TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: MICHAEL CISZEK, POLICE CHIEF
DATE: JULY 22, 2025
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL A BIDIRECTIONAL AMPLIFIER FOR THE CLAREMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ENHANCE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS AND SUPPORT INTEGRATION WITH THE LA-RICS NETWORK (FUNDING SOURCE: GENERAL FUND)
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SUMMARY
To improve in-building radio coverage and ensure full integration with the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS), it is necessary to purchase and install a bidirectional amplifier (BDA) for the Claremont Police Department. The BDA will enhance officer safety and emergency communications by addressing identified coverage gaps within the City’s Public Safety Facility.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Bear Communications Inc. for the purchase and installation of a bidirectional amplifier and associated radio infrastructure, in the amount of $74,779.22, and authorize a five percent contingency of $3,738.96, for a total amount of $78,518.18.
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ALTERNATIVE TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Request additional information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The City receives monthly rent revenue from AT&T FirstNet for a communications tower located on the Police Department property. This revenue is to be used for eligible expenses related to the maintenance and services associated with the LA-RICS communications system used by the Claremont Police Department. The accumulation of this monthly rent has resulted in a balance of $273,729 that is available for these eligible expenses.
The total estimated one-time cost of the purchase, installation, configuration, and testing of the BDA system is $74,779.22. Staff recommends a five percent contingency of $3,738.96 to account for unanticipated additional costs associated with the installation of the BDA, resulting in a total payment under the agreement for $78,518.18. Future costs for maintenance and system updates will be minimal and absorbed into the Police Department's existing communications operating budget.
This purchase complies with all City purchasing guidelines. Bid and contract documents are available for review in the City Clerk's office. The staff cost to prepare this report and administer this project is estimated at $2,500 and is included in the operating budget of the Police Department.
ANALYSIS
Claremont Police Department completed its migration to the LA-RICS network, a countywide interoperable communications system used by numerous public safety agencies across Los Angeles County. LA-RICS provides a reliable platform for interagency communication and improves coordination during mutual aid and large-scale events.
During the transition and initial testing, no system complications or deficiencies were noted within the Police Department building. After implementation, staff identified radio signal degradation in portions of the building due to its concrete and steel structure. These coverage issues create operational challenges, particularly for officers and dispatchers attempting to communicate during critical incidents within the facility.
A bidirectional amplifier will resolve these issues by amplifying and redistributing radio signals throughout the building, ensuring continuous and reliable communications with the LA-RICS network both inside and outside the Police Department facility.
The proposed BDA system will be designed specifically for public safety radio frequencies and fully integrated with LA-RICS system parameters. Key features include:
• Enhanced in-building radio signal coverage
• Direct support for UHF radio bands used by LA-RICS
• Continuous communication capability for police personnel and mutual aid responders
• Compliance with public safety communications and fire code requirements
The system will be installed by a certified public safety communications vendor with experience in LA-RICS-compliant infrastructure. Bear Communications Inc. is an authorized Motorola Solutions integrator and installer of all Motorola two-way radio systems.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed the vendor agreement and has approved it as to form.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, Sustainable City Plan, Economic Sustainability Plan, General Plan, 2024-26 Budget, and the Youth and Family Master Plan.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Mike Ciszek Garrett Earl
Chief of Police Police Corporal