Council approves citywide camera and door‑access upgrades, OKs $167,890 initial payment and lease financing

The North Platte City Council on March 3 approved a multi‑part package to replace aging security cameras and door‑access controllers at several city facilities, authorizing an initial municipal Light & Water payment of $167,890, a contract with Kidwell (Motorola equipment) and lease‑purchase financing through US Bank Government Leasing and Finance Inc.

Staff said Motorola, the equipment provider through Kidwell, told the city it could not honor a previously offered five‑year, zero‑interest financing package; Kidwell negotiated a lower equipment price but financing was required. Don told the council he had solicited local banks and US Bank, and that US Bank offered the most favorable financing. At the meeting staff cited a financing rate near 3.95% for the five‑year lease purchase.

Council members asked whether the city had checked local vendors and whether post‑installation service would continue. Staff responded Kidwell is the authorized Motorola dealer for the territory and would provide installation and service; keeping the same equipment brand across facilities was presented as a rationale for the procurement.

The council approved: (1) authorizing the mayor to sign the contract with Kidwell for door access and camera upgrades; (2) using municipal Light & Water funds for a $167,890 initial payment to reduce financed amounts; and (3) accepting a lease‑purchase financing proposal with US Bank for cameras, on‑site servers and controllers. Staff said replacing systems now also addresses state guidance to remove certain older components.