DATE:
March 4, 2025
TO:
LaTanya Bellow, City Manager
FROM:
Jeff Jennings, Police Chief
Michael Parenti, Information Technology Director
SUBJECT:
Resolution Of The City Council Of Emeryville Authorizing The City Manager To Issue A Purchase Order To SHI In The Amount Of $81,378.84 For The Purchase Of Seventeen New Computers To Replace The Existing Computers In The Police Department’s Vehicle Fleet Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached resolution.
Background
The existing in-vehicle computers serve a vital role in the daily operations of the Emeryville Police Department. The existing Panasonic CF-33 computers, purchased in July 2019, were slated for a four-year life cycle and are now end of life, out of warranty and are experiencing some performance issues. The Technology Fund (670) provides for the replacement of computer equipment such as these devices and has adequate funding for this project.
Discussion
Information Technology staff and Police staff worked together to form a list of requirements and to evaluate several options for replacing the existing devices. Staff relied on previous experience with existing in-vehicle computers, noting that the existing Panasonic Toughbooks have served the department’s needs extremely well and have proven to be durable and reliable, as evidenced by the City extending their expected lifecycle by nearly two years.
Though not a requirement, the ability to reuse existing docks and power cabling in the vehicles did play a part in the decision-making process. By replacing the existing fleet of computers with the proposed Panasonic devices, the City will save the cost of wiring and replacing docks (approximately $1,000 per vehicle), in each of the seventeen vehicles.
Based on these factors and existing experience with the Toughbooks, staff determined replacing the end-of-life devices with the newest Toughbook model, in the same form factor, was the best fit for the City.
Fiscal Impact
The funding for this equipment will come from the City’s Technology Fund (670-91650, Project 17670011), which is designated for hardware and software replacement. This equipment is being replaced according to schedule and adequate funding exists.
Staff Communication with the Public
Staff has not had any communication with the public concerning this matter.
PREPARED BY: Michael Parenti, Information Technology Director Approved and Forwarded to the
City Council of the City of Emeryville:
LaTanya Bellow, City Manager
Attachments
Attachment A – Quote
Draft Resolution
Police Vehicle Computer Replacement
City Council Meeting | March 4, 2025
City of Emeryville
CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM