City Council
259 N. Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
MEMO
To: Honorable City Council
From: Daniel Sauer, Chief of Police
Date: 10/14/2025
Subject: Wireless Network Expansion - Tower Equipment
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve and authorize the purchase of wireless network equipment to be installed on the Ripon Communications Tower and Mistlin Water Tower in the not to exceed amount of $25,020.77 (funding source: Wireless Network Expansion Fund).
BACKGROUND:
The City currently operates a citywide point-to-point wireless camera network that transmits video from 100 cameras to the Police Dispatch Center. These cameras are located at various priority locations such as high-traffic intersection, areas with higher crime rates, and near water well sites. The camera video feeds are monitored and used by Police Department staff to investigate an incident that may occur.
Depending on the location of the camera, the wireless signal from certain camera locations (depending on line of sight) are transmitted to a nearby “collector” site before transmitting the signal to the server room at City Hall. The “collector” sites are currently located at the Ripon Police Department, Ripon Consolidated Fire District and Jack Tone Water Tower.
The wireless network that transmits these video feeds is currently experiencing slow connections, intermittent connectivity issues and frequent camera failures.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The City’s wireless network was analyzed by Ric Small from Waypoint Network Solutions and Michael Silva, a wireless connectivity contractor. The following upgrades are recommended to improve the reliability and functionality of the wireless network:
Ripon Communications Tower: Install the equipment necessary for this location to be used as a “collector” site and transmit camera feeds to the server room at the Police Department.
Mistlin Water Tower: Install the equipment necessary for this location to be used as a “collector” site and transmit camera feeds to the server room at the Police Department. Police Department Tower: Install the equipment necessary to receive the communication feeds from the Ripon Wireless Tower and the Mistlin Water Tower.
Once these upgrades are completed, the City will be able to increase the bandwidth availability of the network.
Staff is recommending the City purchase the equipment necessary to make these upgrades (see attached) and hire the following contractors to complete the installation:
E-tech Communication (see Agenda Item Wireless Network Expansion - E-tech Communication): Install the equipment, pull cables and align the communication devices. Cost: $8,459.55
Grossi Electric, Inc (see Agenda Item Wireless Network Expansion – Grossi Electric, Inc): Install the step-down transformers, panel boards, and circuits to power the equipment. Cost: $11,340.98
The cost of the equipment to be furnished by the City is $25,020.77. Staff is recommending the City Council approve the purchase of this equipment and authorize staff to move forward with the upgrades.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of this project, including the purchase of equipment and the contractors to install the equipment, is $44,821.30. This will be funded by fees collected from new development designated for the expansion of the wireless network. The current balance in this fund is $47,700.
Attachments:
1. Mistlin Tower Cost Breakdown
2. Ripon Tower Cost Breakdown