DATE: JUNE 18, 2024
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: JOHN MURRAY, ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: TONYA ERICKSON, POLICE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
DIANA CALIZO, ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST I
TITLE: DIRECT PURCHASE OF VIGILANT FIXED LICENSE PLATE READER (LPR) CAMERA SYSTEMS AND PAYMENT OF THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEE RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve the following:
A Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Agent to complete the direct purchase of L5F Fixed License Plate Reader (LPR) camera systems and associated equipment and services from Vigilant Solutions, LLC for a total cost not to exceed $49,812.82.
A Resolution approving the expenditure of $35,559.43 and authorizing the City Manager to execute the associated annual subscription agreement for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, for the annual subscription fee with Vigilant Solutions, LLC.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Agent to complete the direct purchase of L5F Fixed License Plate Reader (LPR) camera systems, with associated equipment and services from Vigilant Solutions, LLC for a total cost not to exceed $49,812.82. Staff further recommends that the City Council approve a Resolution approving the expenditure of $35,559.43 and authorizing the City Manager to execute any associated annual subscription agreement for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, for the annual subscription fee with Vigilant Solutions, LLC.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Salinas Police Department (SPD) has utilized License Plate Reader (LPR) technology since 2018 and since the original mobile vehicle-based LPR systems, SPD has installed fixed Flock Safety LPR solar-powered cameras throughout the city and expanded the network of mobile LPR units installed on marked police vehicle. The department is requesting the City Council to authorize the City Manager to approve the direct purchase of L5F Fixed License Plate Reader (LPR) camera systems from Vigilant Solutions, LLC for a total cost not to exceed $49,812.82. The department is further requesting the City Council to authorize the City Manager to approve the payment, and execute any associated agreement, for the annual subscription renewal fee with Vigilant Solutions LLC in an amount not to exceed $35,559.43 for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
BACKGROUND:
The Salinas Police Department has utilized LPR technology since 2018 and it has proven to be a beneficial tool for identifying and locating stolen vehicles and other vehicles linked to criminal activity. Due to the success with LPR technology, fixed Flock Safety solar-powered LPR cameras have been installed throughout the city, and with funding from a COPS Technology Grant, we were able to add mobile LPR to additional marked police vehicles. The department is now requesting to purchase fixed and hard wired Vigilant LPR camera systems to be installed in the city. This new purchase will be fully funded by the 2021 Justice Assistance Grant.
The LPR cameras record vehicle license plate information and uploads the data for comparison against state databases of stolen or wanted vehicles. The Flock Safety LPR cameras provide clear images of vehicles, showing not only their license plate number, but other objective data such as vehicle make, model, color, and unique details such as roof racks, bumper stickers, etc. These images provide objective evidence in solving crimes and are invaluable as investigative tools. The mobile Vigilant LPR systems record license plate numbers of parked and moving vehicles as they move about town. It has been beneficial to maintain both Flock Safety solar-based LPR system and Vigilant mobile LPR systems, but the Flock Safety LPRs are solar-powered, and thus the recordings may be limited by battery life and the mobile Vigilant systems lack the ability to remain focused on specific areas or locations. The Salinas Police Department would like to expand the LPR technology by adding fixed Vigilant License Plate Reader (LPR) Camera Systems which are hardwired and thus not limited by battery life. These fixed LPR cameras are dual-lens cameras with infrared LEDs for plate illumination and can capture up to two (2) lane coverage during varied weather conditions. These cameras are hardwired and thus can provide continuous scanning and real time alerting, including data analytics, without the limitation of solar power. Given the desire to implement complimentary technology, the department is requesting the direct purchase of Vigilant L5F Fixed License Plate Reader (LPR) camera systems, with associated equipment and services.
Although all Vigilant LPR camera systems are owned by the city, SPD is required to pay for an annual subscription fee to maintain the Vigilant LPR services. The Salinas Police Department has paid these subscription costs since 2018 but given the addition of the mobile LPR cameras 2023, our annual subscription renewal cost has now increased such that payment requires approval of City Council which we are now requesting. The Vigilant Solutions annual subscription fee for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, is $35,559.43.
The purchase of these additional fixed LPR camera systems, and payment of the annual subscription fee, maintain compliance with Ordinance Number 2678, related to the Collection and Use of Digital Data, which was approved by City Council on March 19, 2024 The City Council has the authority to approve this direct purchase of the LPR camera systems, as well as payment of the associated annual subscription fee, under Salinas Municipal code Section12-27 and without application of the local purchasing preference pursuant to Salinas Municipal Code Section 12-28.080.
Police Community Advisory Committee
The Police Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) has received several presentations over the last few years regarding LPR camera systems, and the Chief of Police specifically discussed the acceptance of the 2021 Justice Assistance Grant, and associated plans to purchase fixed LPR camera systems, at the November 18, 2021, PCAC Meeting. The Committee had no questions or comments related to this purchasing request.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Approving the proposed resolution will support the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goal of Public Safety.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Police Department has and will continue to coordinate with the Finance and Legal Departments during the purchasing and payment process, and with the IT and Public Works departments as necessary on technical and implementation issues.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Funding for the purchase of the LPR cameras is included in the Proposed FY 2024-25 Budget and is identified within the Police Department’s 2021 Justice Assistance Grant budget under account 3161.40.7101. Funds for the annual subscription fee are appropriated and available within the Police Department’s FY 2024-25 budget, account 1000.40.4130.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution – Direct Purchase of Fixed License Plate Reader (LPR) Camera Systems Resolution – Annual Subscription Renewal
Quote for Vigilant LPR Camera Systems
Invoice for Vigilant Annual Subscription Fee
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