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Arkansas City approves $28,538.70 radio repeater and equipment purchase for Fire/EMS
Summary
The commission approved a $28,538.70 purchase and installation quote from First Wireless Inc. to upgrade a radio repeater, protective cabinet, and coaxial line repairs to improve first-responder communications.
The Arkansas City Commission on June 17 approved a resolution authorizing the city to accept a First Wireless Inc. quote not to exceed $28,538.70 for a new radio repeater, protective cabinet and coaxial-line repairs for Fire/EMS communications.
Fire/EMS staff said the upgrade is intended to restore reliable radio coverage for field units and house equipment for both the fire and police departments at the city’s golf tower site. Staff said the repeater and cabinet will improve physical security and restore full function and reliability to communications channels that had been degrading over time. They explained that operations channels (ops 5 and ops 6) are primary channels for fire and hospital communications and that redundancy is essential so one channel is available if the other experiences failure.
Staff told commissioners the city already uses First Wireless for some services; the vendor has previously worked with the city, and staff reported positive prior experiences. The commission passed the resolution by voice vote. The resolution’s dollar figure excludes any additional shipping unless otherwise noted; staff said the quoted amount is $28,538.70 excluding additional shipping.
The city did not present an alternate funding source in the meeting record; no amendments to the purchase were proposed during discussion. The Fire/EMS Department will work with the vendor to schedule installation and report back to the commission if there are changes to scope or cost.
