Title
Interlocal Agreement between the City of Olympia and McLane Black Lake Fire Department for Radio Frequency Use
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to approve for the Mayor's signature on the Agreement and the associated Letter of Concurrence and Certificate of Service - KFE781.
Report
Issue:
City of Olympia holds a license to an unused radio frequency. The McLane Black Lake Fire District would like to be able to use that frequency until such time as Olympia requires it for operations.
Staff Contact:
Greg Wright, Deputy Fire Chief, 360.753.8466
Presenter(s):
None. Consent Calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
Olympia Fire Department secured an additional pair of radio frequencies about 10 years ago anticipating a change in our radio systems. That change did not happen as was expected at the time so only one of the two radio frequencies was put into use. The second frequency is currently not being used by the Fire Department.
Because radio frequencies are so difficult to obtain from the Federal Communications Commission, FCC, the Department does not want to surrender this frequency as operational demands and/or radio changes in the future, could create a need for this additional frequency. The Fire District has need of a frequency for training and other routine activities. When they began the process to obtain an additional frequency of their own from the FCC they became aware of the unused Olympia frequency.
The FCC has a formal process for sharing radio frequencies. This agreement details how the frequency will be shared, preserves the Olympia ownership of the frequency, describes access to and future control of the frequency and authorizes the Mayor to sign a letter required by the FCC for the McLean Black Lake Fire District to use the frequency as long as Olympia does not need the frequency.
There will be no operational impact on the City o...
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