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Consideration of request for approval of a multi-year agreement with Vaisala Inc. to join a regional winter weather pavement sensor network in the Greater Milwaukee Area
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Submitted by:
Jessica Henderson, P.E. Civil Engineer II
Department
Public Works, Engineering Division
A. Issue
Consideration of a request for approval of a multi-year agreement with Vaisala Inc. to join a regional winter weather pavement sensor network in the Greater Milwaukee Area.
B. Background/Options
Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust (SWWT), Inc, partners with MS4 permittees to offer programs that assist in meeting specific stormwater permit requirements. SWWT has partnered with Vaisala Inc. to group local municipalities in the greater Milwaukee area to create a regional winter weather pavement sensor network called the Sweet Water Horizon Network. The network plans to provide pavement sensors that communicate real-time data on roadway surface temperatures and pavement conditions wirelessly to users to optimize roadway deicing strategies.
Being part of this network means sharing sensor data with neighboring communities, strengthening weather prediction capabilities, and working collaboratively to ensure that, as a region, we make the most of this technology to evaluate cost savings, operational benefits and chloride reductions. There are currently 11 other municipalities in the area that have joined this network with at least another 5 planning to join in the next year.
The City of Glendale is one of a few greater Milwaukee area communities that already use these same pavement sensors and have reported efficiencies and cost savings for their winter roadway management program and stormwater initiatives. SWWT and the City of Glendale will be hosting an installation workshop/demo in August, and a fall workshop to focus on the dashboard/software capabilities for new communities joining this network.
The network requires a 3-year subscription commitment at the cost of $1,600 per sensor per year. The City plans to install 2 pavement sensors for an annual cost of $3,200, which is a total 3-year cost of $9,600.
The network agreement is attached and outlines responsibilities. Vaisala will be providing the sensors which are expected to arrive by the end of July.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Well maintained infrastructure.
D. Fiscal Impact
The City plans to pay for this out of the Storm Sewer General Fund.
E. Recommendation
Authorize staff to execute a multi-year agreement with Vaisala Inc. to join a regional winter weather pavement sensor network in the Greater Milwaukee area.