Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works Department

TO:	Charles F. Soules, P.E., Public Works Director
FROM: CC:	Robert Aaron, Public Works Fleet Manager Mark Thiel, Assistant Public Works Director Tammy Bennett Assistant Public Works Director Todd Lohman Traffic Division Supervisor
DATE:	April 13, 2015
RE:	Unit 991 Replacement, Traffic Signal Aerial Apparatus

Background

Unit #991 has experienced multiple out of service issues in the past year.  This unit began as #983 in 1994.  The lift body was remounted in 2001 and was in continuous service as a front line traffic operations unit. Central Maintenance conducts third party mechanical and dielectric tests each year per OSHA guidelines.  This unit failed the September 2014 testing.  Deficiencies were repaired and the unit was placed back into service.  In February 2015, additional structural deficiencies were discovered as a result of an in-use failure.  This unit, due to its age and use, has the continued potential of failing safety inspections in the future.  Unit #991 incurred over $55,000 in repairs since the remount in 2001.  The current repair estimate is $3,500; this is after $6,200 was spent in repairs to put it back into service last fall.  This unit has exceeded its service life as a front line maintenance vehicle and continues be a concern for safety of the personnel that utilize this unit daily.

Critical Function Unit

The Traffic Division utilizes an aerial truck for a variety of critical functions.  With 95 plus traffic signals, the aerial is a front line repair unit in inclement weather.  It is vital in maintaining the emergency preemptive system that allows emergency vehicle traffic right of way. It is utilized for maintenance of our signage, pedestrian signal head repair and installation, street lighting repair and maintenance, signal upgrades, intersection camera maintenance and installation, and traffic studies.  This unit is used in combination with unit #988, a 2012 aerial.  With one of these units down, it increases response times for signal outages, reduces routine maintenance schedules, and adds difficulties if the only unit in service requires repair. 

Funding Options

Altec Industries holds a current National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) government contract.  The City utilizes this contract and is a current member of the NJPA procurement contract.  The current contract price of an Altec AT40G F550 chassis is $95,332.  This truck has been evaluated by the Traffic Division and is suitable for their current and future needs. 

Funding sources available:   $25,000 Traffic operations

                                      $33,300 Gas Tax Fund

$37,032 Equipment Reserve Fund

                        Total:       $95,332.00

Staff Recommendation

Traffic Division and Central Maintenance recommend the replacement of unit #991 to provide continued functionality and safety for the Traffic Division operations.  This unit is a vital piece of equipment for city operation.

Action

Authorize the replacement of unit #991, utilizing identified funding sources, with the current NJPA contract price of $95,332.