City Council waives purchasing rules to buy two solar radar speed signs for $7,514

The City Council voted to waive purchasing-ordinance requirements under section 64-53(d) and authorized the city manager to sign a quote from RadarSign to purchase two TC 600 solar-powered radar speed signs and brackets for $7,514, the council was told.

City staff said the signs were added to the budget during the council’s budget workshops to supplement the municipality’s existing seven fixed radar signs and one portable unit. Staff estimated a six- to eight-week lead time for the order and said the new signs can mount on poles that currently hold speed-limit signs or be moved later as needed.

During discussion, council members identified priority locations for the new signs, with consensus to place units on Oak Street and South Forest Street; other streets mentioned as candidates included Pound (near the city limits), Howard Street, Grove Street (near schools), Park Street and Main Street. Council members described recurring complaints about speeding on those corridors and noted the portable unit and existing fixed units are used to slow traffic. Staff said the sign currently at the Pound approach could be moved farther into town if warranted and that portable units can be repositioned to address problem stretches.

The motion to waive the ordinance and approve the purchase was moved and supported and passed on a roll-call vote; councilmembers present recorded “yes.” City staff said the purchase will be charged to the capital improvements line item, contra contractual services.

Staff will place the order and return to council or staff files if locations need to be adjusted once the signs arrive.