07-28-08-R - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - July 28, 2008 14 Public Works Director Gregory Hoag stated that this proposal was for the purchase of six additional 800 MHz radios for emergency management. The four radios that were previously purchased in 2008 came from the Capital Funds budget. He also stated that the Homeland Security Grant was set to close by the end of 2008 increasing the cost of each radio by $1995.00. He stated that Staff would like to have a total of ten radios in the event of a large-scale emergency in order to be effect. He stated that Staff would like to utilize the funds earmarked in the Safety Fund in 2009 this year to purchase the additional radios. Councilmember Holden stated that the Council had only approved the purchase of four radios and for these funds to be spread over two years. She also stated that the budget for 2009 has not been approved yet so the Council does not know if there are funds budgeted at this time. Public Works Director Hoag clarified that the request for additional radios was based on further evaluation of what would be needed to be effective during an emergency. He clarified where each of the radios would be used. Councilmember Grant stated that because the 2009 budget was not approved the request was to actually fund the purchase of these radios in 2008 rather than in the 2009 budget. He also asked for additional clarification on how these additional radios would be used and clarification on the purchase price for these radios. Public Works Director Hoag stated that these radios would not be used for day-to- day operations. He also stated that with the Homeland Security Grant the radios primary purpose would have to be for emergency management. He clarified the purchase price for the radios including the grant funds that would be received by purchasing the radios in 2008 versus later years. Mayor Harpstead stated that the radios would be approximately one third of the price if they were purchased in 2008 versus later. He asked Public Works Director Hoag if six additional radios were needed at this time or if the City could use less. He stated that based on technology updates, maintenance, and general life span of the radios it may be best for the City to continue to purchase radios in increments with a scheduled replacement plan so that all the radios did not need to be replaced at one time. Public Works Director Hoag stated that in an emergency ten radios would be effective. Councilmember Holmes asked what the typical life expectancy was for these radios.