Minutes - Council - 09/24/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Kurak, Anderson, Hendriksen, and Zimmennan. Voting No: None. Case #3: Authorize Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County for Public Safety Communications Project Police Chief Gustafson stated that a joint powers agreement for the Public Safety Communications Project was passed by both the Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council and the Fire Protection Council with the recommendation that it be executed by all governmental units in the County. This joint powers agreement reflects the concept under which the Anoka County Board is moving forward to implement a new public safety communications system. The contract is structured so that if there are capital costs involved they will be outside the levy limits. The initial issuance of radios for Ramsey Police and Fire is adequate. County Attorney Robert MA Johnson, stated that he serves as the Chair of the Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council and that he is present to discuss the central communications system. He explained that over the years they have seen many areas where Police and Fire could not receive good communication and had talked over on some of the channels. The Law Enforcement Council has been looking at ways to eliminate the problems, which included improving the existing system or rebuilding the system. What was recommended to the County Board is that they rebuild the system up to 800 MHz. By upgrading the system they will be able to provide an enormous increase in the ways to communicate between agencies such as police, fire and highway patrol. The County Board decided that they wanted to move forward with the system, but determined the cost would be over 12.5 million dollars. The County went to the legislature requesting permission to allow for the County to bond for the project and levy the amount County wide. The County board is moving forward with the levy option. The County wanted to make sure they communicated to all of the communities what would be included, which is why the joint powers agreement was before the Ramsey Council for consideration. Mr. Johnson reviewed the terms of the agreement. Motion by Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Hendriksen, to authorize execution of the Anoka County Public Safety Communications Project joint powers agreement. Further discussion: Mayor Gamec thanked Mr. Johnson for the outstanding job he has done for the City and the County. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Anderson, Hendriksen, Kurak, and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. City Council/September 24, 2002 Page 13 of 33