City to Participate in New Radio System

After a short but heated debate, the City Council approved an operating agreement for a new radio system that will facilitate communications among public safety and public works agencies throughout Orange County.

The City Council voted 5 to 1 Tuesday, with one council member abstaining, to approve the joint powers agreement with the county for an 800-megahertz radio system.

The current 460-megahertz system is 23 years old and requires extensive maintenance and upgrades, according to a city report. It has an 18-channel capacity. The new system, built by Motorola, will have an 81-channel capacity.

Councilman Ted R. Moreno cast the lone vote against the $80-million system, which is expected to cost Santa Ana about $5.5 million.

Moreno questioned the contract with Motorola because he said another company, which submitted a lower bid on the project, did not get the contract. County officials have maintained that the contract was awarded fairly.

Moreno also suggested that Santa Ana did not have a great need to coordinate with other cities.

The Santa Ana police chief and city manager, who supported the new system, said such radio coordination is necessary during disasters and cross-county car chases.

City Manager David N. Ream said that most cities have approved the joint powers agreement.

Councilman Tony Espinoza said he abstained from voting because he works for the county as a probation counselor.