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TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH B&C COMMUNICATIONS, FOR COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM UPGRADE; AND TO WAIVE BIDDING PROCEDURES THEREFOR; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.
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WHEREAS, the Communications System used by the Police Division of the City of Gahanna has become increasingly unreliable; and
WHEREAS, the current system is no longer interoperable with most law enforcement agencies in the area and all Fire/EMS services; and
WHEREAS, the Chief of Police has recommended that the City migrate to the State of Ohio's Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS); and
WHEREAS, MARCS is a modern, robust 800Mhz truncated digital radio communications system that offers subscription-based service; and
WHEREAS, in May, the Division conducted a comprehensive test of the MARCS system and found it to be far superior to the current 400 Mhz platform in terms of coverage, reliability, clarity and overall functionality and brought true interoperable communications to the Division; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 135.05(e)(4) of the Codified Ordinances, the City Attorney has determined that this is an emergency purchase; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative to move forward with the upgrade at the earliest possible time all for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into contract with B&C Communications, 1330 Stimmel Road, Columbus, Ohio 43223, for the purchase and maintenance of needed radio components, rewiring of existing systems and installation of the 800Mhz platform; contract attached as EXHIBIT A.
Section 2. That funding in the amount of FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($55,000) is hereby supplementally appropriated from the unappropriated, unencumbered balance of the General Fund to Account No. 101.211.5512, Capital Projects, Police, to cover the herein cost.
Section 3. Pursuant to Section 135,05(e)(4) of the Codified Ordinances, the City Attorney has determined, and this Council agrees, that this purchase is of an emergency nature and bidding procedures are hereby waived.
Section 4. That, for the reasons set forth in the preamble hereinabove, this ordinance is declared emergency legislation and shall be in full force and effect immediately after passage by this Council and on date of signature approval by the Mayor.