TO: Mayor Collins and Town Council Members
FROM: Kevin Burke, Town Manager
DATE: September 24, 2015
DEPARTMENT: Town Manager
Staff Contact Kevin Burke, 480-348-3690
Andrew Miller, 480-348-3691
End
AGENDA TITLE:
Title
Acquisition of an Easement for the Public Safety Communications Antenna and Equipment
Body
Council Goals or Other Policies / Statutory Requirements:
Public Safety - Improve public safety services including prevention, enforcement, communication and community/victim outreach.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) - Develop and advance a Capital Improvement Program
Technology - Utilize technology throughout the organization to deliver quality services in an economic and efficient manner
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve the Easement Purchase Agreement at 6824 East Highland Drive.
Background
The Town currently operates an independent radio/communication system to dispatch calls (both emergency and non-emergency) to Police vehicles on patrol within the Town. The system has both coverage and resiliency shortcomings due to the antenna's current location. First, there are coverage gaps located along Tatum north of Lincoln and Lincoln west of Tatum. Second, the power source for the antenna is solar and not resilient to all weather conditions. Third, the system is not interconnected with adjacent jurisdictions which is critical for mutual aid and contracted fire service with the City of Phoenix.
The proposed solution has the Town joining the Regional Wireless Cooperative and adding a single antenna to interconnect with their existing system of antennas. The location of this antenna must be on this hill. Previous efforts have proved challenging in acquiring a location on this hill. Moreover, the last, best attempt was priced at over $7 million and well outside the anticipated budget for the project. This proposal allows the Town to co-locate with a new homeowner to place the antenna and su...
Click here for full text