Report Prepared by: Joseph Weiss, Lieutenant, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements to Standardize Equipment, Authorization to Purchase Mobile Computers and Related Equipment with Use of Pooled Cash, and Acceptance of Grant Funding in the Amount of $69,000 from the Merced County Remote Access Network Board as Reimbursement Funding for the Purchase of In-Car Mobile Computers and Related Equipment
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the acceptance of $69,000 in Remote Access Network (RAN) funding from the Merced County Remote Access Network for the purchase of ten (10) in car computer systems for police patrol vehicles by using pooled cash which will be reimbursed upon presentation of proof of purchase to the RAN Governing Board.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing the acceptance of $69,000, increasing revenue account 001-1002-324-02-00 in reimbursable funds from the Merced County RAN Board and appropriating the same for the purchase of computer equipment for police patrol vehicles in expense account 001-1002-523-43-00; and,
B. Waiving the competitive bid requirement; and,
C. Authorizing the purchase of mobile computers and related equipment; and,
D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash for purchases until the City receives reimbursement funds; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager or the Assistant City Manager to execute all necessary documents for this purpose.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to staff; or
4. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200 - Powers
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 405 - Powers Vested in the City Council
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 1105 - Budget Appropriations
Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety as provided for in the 2019-20 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The State of California Department of Justice operates the California Identification System (CAL-ID), which is an automated system that retains finger print 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.
The Merced County Remote Access Board (RAN) has awarded the City of Merced $69,000 from their 2019/20 Project Year funds. The funds will be used to purchase $69,000 in mobile computers and associated computer equipment (Attachment 1). Based on the attached quote, the city will need to fund $2,569.11 from within the FY 2019-20 approved police budget. A waiver of the competitive bidding process is requested to allow for standardization of equipment.
This purchase will allow the Police Department to outfit 10 “marked” police cars with the latest technology which will allow our officers the ability to interface with state and federal databases and computer systems and to perform more work and essential functions in the field.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
An increase in revenue account 001-1002-324-02-00 by $69,000 and an appropriation of the same amount to expense account 001-1002-523-43-00 is needed for the purchase of computer equipment associated with the police department mobile computer replacement project. Upon receipt of equipment and proof of payment by the City of Merced, reimbursement will be made by the Merced County RAN Board.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Quote 47791 Rugged Depot
2. RAN Approved Funding Request