HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 16 - Weighing ScalesITEM #
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MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER t
MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 4, 2012
SUBJECT: APPROVAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF COMMERCIAL
WEIGHING SCALES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council to consider approval for the purchase of commercial weighing scales for
use in the Police Department's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit from the
Loadometer Corporation.
FUNDING SOURCE:
Funding for this purchase is currently available in account 325 - 48860- 209 -13 -0023
(Machinery & Equipment) for the amount not to exceed $19,580.
BACKGROUND:
This procurement will be made as a sole source in accordance with Local Government
Code Chapter 252, Subchapter B, Section 252.022 (A) (7) (A). A resolution considering
the initial purchase of four of these scales as a sole source was approved by Council on
July 5, 2011. This approval request is for an additional four portable weighing scales.
The portable weighing devices will equip both full time Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
officers with the ability to determine if a commercial vehicle is in compliance with State
regulations on acceptable load limits. Ensuring commercial vehicles conform to the
required weight limits will aid in the condition of Grapevine roadways and reduce
associated repair cost.
The Haenni WL101 portable weighing device was chosen over two other manufacturers
due to re- certification cost (zero), safety and reliability. The Haenni devices are the
"...only hydraulic analog low profile wheel load weigher in production in the world. It is
protected under United States Patent #4,673,049." The low profile scales (0.67 inches
tall) greatly reduce the possibility of the scales being ejected by a spinning tire as the
driver pulls onto the device. Other brands, which are up 31W tall and not as wide, have
been known to cast out as far as 30' -40', potentially injuring a person or damaging
property. The Haenni portable weighing devices are currently being used by the
Grapevine Police Department as well as by the Texas Department of Public Safety
(DPS) and other agencies. Experience has shown these scales to have less long term
maintenance costs and when repair is needed, down time is reduced with a certified
technician in the DFW Metroplex. Loadometer Corporation is the exclusive United States
distributor for Haenni scales.
The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement program allows for reimbursement of expenses
including equipment, fuel, training, clothing, etc. through the collection of fines
associated with federal and state commercial vehicle violations. The acquisition of the
additional portable weighing devices will outfit the second approved position vehicle. The
funds have been received to cover the necessary cost.
Staff recommends approval.
RHIBS