DEPARTMENT: Finance
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Troy Elliott
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Cameras for Illegal Dumping Enforcement
SUMMARY:
An ordinance accepting the bid from QSTAR Technology, LLC for the purchase of solar powered, motion-detection cameras to be deployed at illegal dumping hotspots to assist with deterrence and enforcement efforts. Funding in the amount of $66,946.00 is available from the Smart City Project and is included in the FY 2017 Capital Improvement Program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Submitted for City Council consideration and action is the bid submitted by QSTAR Technology, LLC for the purchase of solar powered, motion detection cameras for a total cost of $66,946.00. As part of the FY2017 Adopted Budget, the Mayor and City Council approved funding to support initiatives in the areas of sustainability, digitally connected living and transportation. Included in the Smart City Program was $100,000.00 for a pilot program to install cameras at illegal dumping hotspots throughout the City. The purpose of the cameras will be to act as a deterrent to illegal dumping. For this pilot program, Development Services relied on information gathered thru Code Enforcement’s participation with the Southside Illegal Dumping Enforcement Task Force from 2009 - 2011. The cameras were highly effective and afforded the abatement officers the flexibility to capture images wirelessly, download incriminating pictures and effectively identify and cite violators. Additionally, the images from the cameras can be used to assist with the enforcement of violations. Installation of the cameras will be combined with an educational campaign from the Solid Waste Management Department advising residents it is illegal to dump trash at non-approved sites and will provide information on the correct way to dispose of trash.
In an effort to obtain the best equipment for illegal dumping enforcement and deterrence, Development Services coordinated with San Antonio Park Police who use various methods of capturing images including illegal dumping cameras, trail cameras and live video. The most effective method has been the illegal dumping cameras because of the use of the camera’s capability to download images remotely and provide high resolution images. Development Services looked at all camera surveillance methods including fixed and motion images from various sources and settled on the law enforcement standard of illegal dumping cameras. The Development Services Department and Park Police are trained on this brand of cameras purchased originally by Code Enforcement and are still in use. The original purchase decision of cameras was evaluated and approved by the Development Services Department’s Code Enforcement Section with technical support from the San Antonio Police Department.
ISSUE:
The ordinance will allow for the purchase of solar powered, motion-detection cameras to be deployed at illegal dumping hotspots throughout the City. The cameras are able to be relocated as necessary as new hotspots are identified. These cameras will be strategically placed in chronic dumping areas to capture images of illegal dumping as it occurs and potentially identify, cite and arrest, as necessary, any illegal dumpers. Through Development Services’ partnership with Solid Waste and building on the cases Park Police brings forward for enforcement, all three departments will provide a combined media release on the citing of illegal dumpers and the City’s efforts to prosecute these violators.
The Small Business Economic Development Advocacy Ordinance requirements were waived due to the lack of qualified SMWBE’s available to provide the goods and services.
There were no bids submitted from local bidders for this contract; therefore, the Local Preference Program was not applied.
The Veteran-Owned Business Program does not apply to good/supplies contracts, so no preference was applied to this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this contract not be approved, the ability to pilot the use of the specialized cameras for illegal dumping enforcement would not be possible.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is a one-time capital improvement expenditure in an amount not to exceed $66,946.00 payable to QSTAR Technology, LLC. Funding for this contract is included as part of the Smart City Project and is included in the FY 2017 Capital Improvement Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the approval of a contract with QSTAR Technology, LLC for the purchase of illegal dumping cameras for a total cost of $66,946.00.
This contract was procured on the basis of low bid and a Contracts Disclosure form is not required.