From
Fred Bates, Jr.
Title
Ordinance amending the FY 2020/2021 Red Light Safety Fund in the amount of $550,635 for: the purchase 100 electronic ticket writers in the amount of $337,875 from Tyler Technologies through their national Interlocal Purchasing Agreement with Sourcewell; the purchase of a traffic accident investigation laser scanner in the amount of $131,103 and traffic accident laser scanner accessories in the amount of $5,897 from Geomatic Resources, through an Interlocal Agreement with DIR; the replacement of speed detection LIDAR devices in the amount of $26,000; the purchase of commercial vehicle weight scales and transport boxes, in the amount of 49,760; authorize the City Manager to execute the renewal options with aggregate price fluctuations of the lesser of up to $50,000 or 25% of the original maximum price so long as sufficient funding is appropriated by the City Council to satisfy the City's obligation during the renewal terms
Presenter
Daniel Scesney, Chief of Police, and Ryan Simpson, Support Services Division Manager
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The Grand Prairie Police Department continues to utilize its current resources and the growing technology to expand the efficiency and effectiveness of its members in serving the citizens and visitors of the City of Grand Prairie. As the City continues to attract new businesses while growing into a local tourist destination, the Department must further its commitment to providing for a high quality of life for its citizens and to maintaining a safe environment for those who visit the City for business and pleasure.
The Police Department is proposing the purchase of 100 electronic ticket writer devices from Tyler Technologies to equip the balance of its officers who remain in a uniformed enforcement capacity. These ticket writer devices; afford a nearly touchless exchange between officers and drivers, reduces the overall length of each traffic stop, eliminates the need for manual data entry by clerical staff, and ultimately reduces the possibility of exposure to communicable diseases. The total cost for the 100 ticket writers is $337,875.
The Department also proposes to purchase Accident Investigation equipment consisting of a Lecia Laser Scanner and the related accessories from Geomatic Resources, LLC. The Department’s current equipment is outdated and nearing the end of its useful life. The proposed new equipment will enhance the precision and efficiency of accident investigations. This enhanced efficiency reduces the length of time Accident Investigators are on the roadway, thus reducing the inherent safety risks and the time a roadway is closed to vehicular traffic. The total cost for the Leica Laser Scanner is $131,103 with the related accessories in the amount of $5,897.
The Department requests to purchase eight handheld speed detection LIDAR devices, to replace existing devices that have reached the end of their useful life, totaling $26,000.
Lastly, the Department seeks to purchase commercial vehicle weight scales. The Department’s current scales are nearing the end of their useful life. The proposed new scales are the same as those used by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and will allow for the more efficient weighing of commercial vehicles. The cost to equip the Department’s two commercial vehicle enforcement Tahoes with these scales and scale transport boxes is $49,760.
The Public Safety, Health and Environment Committee reviewed this item on November 2, 2020 and recommended that it be forwarded to the City Council for approval.
The Finance and Government Committee reviewed this item on November 3, 2020 and recommended that it be forwarded to the City Council for approval.
Financial Consideration
Funding for the proposed traffic safety related equipment, in the amount of $550,635, is available by approving an ordinance transferring and appropriating from the unobligated fund balance in the FY 2020/2021 Red Light Safety Fund (3104).
Body
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, AMENDING THE FY2020/ 2021 RED LIGHT SAFETY FUND BY TRANSFERRING AND APPROPRIATING $550,635 FROM THE UNOBLIGATED FUND BALANCE IN THE RED LIGHT SAFETY FUND (3104) FOR THE PURCHASE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY RELATED EQUIPMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. THAT THE FY 2020/2021 Red light Safety Fund be amended by transferring and appropriating $550,635 from the unobligated fund balance in the Red Light Safety Fund (3104) for the purchase of traffic safety related equipment.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, ON NOVEMBER 3, 2020.