2 3
8 Staff Report
City Council
Item No. {{section.number}}.{{item.number}}
Meeting Date: May 28, 2025
From: Andrew Firestine, AICP, Director of Community and Economic Development
Title: CityDetect AI for Code Compliance
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is presented for discussion purposes prior to the presentation of a contract award to City Detect, currently anticipated to be presented to City Council on June 25, 2025.
BACKGROUND:
During the April 2, 2025 Special City Council Meeting, staff presented an overview of the City Detect Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera systems as part of the Community and Economic Development Department staffing and budget review. This presentation outlined their potential to enhance the City's ability to monitor and address code violations, including illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, graffiti, and property maintenance issues. Council asked questions throughout the presentation and staff committed to a follow-up presentation with more specific details on City Detect AI prior to the award of a contract.
DISCUSSION:
The City Detect AI camera systems offer a technologically advanced solution for real-time monitoring and data collection. By mounting AI-equipped cameras on code compliance vehicles, the system can detect and document code violations, providing visual evidence and geolocation data to expedite the education and enforcement process.
The anticipated outcomes include:
•Enhanced efficiency in identifying and documenting violations across the City •Improving staff efficiency in addressing violations and providing education •Improved compliance rates through timely notifications and follow-up •Data-driven decision-making to prioritize enforcement efforts 2 3
8 In the April 2, 2025 presentation and Council discussion, Council asked several questions related to the use of City Detect AI, including those related to its use in code compliance operations and the fairness or equity in its deployment within the City. In its presentation, staff committed that City Detect AI is a supplemental resource for code compliance officers and there would still remain human verification of any identified violation. The mission of the Code Compliance Division to lead with education prior to enforcement would not change. In support of this, staff has prepared an administrative policy addressing how the tool would be used in the code compliance process and the protections in place concerning its use. A draft of this administrative policy is attached to the staff report.
Importantly, once a violation is confirmed, an educational letter will be sent to the property owner, clearly describing the violation with photos, citing relevant code sections, outlining compliance steps and providing a compliance date. A formal code enforcement case would only be opened in those instances where the educational efforts are unsuccessful, and compliance is not achieved within a reasonable period of time. The policy also addresses staff training and ongoing performance reviews of City Detect AI.
A contract with City Detect is also being drafted by the City Attorney staff. The precise terms and conditions of the contract are currently the subject of negotiation between the parties and that while the staff report outlines major elements of the system, terms and conditions may change if determined to be necessary to protect the city’s interest. Currently, the contract is expected to be brought for approval at the June 25, 2025 City Council meeting such that City Detect AI may be implemented at the start of the new fiscal year. The draft contract is structured as a three-year contract with an annual cost of service of $73,600 for the installation of cameras and AI technology on two city code vehicles, together with access to the City Detect web dashboard. The total not-to-exceed cost of the 3-yeaar contract is $220,800. The contract has a termination clause that it may be terminated in any year of the contract for any reason with no responsibility for any year beyond the current year, effectively making it an annual contract. City Detect retains ownership of the equipment and has full responsibility for the maintenance of all equipment for the term of the contract. The contract also includes training and ongoing support.
To fulfill the terms of the contract, City Detect will install and maintain two (2) data collection units on agreed-upon municipal vehicles. These data collection units will remain the property of City Detect and are leased to the city for the term of the agreement. City Detect will be responsible for purchasing replacement components of any collection systems damaged or malfunctioning within the normal scope of work. The City’s fleet services will be responsible for reinstallation of components shipped to fleet services with City Detect’s guidance and support.
While the devices are in use, City Detect will provide data collection, processing, analysis, and reporting as outlined in the proposal. These services include ongoing technical support, systems maintenance, and employee training. City Detect will provide comprehensive training for city staff including the use of all previously mentioned systems.
City Detect representatives will be present to provide detailed responses to any questions regarding their technology and its integration into City operations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
2 3
8 If approved at the June 25, 2025 Council Meeting, the cost for City Detect AI Camera Systems is $73,600/year with a 3-year contract total not to exceed contract amount of $220,800, with the goal to start July 1, 2025. The cost includes hardware, software access, data management, and ongoing technical support. The investment aligns with the City's strategic goals to enhance code enforcement efficiency and community safety.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Department Policy: AI Camera Detection System