation Department (TID) is seeking to increase access to digitized services and information. The digital subscription to the Press-Telegram will allow all City employees to access Press-Telegram content. Access to Press-Telegram content will allow City staff to stay informed on State, regional, and local news as well as City initiatives and programs.
MediaNews Group is the sole provider of The Press Telegram digital subscription. This service was not competitively solicitated because the MediaNews Group is the owner of the Long Beach Press Telegram. No other alternative is available to procure digital access to Press Telegram content.
City Charter Section 1801 requires that contracts for City purchases be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a competitive bid process but allows for awards without a competitive bid process when authorized by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Erin Weesner-McKinley on January 10, 2022, Business Services Bureau Manager Tara Mortensen on December 22, 2021, and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on December 30, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt a Resolution and award the contracts concurrently is requested on February 1, 2022, to allow City staff access to Press-Telegram digital content as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total annual amount of the contract will not exceed $5,500. Sufficient appropriation is budgeted in the General Services Fund Group in the Technology and Innovation Department. Costs are recovered from client departments through the annual TI Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
LEA D. ERIKSEN
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER