TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Ted Beck, Chief Technology Officer
DATE: October 30, 2013
SUBJECT: title
A resolution authorizing the purchase and installation of a communications tower at 649 South River St. (Water and Sewer Maintenance Facility). Purchases to be made with Sentinel Downers Grove, IL and RA Ubert Yorkville, IL. Total project cost of $188,243.00.
body
PURPOSE:
The City has been temporarily utilizing a Harris mobile tower and equipment known as the site on wheels or SOW. This site has proven to be highly effective for areas of the southern Fox River valley providing improved radio system performance. The SOW was not designed to be a permanent installation and is a shared mobile resource for both Aurora and Naperville. It was originally placed on site to test the impact for radio system coverage in the area.
BACKGROUND:
This project was advertised as an RFP by the City as RFP13-29. Five potential companies attended the pre proposal meeting. The City did not receive any subsequent proposals from these or any vendors . A follow up email to the potential proposers indicated that they were too busy doing larger installations or were not interested.
Given the urgency of replacing the SOW with a permanent solution surrounding communities were contacted to identify high quality companies. Sentinel as a tower vendor was recommended by two communities and RA Ubert was recommended by City staff. Sentinel Technologies has assisted the City on the network and fiber projects for the last several years. Their performance has been outstanding. My affidavit for sole source under these circumstances is attached.
DISCUSSION:
Funds were set aside for this enhancement were set aside within our budget with the original Harris purchase.
· Funds for this project will be taken from 348-3536-421.74-20
· This fund is designed for this form of project and no budget transfers will be necessary.
· Neither Sentinel or RA Ubert have outstanding debt with the City
· The project was advertised as an RFP and received no responses.
Due to these circumstances a sole source affidavit is attached.
Tower procurement and installation |
$114,310.00 |
Soil and grounding engineering |
$2,750.00 |
Overall project engineering |
$5,800.00 |
Tower Foundation |
$23,270.00 |
Fiber extension |
$25,000.00 |
Construction Total |
$171,130.00 |
10% project contingency |
$17,113.00 |
Project Total |
$188,243.00 |
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This tower location has proven to dramatically improve coverage for the Harris Public Safety Radio System. This system provides critical communications for the Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire Department, Public Works, Electrical, etc.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the members of the Finance Committee authorize the purchase and installation of a free standing 160' Public Safety tower at our Water and Sewer Maintenance Facility site.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Peters, Alternate