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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Approval of a Purchase Order with Econolite Control Products for 14 Traffic Signal Battery Backup Systems in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $225,000.
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Meeting Date: November 10, 2024
Contact Person/Dept.: Thomas Check/Public Works Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5627
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [X] No [ ]
Attachments: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Notification: E-Mail: Meetings and Agendas - City Council (11/05/2024)
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director/City Engineer (10/23/2024)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a purchase order with Econolite Control Products for 14 traffic signal battery backup systems in an amount not-to-exceed $225,000.
BACKGROUND
The Culver City Public Works Department Maintenance Operations Division maintains 115 traffic signals. Approximately 40 intersections currently have a battery backup system. At locations that are not equipped with a battery backup system, traffic signal indications (including pedestrian indications) shut off during a power outage. While California Vehicle Code Section 21800 (d)(1) requires drivers to stop when approaching intersections where a traffic signal is dark, many drivers are unaware of this requirement or do not notice the signal. Battery backup systems improve safety by ensuring that the traffic signal continues to operate after power failures, power spikes, or interruptions in service.
DISCUSSION
The Public Works Department has an ongoing Capital Improvement Project that installs battery backup systems each year, with the goal of implementing them at all signals Citywide. The system allows a signal that has lost power to continue to operate normally for approximately 1-2 hours. The signal will then transition into flashing red mode to conserve power, prolonging operations for up to 6 additional hours. This purchase would implement battery backup systems at the following locations:
1. Washington Pl & Grand View Blvd
2. Washington Blvd & Grand View Blvd
3. Washington Blvd & Girard Ave
4. Washington Blvd & Culver Center
5. Culver Blvd & Madison Ave
6. Washington Blvd & Motor Ave
7. Washington Blvd & Madison Ave/Clarington Ave
8. Centinela Ave & Bristol Pkwy
9. Slauson Ave & Culver City Westfield Entrance
10. Jefferson Blvd & Cota St/Target Driveway
11. Washington Blvd & Landmark St
12. Culver Blvd & I-405 NB
13. Washington Blvd & McLaughlin Ave
14. Washington Blvd & Cattaraugus Ave
The City selected Econolite as its standard battery backup system after a previous trial period of various systems and vendors between 2020 and 2022. The Econolite system uses nickel-zinc batteries instead of the traditional lead-acid batteries. The nickel-zinc batteries do not contain hazardous materials, are half the size and weight of lead-acid batteries, and have a longer operational life.
Pursuant to Culver City Municipal Code Section 3.07.055.B, competitive bidding requirements do not apply when the equipment is a component for equipment or a system of equipment previously acquired by the City and is necessary to repair, maintain, or improve the City's utilization of the equipment. This procurement falls within this exception given the City’s existing utilization of Econolite battery backup systems.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes sufficient funding to cover costs not to exceed $225,000 for the proposed purchase in Capital Improvement Project No. PL014 (Traffic Signal Battery Backup System). This project can be found in the Capital Improvements Plan Schedule section of the budget book under Street Lights and Traffic Signals on page 596. Funding for this project comes from both Fund 435 (Measure M Fund) and Fund 437 (Mobility Improvement Fund).
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Approve a purchase order with Econolite Control Products for ten traffic signal battery backup systems in an amount not-to-exceed $225,000; and
2. Authorize the Purchasing Officer to execute the purchase order on behalf of the City.