Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A HOMELAND SECURITY RADIO GRANT APPLICATION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Executive Summary: This is a housekeeping measure combining the formal grant application (for which we have already been approved), acceptance of the grant and formalizing our membership with the Summit County-Akron 800 MHz Regional Radio System (SCA8RRS).
Body
Legislative History
There is no legislative history beyond the 2014 Budget adoption, of which this is a part.
Purpose & Explanation
As you will recall during the budget hearings, we requested moving to the 800 MHz radio frequency, upgrading our base stations, mobile radios and portable radios, and joining the Summit County-Akron 800 MHz Regional Radio System. The two biggest arguments for were: 1. Maintaining interoperable mutual aid radio communications with our bordering and other Summit County law enforcement partners (as they are almost all moving or have already gone to the 800 MHz frequency), and taking advantage of a Homeland Security Radio Grant to help defray the costs of making this change. This is an upgrade also from an analog to a digital system, giving us considerably enhanced radio communications, making our system safer for all users, and subsequently for those receiving the services for which we are dispatched.
Timing Considerations
We are requesting this as an Emergency Resolution, due to timing and approaching sunset on the grant.
Fiscal Impact
X Currently Budgeted
X Supplemental Appropriation Required (This is a reimbursement grant)
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends passing of this Resolution.
Submitted by,
David Robbins, Police Chief
Scott Schroyer, Interim City Manager