§ 14.4. LIMITATIONS ON CONTRACTUAL POWERS.

(a) The City Council shall only have power to enter into contracts which, by the terms thereof, will be fully executed within a period of ten (10) years, unless such contract shall first receive the approval of the majority of the qualified electors voting thereon at a general or special election. This qualification shall not apply to any contract for services with a public utility, or one or more other governmental units, nor to contracts for debt secured by bonds or notes which are permitted to be issued by the City by law.

(b) Except as provided by ordinance authorized in this Charter, each contract for construction of public improvements or for the purchase or sale of personal property, shall be let after opportunity for competition.

(c) All sealed bids shall be opened and read aloud in public by the City Manager or his/her authorized representative at the time designated in the notice of letting, and shall be reported by him/her to the City Council at its next regular meeting. The City Council may reject any or all bids if deemed advisable. If, after ample opportunity for competitive bidding, no bids are received, or such bids as are received are not satisfactory to the City Council, the City Council may either endeavor to obtain new competitive bids or authorize the City Manager, or other proper officials of the City, to negotiate or contract on the open market.

(d) Bid specifications shall contain no discriminatory language or description that would restrict, or in any way prohibit, participation by qualified or eligible bidders. No contract shall be made with any person, firm, or corporation in default to the City.