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John J ermanis - 2 - July 25, 2007 The City Manager of Union City and I have been appointed by the Alameda County City Managers Association to represent the cities in Alameda County on the EBRCS Task Force. I have been in contact with the City Managers of Berkeley and Oakland to determine if those cities are considering joining the JP A. The cities of Berkeley and Oakland presently operate their own radio communication systems, and they are evaluating the cost-benefit of joining the IP A as compared to upgrading their existing systems to be compatible with the EBRCS. These cities will continue to monitor the progress of the IP A and may consider participation for their Public Safety Departments if there is a way for the IP A to recognize the value and investment Berkeley and Oakland have in current systems. As a practical matter, the City of San Leandro and the other cities in Alameda County, with the exception of Berkeley and Oakland, have few options other than to join the JP A. The communication linkage requirements of our Police Department with the Alameda County Fire and the Sheriff Departments are critical to the daily operation of these public safety agencies. Chief Attarian also told me that direct communication with the County is important because his department relies more on the interdepartmental assistance and backup support from the Sheriff than any of the other neighboring law enforcement agencies. The only alternative to joining the IP A is to contract with Alameda County for communication support services after the new system is in place. DISCUSSION Fiscal Impact The cost of installing our own system that would be compatible with other regional systems would be cost prohibitive. As shown on Exhibit A, there are potentially just over 17,000 radios that could be using the EBRCS network. The estimated cost to acquire the necessary radio communication equipment through the IP A may be as high as $60 million if there were no grant funding support. If all the agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties participate, the City of San Leandro's worst case cost allocation would be 2.17% or $1.3 million. If Berkeley, Oakland, East Bay Regional Parks and American Medical Response do not participate San Leandro's share would increase to 3.05% or $1.8 million. This funding range of $1.3 to $1.8 million would be financed over a 20 year period (around $98,000 to $136,000 annually) and included as part of the Police and Fire Department operating budgets. The actual cost of the EBRCS is not known at this time. It is anticipated the IP A will submit an application through the State for federal funding assistance for the EBRCS later this summer. The cities that adopt the IP A are under no obligation to remain as a member if a City Council determines the cost to be unacceptable. I believe we should join with the other cities and adopt the IP A to have the process move forward since there is no additional financial obligation for the City to participate at this time.