Agenda Item Wording:
title
Authorization to purchase batteries for the Visalia Emergency Communications Center - Authorize the City Manager to bypass the public bidding process and enter into a sole source purchase agreement with Eaton Corporation to replace the uninterruptible power supply batteries that service the City’s data center and appropriate $67,270 from the General Fund.
body
Agenda Date: 11/02/2026
Prepared by:
Jaime Salazar, IS Supervisor, 559-713-4121, jaime.salazar@visalia.gov
John Howison, IS Manager, 559-713-4122, john.howison@visalia.gov
Renee Nagel, Finance & Technology Director, 559-713-4375, renee.nagel@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to bypass the public bidding process and enter into a sole source purchase agreement with Eaton Corporation to replace the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries that service the City’s data center and appropriate $67,270 from the General Fund.
Summary:
The Visalia Emergency Communication Center has a full building battery backup system that provides temporary backup power for critical technology and dispatching equipment during power interruptions. Staff recommend replacing the batteries as a preventive maintenance measure to maintain dependable backup power and reduce the risk of unplanned system shutdowns, service interruptions, and potential data loss.
Background Discussion:
The Visalia Emergency Communication Center houses technology infrastructure critical to supporting City and Public Safety computer systems and services. Reliable electrical power is necessary to maintain the availability of these systems and the services they support. The UPS batteries provide temporary battery power when utility power is interrupted, allowing connected equipment to continue operating for a limited period until the building generator provides backup power. Battery capacity declines with age and use, reducing the available backup ru...
Click here for full text