Report Prepared By: Marvin Dillsaver, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Acceptance and Appropriation of $22,074 from the Merced County Remote Access Network Board as Reimbursement Funding for the Purchase of Message Switch Server, 3-Year Subscription to RedHat Services and Installation of a CalPhoto Interface from Tyler Technology
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approval to accept and appropriate $22,074 in Remote Access Network (RAN) funding from the Merced County Remote Access Network for the purchase of a new virtual message switch server along with the services to configure and a three-year subscription to RedHat services. We will also be purchasing the technical services needed for a new CalPhoto interface through Tyler Technology.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting $22,074 in revenue from the Merced County RAN Board, increasing revenue and appropriating the same in Fund 1000-General Fund (Police Division) for the purchase of computer equipment and services; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents; and,
C. Authorizing the use of pooled cash for the purchase until the reimbursement is received.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to staff for recommendation of specific items
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety as provided for in the 2024-25 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The State of California Department of Justice operates the California Identification System (CAL-ID), which is an automated system that retains fingerprint files and other related law enforcement information and databases. The Remote Access Network (RAN) is a uniform statewide network of equipment and procedures which allows local law enforcement agencies direct access to the CAL-ID system. To assist with the funding for this system, the State established a county level fee assessed as part of state vehicle registration fees.
To oversee and distribute the funding received by RAN a seven member RAN Board was established pursuant to California Penal Code section 11112.4, subdivision (b). Pursuant to that section, the Board consists of a member of the County Board of Supervisors, the Merced County Sheriff, the Merced County District Attorney, the Merced Police Chief, one other Police Chief who is selected by the police chiefs in Merced County, a member-at-large and a Mayor from a city within the county. As part of their fiscal year 2024-2025 budget, the RAN Board approved $22,074 in funding to the City of Merced for the purchase of a new message switch, and the services to install and configure along with an interface to connect to the CalPhoto database and a three-year subscription to redhat services. To receive this funding, the city must first purchase the services and server and provide proof of payment to the RAN Board.
Due to the existing message switch approaching the useful life, at the end of this year, the Department is seeking to upgrade and replace the message switch to a virtual switch to adhere to the latest technologies.
The services and interface are one-time purchases. After the initial three years of RedHat subscription services provided by Tyler Technology, ongoing subscription for future year services will be paid by the City and the cost will be budgeted with the City’s annual budget process.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Staff is asking Council to accept and appropriate $22,074 from the Merced County RAN Board in Fund 1000-General Fund (Police Division) to cover the purchase cost of computer equipment and three-year subscription services. The subscription services cost incurred after the initial three years will be budgeted with City’s annual budget process.
This budget appropriation will require five affirmative votes by Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1. RAN Agenda and Budget Items 10-15-2024
2. RAN Minutes 10-15-2024
3. Tyler Amendment