Traffic Signal Equipment - Purchasing Authorization
Justin Nartker, Public Works Director
Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase Goods and Supplies from TESCO Controls, Inc.
The City of Rocklin has standardized its traffic signal system on TESCO Controls, Inc. (TESCO) equipment and components for several years. As a result, TESCO products and systems are currently deployed throughout the City’s traffic signal network. This standardization has allowed the City to maintain consistency in equipment, replacement parts, maintenance procedures, and training. The Public Works Department is preparing its Fiscal Year 2026/27 purchases, including inverters, batteries, and cabinets equipped with backup battery systems.
In previous years, the City was able to purchase TESCO products through a cooperative purchasing agreement. That cooperative agreement expired in May 2026, and there is not currently another cooperative contract in place that provides the necessary TESCO equipment. Rocklin Municipal Code Chapter 3.04.090 E (15) requires City Council approval for the purchase of goods and supplies without competitive procurement for an amount more than $75,000 when it is in the best interest of the City to procure directly with a vendor.
The City’s Construction Specifications, Section 86-3.01, identify TESCO 22 BBS 1400XL, or City of Rocklin-approved equal, as the applicable backup battery system to meet the latest California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) specifications posted on the CalTrans website. Purchasing alternative products could result in compatibility issues with existing equipment and may require additional evaluation, testing, configuration, or modification before the equipment could be placed into service. Not all traffic signal components are interchangeable between manufacturers, and introducing non-standard equipment could create additional maintenance and operational challenges. While the City’s Construction Specifications allow for a City-approved equal, the use of TESCO equipment provides the greatest compatibility with the City’s existing traffic signal infrastructure and established systemwide standard.
Additionally, purchasing equipment from multiple manufacturers would require the City to maintain separate inventories of replacement parts and potentially provide additional training to staff. Staff would need to become familiar with different equipment, installation procedures, troubleshooting methods, and maintenance requirements. Maintaining multiple equipment standards could increase the complexity of the City’s traffic signal maintenance program and potentially increase long-term operational costs.
Continuing to utilize TESCO equipment allows the City to maintain a consistent systemwide standard. Staff are already trained and experienced with TESCO equipment, and the City maintains an existing inventory of TESCO components and replacement parts. Continuing with the established equipment standard also reduces the risk of incompatibility and allows staff to efficiently troubleshoot, repair, and replace components when necessary.
Based on the reasons cited above, staff recommends the City Council to adopt a resolution to authorize the City Manager to purchase goods and supplies from TESCO Controls Inc. for an amount not to exceed $150,000 for traffic signal system equipment and components.
There is no additional fiscal impact to the General Fund. Purchasing of these goods and supplies are included in the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Operating Budget.