HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05 - Lightning Prediction and Warning System ITEM
MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER V): "---
MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2008
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A LIGHTNING
PREDICTION AND WARNING SYSTEM FOR THE OAK GROVE
BALLFIELD COMPLEX
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council to consider approval of the purchase of a Lightning Prediction and Warning
System for the Oak Grove Balifield Complex from Thor Guard, Inc. The total cost of this
purchase is not to exceed $20,780.
FUNDING SOURCE:
Funding for this expenditure is currently available in account 121-48850-312-07-000002
Council Quality of Life Fund/Improvements Other Than Buildings.
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).
This request is to approve the purchase of a Lightning Prediction and Warning System
for the Oak Grove Ballfield Complex. The system uses a sensor and computer to
measure and analyze the electrostatic field in the atmosphere. Lightning originates
within this field, thus allowing the system to make calculations predicting its occurrence,
even though there may be no visible evidence of lightning. Other types of systems
require the occurrence of an actual lightning strike before a warning is given and many
times the warning is too late. Several airlines, government agencies, and other industrial
users are utilizing the Thor Guard, Inc. system due to the fact that the system can detect
lightning strikes before they occur.
Thor Guard, Inc. is the sole manufacturer and provider of this system and the only
known company that manufactures a lightning prediction system. Attached for review is
the sole source letter. In addition, the City has already installed this system in other
Park areas with satisfactory results. This system will be compatible with the existing
systems.
November 21,2008(12:15PM)
Staff recommends approval of the purchase of the lightning prediction and warning
system from Thor Guard, Inc. in a total amount not to exceed $20,780.
CD
November 21,2008(12:15PM)
NOV-11-2008 TUE 01 33 PM THOR GUARD INC. FAX NO. 954 835 0808 P. 01
HOR ,{10,.
GUARD, INC. November 11, 2008
integrated Lightning Prediction and Warning Systems
Mr. Charles Dent Via Fax: 817-4103066
Purchasing Dept.
City of Grapevine
501 Shady Brook Dr.
Grapevine, TX 76051
Dear Mr. Dent:
Please be advised that we are both the sole manufacturer and the sole provider
of the THOR GUARD Lightning Prediction and Warning Systems. As a matter of fact,
THOR GUARD is the only company that manufactures a lightning prediction system in
the entire world. Our products are manufactured in Sunrise, Florida.
THOR GUARD products are designed and operate through c the
4,095,221 use of
and
proprietary technology. Our Patent and Tradem ark
2,390,039, respectively. THOR GUARD has not given any other company the right to
manufacture our products
We look forward to the opportunity to furnish and install our systems at your
facility.
Very truly yours,
RA Miller
Vice President
RAM/jz
1193 5awgrass Corporate Parkway . Sunrise,Florida 33323 .Tel: (954)835-09OO.Fax! (954) 835.0808
www.thorguard.com