HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2018-008 Supporting Funding of a New Countywide 911 Emergency Radio System RESOLUTION NO. 2018-008
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARLINGTON,
WASHINGTON, SUPPORTING FUNDING OF A NEW COUNTYWIDE 911
EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM
WHEREAS, public safety depends on having reliable and effective emergency 911 radio
communications; and
WHEREAS, the Snohomish County Emergency Radio System (SERS), has provided a
dependable countywide emergency radio service since 1999 that enables our first responders
to effectively respond to 911 emergency calls in our area; and
WHEREAS, SERS has two decades of technical expertise in developing, acquiring,
installing, operating, maintaining, and managing the countywide emergency radio system; and
WHEREAS, the SERS existing analog 800 MHz radio system is now outdated and about to
reach its end of life. When the existing system can no longer be sustained, it will become
increasingly difficult and eventually impossible to maintain reliable radio communications
between 911 dispatchers and our first responders; and
WHEREAS, independent expert analysis by a national consultant has determined that a
new replacement P-25 radio system using modern digital technology will substantially reduce
risk of future radio system failure and provide better audio voice quality for simulcast, two-way,
interoperable emergency communications; and
WHEREAS, other counties of similar size in our state have already taken action to fund
and replace their outdated 800 MHz radio systems with new P-25 digital radio systems; and
WHEREAS, SERS is engaged with Snohomish County in a competitive bidding
procurement process to select a qualified vendor to provide new countywide 911 radio system
equipment and services; and
WHEREAS, equitable countywide funding for a new radio system must be authorized
and secured to finance a new radio system that has a potential cost estimate of$60 to $75
million.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARLINGTON,
WASHINGTON AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the City of Arlington supports taking necessary actions as soon as possible to
replace the outdated SERS emergency radio system.
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-008
2. That the City of Arlington respectfully urges Snohomish County to approve the resources
necessary to purchase, design, and install a new countywide digital P-25 emergency
radio system.
3. That the City of Arlington supports Snohomish County taking necessary actions to
authorize a dedicated countywide equitable funding source for the new 911 emergency
radio system.
PASSED by the City Council and APPROVED by the Mayor this 16th day of April, 2018.
CITY OF ARLINGTON
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Barbara Tolbert, Mayor
ATTEST:
KristXBanfielcl, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Ste4en4. Peiffle, City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-008