REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Award of Contract to St. Francis Electric, LLC in the Amount of $533,103 for the Universal Power Supply Systems (UPS) Upgrades Project and Finding of Class 1 Exemption Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (PW26-14)
Report
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
- Award a contract in substantially the same form as Attachment 2 to the report in the amount of $533,103 to St. Francis Electric, LLC of San Leandro, CA;
- Make a finding of categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c);
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract when all necessary conditions have been met; and
- Approve a 10% contingency in the amount of $53,310.
Report
BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION
The Universal Power Supply Systems (UPS) Upgrades Project was advertised on PlanetBids on June 17, 2026. Twenty-three (23) prospective bidders requested bid documents. Sealed bids were opened on August 5, 2026, with five (5) bids received. St. Francis Electric, LLC submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid of $533,103 (Attachment 1 - Bid Summary).
This project funds the replacement of battery backup systems installed on all traffic signals in the City. The City operates and maintains 138 traffic signals. The installation of uninterruptible power supplies at traffic signals reduces congestion and improves safety for all users of the City’s roadway system during planned and unplanned power outages. For instance, if Pacific Gas and Electric power is lost, the traffic signals will continue to function normally, and motorists will not be required to treat dark signalized intersections as all-way stop-controlled intersections.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1) which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted funds for the traffic signal power improvements are available in FY 2026/27 from Fund 2501 - Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund under Project 825740 - Battery Backup System for Traffic Signals Maintenance. The project budget financial summary is provided as Attachment 3 to this report.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
An “X” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
_X_ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
___ Contract between public agencies
___ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff
Prepared by: David Battaglia, Purchasing Officer
Reviewed by: Matthew Paulin, Director of Finance
Reviewed by: Aaron Bert, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Bid Summary
2. Draft General Construction Contract
3. Project Summary Sheet 825740