AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2024-239R, approving a contract with the Lower Colorado River Authority (“LCRA”) for the purchase of 12 handheld radios and a repeater for use by the Fire Department in the amount of $112,797.97; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the contract on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date
Body
Meeting date: December 3, 2024
Department: Fire Department - Les Stephens, Chief
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $112,797.97
Account Number: 10002135-60125
Funds Available: Yes
Account Name: Equipment (Fire Department Capital Outlay)
Fiscal Note:
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Background Information:
The recent addition of authorized positions within the Fire Department, including Engine 6, the 4th firefighters on Truck 3 and 5, the new Blocker apparatus, and additional positions within the Fire Prevention Division has necessitated we grow our handheld radio inventory. This purchase is intended to restore our front-line and back-up inventory of handheld radios.
The Pyramid Repeater is designed to improve emergency responder radio coverage, particularly in large buildings such as schools, warehouses, and multi-story buildings. This is currently an issue in several large buildings across San Marcos. Having a repeater in the Battalion Chief’s command vehicle will improve transmissions from Command to emergency responders working inside and their communications from inside the building to Command outside.
Additionally, installing this device in our Battalion Chief’s vehicle will, in some situations, improve radio coverage sufficiently enough to eliminate the need for the business to purchase and install their own Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Enhancement System (ERRCES). This will save each affected business/apartment owner ~$70,000 - $100,000. Recently, while researching existing radio coverage, which led to the city approving a new $1.52M LCRA radio tower at the Zorn location, we discovered that having multiple ERRCES operating near one another can create interference and distortion in radio transmissions made in that area. To help eliminate that potential, we are asking to purchase this device and install it in our frontline Battalion Chief’s vehicle.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Approve ratification of the purchase.