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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW Memo 70-76MEMORANDUM 476 TO: MR. B. TINK, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FROM: J. DUNHAM, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS SUBJECT: COMMUNICATION SYSTEM DATE: SEPTEMBER 30, 1976 The following is a summary of quotations on the mentioned subject: 1. Canadian Motorola Electronics Company: Total purchase price $39,482,75.00 5 year rental purchase $ 909.11 Maintenance contract 270.00 Total monthly cost. $1,179.11 2. Mercom Communications Systems: Total purchase price $39,524.20 5 year rental purchase $ 896.00 Maintenance contract 239.00 Total monthly cost $1,135.00 3. Canadian Marconi Company Total purchase price $34,384.00 5 year rental purchase $ 787.40 1 year Maintenacne contract 234.00 Total monthly cost 1,021.40 4. Canadian General Electric Company Total purchase price $33,495.00 66 months rental purchase $999.49 - including maintenance 5. Williams Communications Services Limited (Only) 5 year rental purchase on existing equipment $1,273.08 per month z COMMEWS Quotation No. 1, includes a complete system, the mobiles are a heavy duty, durable type similar to what we now rent. The repeater includes an added option and can be operated on D.C. in case of power failure. Also, included is a 100 foot painted and lighted tower erected in the Works Yard in Orono. This system would operate on a pair of V.H.F. frequencies. Maintenance would be by of Williams Communications Services Limited, who are an agent of Motorola. All applicable taxes are included. Rental as proposed at the end of 5 years, we own the 'system., Quotation No. 2, includes a complete system, the mobiles are comparable to what we now rent, however, these units are not common in Canada. The repeater is operatable by hydro only. Included is a 75 foot free standing tower in the Orono Works Yard. This system would be on a pair of U.H.F. frequencies. Maintenance would be by way of Mercom itself, O.R.S.T. extra. Rental as proposed at the end of 5 years, a balance of $1,976.21 would be owing. Quotation No. 3, is not a complete system, not included in their quotation is the installation of the base or repeater tower and antenna, nor is the supply of a tower included. In addition to their quotation applicable taxes are extra. Maintenance would be by way of Marconi. Quotation No. 4, includes a complete system, however, the mobiles are 3 -fa light duty with a much lower audio output than for, an example, numbers 1 and 2. This proposal is for an antenna on top of the water tank in Bowmanville and housing the repeater in the Fire Hall. Since the Fire Department operates their system off the water tank at the present time and The Regional Police Department is now in the process of having an antenna erected on the same tank, it is found that the third antenna could create a considerable amount of signal interference for everyone by the use of 3 frequencies on one tower. In addition, we would require approval from the Region to acquire space on the said tank. FURTHER. COMMLN The existing system, now used by the Works Department is on a rental basis with no contract as such. Total yearly rental at the present time is $12,361.80 plus a licence fee of $26.00 per year, payable to the Department of Communications. Further to this, the system functions similar to a telephone party line which at times is crowded. In obtaining information from the Department of Communications, I learn.that frequencies are getting scarce with the exception of two which are about to be relinquished, due to the Regional Police change over. The 3 The D.O.C. have stated that these frequencies will be alloted to the first come, first served. Also, subject to submitting an application it could take 4 to 6 months to acquire the necessary approval, which one must have prior to the purchase of any equipment. RECOMMENDATIONS: In view of the time element in obtaining frequencies and the necessary licence, I would recommend that we submit an application for the same, as soon as possible. Any frequencies granted mHst be used within 9 months of the issued date. Also, an important point is that, any other Department under the jurisdiction of the Town of Newcastle could use this system now or in the future. Further to this I would recommend proposal number 1, and it be an outright purchase subject to obtaining the necessary approvals and licence. This proposal is comparable to what we now rent which would provide an efficient system quite adequate in coverage for any Department within the Town of Newcastle. Also, it would be a private line. The total cost of this system is $39,482.75 which provides for 30 mobile units and 3 base sets. To consider this system under a 5 year rental purchase contract, total cost at the end of the 'contract would be $54,546.60. This is an additional $15,063.85 over 5 years. Due to the total purchase price, I cannot recommend it be under a rental purchase contract.