The city administrator shall be and is appointed to perform the functions of the purchasing agent for the city. The purchasing agent shall have the responsibility and/or authority to:

    A.    Prepare, adopt and enforce all purchasing rules and regulations and procedures not in conflict with the provisions of the city charter or the ordinance codified in this code for the purpose of carrying out the requirements and intent of the centralized purchasing system.

    B.    Purchase, store, distribute, dispose of, or contract for, materials, supplies, equipment and services for any department, office or agency of the city government.

    C.    Negotiate and recommend execution of contracts for the purchase of supplies, materials and equipment.

    D.    Act to procure for the city the needed quality in supplies, materials and equipment at least expense to the city.

    E.    Encourage uniform bidding and endeavor to obtain as full and open competition as possible on all purchases where practical.

    F.    Keep informed of current developments in the field of purchasing, prices, market conditions and new products relevant to the city.

    G.    Maintain such forms as reasonably necessary for operation of the ordinance codified in this code and other rules and regulations.

    H.    Authorize the inspections of all supplies and equipment purchased to ensure conformance with specifications.

    I.    Coordinate the transfer of surplus or unused supplies and equipment between departments as needed and the sale or disposal of all supplies, materials and equipment which cannot be used by the city or which have become unsuitable for city use.

    J.    Maintain a bidders list, vendors catalog file and records needed for the efficient operation of the purchasing system.

    K.    Designate representatives or deputies who shall be accountable to the purchasing agent to assist in performing these duties and responsibilities. (Ord. 456 § 2 (part), 1991: prior code § 8-9)