10B Action 2007 0730 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF SAN LEANDRO APPROVED AND FORWARDED TO CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Date: July 25, 2007 To: City Council From: John Jermanis, City Manager Subject: East Bay Regional Communication System Joint Powers Authority SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City of San Leandro's participation in a Joint Powers Authority (JP A) to operate and maintain an East Bay Regional Communication System (EBRCS). BACKGROUND The public agencies of Alameda and Contra Costa counties face the same challenges as other metropolitan areas with communication systems that have developed over time utilizing difference radio frequencies and propriety technologies. The disparity of systems makes seamless communication extremely difficult. This situation is compounded by the fact that most systems in use today are nearing the end of their useful lives and need replacing. The counties of Alameda and Contra Costa have been working together over the past few years as part of the federally sponsored Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) to establish priorities for homeland security funding. From this work, it has become clear that a shared communication system is the most cost effective way for the two counties and numerous public safety agencies located with both counties to achieve interoperable communication in emergency response situations. Attached is a summary of current status of the cities in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties that have expressed an interest in participating in a Joint Powers Authority (JP A) to acquire and manage an East Bay Regional Communication System (EBRCS). Also attached is a letter dated July 25, 2007 from County Administrator Susan Muranishi requesting the City's participation in the JP A. Susan anticipates the JP A will be filed with the Secretary of State in mid-August and the County would like to have City of San Leandro continue in its leadership role in this area as a regional partner in the EBRCS. With the exception of the cities of Berkeley, Oakland and Piedmont the 11 other cities in the County have approved or are in the process of approving the JP A document.