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South Lyon council approves purchase of Motorola radios and turnout gear, waives competitive bids
Summary
Council approved a sole-source purchase of five Motorola radios for the fire department and eight sets of Viking turnout gear, and passed a related budget amendment to cover higher gear costs.
The South Lyon City Council on July 28 approved two fire-department procurement requests and related budget changes intended to improve firefighter safety and on-scene communications.
The council first approved a waiver of the city’s competitive-bidding requirement and then voted to purchase five Motorola radios for the fire department for $40,058.80 from Motorola Solutions, the quote identified as the sole-source provider for the MPSCS system used in Oakland County. Council member Hanson moved the purchase and a second was recorded; the roll-call vote was recorded as yes from all seven voting members. The purchase was approved “subject to review of the disclosures by the city attorney,” per council direction.
Fire Chief Conrad told the council the department currently has 10 operational radios for roughly 20 non-officer staff and that acquiring five additional radios “will bring us closer to a 1 to 1 radio to person ratio,” enhancing accountability and safety during incidents. Chief Conrad also presented the Motorola quote and a letter identifying Motorola Solutions as the MPSCS sole-source provider for the county.
Council then considered turnout gear. The council waived the competitive-bid requirement for turnout gear as a sole-source purchase and approved buying eight sets of Viking turnout gear from R and R Truck Repair for $25,709. Chief Conrad said manufacturer price increases meant only seven sets could be purchased within the original budget amount, but the council approved a budget amendment to increase the relevant line item so the department could acquire the full eight sets.
Council member Bogart moved a budget amendment to increase the general fund fiscal-year 2025–26 line item 101-336-721 from $45,381 to $47,100 to reflect the higher cost; the council approved the amendment by roll-call vote. Council members asked questions about how many radios and gear sets would be required to reach full coverage; Chief Conrad said staffing changes affect the exact number but indicated the purchases move the department closer to a one-per-person target.
The council also asked the city attorney to review vendor terms and conditions before final contract acceptance; Lisa Hammami (city attorney) flagged potentially concerning online terms-of-sale language and requested time to negotiate or clarify contract provisions.
Council recorded unanimous roll-call approval on the procurement motions and budget amendment; each motion passed with the council’s stated condition that the city attorney review contract terms where noted.
