HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 15, 1998 (51)AGENDA TITLE: Approve Standardization of Traffic Signal Controller/Cabinet Systems
MEETING DATE: April 15, 1998
PREPARED BY: Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council approve the standardization of the traffic signal
controller/cabinet systems.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Currently, staff is in the process of upgrading signal control
equipment on Lodi Avenue. In 1978, the City Council approved the
standardization of traffic signal control equipment. This was done to
simplify maintenance, reduce parts inventory costs, and improve
operations. The company and traffic equipment selected was Multisonics which has served the City
well. However, the company has been sold several times in recent years and service has been rather
unstable. In 1993, the City specified an alternate controller made by Econolite on a trial basis for a new
signal project. The equipment has functioned well and we have continued to specify both Econolite and
Multisonics systems.
Recently, Multisonics filed Chapter 11 and staff is reluctant to purchase any new equipment from them at
this time. Multisonics has stated it will be able to provide maintenance support to our newer controller
equipment; however, they could not provide details for future operation and marketing of new equipment.
Our engineering staff and electricians are now familiar with the Econolite system and want to continue
using this system. Econolite has been manufacturing traffic control equipment since 1933 and
introduced the first digital fixed -time controller in 1966. Thus, we are requesting City Council approve
the standardization of the Econolite controller/cabinet systems and waive the formal bid process per
Lodi Municipal Code, Section 3.20.070, Bidding.
Our intention is to watch the situation with Multisonics. Should the company be reorganized or acquired
by another company and the service level returned to its previous status, we will add them to our
specifications in order to obtain competitive pricing.
FUNDING: Not applicable.
Richard C. Prima
Public Works Director
Prepared by Paula J. Fernandez, Associate Traffic Engineer
RCP/PJF/lm
cc: Technical Services Manager
Associate Traffic Engineer
Purchasing Officer
APPROVED:
H. Dixon Flynn -- City anager
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