TIC 2019-11-05 Item 2B - Purchase - SLR 8000 VH Base Radio for Public Works

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lid Allan Ekberg, Mayor Public i'Works Department -- Henry Hash, Director INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Transportation and Infrastructure Committee FROM: Henry Hash, Public Works Director BY: Bryan Still, Public Works Operations Manager CC: Mayor Allan Ekberg DATE: November 1, 2019 SUBJECT: Purchase of SLR 8000 VHF Base Radio ISSUE Approve purchase of SLR 8000 VHF (136-174 MHz) Base Radio and Battery Back -Up System. BACKGROUND VHF Radio communications do not rely on other utilities infrastructure to remain operational as do cell phones and land lines. When the Nisqually earthquake occurred in 2001, Public Works VHF radio system with battery back-up power supply was the only City communication device operational for several hours following the earthquake allowing Public Works field staff to maintain continuity of operations. ANALYSIS Public Works uses a 154 MHZ VHF Radio to communicate with field staff during large events requiring group coordination of operations. During the February 2019 snow event, our current VHF Base Radio was not transmitting communication reliably. It has been determined that the existing base radio has reached the end of serviceable life due to the age and lack of parts availability. FISCAL IMPACT Day Wireless Systems has provided a cost estimate of $9,9389.48 to supply and install a new SLR 8000 VHF (136-174 MHz) Base Radio with battery back-up. The quote is through the City of Seattle contract that other municipalities can use. The equipment would be purchased from Water, Sewer, Surface Water Utility Funds which are currently under budget. The purchase of unbudgeted capital equipment of $5,000 requires Committee and Mayor approval. RECOMMENDATION Committee is being asked to approve the purchase of SLR 8000 VHF Base Radio with battery back-up in the amount of $9,389.48. Attachment:.. Day Wireless Systems Quote 249901-00 ASSN W:IPW Minkler\FILESHAREIInfo memo VHF Radio.docx 15