TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Earth Networks Order Form and Attachment 1 - Terms and Conditions to Provide and Install a Sferic Siren Weather Alert System at the North Port Aquatic Center.
Recommended Action
Approve an agreement with Earth Networks for $8,740 to provide and install a Sferic Siren weather alert system at the North Port Aquatic Center.
Background Information
In 2018 the Parks & Recreation Department contracted with Earth Networks to install a Sferic Siren alert system at the George Mullen Activity Center (GMAC) to notify patrons utilizing the City Center Green and adjacent athletic fields of lightning in the area. During the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) Regular Meeting on November 18, 2021, the Board discussed the potential benefits associated with implementing a similar weather alert system at the North Port Aquatic Center and Warm Mineral Springs Park. At the conclusion of their discussion, the PRAB made a motion to request that Ms.
Wisner work with staff as soon as possible to create an agenda item regarding purchasing weather alert systems at proposed locations for Commission review.
The North Port Aquatic Center began operations in October 2019. Since that time, staff have relied on lightning reports via manual checks of cell phone applications and weather radios. The proposed weather system continuously monitors conditions and automates the alert process. Parks & Recreation staff has evaluated and agrees with the PRAB’s recommendation. Staff has identified funding available and has prepared single source purchasing documentation for an Earth Networks weather alert system the North Port Aquatic Center.
The Agreement with Earth Networks for $8,740 to provide and install a Sferic Siren weather alert system at the North Port Aquatic Center has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Strategic Plan
Create and sustain a safe and healthy environment for residents and visitors of North Port
Financial Impact
The purchase and installation of an Earth Networks Sferic Siren weather alert system is identical to the one installed at GMAC is $8,740 which includes a one-year software subscription. Each following year, the subscription is $1,500. Funding for this purchase has been identified in the Fiscal Year 2022 Parks and Recreation Department account no. 001-3037-572-5250.
Procurement
The procurement of Sferic Siren Alert system was already made in accordance with Sec.2-407 of the City Procurement Code - Sole Source Guidelines. The Agreement being presented for Commission approval is now being required by the vendor, Earth Networks.
Attachments:
1. PRAB Minutes November 2021
2. Earth Networks Purchase Agreement
3. Florida Division of Corporations Document
Prepared by: Tricia Wisner, Assistant Director, Parks & Recreation Department
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Director, Parks & Recreation Department