Item 4I - MemoCITY OF
SOUTH LADE
MEMORANDUM
May 21, 2024
To: Alison Ortowski, City Manager
From: Rob Cohen, Director of Public Works
Item 41
Subject: Approve an expenditure for Mobile Communications America
Inc. (MCA) in an amount not to exceed $69,300 for the purchase
of equipment, services, and installation of radio
communications components for the Emergency Operations
Center Relocation project.
Action
Requested: Approve an expenditure for Mobile Communications America Inc.
(MCA) in an amount not to exceed $69,300 for the purchase of
equipment, services, and installation of radio communications
components for the Emergency Operations Center Relocation
project.
Background
Information: The purpose of this item to seek City Council approval of an
expenditure for Mobile Communications America Inc. (MCA) in an
amount not to exceed $69,300 for the purchase of equipment,
services, and installation of radio communications components for
the Emergency Operations Center Relocation project.
The project involves constructing a new EOC at the bottom level of
DPS Headquarters. During design, a project stakeholder expressed
a concern that the emergency responder's radio signal could be
diminished in the new EOC. Staff engaged MCA to develop a
solution to ensure the radio signal in the new EOC. MCA currently
services radio antennae equipment at different City facilities. MCA
proposed the installation of a bidirectional amplifier (BDA) system to
amplify the emergency responder's radio signal in the new EOC.
The new EOC includes a new room for HAM radio operators. Under
the original design, the assumption was to create a new path from
the existing antennae to the new EOC. After consulting the HAM
radio operators, a concern was raised that the proposed plan would
result in significant signal loss between the antennae and the new
HAM radio room, due to the long coaxial cable run. City staff
engaged MCA for support in identifying a solution. The alternative
City of Southlake Values:
Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork
Item 41
agreed upon involved a shorter coaxial cable run and installation of
new antennae on the roof, closer to the new EOC. This solution
would minimize signal loss as well as eliminate down time resulting
from a relocation of any existing antennae. MCA would install the
new antennae systems and coaxial cable runs between the new
antennae and the new HAM radio room.
Financial
Considerations: A summary of MCA's proposals and the project budget for the work
performed by MCA is shown on the following table.
Table 1. Project Budget for MCA's Work.
ITEM COST
Bi-Directional Amplifier $42,108.13
New HAM Radio Antennae & Coaxial
$20,856.45
Cabling
Project Contingency $6,335.42
TOTAL $69,300.00
The total cost of MCA's work shall not exceed $69,300. It will be paid
using the existing project balance from the approved Capital
Improvement Program Budget. This project is budgeted in the FY
2024 Capital Improvements Program in the CCPD Fund.
Strategic Link: This request aligns with the Safety and Security strategic focus area,
financial objective F2 (Investing to provide & maintain high quality
public assets) and is included in the 2035 Health and Wellness Plan
HW30.3, Future Ready EOC.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: The Crime Control Prevention District Board of Directors (CCPD)
recommended approval of this item at their May 14, 2024 meeting.
Legal Review: N/A
Alternatives: The CCPD Board may approve or deny the expenditure.
Supporting
Documents: Attachment A: MCA Quote dated 11/9/23
Attachment B: MCA Proposal dated 4-30-2024
Staff
Recommendation: Approve an expenditure for Mobile Communications America Inc.
(MCA) in an amount not to exceed $69,300 for the purchase of
equipment, services, and installation of radio communications
components for the Emergency Operations Center Relocation
project.
Item 41
Staff Contact: Rob Cohen, Director of Public Works Director
Lauren LaNeave, Deputy Director of Public Works - Administration
Mamerto Estepa, Jr., PE, Project Manager