HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - December 20, 2000 H-02CITY OF LORI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Adopt resolution awarding contract for cellular phone services to
Verizon Wireless.
MEETING DATE: December 20, 2000
PREPARED BY: Janet L. Hamilton, Management Analyst
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council adopt a resolution awarding a two-year
contract for cellular phone services to Verizon Wireless, under the
terms of their contract with the City of Stockton, California, at a
cost of $2300 for new equipment.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In March 2000, staff began reviewing cellular phone services
provided by AT&T, Verizon, Nextel, and Pac Bell. The criteria used
in this evaluation were the strength of the signal and cost. The
evaluation was conducted by Captain Mauch, Lt. Noblett, and Lt. Monroe of the Police Department and
Janet Hamilton of the City Manager's office. The City was given test equipment for use by City employees
during the test period. It became apparent that the strength of Verizon's signal in this area is stronger than
the others tested and that the per minute cost of airtime is less. Based on this evaluation and testing, staff
is recommending Verizon Wireless. Under this plan, the City will receive the required equipment at no
charge and will only be responsible for the tax due ($13.95) on the suggested retail value per unit.
Approximately 160 units are needed to replace the existing AT&T phones for a total cost of $2300.
Since our November meeting, AT&T representatives have met with the City Manager and staff in order to
present changes to their original proposal and to offer additional incentives. After evaluating the proposal,
staff again recommends contracting with Verizon Wireless for cellular telephone service. It should be
noted that the City has used AT&T for approximately six years. Given the City's evaluation criteria, it
appears reasonable to utilize an alternative vendor for two years.
AT&T continues to make technical improvements in their system and may provide the better choice in the
future, at which time we will re-evaluate their service as well as those of other vendors.
APPROVED: 44 �_
H. D' on Fly n -- City Manager
In July, 1998, the City of Stockton awarded a contract to Verizon Wireless (formerly AirTouch Cellular) to
provide cellular phone service. Lodi Municipal Code Section 3.20.070 provides that bidding may be
dispensed with when the City Council determines that the purchase or method of purchase would be in the
best interest of the City. By using the City of Stockton's bid, the City of Lodi saves the expense of the
bidding process. It is, therefore, staff's recommendation that the City Council grant staff authority to
contract with Verizon Wireless.
FUNDING: Individual Departments will bear the cost of tax on each unit, provided free of
charge by Verizon Wireless.
Respectfully submitted,
fanetL. Hamilton
ement Analyst
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-236
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL AWARDING THE
CONTRACT FOR CELLULAR PHONE SERVICES TO
VERIZON WIRELESS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------
WHEREAS, Lodi Municipal Code, §3.20.070, authorizes dispensing with bids for
purchases of supplies, services or equipment when it is in the best interest of the City to
do so; and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed cellular phone services provided by AT&T,
Verizon, Nextel, and Pac Bell, evaluating the cost and quality of the signal; and
WHEREAS, the per minute cost of airtime provided by Verizon Wireless is less
than that provided by the other vendors; and
WHEREAS, based on the evaluation and testing, staff recommends Verizon
Wireless, which will provide all equipment at no charge and only requires that the City be
responsible for the payment of the tax due on the suggested retail value of each unit;
and
WHEREAS, in July 1998, the City of Stockton awarded a contract to Verizon
Wireless to provide cellular phone service, and the City of Lodi can piggyback on
Stockton's contract, thus saving the expense of the bidding process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Lodi
hereby authorizes staff to piggyback on the City of Stockton's contract with Verizon
Wireless, and further authorizes expending a cost of $2,300.00 to cover the payment of
the tax due on the suggested retail value of each unit.
Dated: December 20, 2000
-------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution No.
2000-236, which was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Lodi in a regular meeting held December 20, 2000 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hitchcock, Howard, Land, Pennino and
Mayor Nakanishi
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
SUSAN J. BLA STON
City Clerk
2000-236