Item 12: Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Contract for 12 Radios & a Repeater for Fire Department

[COSM_Admin]

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

 

[JHughson]

From the ARF: See notes in brackets []
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 [which business is this? ours?] to purchase and install their own Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Enhancement System (ERRCES). This will save each affected business/apartment owner [which business/apartment owners?] ~$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. [Where do we have multiple ERRCES units such that it's causing interference?] To help eliminate that potential, we are asking to purchase this device and install it in our frontline Battalion Chief’s vehicle.

Recommendation: Approve ratification of the purchase.
Are we approving a future purchase or ratifying a past purchase?
Pricing expired 11/15/2024

 

[COSM_Admin]

Response provided by Les Stephens, Fire Chief:
Great catch, Mayor.

We are approving a future purchase. We worked with LCRA to have their vendor agree to honor the quote until we were able to get it on the CC agenda. This is becoming more and more common as vendors send us quotes that are only good for 30 days, and it takes more than 30 days for us to properly agendize something for City Council.