TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chris Sternal, Director of IT
SUBJECT:
title
Request to Approve Funding for Public Safety PC Replacement in an Amount Not to Exceed $250,000.00
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BACKGROUND:
The City has historically deployed Getac semi-rugged laptops in public safety vehicles, with the S410 model used by the Police Department and the V110 model by the Fire Department. These devices are typically replaced on a five-year cycle. In 2025, a limited pilot program was initiated to evaluate Lenovo ThinkPad T14 devices as a potential alternative. The pilot yielded promising results, and the Police and IT departments now intend to expand the use of Lenovo devices while continuing to replace a portion of the existing Getac fleet.
CONCLUSION:
To support the continued modernization of public safety technology, funding is requested in an amount not to exceed $250,000 for the purchase of both Lenovo and Getac devices. This blended approach ensures continuity of service while allowing for the strategic evaluation of new technology platforms. To ensure competitive pricing, each device will be purchased based on established pricing awarded via state purchasing contracts.
This item was recommended for City Council approval by the Communication, Technology and Information Systems Committee at the December 3, 2025 meeting.
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases whose estimated cost is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. Two of these circumstances apply:
(b) Purchases for additions to and repairs and maintenance of equipment owned by the City which may be more efficiently added to, repaired or maintained by a certain person;
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds of the Mayor and City Council;
Sufficient funds exist utilizing Org: 22060020, Obj: 557700, Project: F9125, $250,000.00
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve funding for Public Safety PC Replacement in an amount not to exceed $250,000.00.
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