HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 14 - Video Detection SystemITEM 0
MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ROGER NELSON, CITY MANAGER (/
MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 15, 2005
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A VIDEO DETECTION
SYSTEM FOR THE TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council to consider award of a contract to Paradigm Traffic Systems, Inc. for the
purchase of a video detection system for the traffic department in the total amount of
$15,645.00.
FUNDING SOURCE:
Funds are available in Account 178-78362-008 Capital Projects-Streets/Dove Loop
Road
BACKGROUND:
This purchase is for a video detection system for the traffic department in connection
with the Dove Loop Road project. Council approved the budget for this project during the
budget process for procurement in the 2005 budget year.
House Bill 197 raised the formal bid limit requirement from $15,000 to $25,000. Because
the total amount was under the $25,000 threshold, an advertisement was not required.
In accordance with City Purchasing Policy, Staff solicited three written quotations from
vendors that advertise they can provide video detection systems. Only one vendor
returned a quotation. Another vendor returned a no bid indicating they could not meet
the specifications and the other vendor did not respond.
The price quoted was from Paradigm Traffic Systems, Inc. in the total amount of
$15,645.00. Currently, the City of Plano has a contract with Paradigm for the exact same
system. Because Staff only received one quotation, pricing was checked with Plano and
their Staff indicates that through their bid process, they established a contract price of
$15,740.00. This price is higher than the price quoted to Grapevine.
The video detection system will be used in place of detector loops that are cut into the
pavement and hard wired to the signal controller. Detector loops have a tendency to
February 9, 2005 (10:13AM)
breakdown over time and can be damaged with the shrink / swell of the pavement
across joints.
The video detection system does not use detector loops. It relies on a network of
cameras to detect vehicles at signalized intersections. We have delayed using these
systems until now to insure that the technology provides us the capabilities we need.
The camera system will be more reliable and will enable us to identify problems more
quickly when the signal system is malfunctioning.
We plan to install video detection systems with all future signal installations.
Staff believes that the pricing received is in line with current market pricing and
recommends approving the purchase from Paradiam Traffic Systems, Inc.
LW7
February 9, 2005 (10:13AM)