Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve the Purchase of Four (4) Solar Powered, Trailered Portable Traffic Signals and Eight (8) Portable Pedestrian Pedestals from Street Smart Rentals, LLC.
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Submitted By: Nathaniel Rubel, Procurement Assistant Director, Procurement Management Division (PMD).
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of high-quality infrastructure and facilities.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Nathaniel Rubel, Procurement Assistant Director, PMD.
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and Street Smart Rentals, LLC.
3. Purpose: Aid to improve traffic flow and decrease congestion at the 4-way stop intersection of SW Discovery Way and Community Blvd. with portable traffic signals due to long-lead fabrication of new permanent mast arms.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New.
5. Duration: One-time purchase.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: Provide flexible traffic management solution for smooth traffic flow, minimizing disruptions during construction and maintenance work for temporary and emergency situations. Can be deployed in areas that do not have power available or in the vicinity. Units contain battery banks and solar panels. Have advanced technology that can be synchronized with existing traffic systems reducing likelihood of accidents and ensuring the safety of both motorists and pedestrians. Ensures availability of equipment in emergency post-storm circumstances.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): One-time purchase of $377,200.00 with the option to rent additional units if needed at the proposed rental rate to manage traffic due to ongoing construction at the SW Discovery Way and Community Blvd. intersection.
Presentation Information: N/A.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve, per City Code of Ordinances, Section 35.08(c) for good cause shown, the Purchase of Four (4) Solar Powered, Trailered Portable Traffic Signals and Eight (8) Portable Pedestrian Pedestals from Street Smart Rentals, LLC.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the purchase of four (4) solar powered, trailered portable traffic signals and eight (8) portable pedestrian pedestals from Street Smart Rentals, LLC.
2. Move that the Council not approve the purchase of four (4) solar powered, trailered portable traffic signals and eight (8) portable pedestrian pedestals from Street Smart Rentals, LLC and provide staff with direction.
Background: The signalization of the SW Discovery Way & Community Blvd. intersection was not originally part of DRI obligations with master developers. The City and the master developers agreed to share in the cost of the signalized intersection given the increased traffic volumes and unique configuration. Warrant studies have been conducted as the basis of support for a traffic signal at this intersection. Permanent mast arms are expected to arrive at the site in March 2026 for installation. The anticipated delivery date of the portable traffic signals is the end of December 2025 or early January 2026. Deploying the units to the site in the right-of-way after hurricane season and in anticipation of the added peak seasonal traffic volume will allow for stabilized traffic control at this intersection for approximately three months assuming no delays in construction. The City has received various 1PSL inquiries and emails from residents requesting the signal due to safety concerns.
Issues/Analysis: Due to increased population growth and additional local commercial development, vehicle travel volumes have increased significantly leading to higher congestion at the intersection. Additionally, elements of the unique intersection lane configuration and geometry, including double crosswalks on the eastern side of this intersection, make navigating the 4-way stop challenging.
The City does have the option to rent these units, however, staff is recommending purchase of the units, so that the City can address the Discovery Way/Community Blvd. intersection now, but also, have the assets for use at the City’s disposal in the future. The traffic signals can be used for temporary traffic management for future traffic signal repairs, possible traffic accidents where signalization is compromised, and for post-storm incidents. The signals include additional options for quick deployment especially if multiple signals require major repairs and crews are already deployed. Having portable, temporary traffic signals in inventory adds resiliency to the traffic network operations given the amount of growth and construction activity throughout the City.
Equipment from Street Smart has key specifications such as 25 ft span to accommodate multiple lane roadways vs other smaller options. Purchase options come with base manufacturer’s software. Additional software subscription for additional capabilities and technologies as provided with rental configuration can be obtained if required.
Financial Information: General Fund to be used for the purchase of the equipment that will be added to Traffic Operations inventory of traffic control devices available for use citywide.
Special Consideration: Staff is requesting approval based on good cause shown due to health and safety concerns as a result of the intersection’s unique configuration, as well as the additional explanations above. Even though there is urgent need to manage traffic at the intersection, three quotes were obtained to compare product features and ensure best value. Product from Street Smart Rental, LLC was selected due to longer span arm length giving the equipment greater flexibility for utilization and suitability in a greater number of applications. One vendor provided a quote for rental only without a purchase option. Attempts to obtain a quotation from OMJC the manufacturer of the recommended equipment went unanswered.
Location of Project: SW Discovery Way and Community Blvd.
Attachments: 1. Signed Contract #20260081.
2. Discovery Way at Community Blvd. Warranty Study.
3. Quote from Street Smart Rental, LLC.
4. OMJC HD-XL25 Product Information.
5. Quote from JTI.
6. Quote from ACME Barricades.
7. Quote Comparison.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25297-01.
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Alyssa Lunin, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.