CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
                 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA



 Agenda Date:        February 6, 2023

 Action Required:    Purchase, donate, and install new radio equipment for Charlottesville Area
                     Transit

 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radio system required a number of city departments to replace their outdated legacy communication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 City of Charlottesville selected radio equipment models that 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 will need the city to purchase, donate, 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 need 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

Community Engagement
CAT will follow the guidelines of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in upgrading its radio
equipment.
Budgetary Impact
The City will allocate $237,000 to purchase, donate, and install new radio equipment for CAT

Recommendation
Staff recommends the City of Charlottesville purchase new radio equipment and complete CAT’s
migration to the new emergency communication system by donating the equipment and funds for
installation.

Alternatives
No motion or other action is required if City Council declines to implement the staff recommendation.

Attachments
None