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Commission awards contracts for school‑zone speed detection and upgrades police radio system; generator purchase approved
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Summary
The Coral Gables City Commission voted to contract for school‑zone speed detection cameras, increase spending authority for a public‑safety radio upgrade and approved an emergency generator purchase for the trolley depot, moves officials say will free officers for street patrols and improve radio reliability.
Coral Gables commissioners on July 1 approved several public‑safety technology contracts and capital purchases intended to improve traffic safety around schools and bring the city’s emergency communications equipment up to modern standards.
The commission accepted the procurement officer’s recommendation to award RFP 2025‑004 for a school‑zone speed detection system to Genoptix Smart Mobility Solutions LLC as the highest‑ranked proposer. Celeste Walker Harmon, the city’s chief procurement officer, told commissioners the procurement followed Florida statutes and the city’s competitive process. Police and traffic officials said the automated cameras will target speed compliance near Coral Gables High and other school zones and free motorcycle units to address other enforcement needs.
Commissioners also approved an amendment to increase spending authority under the NASPO ValuePoint master contract (GRAMA 00318) to acquire updated public‑safety radios and related equipment. Staff said the new radios include features that benefit officer safety and integrate with the city’s CAD and records systems; the purchase will also allow older portable units to be repurposed across city departments. Chief procurement officer Celeste Walker Harmon said the radios were vetted and are used by departments in Florida, and the procurement office reviewed bidders’ litigation histories before recommendation.
Separately the commission authorized the purchase and installation of an emergency generator for the trolley depot from AGC Electric Inc., citing the depot’s role in supporting public‑safety communications and dispatch systems. Officials said the generator is a long‑lead item and discussed pursuing supplemental state appropriations to offset some of the cost.
Votes: All three motions passed on voice votes/roll calls (unanimous). Commissioners said the technologies will reduce demands on patrol staff and improve resilience for critical communications and school‑zone enforcement.
Why this matters: Commissioners and staff framed the measures as investments in public safety — modern speed detection can reduce crash risk near schools, reliable interoperable radios improve emergency response coordination, and backup power at the trolley depot strengthens continuity for systems that support public safety.
What’s next: Staff will negotiate and finalize contracts and begin phased installations. The radio replacement program is expected to be implemented over multiple years under existing procurement rules and will be integrated with the city’s CAD and RMS systems. The trolley depot generator will be installed on a multi‑month timetable; staff will explore state appropriations to defray costs.
Sources: City Commission meeting transcript (July 1, 2025); procurement presentations.
