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budgetary priorities to allow for the purchase of such a device in 2000 if Council permits. A
<br />speed radar trailer is a portable, self-contained speed display unit that is towed to sites
<br />experiencing speed related problems. After a quick and easy set-up, the unit monitors and
<br />displays speed on an 18" to 20" lighted display. The color changes to a bright red if the vehicle
<br />is exceeding the posted speed limit sending a "This means YOU reminder message" to Violators.
<br />A traffic statistical computer is available as an option for speed and traffic studies. Radar trailers
<br />work. As speed awareness goes up, motorists slow down. It provides around the clock duty.
<br />Citizens see you responding to their traffic concerns. They feel safer, which is, after all, what
<br />compliance with the speed limit is all about - safety. With fewer speed-related accidents and
<br />complaints, Officer's time is freed up to handle calls for service and work traffic in other
<br />problematic areas. The Police Department has researched various speed trailers on the market
<br />and solicited written quotes from Kustom Signal, Inc., MPH Industries, and Laser Technology,
<br />Inc. Staff found that Kustom Signals S.M.A.R.T. (Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer)
<br />is by far the most effective and popular unit used by law enforcement agencies in the metro area
<br />due to its special features, rugged body, ease of operation, and low maintenance records. There
<br />is also a vendor in Minneapolis for support and maintenance, versus shipping the unit out of
<br />State for repairs. This type of unit is currently in use in Elk River and Anoka. If the City acts
<br />soon, the local vendor, Public Safety Equipment, Inc. is willing to offer the City of Ramsey their
<br />seven-month old demo model at a tremendous savings, which is an upgrade from the original
<br />unit we sought specs on. The Smart Model 1 "Demo" unit comes with the Falcon Radar
<br />Upgrade (allows the Police Department to write tickets from radar readings), and all the options
<br />they desire (axle lock, speed sign rack, and tamper alarm). The demo unit would cost $10,058.93
<br />($9,445.00 + $613.92 tax). A new Smart Model 1 with the accessories added, along with the
<br />Falcon Radar upgrade, goes for $11,290.00 plus tax and $795.00 for shipping, bringing the total
<br />of a new unit to $11,972.18. By purchasing the demo unit, there would be no shipping cost and
<br />the overall savings would be $1,913.25. A PC compatible traffic statistics computer is an add on
<br />feature, which collects traffic and speed surveys including: average speeds, time of violations,
<br />vehicle count, highest and lowest speeds; data valuable to Police, Public Works, and Engineering
<br />departments. The cost for a new one is $3,195.00 ($3,000 plus tax) or a demo unit is available to
<br />the City at a cost of $2,875.50 ($2,700 plus tax). The Police Department is not seeking the
<br />traffic statistics computer at this time, but there has been an expressed interest by the Engineering
<br />Department to obtain this later. The Police Department is willing to coordinate efforts and
<br />funding to obtain the statistical computer if the Council so desires. There would be sufficient
<br />funds in the Police Other Equipment Capital Account if necessary. The Police Department has
<br />shifted their Capital Equipment budgetary priorities to allow for the purchase of the Kustom
<br />Signal speed trailer using funds fi'om the Police Other Equipment Capital Outlay account.
<br />
<br />City Engineer Olson stated that the largest complaint that the City receives is in regard to
<br />speeding vehicles and, from his experience, speed trailers have been very effective. By having
<br />the statistical computer, staff would be able to present a study to residents who have complaints
<br />regarding speeding in their neighborhood.
<br />
<br />Mayor Gamec stated that the statistical computer would be beneficial when residents request stop
<br />signs.
<br />
<br />Director of Public Works Kapler replied that at the Public Works Committee meetings, it often
<br />seems as if it is staff against residents regarding stop sign requests. But, with the statistical
<br />
<br />Finance Committee/November 14, 2000
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