HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 11/07/2006 - RESOLUTION 2006-110 APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A SE ITEM NUMBER: 22
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: November7, 2006
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: James B. O'Neill II
Eric Bracke
SUBJECT
Resolution 2006-110 Approving the Purchase of Sensys Networks In-Pavement Vehicle Detection
System.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This project is supported by grant #AQC M455-075, CMAQ Web Page. The total cost for the
Sensys system is $128,050.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Traffic Operations Department has obtained federal funding to develop a travelers web page.
The web page will provide real-time information about traffic congestion to assist drivers in
planning for and selecting alternative routes. To determine congestion conditions,vehicle detection
will be installed along major corridors to collect count and speed information. Sensys is the only
manufacturer of wireless in-pavement vehicle detectors with data collection software.
BACKGROUND
Traffic Operations personnel installed and tested many different vehicle detection systems and
determined that an accurate, wireless, minimally intrusive detection system is necessary. Sensys
Networks is the only manufacturer of wireless in-pavement vehicle detection sensors. The sensors
are less expensive and easier to install than traditional vehicle detection loops. The sensors are also
less intrusive as boring and saw cutting of pavement is eliminated because of the wireless
characteristics of the sensors. Sensors tested in the City of Fort Collins were found to be over 99%
accurate. The sensor is placed in a four inch diameter hole, two inches deep flush with the surface
of the road and covered with epoxy.
The Sensys Networks sensors collect count, speed and vehicle length. They are wireless and
communicate data to a repeater within 100 feet of the sensor. The repeater relays vehicle data
continuously to an access point located on a traffic signal pole. The access point is connected to the
November 7, 2006 -2- Item No. 22
traffic network through the traffic cabinet and pumps data to a server in the Traffic Management
Center. The server collects and stores the data from the sensors to be accessed by the City's web
server and used to update the webpage traffic congestion levels for Fort Collins roadways.
This Resolution authorizes the purchase of the Sensys Networks In-Pavement Vehicle Detection
system as an exemption to the use of competitive bid or proposal as provided in Section 8-161(d)(1)
of the City Code. There exists only one (1)responsible source
Section 8-161(d)(2)(3) of the City Code requires the Purchasing Agent to submit purchasing
exceptions to the City Manager, who shall approve or reject the procurement. The City Manager
in turn shall submit all procurements which exceed a cost of one hundred thousand dollars
($100,000.) to the City Council in an open meeting for final approval.
RESOLUTION 2006-110
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A SENSYS NETWORKS
IN-PAVEMENT VEHICLE DETECTION SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins has undertaken a program to collect traffic data along
major traffic corridors and intersections and present the data in a way that adds value to citizens;and
WHEREAS, vehicle detection systems are designed to collect volume and speed data on a
real-time basis; and
WHEREAS, Traffic Operations will be able to publish the traffic data collected from the
vehicle detection systems and post it on the City website as a tool for citizens to view regarding
traffic congestion at major traffic corridors and intersections throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, City staff has installed and tested several vehicle detection systems and
determined that an accurate, wireless, minimally intrusive detection system is the best choice; and
WHEREAS,the City was awarded a federal grant that covers the entire cost of the purchase
of a vehicle detection system and the funds were previously budgeted and approved; and
WHEREAS, Section 8-161(d)(1) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins authorizes the
Purchasing Agent to negotiate the purchase of supplies and services without utilizing a competitive
bidding process where the Purchasing Agent determines that there exists only one responsible
source; and
WHEREAS, Sensys Networks is the only manufacturer of wireless in-pavement vehicle
detection sensors; and
WHEREAS, the Purchasing Agent has submitted a written request and justification to the
City Manager for approval; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has reviewed and concurred in that determination for this
procurement; and
WHEREAS, Section 8-161(d)(3) required approval of this purchasing method by the City
Council for items costing more than One Hundred Thousand Dollars($100,000)prior to acquisition.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the purchase of a Sensys Networks In-Pavement Vehicle Detection System in the
amount of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND FIFTY DOLLARS ($128,050), as
an exception to the City's competitive purchasing requirements, is hereby approved.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 7th
day of November, A.D. 2006.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk