DEPARTMENT: Information Technology Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Craig Hopkins
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
San Antonio Public Safety Radio System
SUMMARY:
Consideration of the following ordinance authorizing multiple tower lease agreements to secure radio tower sites for the installation of radio communications equipment in support of the Alamo Area Regional Radio System used by City of San Antonio ("City") Police and Fire Departments, CPS Energy, Bexar County ("County") and surrounding participating agencies. Costs for this item will be shared by the entities based on the Interlocal Agreement approved by the City, CPS Energy and Bexar County.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On February 15, 2018, Council approved a contract with Dailey & Wells for the construction, system delivery, and system operation of a new P25 compliant public safety radio system, referred to as the Alamo Area Regional Radio System ("AARRS"). On the same date, Council also authorized the execution of an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between the City, Bexar County (County), and CPS Energy (CPS) for County and CPS to make financial contributions to obtain minority ownership interests in the AARRS. The ILA sets out the terms of the shared ownership including, but not limited to, financial contributions, fiscal controls, governance, management, vendor oversight, construction, testing, delivery, operation, maintenance, technology upgrades and enhancements, selection of equipment, and the admission of radio subscribers.
To fund the City's obligations created pursuant to the ILA and the Radio Contract, the City has set up an AARRS Project fund. The AARRS will replace the current Enhanced Digital Access Communication System (EDACS) and will provide public safety grade two-way radio communications for the City, Bexar County, CPS and surrounding participating agencies. Once installed, the system will manage an average of 400,000 radio calls per day from approximately...
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