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Requesting authorization to enter into a contract with City Solutions Inc. to operate a modular news rack program for 10 years.
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Official Text
To the Honorable Board:
The City is interested in implementing modular news racks as an alternative to single news boxes in key areas. I respectfully request that you authorize the Administration to enter into a contract with City Solutions, Inc. to operate a modular newsrack program that will extend for ten (10) years. In a separate action, the Board will be asked to approve a proposed ordinance amending the City of Somerville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, Article 4, Placement and Maintenance of Newsracks to amend or add provisions related to the installation, maintenance, and management of a modular newsrack program. In 2009, the BOA authorized staff to solicit a vendor for such a contract for a period of ten years with additional option years. A publicly advertised Request for Proposals process took place and City Solutions is recommended as the preferred vendor.
Independent news boxes with free and paid publications are prevalent in Somerville’s corridors and neighborhoods. At times, streets lined with news boxes can be an eyesore and not conform to ADA regulations, creating pedestrian hazards. In order to enhance current efforts to create a more pedestrian and user-friendly city, the City proposes to contract with a vendor who will install, maintain and manage a modular newsrack program within public rights-of-way. The program will provide a percentage of advertising revenue to the City, in lieu of compliance fees currently received.
City Solutions is a privately held company based in Santa Barbara, California and has been in the modular newsrack business since 1997. They currently have newsracks in Indianapolis, Indiana, Columbus, Ohio, and Tempe, Arizona. City Solutions has demonstrated experience assisting communities in the management of newsrack equipment on public sidewalks.
It is recommended that the Board of Aldermen authorize the Administration to enter into a contract with City Solutions, Inc. to operate a modular newsrack program that will extend for ten (10) years.
Sincerely,