Title
AGREEMENT WITH BUTLER COUNTY FOR SHARED TOWER.
Presented by: Kent Koehler, Sr. Project Manager, Division of Information and Operations.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve agreement and authorize chair to sign.
Body
The project to replace the current Sedgwick County radio system is currently in progress. The initial phase of the project included a coverage study of the current radio system. The results indicated that additional radio tower sites will be needed in various parts of the county. The east-central portion of the County is an area where radio coverage problems have been identified.
Butler County recently constructed a tower on land owned by the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) near Andover. A coverage study was completed using the tower's location and height. The coverage study indicated that utilizing the tower would dramatically improve coverage in the east-central portion of the county. The design of the tower and shelter have been reviewed and will meet Sedgwick County's needs.
The agreement is for Sedgwick County to reimburse Butler County for one-half (1/2) of the total construction costs and to share equally in utility and maintenance costs of the tower and common equipment. The construction cost includes the shelter, generator, and fuel tanks.
Butler County will invoice Sedgwick County annually for maintenance and utility costs once Sedgwick County installs equipment on the tower.
Alternatives: Build tower in Sedgwick County or find space on existing tower.
Financial Considerations: $288,066.50 for one-half of construction costs. The cost includes use of a shelter, a generator, and fuel tanks Sedgwick County would have to spend at least $175,000 for these items if leasing space on an existing tower. Sedgwick County currently pays $1,870.37/month and $1952.76/month for space on two towers owned by SBA Communications. Shared cost will be funded through debt proceeds related to the 2011 CIP Project to upgrade the 800 MHz Radio System and Convert it to Digital. Fund Center 11991-402.
Legal Considerations: K.S.A. 12-2908 provides the legal authority for the Co-Ownership Agreement between Sedgwick and Butler counties. The Agreement was drafted, exchanged and approved by counsel for both counties. On November 29, 2011, the Butler County Board of Commissioners approved the Agreement by unanimous 5-0 vote and Chairman Bruce Harris executed the Agreement. Approval shall be by simple majority vote.
Policy Considerations: N/A
Outside Attendees: No
Multimedia Presentation: No