Current purchasing policy requires informal quotes or competitive bidding for supply and equipment purchases exceeding $5,000. Moreover, “open” orders are used for various categories of items, such as hardware, electrical supplies and minor equipment, when the required individual items or quantities cannot be determined in advance.

Due to the nature of traffic control day-to-day operations, specifically, staff’s obligation to respond rapidly to traffic signal outages, pole knockdowns, etc., Traffic Engineering is requesting open purchase orders with JTB Supply and Econolite.

Econolite controllers exclusively support the City’s traffic signal system.  These devices are located at each signalized intersection and are housed in an above ground cabinet.  The controllers ensure proper timing and coordination of all red, green, and yellow signal phases as well as pedestrian movements.  Econolite controllers have proven reliable and have kept traffic flowing safely and efficiently throughout the City. 

JTB Supply provides traffic signal hardware from 17 manufacturers, offering competitive pricing for most of their products. JTB Supply provides rapid turnarounds on our most urgent requests, and their nearby distribution center in the City of Orange allows our traffic signal electricians to pick up any emergency orders almost immediately.

There is no impact to the General Fund.  The Public Works Fiscal Year 2020-21 Engineering budget will cover all purchase order costs.

It is recommended that the City Council:

•  Authorize the Finance Director to issue a purchase order to Econolite Control Products, in the amount not-to-exceed $75,000, to purchase Econolite controllers; and

•  Authorize the Finance Director to issue a purchase order to JTB Supply Company, Inc., in the amount not-to-exceed $125,000, to purchase traffic control products.

By: Ana V. Neal, Sr. Administrative Analyst