SUBJECT
title
Consideration for approval of the purchase of office furniture from Kimball International d.b.a Kimball Office Inc., Jasper, IN utilizing contract OMNIA Contract Region 4 ESC - TX R240108, Nightingale utilizing TIPS contract # 230301, and Allseating utilizing Omnia partner Vizient contract # CE3371. Installation will be done by G&S Office Supply which is the authorized reseller for the furniture manufacturers in the amount not to exceed $312,346.08 for Economic Development Department. Cost is to fully furnish the new office space at El Portal. Funding is available and budgeted in the 2024 Certificate of Obligation Bond.
body
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
No previous Council action has been taken on the furniture, but Council has taken previous action in relation to the building and development of new office space for 311 and Economic Development.
BACKGROUND
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: High
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies): Efficient and Responsive Government Services
Summary of alignment: The proposed furniture acquisition for the new Economic Development Department directly supports the City’s goal of providing efficient, responsive, and accessible government services. By relocating to a properly equipped space, the City will enhance its ability to manage customer service requests, improve operational efficiency, and better serve residents. Furthermore, the investment in appropriate infrastructure and workspace promotes organizational capacity, employee productivity, and long-term scalability, aligning with the Comprehensive Plan’s emphasis on modernizing public facilities and improving service delivery.
The Economic Development Department is currently housed at City Hall, and does not adequately meet operational needs. The space was not originally designed to house the current amount of staff the department employs. Additionally, the current layout does not provide conference rooms or adequate space for meetings, training, or staff expansion.
A new, larger space has been identified that will better support current operations and allow for future growth of the division. To properly equip the new space, new furniture is required. The proposed furniture includes desks, office chairs, storage drawers, conference room table and chairs, and wait area seating. The layout also incorporates a large training/conference room and a smaller team meeting room, both requiring basic furnishings.
Additionally, the request includes desks and chairs for enclosed offices, breakroom furniture, and limited seating for the lobby/waiting area. The furniture package is designed to meet current staffing needs while allowing for measured expansion.
Procurement of these items at this time will ensure consistency in design, functionality, and overall workspace cohesion, as existing furniture from the current location cannot be repurposed to meet the needs of the new facility.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this item.
end
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: 2024 Certificate of Obligation Bond
Account #: Various
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding will be provided from the 2024 Certificate of Obligation Bond using project #BP2501 and accounts 477-7510-512-2420 and 477-7510-515-9001.