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Strongsville council approves five-year body‑camera and in‑car video purchase from Utility Associates
Summary
Council authorized a contract with Utility Associates for body-worn and in-car video equipment and software, citing a state-negotiated contract and a price below the state term; cost noted at about $110,000 per year for five years.
The Strongsville City Council on Feb. 18 voted unanimously to allow the mayor to enter a contract with Utility Associates Inc. for body-worn cameras, in‑car video systems and related software to replace obsolete equipment.
Council Member Kosick said the purchase would proceed without public bidding because the city is using a negotiated Department of Administrative Services contract. She added that the Utility Associates proposal is priced below state-term pricing. Kosick told colleagues the cost is approximately $110,000 per year for five years and asked the council to suspend the rules and adopt the ordinance.
Why it matters: The equipment purchase covers body-worn and in-car video systems that the police department uses for recording and evidence. Moving under an existing state contract allowed the city to bypass a local public-bidding process while still following state procurement channels, according to the presentation.
What the council did: Ordinance 2025020 — authorizing the mayor to contract with Utility Associates Inc. for body-worn cameras, in-car video systems and related appurtenances — was moved and seconded and passed on a unanimous roll-call vote. The motion to suspend rules and adopt was made by Council Member Carbone and seconded by Council Member Kaminski.
Details and constraints: Kosick described the arrangement as being under the state’s negotiated terms but at a lower price than the state term. The ordinance language on the agenda notes replacement of obsolete equipment and acquisition of equipment and software related to video systems. Specific procurement contract documents, equipment models and maintenance terms were not presented during the meeting and will be finalized by administration staff.
Next steps: The administration will finalize the contract with Utility Associates and return any required documentation to council as appropriate. Council did not specify a department budget transfer at the meeting; Finance certified funds were available for ordinances requiring certification.
Quote: “It is approximately $110,000 dollars per year for 5 years,” Council Member Kosick said while describing the Utility Associates proposal.
