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dollar bid, and allow it to use the highest paid circulation as a determining factor. Mr. Schricker advised the difference between the legal advertising quotes was 50 cents, and it was up to the Council to decide if that was a significant difference. If the Council decided it was not a significant difference then it was obligated to use highest paid circulation as the determining factor. Councilwoman Steinfeld stated there is a strong difference, 11% to 23% between the two bids, acknowledged that there were changes coming up for the Redwood City Tribune, and recommended the award be given for six months only to take it out of the political forum. Councilman Greenalch asked for break down between legal advertising and display ads. MEMO 12/22/92 MIS: GREENALCH/STEINFELD TO DESIGNATE THE REDWOOD CITY TRIBUNE AS THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF REDWOOD CITY BASED ON ITS LOW BID In response to Council questions, City Attorney Schricker advised the legal advertising cannot be split and given to two papers as the Charter states one designated newspaper and" that the City must advertise annually for bids. Also, implicit in the motion is the acceptance of the Redwood City Tribune as the lowest bidder and paid circulation would not be a determining factor. Councilman Greenalch stated that the bidding process was a fair and open process and that he was not convinced that $4.00 was the same as $4.50. Vice Mayor Claire advised he would vote no on the motion based on his understanding from the Times editorials, that the parent company of the Redwood City Tribune is in the process of being sold, and it is not a prudent business decision to enter into a long term contract with a company that might be out of existence in a few months. Also, Vice Mayor Claire stated that the Redwood City Tribune is not a responsible bidder due to its current "for sale" status, and because it does not get its newspaper to the general public. Councilman Claire cited the case of Redwood City's software vendor who went out of business in the middle of the contract and that created grave hardships and many additional costs. Councilman Sanfilipo advised the Redwood City Tribune is currently downsizing their office in Redwood City. Councilmembers discussed the use of hypotheses in determining the most responsible bidder. In answer to Council questions, City Attorney Schricker described the chain of events if a City contractor goes out of business and described the subsequent bid process. Councilwoman La Berge stated that the Charter provides the Council with flexibility, there is no significant difference between the two bids, and Regular Meeting Minutes December 21, 1992 MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 Page 7 Page No. 278