(A) When the City Manager or City Council authorizes the hiring of professional services, as defined in section § 3.24.020, for which standard specifications cannot be developed due to the nature of the service or because of national association bylaws or professional policies prohibiting competitive bidding, the City Manager may authorize officers and/or employees to negotiate for the authorized service. Proposals shall be submitted, whenever practical, from at least three firms. However, recognizing the uniqueness of professional services and the varied qualities presented by differing firms, the City Manager shall have the authority to determine the necessity and appropriateness of soliciting multiple proposals.
(B) The City Manager or his or her designee, and the Administrative Services Director are authorized to approve and execute professional service contracts with an estimated value of $25,000 or less. All contracts for services exceeding $25,000 shall be approved by the City Council, except when it is necessary to hire a consultant for the preparation of an environmental impact report for private development projects as provided for in the California Environmental Quality Act and applicable state and city regulations, in which case the City Manager shall have the authority to execute a written contract of a higher amount.
(`83 Code, § 3.24.100) (Ord. 82-3 (part), 1982; Ord. 92-28 § 1, 1992; Ord. 2016-07 § 1, 2016)