Title
Amendment to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Mulvane Emergency Communications Radio Tower repair and ice shield.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the amendment to the 2016 Capital Improvement Program.
Background:
The Mulvane Emergency Communications Radio Tower has sustained physical damage to wiring and the microwave system, validated through eye witness evidence of the Hayden company. According to Hayden, the Mulvane tower damage is consistent with damage caused by ice falling onto the equipment. At this time, it is not known if any other tower sites have damage. Hayden and other tower experts advise that ice shields are “standard” equipment in this part of the country. As of today, the Mulvane tower continues to operate and the system is functional. According to Jerad Wilson, Sedgwick County Communication Equipment Supervisor, and Elora Forshee of Emergency Communications, the damage has diminished redundant processes within that tower. Any additional damage sustained through environment events could render the tower inoperable.
The Mulvane damage alone would cost is $48,230 to repair. To repair the damage and put an ice shield on the Mulvane site would cost $66,950 which is cost effective since the tower would only have to be climbed once.
Alternatives: Not approve the amendment and the project would not proceed.
Financial Considerations: $66,950 project total which will be funded with the CIP Contingency within the CIP Fund.
Legal Considerations:
Policy Considerations: