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CASE # PURCHASE OF NEW RADAR UNITS By: David Gustafson, Police Sergeant Background: The Ramsey Police Department currently has five radar units. The two oldest, one of which was purchased in 1978, the other in 1979, have reached a point of technical obsolescence. While they remain functional, the cost of major repair to either could not be justified. The units, assets numbered 194 and 204, were purchased for $1,885.00 and $520.00, respectively, and are listed in the equipment replacement fund at those values which total $2,405. Number 204, although purchased new, shows a $520.00 price because of Federal and State cost-sharing policies at that time. The cost of a new unit is just under $2,600.00. While purchasing a single replacement unit would leave the department with only four radars, each patrol squad would still be equipped with one, except for periods during repair or yearly calibration and recertification, the latter of which is a requirement to meet court standards. St. Paul Police has a radar service and repair unit which we have been using since early this year. Their labor rate is no more than that of the factory, but they have about a five day turnaround period from when we ship a unit until we receive it back, as opposed to about three weeks from the factory. Thus, we can do without a fifth unit, which we have been using as a spare. The Federal Highway Administration and other agencies have set regulations beginning in 1994 that require dual air bags in automobiles. Part of these regulations will preclude police agencies, or for that matter anyone else, from installing equipment and accessories which might jeopardize the deployment or effectiveness of these bags. This, in effect, will forbid us from using any of our five existing units after the end of 1993 because of the size of the antenna which is designed to be dash mounted. ! propose that the City purchase one MPH Industries brand BEE 36 KA band unit to replace our two oldest radars. This unit is much smaller than any we have now, which will enable us to mount the antenna above the rear view mirror to comply with regulations, and save valuable space for the MDT units which have already been authorized by Council. ! have enclosed part of the literature from the factory showing the physical size of antennas. Those on our two oldest units are about 25% larger than the X band. (We plan to buy the KA band). The other components of the new unit, to include the readout and remote control, are downsized about the same. Finance Committee Action: Based upon discussion. Reviewed by: Copies also distributed to: Police Sergeant City Administrator Police Chief Finance-Officer FC: 02/23/93 4