CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
                 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA



 Agenda Date:       February 6, 2023

 Action Required:   Appropriation of Funds

 Presenter:         Garland Williams, Director of Transit

 Staff Contacts:    Garland Williams, Director of Transit

 Title:             Appropriating funds for the purchase of Charlottesville Area Transit radio
                    equipment - $237,000 (1 of 2 readings)


Background
In FY2022, the Regional Public Service Radio System upgraded the emergency communication
system to a new Interoperable Radio Structure with expanded coverage. The update of the regional
radio system required a number of city departments to replace their outdated legacy communication
equipment. The radio equipment models selected for the system do not meet the Federal Transit
Administration’s (FTA) Buy America guidelines; therefore, Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) cannot
apply any federal FTA funding for the purchase or installation of new radio equipment to upgrade to
the new emergency communication system.

CAT is the last city department that must replace its radio equipment before the old legacy
communication system stops working. Without the ability to apply federal funding to the purchase of
new radio equipment, CAT is requesting local funding from the City to purchase and install new radio
equipment in order for the transit system to be able to communicate with other city and regional
agencies through the emergency communication system. The total funding needed to complete this
communication upgrade is $237,000.

Discussion
Annually CAT receives federal funding for operations and for the purchase of capital items that are
allowable under the FTA Buy America guidelines. The purchase of radio equipment for CAT is a
special circumstance, but the ongoing maintenance of the radio equipment can be funded with
federal funding.

Alignment with City Council's Vision and Strategic Plan
This appropriation contributes to Goal 1: An Inclusive Community of Self-sufficient Residents and
Goal 2: A healthy and safe community of the City's Strategic Plan.

Community Engagement
None
Budgetary Impact
Funds are being requested from previously appropriated funds in the City's CIP Contingency
account.

Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.

Alternatives
If the funds are not approved, Charlottesville Area Transit will not be able to purchase the compatible
equipment needed to access the local emergency communication system.

Attachments
1.   Resolution_CIP Contingency Transfer - CAT Radios