City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date: December 19, 2006

Item No.:         

Recommendation:  That the Common Council authorize the purchase of thirteen (13) “Opticom” Infrared Emitters from Traffic Control Corporation in the amount of $6,890 to be installed in marked squads.

Background:  In the year 2000, the Fire Department requested and was approved CEP monies for the purchase of an “Opticom” hardware system for controlling the traffic signals in the City’s intersections. The request was based on equipping both Police and Fire vehicles. Since that time, the Fire Department has taken the lead of working with the County and getting the units installed at several controlled intersections in the City and in their rigs.

In 2000, the manufacturer recommended that the Opticom system should not be utilized by both public safety agencies in a jurisdiction (police and fire). It was their recommendation that Fire should be the agency of choice and that if Police utilized the device, it may be too much. Over-utilization might cause civilian accidents with the additional signal controls. At the time we agreed with that decision.

We have since contacted Opticom to establish if there is a pattern of increased accidents caused by both public safety agencies using it. They stated that their experience has been that those cities whose police and fire departments both utilize the system have not seen any additional accidents. In addition, I have checked with some Police Chief’s regionally and they, too, confirm that there is no increased pattern of accidents when both agencies use the Opticom system.

We have been informed that, as of January 1, 2007, the cost per unit would increase by $176 each. Therefore, we are requesting permission to move forward with this order at this time in order to avoid the substantial increase in costs.

Fiscal Impact:  The cost for 13 units at $530 each would be $6,890. The 2000 CEP Project No. 00015 has a remaining balance of $44,589. Monies for this purchase would come from this 2000 CEP Project, which was originally established for the purchase of the infrared emitters for fire vehicles.

                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Patrick DeGrave

                                                                  City Administrator

Prepared by:                                              Fiscal Review by:

Thomas P. Bauer                                       Beverly A. Buretta, CMC

Chief of Police                                           City Clerk