Title
Trunked Radio System Update (B)
This item requests the City Commission and the Board of Alachua County Commissioners (BOCC) Discuss the Trunked Radio System.
Explanation
The City of Gainesville approved a study in January 2017 regarding the needs of the existing trunked radio system and actions to replace the existing system.
Subsequently, to address larger coverage issues, at the Joint City/County Commission meeting on December 7, 2015 the City Commission agreed to share in the cost of a radio systems consultant to study the countywide radio system.
Federal Engineering, Inc. was selected through an RFP process to assess the system and review alternatives to upgrading or replacing the system. The Alachua County, Florida Needs and Alternatives Report was completed August 13, 2018 and the Board of Alachua County Commissioners (BOCC) heard presentations from Federal Engineering and Alachua County Fire Rescue on October 23, 2018.
Two alternatives were offered: 1) Enhance the existing GRUCom system; or 2) Create a standalone County system. County staff recommended the BOCC select Alternative 1 and authorize staff to begin negotiations with GRU. The BOCC voted to accept the consultant’s recommendation to use the GRUcom system and to begin negotiations to expand its capabilities in the County.
On January 24, 2019, the General Policy Committee discussed Trunked Radio System and approved further discussion at a Joint City/County Commission meeting on January 31, 2019.
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
The Joint City and County Commission discuss Trunked Radio System.