City Council
259 N. Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
MEMO
To: Honorable City Council
From: Ed Ormonde, Chief of Police
Date: 01/11/2022
Subject: Equipment Replacement - Dispatch Console Radio RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve and authorize the purchase of new dispatch console radios to replace the current outdated system and to bring the fourth dispatch station into service at a cost not to exceed amount of $220,502.62 (funding source: General Department Capital Fund).
BACKGROUND:
In May of this year the City of Ripon had a survey of our radio communications system completed by an outside vendor, which included an inventory of department equipment, an evaluation of coverage, reliability, dependability, and the ability to meet new state mandates for radio transmission encryption. It was determined that much of the hardware of the current radio system was nearing end of life, which translated to the inability to replace current components that were installed in 2006 with like components, as like components were no longer available or difficult to acquire, and would not allow us to meet the new mandates. The vendor proposed a transition to an IP based radio system at a price tag of $1,800,000, which included upgrades to the dispatch radio consoles, radio infrastructure, portable and in-car radios.
After consultation with three other vendors and industry experts it was determined that a circuit based system, which the department’s current radio system operates was a better long term solution for this agency, specifically when looking at long term maintenance, and future costs of replacement.
The department requested quotes from the three vendors for replacement of the dispatch console radios. Only one vendor, La Rue Communications, provided a price quote for replacement and upgrade of the current system at a cost of $294,003.50.
Currently the department Dispatch Center has three fully functioning and operational dispatch consoles. A fourth dispatch console exists, but is not functional and cannot be made functional without upgrades to the other three fully functional dispatch consoles. The proposal by La Rue Communications will make all four dispatch consoles that currently exist fully functional with radio communications and have the capability of meeting the new encryption mandate.
It should be noted that with the recently entered into contract with the City of Lathrop to provide Dispatch Services, the City of Lathrop is responsible for the cost of bringing the fourth dispatch console up to full functionality. With that responsibility the City of Lathrop has agreed, by signing the contract and additional discussion, to pay 25% of the total estimated cost of the purchase and installation of a Zetron MAX 4 Position Dispatch Console, which upgrades the three current active dispatch consoles and makes the fourth dispatch console fully radio operational.
The estimate from La Rue Communications and the dispatch console list of equipment to be purchased is attached to this staff report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 does not include these costs for the replacement and upgrades that are being recommended. The fiscal impact of the upgrades and replacement of the dispatch console radio for the City of Ripon would not exceed $220,502.62, after reimbursement from City of Lathrop. This expense will be funded by the General Department Capital Fund.
Attachments:
1. Estimate_1175_from_La_Rue_Communications
2. ripon pd dispatch console list