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Bridal Creek council backs purchase of two‑channel radio repeater, to be paid from FEMA reimbursement funds
Summary
Councilors recommended the city partner with Muskogee Communications and place a two‑channel repeater at Substation No. 2, with the purchase to be reimbursed from a FEMA account; staff will return with firm costs including handheld radios.
The Bridal Creek City Council on April (date not specified) recommended that the council approve the purchase and placement of a two‑channel radio repeater and associated equipment, using money from the city’s FEMA reimbursement account.
City public works staff member "Buddy" told the council that Muskogee Communications quoted about $13,004.81 to install a repeater at Substation No. 2 and that the quote did not include handheld radios. "We got the spot. We'll get — everybody gets their own handhelds," Buddy said, adding the city would house the repeater in the substation's climate‑controlled control house. "We're willing to put it up on our tower," he said.
Buddy said the system would be VHF on a two‑channel repeater and that handheld radios would provide backup communications during storms when cell service could be down. "If we have storms, you knock the cell tower out, we've got handhelds," he said.
Councilors asked about alternatives including 800 megahertz systems. A nearby commenter/contractor with experience on 800 systems noted that statewide 800 networks can be expensive, are tightly controlled, and that talk groups are granted selectively. He said truck and handheld 800‑MHz radios often cost much more than VHF units.
Buddy said his team would inventory city vehicles for existing radio compatibility, work with Muskogee Communications on final pricing for handhelds, and return to the council with a single firm figure for approval. He identified the installation quote as being dated April 4 and noted the vendor’s quote was valid for 30 days.
Councilors moved and seconded a recommendation that the full council approve reimbursement of the city’s share of the purchase from the FEMA reimbursement account (account 5062...). The motion carried.
Councilors and staff said the city will also renew its FCC license (a 10‑year renewal) for the channel and coordinate channel assignments so mutual aid is possible in emergencies. The council asked staff to provide final numbers and to coordinate with the city attorney on contracting and invoicing before the purchase is finalized.
The council did not specify exact purchase dates or a final count of handheld radios during the meeting; staff said they expect to present a final number at the next council meeting for formal approval.
