Agenda Item Wording:
title
Authorization to purchase batteries for public safety radio equipment - Authorize the City Manager to bypass the public bidding process and enter into a sole source purchase agreement with Motorola Solutions to replace the public safety radio equipment uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and appropriate $50,545 from the General Fund.
body
Agenda Date: 11/02/2026
Prepared by:
Jaime Salazar, IS Supervisor, 559-713-4121, jaime.salazar@visalia.gov
Dan Ford, Police Captain, 559-713-4151, daniel.ford@visalia.gov
John Howison, IS Manager, 559-713-4122, john.howison@visalia.gov
Renee Nagel, Finance/Technology Director, 559-713-4375, renee.nagel@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to bypass the public bidding process and enter into a sole source purchase agreement with Motorola Solutions to replace the public safety radio equipment uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and appropriate $50,545 from the General Fund.
Summary:
The UPS system supporting the City’s public safety radio communications equipment was installed in 2016 and is no longer working. The failure leaves the connected radio equipment without a functioning battery backup power supply, increasing the risk of communications interruptions during power outages and electrical disturbances. Motorola has worked with its engineering team to select the appropriate replacement equipment for the City’s radio communications system. Staff requests purchase approval and budget appropriation to replace the failed UPS and restore backup power protection for this critical public safety infrastructure.
Background Discussion:
The City’s public safety radio communications equipment supports communication among dispatch personnel and emergency responders. Reliable operation of this equipment is essential to coordinating emergency response and maintaining public safety services.
Staff are requesting a sole source purchase because Motorola Solutions originally designed the radio communication equipment and provided the original UPS during the construction phase of the Visalia Emergency Communications Center (VECC) building in 2016. Motorola continues to maintain and support the equipment in the radio shelter at the VECC. Having Motorola provide the UPS removes the risk of selecting incompatible equipment or damaging sensitive radio equipment.
Motorola coordinated with its engineering team to evaluate the application and select the appropriate replacement equipment. The proposed replacement will restore UPS backup power for the supported radio equipment and reduce the risk of interruptions caused by electrical disturbances or brief power outages. Staff recommend proceeding with the replacement due to the complete failure of the existing system and the critical function of the equipment it supports. Installation will be coordinated with Motorola and appropriate City personnel to minimize disruption to public safety radio communications and verify proper operation following installation.
Fiscal impact including annual maintenance and operating costs:
The total one-time cost for the replacement equipment and installation is $50,545. Purchased equipment will be deprecated over 7 years to fund future replacement.
Prior Council Action:
None
Alternatives:
None
Recommended Motion (and alternative motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to bypass the public bidding process and enter into a sole source purchase agreement with Motorola Solutions to replace the public safety radio equipment uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and appropriate $50,545 from the General Fund.
Deadline for Action: 11/02/2026
Attachments:
Motorola RF Shelter UPS Quote.pdf
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Select all that apply.
|
□  Economic Vitality |
■  Organizational Excellence |
□  Fiscal Strength |
□  Infrastructure & Growth |
□  Quality of Life |