Item 11ACity of Southlake, Texas
ININUMOMMIT09
June 2, 2005
TO: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
FROM: Gary Gregg, Manager of Technical Services
SUBJECT: Discussion of the Proposal and Release of the RFP for the Southlake Wireless
Networking Concept
Action Requested: Council authorization for staff to release the RFP for the Southlake Wireless
Networking Concept.
Background
Information: City Council has previously directed staff to pursue opportunities for wireless
networking for the Town Square area. This RFP will incorporate that strategy
as well as other opportunities and uses for the technology in pilot portions of
the city. Staff has focused considerable research into this area. Recent
proposed legislation in the Texas Legislature could have prohibited the City's
entry into this technology. An impasse between the Texas House and Senate
resulted in no legislation being passed thus preserving the current status quo.
The intent of the RFP is to couple City Council initiatives, Public Safety needs,
Parks and Public Works requirements into a pilot project. The concept of the
initial project is to provide wireless coverage at 5 initial locations within the
City. Town Square will have outdoor coverage in parks and open areas for
public use. The Southlake Library will also benefit from this proposal as
library patrons will be able to obtain a wireless internet connection from within
the Library. Access points will also be located at the Public Works Operations
Center, DPS East Facility, Bicentennial Park and Bob Jones Park. The Public
Works Operations Center location will allow for Public Safety vehicles to
upload digital video from a proposed in -car video system to a centrally located
server as well as the potential to provide internet access to citizens in parks in
the immediate area. The Bicentennial Park location will provide for a wireless
camera that will potentially provide views of the park as well as the
Bicentennial Park Water Tower. Additionally it is anticipated the Parks
maintenance facility will be able to use this service and the City will be able to
discontinue a DSL circuit there at a savings of about $1,400 a year. Parks also
needs connectivity at Bob Jones Park for a camera and other future
applications. The public will also be able to obtain internet access at both
parks.
The system will provide secure encryption of data for City applications as well
as partitioning public use from City use. It is anticipated public use would be
limited to sessions of 30 minutes or less initially.
Financial
Considerations: Funding for this project will come from current budgeted line items in the
Support Services and Parks budgets. It is anticipated that savings from
planned purchases and other funding sources will cover the cost of purchasing
and installing the system.
Financial Impact: The current proposal is only a pilot system. It should meet short term needs
and allow for contemplated future planned build out. Should the RFP result in
the award of a bid, appropriate funding for maintenance of the system will be
included in the FY05 /06 budget.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: None
Legal Review: An RFP will be issued following approval by City Council. The successful bid
will be reviewed by the City Attorney prior to resubmission to City Council for
formal award of a bid.
Alternatives: Council direction as to the appropriateness of this project for release to RFP.
Supporting
Documents: None
Staff
Recommendation: Council authorization for staff to release the RFP for the Southlake Wireless
Networking Concept.