Sponsor: Emergency Communications
Title
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Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems Replacement for Ramsey County 800 MHz Radio Towers and Primary and Secondary Emergency Communications Data Centers
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the use of the 800 MHz Radio Fund Balance to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems at three radio tower sites at the cost of $120,000.
2. Authorize the County Manager to establish a Radio Tower HVAC Replacement Project account and transfer $120,000 from the 800 MHz Radio Fund Balance to this project.
3. Approve the use of the Emergency Communications Center Equipment Fund Balance to replace the HVAC systems at the primary and secondary Emergency Communications Data Centers at the cost of $206,000.
4. Authorize the County Manager to establish an Emergency Communications Data Center HVAC Replacement Project account and transfer $206,000 from the Emergency Communications Center Equipment Fund Balance to this project.
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Background
background
Ramsey County Emergency Communications department needs to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems at the primary and secondary data centers, as well as at three radio tower sites. The HVAC systems are a critical part of Ramsey County’s emergency communications system and network. Each system consists of two redundant HVAC units which need constant maintenance in order to maintain their effectiveness. The HVAC units at these locations were installed in 2005 and have exceeded their life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Due to the high cost of maintaining older HVAC systems and the need for greater reliability, Emergency Communications recommends these systems be replace by using the 800 MHz Radio Fund Balance and the Emergency Communications Center Equipment Fund Balance to support both projects. Several of the systems units were installed on top of buildings and inside a water tower which increased the cost for those sites. Installation costs have been factored into replacing each HVAC system. Emergency Communications anticipates the installation of each new system will be completed by the end of December 2021.
The cost of HVAC units and installation services for three radio tower sites are:
Site Cost
U of M Building $49,000
Courthouse $40,000
White Bear Lake $31,000
$120,000
The cost of HVAC units and installation services for the data centers are:
Site Cost
Primary Data Center $147,000
Secondary Data Center $59,000
$206,000
Authorization is required from the Ramsey County Board to use the 800 MHz Radio Fund Balance and Emergency Communications Center Equipment Fund Balance. The usage of these funds supports the county’s effort to use strategic investments to enhance the county’s communication capabilities while maintaining transparency. The Dispatch Policy Committee has endorsed the usage of these funds to support both projects.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no direct racial equity impact linked with this project. The 800 MHz radio towers and primary and back-up data centers HVAC replacement project will protect and enhance the county’s capabilities to response and support the entire county.
Community Participation Level and Impact
This action is to inform the community of an update to the emergency communications system.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The 800 MHz Radio Fund Balance was established to cover the cost of future replacement and upgrades to the 800 MHz radio system that supports Emergency Communications and all agencies within Ramsey County. The current fund balance as of September 1, 2021 is $1,004,163 which is sufficient and will fully cover the cost of $120,000 for this project.
The Emergency Communications Center Equipment Fund Balance was established to cover the cost of future replacement and upgrades to technology systems that support Emergency Communications. The current fund balance as of September 1, 2021 is $4,937,522 which is sufficient and will fully cover the cost of $206,000 for this project.
County Manager Comments
No additional comments.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
None.