DEPARTMENT: Pre-K 4 SA
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Sarah Baray, Ph.D.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Education Center security and monitoring services enhancements
SUMMARY:
Possible Board action to approve the installation of security and monitoring services from the City of San Antonio contracted vendor Intertech Securities to replace and upgrade the existing integrated camera and security technology at the four Education Centers in an amount to exceed $140,000.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Pre-K 4 SA has four Education Centers located in each directional quadrant within the City of San Antonio city limits. Theses Education Centers include Fiscal Operations, Communications, Student Services, Facility Management, Custodial Services, and Education Center support. Additionally, the four Education Centers are at service capacity with 500 children and 25 classrooms. The South Education Center location is unique because this space shares both the Education Center and Administrative offices.
In late May and early June, SAPD’s Hostage Negotiation Detail team surveyed all four Education Centers at the request of Pre-K 4 SA to identify safety gaps of the facilities. One key finding in all four reports was that the camera and security system that was installed in 2013 and 2014 was due for an upgrade. The camera system is primarily single lens and fixed in locations that hindered monitoring the facilities.
On July 12, 2018, Pre-K 4 SA’s Office of the CEO approved coordinating with needed Pre-K 4 SA staff and internal City departments, for camera upgrade options, and security surveillance center possibilities.
On July 18, 2018, Pre-K 4 SA and City of San Antonio’s Information Technology Service Department (ITSD) met to discuss performing a camera upgrade and a security surveillance center. Noted enhancements to this proposed camera and security technologies include the following.
• New cameras that have zoom and pan options to ensure the entire building is under surveillance
• A centralized command center that would allow all four Education Centers to be viewed from one location simultaneously
• Upgraded servers that will allow quick download speeds and filing of video feeds
ISSUE:
Pre-K 4 SA’s current cameras have one lens to monitor at each fixed location which causes limitations on viewing points on each facility. Upgrading the server platform will allow for all Education Centers Directors to have the same system. With the Education Centers opening at different times, the server platform was not able to be standardized.
Camera and Server Phase
• Conversion from single lens fixed cameras to multi lens fixed cameras. This will allow for more coverage of each area the camera is located and reduce areas not currently covered.
• The addition of Pan, Tilt and Zoom cameras in locations recommended by ITSD and vendor Intertech Securities.
• Standardization of software platform for all four Education Centers.
• Programing of each Directors device to be synced with upgraded system.
Security Surveillance Center Phase
• Purchase of a device capable of handling multiple live streams, and four high definition monitors.
• Programing and installation of materials requested for security surveillance center.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board can choose to not approve the contract; however, this would substantially delay the project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this project is available in Pre-K 4 SA’s Improvement and Contingency Fund. The purpose of this fund is to allocate dollars for capital improvements and technology upgrades such as this project.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board approve a contract with Intertech Securities in an amount not to exceed $140,000 for the installation of integrated cameras and security technology at the four Education Centers.