HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/02/2012 08 Public Safety Communication Equipment Purchase; 2012 Utility Tax Revenue r u a,
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 9
For Meeting of: July 2, 2012
ITEM TITLE: Resolution authorizing one -time purchase of Public Safety
Communications Equipment from 2012 Utility Tax revenue
SUBMITTED BY: Michael Morales, Interim City Manager
Wayne Wantland, Communications & Technology Manager
Cindy Epperson, Finance Director
CONTACT Wayne Wantland 575 -6048
PERSON /TELEPHONE: Cindy Epperson 576 -6644
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
In the 2012 budget, the Council authorized a 6% Utility Tax increase to enhance public
safety. The revenue increase funded 12 police officers and 1 firefighter. Given the extensive
process involved in hiring these officers, not all those positions will be filled during the 2012
budget, resulting in salary savings of approximately $500,000.
On June 19, staff recommended and Council directed utilizing these unused funds to make
necessary one -time equipment purchases that enhance Public Safety communications.
Council agreed with the recommendation and directed staff to prepare appropriate
legislation to authorize the expenditures. Because the equipment will be purchased within
the existing Yakima Police Department budget, an appropriation ordinance is not necessary.
Radio Console- -Cost $350,000:
The Motorola radio console in the communications center is the heart of radio
communications for public safety. The current system has been in place since 1996 with
one upgrade during the intervening years. It is critical that we keep this component of the
communications system at a top level performance, ensuring minimal risk of failure and
service disruptions.
Mobile Data and Video Equipment - -Cost $100,000:
The second most critical system for the Police Department is the mobile computer and video
camera system. These systems have become a critical asset allowing the officers to be
more efficient and safe when working in the field. Both the computers and the camera
systems are well beyond their expected life and we are experiencing many catastrophic,
irreparable equipment failures. We are proposing to replace an additional nine units (plus
spare parts) to ensure we can keep the units on the road functioning.
Mobile and Portable Radios - -Cost $50,000:
Mobile and portable radios have been on a reasonably good replacement schedule, but
because of recent budget concerns this replacement has fallen behind. We are proposing to
purchase 5 mobile and 10 portable radios to replace the older, less reliable units.
Resolution X Ordinance - Other
(specify)
Contract: Mail to:
Contract Term: Amount: Expiration Date:
Insurance Required? No
Funding Public Safety Utility Tax Increase Phone:
Source:
APPROVED FOR
City Manager
SUBMITTAL: 9
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff respectfully recommends approval of this purchase.
BOARD /COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Click to download
0 Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. R -2012-
A RESOLUTION authorizing the one -time purchase of Public Safety
Communications equipment out of the Public Safety 6% Utility Tax
increase revenue.
WHEREAS, the Council authorized a 6% Utility Tax increase to fund twelve new
police officer positions; and
WHEREAS, the process for hiring these police officers is complex and time
consuming resulting in a salary savings by not having all positions being filled during the
2012 budget year; and
WHEREAS, staff has identified certain Public Safety communications equipment
in need of replacement to ensure continued safe and reliable operations in support of the
police department; and
WHEREAS, the purchase of such equipment using the Utility Tax increase stays
true to the intent of the Council to support and enhance Public Safety, now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
The City is authorized to expend a portion of the Utility Taxes received as a result
of the six percent Utility Tax increase approved by the City Council that will not be
expended on police officer salaries during the hiring process that is ongoing, to purchase
communication equipment for the Yakima Police Department to ensure the continued
safe and reliable police operations within the City.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 2nd day of July, 2012.
Micah Cawley, Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk