HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/1996, C-10 - EMERGENCY DISPATCH PHONE SYSTEM council " '"`°"` 8/20/96
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CITY OF SAN LUIS O�BjI S PO
FROM: Robert F. Neumann, Fire Chief�C
SUBJECT: Emergency Dispatch Phone System
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve a lease/purchase agreement with AT&T in the amount of$69,566.40 for the
replacement of 9-1-1 emergency dispatch telephone equipment at the City's four fire stations and
authorize the Mayor to execute the contracts.
DISCUSSION
This system is used as the means of dispatching the individual fire stations to emergencies.
When the public calls 9-1-1, the call arrives at the dispatch center located in the Police
Department where the Dispatchers decide which is the most appropriate station needed. The
Dispatcher then notifies the station via this system. The current system was originally sole-
sourced to and installed by AT&T in the late 1970's when the Police and Fire Departments
combined their dispatch centers. It has now been in service almost 20 years.
With the opening of the new fire station, staff became aware that similar equipment could no
longer be acquired for that facility. In addition, the existing equipment in the other stations no
longer meets standards and due to its age is difficult to service, has performance problems, and
is generally in need of an overhaul. Accordingly, we are required to move to current
technology.
When the telephone company was restructured into AT&T and Pacific Bell in the 1980's,
AT&T assumed responsibility for systems of this nature. Due to issues of system compatibility
and their past record of performance, staff feels that the City should maintain its relationship
with AT&T. Other providers are available, but they simply do not bring the knowledge,
experience, and compatibility with our other equipment. Most importantly, AT&T has the depth
to support and to maintain this critically important component of our dispatch system.
FISCAL EMPACT
Under the current arrangement, we have an open-ended lease with monthly billing. Staff is
recommending the replacement system be acquired under a lease/purchase agreement. This
replacement system is more reliable, has better performance, and staff was pleased to learn that
monthly costs are actually reduced. More importantly, significant savings will be generated in
five years when the City becomes the owner of the equipment and no longer be required to make
the equipment payment.
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Council Agenda Report - Emergency Dispatch Phone System
Page 2
Fiscal Summary
No new funds are being requested and current costs will be reduced as indicated below.
Current Monthly Expense New Monthly Expense
$17413 $1,159
Savings over five years: $15,240
ALTERNATIVE:
It would be possible for the City to purchase the equipment now. This would require an
expenditure of$52,133, which is not currently budgeted. However, the accumulated interest of
$17,433 (12%) over the 5-year life of the contract would be saved.
CONCURRENCES:
The Finance Director and Police Chief have reviewed and concurred with this proposal.
A1TACE VIENT:
Contract documents are available in the Council Office.