Subdivision 1. Joint city-county purchasing. (a) Joint program. Notwithstanding a charter provision, city ordinance, or prior law to the contrary pertaining to buying by the city of Saint Paul or the county of Ramsey, and to promote competitive bidding, effect economies in volume buying, and provide better service, the city of Saint Paul and the county of Ramsey shall establish a joint buying program.
(b) Saint Paul Purchasing Department to be used. The county of Ramsey shall buy, or contract for, the supplies, materials, equipment and contractual services required by each department or agency of the county government through the facilities of the city of Saint Paul purchasing department and, for this service, shall pay to the city the cost incurred in providing the service. The cost is determined through an analysis and evaluation of all purchases processed through December 31, 1959, and thereafter through each succeeding year. The manner and method of computing this cost is the joint responsibility of the county and the city.
(c) Saint Paul city charter provisions reserved. All of the charter provisions of the city of Saint Paul pertaining to the procedures, rules, and regulations in the field of buying goods, wares, and merchandise are in their entirety reserved in full.
(d) Standardization committee. A permanent Committee on Standardization of Purchases for the city of Saint Paul and the county of Ramsey is established, to be composed, on an equal basis, of representatives of the city of Saint Paul, the county of Ramsey, and other governmental units permitted to buy through the city purchasing department. The city council shall choose the members of the committee on standardization for the city, and the board of county commissioners, for the county. The committee shall agree on single specifications for each item commonly used in each of the governmental units to combine their purchasing power.
(e) Central stock room. As soon as practical after the establishment of the central purchasing program, the city of Saint Paul and the county of Ramsey shall establish a central office supply stock room. The permanent committee on standardization of purchases shall provide for inventory control procedures and the method and manner of distribution of supplies and materials from the central stock room. Each of the governmental units participating in the central buying program shall contribute the amount that is jointly agreed upon into a revolving fund established for the operation of the central stock room, and shall pay, from time to time, into the revolving fund the money required to cover overhead, in addition to the cost of materials and supplies obtained therefrom. The city of Saint Paul and its purchasing department shall administer and account for the revolving fund.
(f) Warehouse. The city of Saint Paul and the county of Ramsey shall provide adequate warehouse and storage space for each item that is practical to store and the buying of which, in quantities greater than current needs, will secure a distinct financial advantage to these governmental subdivisions.
(g) County purchasing. If the county elects to have its own purchasing officer as provided in the charter, this subdivision shall not apply to the county.
Subd. 2. Patented article. (a) Ramsey County may buy articles or supplies that are sold at a uniform price, by reason of a patent, copyright, or exclusive franchise, without advertisement and competitive bids, where no advantage can be secured by advertisement and competitive bidding.
(b) Before making such a purchase, the county board shall adopt a finding to the effect that the particular purchase is made pursuant to this subdivision.
Subd. 3. Waiver of performance bonds. Notwithstanding the charter of the city of Saint Paul or prior statutory enactments relating to buying by the city of Saint Paul and the county of Ramsey to the contrary, the council of the city of Saint Paul, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, and the governing body of any municipal subdivision governed by this section may waive the requirements for a performance bond on each purchase of materials and supplies. For bids requiring labor and material or labor alone, and bid in accordance with section 471.345, subdivision 4 or 5, performance bonds may be waived. For bids requiring labor and material or labor alone, and bid in accordance with section 471.345, subdivision 3, performance bonds or equivalent financial security shall be required.
1974 c 435 s 3.05; 1978 c 743 s 4; 1990 c 470 s 1; 1991 c 51 s 4
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 370 - 403 — Counties, County Officers, Regional Authorities
Section 383A.011 — Session Laws That Do Not Apply To Ramsey County.
Section 383A.02 — Powers And Duties.
Section 383A.07 — Parks And Recreation.
Section 383A.08 — Detention And Corrections.
Section 383A.12 — Health Department.
Section 383A.14 — Air Quality.
Section 383A.155 — Housing Improvement Areas.
Section 383A.16 — Highway Improvements.
Section 383A.165 — Seasonal Highway Load Restrictions.
Section 383A.17 — Capitol Approach.
Section 383A.18 — Soldiers' Rest.
Section 383A.19 — Codification Of Special Laws.
Section 383A.20 — Government Administration.
Section 383A.201 — Officials Not To Be Interested In Contracts.
Section 383A.21 — Fees Of The Court Administrator Of District Court, Coroner And County Recorder.
Section 383A.22 — Fee System For County Services, Document Processing.
Section 383A.23 — Commissioners; Composition; Redistricting.
Section 383A.26 — Organization.
Section 383A.281 — Definitions.
Section 383A.282 — County Board Responsibilities.
Section 383A.283 — Human Resources Department.
Section 383A.284 — General; Human Resources Powers Of Department And County Board.
Section 383A.285 — Classified Service.
Section 383A.286 — Unclassified Service.
Section 383A.287 — Personnel Review Board.
Section 383A.288 — Competitive Examinations.
Section 383A.289 — Eligible Lists.
Section 383A.291 — Certification Of Eligibles.
Section 383A.292 — Noncompetitive Appointments.
Section 383A.293 — Probationary Period.
Section 383A.294 — Grievances.
Section 383A.295 — Conditions Of Employment.
Section 383A.296 — Misconduct.
Section 383A.297 — Political Activity.
Section 383A.298 — Transitional Provisions.
Section 383A.301 — Status Of Present Employees.
Section 383A.321 — Definitions.
Section 383A.322 — Small Business Set-aside.
Section 383A.323 — Purchasing Through Health Care Cooperative.
Section 383A.35 — Court Commissioner.
Section 383A.37 — Sheriff; Fees.
Section 383A.381 — Abstract Clerk.
Section 383A.39 — Courthouse And City Hall.
Section 383A.40 — Welfare Department; Local Social Services Agency.
Section 383A.405 — Corrections.
Section 383A.411 — Bonds Or Levy For Water System For County Buildings.
Section 383A.42 — County Surveyor; Approval Of Plat.
Section 383A.421 — Surveyor Fees.
Section 383A.43 — Legislative Research Committee.
Section 383A.47 — Reduction Of Appropriations.
Section 383A.50 — Administration Of Budget.
Section 383A.551 — Ramsey County; Charter Commission.
Section 383A.552 — Charter Commission; Nominations And Appointments.
Section 383A.553 — Charter Commission; Terms; Chair; Expenses And Administration.
Section 383A.554 — Powers And Duties.
Section 383A.556 — Effective Date.
Section 383A.601 — Legislative Findings.
Section 383A.602 — Definitions.
Section 383A.603 — District Erosion And Sediment Control Program.
Section 383A.604 — Organization Soil Erosion And Sediment Control Programs.
Section 383A.605 — Compliance.
Section 383A.62 — Elections Department Merger.
Section 383A.75 — Joint Property Tax Advisory Committee.
Section 383A.80 — Ramsey County Deed And Mortgage Tax.
Section 383A.81 — Environmental Response Fund.