TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
FROM: Adam Jevec, Chief of Police
1. Subject
title
Authorize purchase of four message trailers from Applied Concepts, Inc. through the Houston-Galveston Area Council HGACBuy Cooperative Purchasing Program, Contract No. EF04-21
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2. Summary
Purchase of four portable message trailers to significantly enhance the City’s traffic safety operations in the amount of $77,580. The City Council has previously approved the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement as the standard for vehicle and equipment procurement.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
1. Approve the purchase of four message trailers from Applied Concepts, Inc. for $77,580.
2. Authorize the appropriation of $77,580 from Traffic Safety (450) undesignated fund balance to expenditure account number 450-4011-80101, Traffic Safety - Furniture, Fixture, Equipment.
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4. Fiscal Impact
The expense for this purchase is $77,580 and will be funded through Traffic Safety Fund (450):
450-4011-80101 Traffic Safety - Furniture, Fixture, Equipment
Upon approval of this appropriation, the estimated Traffic Safety Fund (450) undesignated fund balance as of June 30, 2026, will be $982,300.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Maintain Strong Emergency and Safety Services
6. Discussion and Background
Portable message trailers are mobile electronic signs used to communicate real-time information to motorists. These trailers are critical tools for traffic control, public safety messaging, work zone management, emergency response, and community notifications.
The Public Works Department currently relies on three functional message trailers, which are frequently deployed for construction projects, increased roadway activity, emergency roadway repairs, and infrastructure improvements. Increased public safety campaigns, school zone enforcement, and special events have created a greater demand for portable message boards, resulting in scheduling conflicts and reduced availability during peak periods.
Historically, the Fire and Police Departments have had to rely on renting message trailers for an extended period of time to provide awareness leading up to special events. Purchasing the equipment converts recurring rental costs into long-term investments that will serve multiple events and emergency scenarios.
The proposed purchase includes four solar powered portable message trailers equipped with the following:
• High-visibility full matrix LED displays
• Radar speed feedback functionality
• Solar charging systems with battery backup
• Trailer-mounted mobility for rapid deployment
These units will enhance the city’s ability to improve work zone safety for motorists and city staff, provide advance warning for road closures and detours, support speed awareness initiatives, deliver timely emergency alerts, and increase public awareness during community events.
The total cost for four message trailers is $77,580, including equipment delivery, and applicable taxes. Funding is available in the Traffic Safety Fund (450) which are restricted for use on traffic-related safety improvements and equipment, making this purchase an eligible and appropriate expenditure. Applied Concepts, Inc., doing business as Stalker Radar (Stalker), is located in Richardson, TX and currently maintains a Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGACBuy) Cooperative Purchasing Program, Contract No. EF04-21. This purchase meets competitive procurement requirements and enables the City to obtain nationally bid pricing, ensuring cost-effectiveness and expedited acquisition.
The Police Department recommends the purchase of four message trailers from Stalker in the amount of $77,580.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• HGACBuy Contract No. EF04-21
• Stalker Quote