Title
Resolution - A Resolution of the City of Mansfield, Texas, Providing for an Agreement Between Mansfield-Johnson Amateur Radio Service and the Water Department to Install and Maintain Repeater Antennas for Reliable Amateur Radio Communications During Times of Emergency and Non-Emergency Instances
Requested Action
Approval by the City Council for the Mansfield-Johnson Amateur Radio Service to coordinate with the Water Department on the installation and maintenance of repeater antennas on three of Mansfield’s water towers.
Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
Description/History
The Mansfield-Johnson Amateur Radio Service (MJARS) has participated with Mansfield Fire Rescue over the years providing assistance with communications at special events and incidents involving larger emergencies, specifically during incidents that involve the operation of the Emergency Operations Center. MJARS consists of licensed radio operators who volunteer their time to assist the Fire Department through radio communications. MJARS utilizes radio equipment that is owned privately by the individual. The Fire Department also has the radio equipment and the needed frequencies to help direct MJARS to areas of need. The use of portables (handheld) devices is widely used, especially at special events including parades and 5K races. MJARS has met with Emergency Management and the Director over the Water Department reviewing the needs and placement of these three antennas.
Justification
For several years, MJARS has assisted the Fire Department and Police Department with special events with additional volunteer manpower and radio communications. These events consist of 5K races, parades and the July 4th celebrations. MJARS also assists when severe weather is threatening Mansfield or damage has occurred. MJARS personnel work closely with our Emergency Management Office and coordinate activities of assistance as requested. MJARS consists of licensed amateur radio operators that assist the city with perimeter control of events and disaster recovery. Providing this area of antenna installation will increase the quality of radio communications throughout the city limits by the use of portable / handheld radios. The installation of these antennas will require no alteration/modification of the water towers. It will consist of simple installation / attachment of the equipment to the rail design that currently exist on the structure at the top of the water tower.
Funding Source
N/A
Prepared By
Greg Cutler, Emergency Management