Alpena City Council approves purchase of 24 portable radios for public safety

The Alpena City Council meeting on December 16, 2024, focused on critical public safety initiatives, including the approval of funding for new portable radios for the police and fire departments. Council members emphasized the importance of maintaining well-equipped emergency services to ensure community safety.

During the meeting, a motion was made to purchase 24 portable 800 megahertz radios from Grand Traverse Mobile Communications at a total cost of $107.11 each. The council discussed the necessity of replacing outdated equipment, with some radios reportedly over 15 years old. Concerns were raised about the future replacement of these radios, with plans to stagger replacements over the next 10 to 15 years to manage costs effectively.

Council members expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts in securing funding for this essential project, highlighting the importance of public safety as a primary responsibility of the council. The discussion also touched on the challenges posed by regulations that mandate the replacement of certain equipment, which adds urgency to these upgrades.

In addition to the equipment discussions, the meeting featured a farewell address from a council member who reflected on nearly 12 years of service. They encouraged future council members to engage deeply with issues and to seek diverse perspectives before making decisions. The member emphasized the importance of civic engagement and urged more citizens to consider running for council positions to foster healthy debate and representation.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session to discuss water and sewer litigation, indicating ongoing efforts to address infrastructure challenges in the city. The council's commitment to public safety and community engagement remains a focal point as they navigate these critical issues.