TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a Joint Powers Agreement to allow the City of Long Beach to join the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) Joint Powers Authority for the development of a regional, shared communications system for public safety first responders. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The events of September 11, 2001 and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina have focused public awareness on the need for improved interagency coordination and enhanced response to day-to-day and large-scale events. Historically, public safety agencies have developed emergency communications systems that meet local needs, while failing to provide seamless interoperability with all jurisdictions and agencies that may respond to emergencies. Currently, departments must patch their systems together to achieve communication interoperability. In addition, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requiring that the City upgrade its radio systems by January 1, 2013, an unfunded mandate, which is further incentive for the City to participate in the LA-RICS Joint Powers Authority to find regional solutions.
LA-RICS is a modern, integrated, and wireless voice and data communications system that will support more than 34,000 public safety first responders and local mission-critical personnel within the Los Angeles County region. The system will improve communications for both day-to-day incidents and during large-scale disasters. For the past two and one-half years, LA-RICS committees, which include representatives from the Fire Department, Police Department, and Technology Services Department, have been meeting to review the technical and governance issues associated with maintaining and operating such a system for the benefit of all communities in Los Angeles County.
Authorization to execute a joint powers agreement to join the LA-RICS Joint Powers Authority is requested to allow the City of Long Beach to participate and guide the development of a shared communications system that will meet the needs of all public safety first responders in the region, and the development of a financial plan to implement the system. The City of Long Beach has been designated as a member agency of the LA-RICS Joint Powers Authority and approval of the joint powers agreement is required for our continued participation in the LA-RICS project.
This item was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary Anderson and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on February 18, 2009.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
The LA-RICS Joint Powers Authority approval process requires that cities wishing to become members approve the joint powers agreement within 45 days following the execution of the agreement by the County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles. Therefore, City Council approval is requested on March 10, 2009 to ensure the City meets the March 21, 2009 deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with participating in the LA-RICS Authority at this time. The LA-RICS Authority will develop a financial plan that will identify the cost to the members who participate. Once the financial plan is developed, the item will be brought before the City Council for review and direction. Participation in the LA-RICS Authority does not create any financial obligation until the financial plan has been developed and approved by the LA-RICS Authority. Prior to the LA-RICS Authority approval, the City of Long Beach has the ability to opt-out without incurring any costs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DVAID W. ELLIS
FIRE CHIEF
ANTHONY W. BATTS
CHIEF OF POLICE
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |