The City Commission approved on Oct. 6 a $296,976 purchase of the Glance emergency vehicle preemption system to coordinate traffic signals with approaching emergency vehicles at approximately 46 main intersections.

Why it matters: City and fire officials said the system should speed emergency response times and improve safety by giving green signals to approaching emergency apparatus and coordinating lights so cross-traffic stops.

Details presented: Staff said the purchase covers hardware and 10 years of service and software. City staff and the supplier told commissioners many components are in stock and the city will install most of the system “in house” to reduce cost. Staff estimated installation would begin immediately and that initial deployment could occur in roughly 60–90 days depending on supplier deliveries.

Commissioner Broderick asked for clarification and a public explanation because consent items above $100,000 merit public awareness, and Mark Zarek, the project engineer, explained the system would not be installed at every intersection — it would serve main thoroughfares including Orange, Okeechobee, Virginia and U.S. 1 — about 46 intersections in total. He said utilities work will include a looped water main and a private lift station for other projects; specifically for Glance staff explained it would be placed at the major corridors and “not all of our intersections.”

Commissioner Johnson, chair of the fire board, and the mayor expressed support. Johnson said the system had been requested by the fire chief and that nearby jurisdictions (Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County) already use similar systems. He said the investment would “absolutely save lives” by improving response times and traffic safety.

Outcome: The consent item was approved by roll call (unanimous vote of those present). The city manager and department staff will proceed with procurement and coordinate in-house installation and supplier deliveries.

Implementation notes: Staff said the supplier had materials in stock and the city would perform much of the installation itself to limit contractor costs. The approved purchase includes ten years of service/software updates. Staff will manage the construction schedule and provide updates to the commission as installations proceed.

Ending: Commissioners praised staff for finding a funding source and advancing the system. The mayor and commissioners approved the purchase and asked for follow-up reporting as intersections come online.