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TO: Mayor Robert J. O’Connor
FROM: Lieutenant William Hull #954
DATE: 05/08/2017
SUBJECT:
A Resolution to accept the bid from Segway Inc., 14 Technology Dive, Bedford, New Hampshire 03110 to purchase two Segway, SE-3 Patrollers (Police) for the Aurora Police Department, recommended to the Finance Committee on May 23, 2017.
PURPOSE:
To secure two Segway SE-3 Patrollers (Police) for use in patrolling River Edge Park, Downtown Aurora, Downtown Transportation Center and the walking / bicycle paths in and around the downtown boundaries; to provide a high visible presence of police while increasing the safety and security for our downtown visitors and businesses.
BACKGROUND:
The Aurora Police Department has the responsibility to patrol the downtown as well as River Edge Park during city sponsored events, music concerts and daily patrol duties. The purpose is to maintain a safe environment for all citizens who are in these areas for both recreational and business related purposes. Along with both foot and bicycle patrol we would also like the option of having a motorized method of patrol which offers police more versatility when having to patrol "off the beaten path" such as grassy areas and uneven terrain. Last year it was discussed among the chief of police and command staff that one viable solution would be a Segway SE-3 Patroller; a three wheel, electric patrol vehicle, specifically designed for police. The SE-3 Patroller has safety features that the commonly used 2 wheel Segway units do not have. The SE-3 also gives the officer the ability to travel on uneven surfaces while maintaining a consistent speed without tiring the officer who may have to dis-mount the vehicle and confront a violent person.
DISCUSSION:
To enhance the safety and security of the city's downtown district while also increasing the mobility and visibility of the police officers on patrol in these locations within the City of Aurora:
The funds for the purchase of the two Segway SE-3 Patrollers would be drawn from 101-3536-421.50-50. The funds are available in this account as they were secured through the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The use of these funds were approved by the finance committee on July 12, 2016, Per Resolution R16-222.
On April 25, 2017 we received a bid from Segway, Inc. indicating the cost of the SE-3 Patroller is $12,999.00 with a total cost for two SE-3's of 25,998.00. Segway, Inc, 14 Technology Drive, Bedford, New Hampshire is the sole source bidder for the Segway SE-3 Patroller (Police). Segway, Inc. included a Sole Source Letter with this bid. The decision, therefore, was to accept the bid from Segway, Inc.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The impact of having the Segway SE-3 Patrollers will have a positive response from the community in that they will provide officers a greater ability to patrol a larger area while being more visible to the public. Using these Patrollers in large crowds will also offer the officers better visibility as they will be 8 to 10 inches higher as they stand on the Segway which should increase enforcement efforts. Since the Segway SE-3 Patroller is battery powered it will use no fuel or emit any greenhouse gases, lowering the operating cost and impacting the environment in a positive way.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I would recommend that the Finance Committee approve the purchase of the Segway SE-3 Patrollers from Segway, Inc for the Aurora Police Department.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to accept the bid from Segway, Inc, 14 Technology Drive, Bedford, New Hampshire, for the purchase of two Segway SE-3 Patrollers (Police) for the Aurora Police Department.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, The Aurora Police Department desires to purchase two Segway SE=3 Patrollers to increase visibility and patrol effectiveness in and around the downtown areas of the City of Aurora:
WHEREAS, bids were received from Segway, Inc., a sole source company for the purchase of two Segway SE-3 Patrollers with a total cost of 25,999.00, and
WHEREAS, the necessary funds needed to purchase the Segway SE-3 Patrollers were budgeted and approved by Finance Committee on July 12, 2017, R16-222, with the funds being secured through the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, the funds are in account 101-3536-421.50-50.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: to grant authorization of two Segway SE-3 Patrollers from Segway, Inc., Bedford, New Hampshire for the Aurora Police Department and does hereby further authorize the Director of Purchasing to issue the necessary to implement the purchase of the same.