Agenda Item 3AAGENDA ITEM # 3A
JANUARY 9, 2012
January 3, 2012
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Mayor
and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jim Hanson
Cit3��o
SUBJECT: Follow -up port
Use of On -line Auctions City Commission expressed an interest in exploring the possible use
of on -line auction sites for disposal of surplus City equipment several months ago. Historically,
most of the City vehicles and other large items had been sold at local, on -site public auctions.
Many years ago, the City of Atlantic Beach sponsored auctions at the Public Works facility once
a year to dispose of surplus property. More recently, Atlantic Beach has joined with Jacksonville
Beach to hold joint auctions in Jacksonville Beach on a yearly basis. The Police Department has
been using an on -line auction company for a few years to dispose of some surplus property. Most
of those have been abandoned and forfeited items of small value.
In recent months, staff has tried out two of the largest on -line auction sites that specialize in
government surplus to sell two used 2004 police vehicles. This allowed the staff to evaluate
revenue received as well as the time and effort needed to place an item for sale through an on-
line auction site versus a traditional auction.
It was determined that the money received for sale of the vehicles through the on -line auction
sites is approximately the same that would be obtained using the traditional on site auction
process. Additionally, it is anticipated that the amount of time and effort required to utilize on-
line auctions will, with more experience, become approximately equal to the traditional auction
methods. However, one advantage for disposal of many items through the on -line site is that it
can be done at any time without having to leave the vehicle parked and unused for what is often
a considerable amount of time at the Public Works yard. There is often an expense in returning
the vehicles to running condition after they have been idle for several months.
Consequently, the use of on -line auction sites can be a viable alternative. Auctions are already
authorized in the City's Purchasing Policy which allows staff to "sell or cooperatively sell the
property by public auction to the general public" so no policy changes are needed to utilize on-
line auction sites. In the future, we plan to utilize both on -line and on -site auctions depending on
the timing and other considerations.
AGENDA ITEM # 3A
JANUARY 9, 2012
Donation of Furniture for Sunset Pier by Marsh Preservation Society Representatives from
the Marsh Preservation Society presented the City Commission with a proposal to put
Adirondack chairs on the new Sunset Pier in Tide Views Preserve. Staff has reviewed the
materials proposed and related issues in discussions with the MPS representatives. The original
proposal was for removable furniture with the intent of allowing it to be moved for specific
events or functions. However, it was determined that the potential for theft and vandalism was
too high and that the furniture should be permanently installed. Staff has approved the revised
furniture plan layout under the "COAB Memorial Donation Policy ". Copies of a drawing
showing the layout of the furniture to be installed as well as pictures of furniture from the same
manufacturer are attached for your information. These items fall under the guidelines that have
previously been approved and do not require commission approval.
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