HomeMy WebLinkAbout18 - Radar Trailer PurchaseCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 18
March 25, 2008
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Police Department
John Klein, Chief of Police; 644 3701; jklein @nbpd.org
Steve Shulman, Lieutenant; 644 3740; sshulman @nbpd.org
SUBJECT: APPROVAL TO PURCHASE RADAR TRAILER PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2008
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the early expenditure of $15,211 from the vehicle replacement fund to replace a
radar trailer prior to the beginning of Fiscal Year 2008.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
On August 14, 2007, Council approved the acceptance of funds in the amount of
$532,084 as part of a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). This grant pays for
equipment, the funding of salaries for a variety of traffic- related services, and the
purchase of a radar trailer. The OTS requests that equipment purchases are made as
quickly as possible after the grant period commences; however, identifying the exact cost
and appropriate vendor for the radar trailer has taken several months.
Radar trailers are deployed on a daily basis for the purpose of collecting speed data while
at the same time deterring people from driving at excessive speeds. The Police
Department currently deploys three radar trailers, all of which are over ten years old and
are due to be replaced in the coming years. The vehicle replacement fund allows for the
acquisition of a replacement radar trailer in Fiscal Year 2008/2009, or after July 1, 2008.
While negotiating prices for radar trailers, it was determined that there would be a cost
savings of approximately $2,579 if two trailers were purchased simultaneously. One
trailer would be purchased with money from the grant and the additional trailer with
money from the Police Department's vehicle internal service fund. The cost to the City
for one radar trailer is $15,211 versus $17,790 if not purchased together, a savings of
approximately 14 %.
Expenditure Approval — Radar Trailer
March 25, 2008
Page 2
This report recommends approval of the simultaneous purchase of two trailers rather
than one in April 2008, followed by a subsequent purchase three months later, in July
2008. The savings may exceed $2,579 but will not be less than that amount. Approval of
this purchase at this time will result in obtaining the second trailer approximately two
months earlier than otherwise authorized.
The radar trailer selected for purchase by the Police Department from All Traffic Solutions
was based on several factors. The radar trailer, named the Speed Alert trailer, was
deemed the most functional for the Department. It is a lighter weight trailer than some of
its competitors, which was a significant factor in its selection. A lighter trailer will
minimize lifting by employees and reduce the potential for injury. This trailer can be
programmed using a wireless remote, whereas some trailers require climbing onto the
trailer frame to access the data storage card, increasing the possibility of injury. The All
Traffic Solutions trailer also has a message board unique to its design and is
programmable, allowing it to be used for radar purposes. It also serves a dual purpose,
in that it can be used at DUI checkpoints, special events, or any City emergency. The
current trailers scheduled for replacement are significantly heavier and do not have a
messaging device, other than displaying the speed limit. All Traffic Solutions allowed
their trailer to be used at a recent DUI checkpoint to alert drivers that a checkpoint was
ahead. The .Department found its functionality to be exceptional.
Environmental Review:
None required.
Funding Availability:
Funds required for this expense are authorized for expenditure under vehicle
replacement fund after July 1, 2008.
Prepared by:
Steve Shulman, Lieutenant
Traffic Services Division Commander
Submitted by:
hn Klein
CHIEF OF POLICE