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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Approval of a Purchase Order with Econolite Control Products for Five Traffic Signal Battery Backup Systems in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $75,488.95.
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Meeting Date: January 27, 2025
Contact Person/Dept.: Andrew Maximous/Public Works Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5628
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [X] No [ ]
Attachments: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Notification: E-Mail: Meetings and Agendas - City Council (01/22/2025)
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director/City Engineer, (01/22/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a purchase order with Econolite Control Products for five traffic signal battery backup systems in an amount not-to-exceed $75,488.95.
BACKGROUND
The Culver City Public Works Department Maintenance Operations Division maintains 115 traffic signals. Thirty-three intersections currently have a battery backup system. When a loss of power occurs, the traffic signal indications become dark. While the California Vehicle Code Section 21800 (d)(1) requires drivers to stop when approaching intersections where a traffic signal is not working, many drivers are unaware of this requirement. Installing a battery backup system would help reduce traffic collisions and congestion by ensuring that the traffic signal continues to operate after power failures, power spikes, or interruptions in service.
DISCUSSION
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.
The compact form of the Econolite batteries does not require a separate side cabinet to be installed to the traffic signal cabinet. Instead, they can be installed within the existing traffic signal cabinet. Two batteries at each location will allow the traffic signal to run normally, for approximately 1 to 2 hours, and to then run in all-way flashing red mode for an additional 6-8 hours approximately, providing up to 10 hours of backup time.
On December 5, 2022, the City Council authorized a purchase order with Econolite Control Products to purchase 15 battery backup systems. On September 18, 2023, the City Council authorized a purchase order with Econolite Control Products to purchase 10 battery backup systems. On September 9, 2024, the City Council authorized a purchase order with Econolite Control Products to purchase 10 battery backup systems.
This purchase would install an additional five battery backup systems at the City’s largest and most congested intersections. The locations are:
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. City staff did obtain three quotes for the initial purchase of the battery back-up equipment, and selected Econolite as the preferred firm, as well as the lowest quote. Staff recommends purchasing additional back-up batteries from Econolite to maintain a uniform system within the City.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 includes sufficient funding to cover costs of $75,488.95 for the proposed purchase in Account No. 10160240.600200 (Public Works Electrical Maintenance - R&M - Equipment) which can be found on page 422 of the budget book.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Approve a purchase order with Econolite Control Products for five traffic signal battery backup systems in an amount not-to-exceed $75,488.95; and
2. Authorize the Purchasing Officer to execute the purchase order on behalf of the City.