Agenda Item Wording:
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Award Purchase of Iteris Vector/Next Hybrid Video/Radar Detection System Cameras - Authorize the City Manager to award the purchase of three Iteris Vector/Next Hybrid Video/Radar Detection systems to Jam Services in the amount of $114,087.75.
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Prepared by: Danny Galindo, Public Works Manager, danny.galindo@visalia.city, 713-4186. Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.city, 713-4052.
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to award a purchase of three Iteris Vector/Next Hybrid Video/Radar Detection systems to Jam Services, Inc. in the amount of $114,087.75.
Summary:
The traffic signals at the Plaza Drive intersections with Crowley Avenue, Hurley Avenue, and Goshen Avenue are currently activated by in-pavement loop detectors. The pavement condition at these locations requires repair, and such repairs will compromise the existing loop detection systems. Damage to the loop systems would result in these signals operating in “hard recall,” where operations revert to timer-based programming, regardless of vehicle presence and volume, ultimately reducing operational efficiency and causing delays.
The remainder of the Plaza Drive north corridor is already operating with camera-based systems. To complete the needed pavement rehabilitation and maintain proper signal functionality, staff recommends converting the three intersections from loop detection to the Iteris Vector hybrid video detection system.
Three quotes were obtained for this purchase:
1. Jam Services, Inc. - $114,087.75
2. NexTech Systems, Inc. - $122,073.89
3. Logistical Enterprises - $125,496.53
Background Discussion:
The City Council previously approved a future pavement rehabilitation project for Plaza Drive, which included the conversion to traffic signal video detection systems at these locations. However, that project is still several years away from construction. In the meantime, pavement conditions at the Plaza Drive intersections of Crowley Avenue, Hurley Avenue, and Goshen Avenue have deteriorated from the increase of heavy truck traffic serving the industrial district, to the point that the existing in-pavement loop detection systems are at risk of imminent failure.
If the loop systems fail, the signals will default to hard recall, reverting to timer-based programming, reducing traffic efficiency and causing unnecessary delays. Converting these intersections to the Iteris Vector hybrid video detection system will prepare these intersections for the future pavement rehabilitation project, allow the City to maintain proper signal operations and proceed with necessary interim pavement repairs without compromising signal functionality.
This conversion will also bring these locations into alignment with the remainder of the Plaza Drive north corridor, which already operates on camera-based detection.
AC Electric is the City’s current on-call contractor providing traffic signal electrical maintenance services under an annual not-to-exceed contract amount of $160,000. While the cost of installation will be performed under the on-call contract, due to the high cost of the Iteris Vector hybrid video detection system, staff obtained competitive quotes for this equipment purchase to avoid exceeding the annual contract limit. Additionally, by purchasing the equipment directly, the City ensures it receives the lowest of the three bids and avoids unnecessary contractor mark-up.
Fiscal Impact: The total cost of the purchase of the Iteris Vector/Next Hybrid Video/Radar Detection System cameras is $114,087.75. Funding is available through SB1 funds allocated to the Plaza Drive Intersection Improvements project (CP0625). No additional appropriations are required.
Due to the deteriorating condition of the pavement and its effect on the traffic signal loops, the conversion to, and purchase of, these camera systems cannot wait for the future project. Therefore, Staff is requesting to forgo the typical formal bid process and classify this as an emergency purchase that will be installed by the City’s existing on-call traffic signal contractor at a cost of $33,525, for a total project cost of $147,612.75. This will ensure timely deployment and compatibility with existing signal infrastructure.
Prior Council Action: On June 5, 2023, the City Council approved the Plaza Drive Intersection Improvements project (CP0625), which includes upgrades to traffic signal detection systems along the Plaza Drive corridor.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Do not authorize the purchase. This alternative could result in reduced efficiency and potential traffic delays.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to award the purchase of three Iteris Vector/Next Hybrid Video/Radar Detection System cameras to Jam Services, Inc. in the amount of $114,087.75, forgoing the typical formal bid process and classifying this as an emergency purchase.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 12/15/2025
Attachments:
Iteris Detection System Quotes