DEPARTMENT: Information Technology Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Craig Hopkins
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Increase in Tower Lease Agreement for Alamo Area Regional Radio System
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing an increase to the tower lease agreement with SBA Towers IV, LLC, 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. The increased cost for this adjustment 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.
On June 13, 2019, Council approved ordinance 2019-06-13-0518 that authorized lease agreements in support of the new P25 radio system which included a lease with SBA Towers IV, LLC (“SBA”) for the San Geronimo Tower Site. The lease agreement also supports this location during a transition period starting April 1, 2019, then ending January 31, 2022.
This ordinance authorizes an amendment to the SBA lease for San Geronimo Tower Site in support of the AARRS. This lease amount will increase from $34,225.92 to $37,933.92, which is due to the increase in microwave dish size from 4 feet to 6 feet.
ISSUE:
This amendment will allow the City to install a larger microwave dish on the SBA tower to support critical communications equipment to allow for continuity of radio communications and provide public safety services to the community.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this action not be approved, an alternate tower site would have to be identified and the lease renegotiated delaying the installation of the AARRS and requiring continued reliance on the current emergency radio network which is nearing end of life.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes an increase to the SBA tower lease agreement for the AARRS. Funds are available in the FY 2020 - FY 2025 Capital Improvement Budget. Lease and Transition costs, which are incurred during system implementation, will be capitalized and funded from the AARRS project’s existing appropriation. Lease costs incurred post go-live will be an operating expense subject to City Council appropriation.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this tower lease amendment to secure the necessary microwave dish change for this tower site in support of the Alamo Area Regional Radio System.