R2018-165 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Portable Radios From Motorola Solutions For The Decatur Police Department

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Police Department DATE: 12/12/2018 MEMO: 18-69 TO: The Honorable,Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe Council Members FROM: Billy Tyus,Interim City Manager James E. Getz Jr.,Chief of Police Shane Brandel,Deputy Chief of Police SUBJECT: Purchase of Motorola APX 8000 Portable Radios SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: It would be the recommendation of staff that the Council authorize the Decatur Police Department to purchase 212 Motorola APX 8000 portable radios and required accessories at a cost of$1,032,444,24. BACKGROUND: In late 2008 and early 2009, the Decatur Police Departcnent purchased and began use of Motorola XTS 2500 digital portable radios. This was part of a county wide initiative that included all law enforcement agencies in Macon County and the Decatur Fire Department. This initiative also included the use of the statewide Motorola Starcom2l system. The original radios have been in use by DPD since that time. In 2014, Motorola stopped production of the XTS 2500, and effective 12/31/2019 Motorola will cease service agreements for the radios. Due to the age of the current radios,they are in need of regular maintenance. Any maintenance after 12/31/2019 may not be possible,and that maintenance which is possible will not be cost effective. The portable radio is one of the most irnportant tools for a police officer,as it serves as their lifeline in many situations. In 2016, Motorola introduced the model APX 8000 radio. This radio comes with numerous features that enhance the ability of police officers to commuuicate clearly and effectively. It also offers features that can be used in the future if needed,such as Wifi and GPS. In addirion this model would be compatible with the FirstNet statewide emergency responder network when that platform is ready and available. One of the other benefits of the APX 8000,versus other Motorola models,is that it was produced only a few years ago. This allows the buyer a longer lifespan for the use of the radio. The radio currently being used by DPD has been in the Motorola family of radios for the last 19 years. If that trend continues with the APX 8000,DPD could see 15 or mare years of usage before there is a further need to replace radios. Currently,Motorola is offering financing options in their purchase packages. Of interest to the City is a one year,zero percent financing oprion. If we signed a purchase agreement in December 2018,payment to Motorola would not be required until December 2019. This allows the City to defer payment on the radios for a period of time in order to find the best financing options available. In addition,Motorola is currently offering a buy-back option for the current radios utilized by DPD. Motorola is offering$700 per radio,which reduces the overall cost by nearly$150,000. The current bid by Motorola is good tl�rough December 21,2018. It is unknown what deal will be able to be made with Motorola after that date. PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: There has been no prior Council action related to tlus purchase. POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS: None Anticipated INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: None STAFF REFERENCE: James E. Getz Jr.,Chief of Police 424-2745,jgetzjr@decaturil.gov,Shane G. Brandel,Deputy Chief of Police 424-2740,sbrandel@decaturil.gov BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: The funds for the purchase of portable radios has been budgeted for the 2019 fiscal year.