HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-27-AC-min-att1From a message dated September 27, 2022:
Here are responses to most of Sanjay’s questions – for your review ahead of the meeting
tonight. Mr. Cronin and both Chief’s will be joining the meeting to answer questions. I will be
in car/dialing in via phone, but can weigh in if needed.
From Chief Sencabaugh: Answers based on our meeting with the Fire, Police, IT, Facilities,
Vendors, and MEMA Representatives yesterday afternoon.
1. What are the differences between the equipment contemplated in the Police
Station construction budget versus what is being requested as part of this
project? This equipment is separate from equipment included in the construction
project. There will be no overlap with the two projects.
2. When was the equipment that is planned to be replaced by this project originally
installed? Mostly in the 1998 to early 2000’s
3. Will the new equipment in the 9(?) towers require new cables (fiber optic?) to be
installed? What happens to the existing copper wire?
4. What is the expected lifespan of the new equipment? Approx. 10 years for the
antenna system.
5. What modifications will need to be made (if any) to 173 Bedford Street and the
new Lexington Fire Station as part of this project? None
6. Is there any impact to the approved Police Station construction budget? No
7. Is any of the equipment going to be placed (eventually) in the new tower behind
the new Police HQ? If yes, is the price for relocation included? Temporary antennas
at the back of Cary would migrate to the new tower. There is a Cyber Comm quote in
this bundle for new antennas to go on the Tower. Installation is being negotiated with the
Tower Company.
8. Have competitive bids been received for this project? State Bid List PSE-01
9. What is the planned depreciation schedule for this expenditure? (Carolyn: as with
most equipment this expected to be depreciated over 3 or 5 years. While depreciation is
recognized in our GAAP financial statements, this does not have an impact on the town’s
budget or finances.)
10. Are the communication issues being faced limited to Lexington or also impacting
neighboring communities? Will they have to make any changes to their
equipment? At this time this is a Lexington Issue. Other communities would face it
upon their decision to implement capital projects that are impacted by the Utilities
decision to no longer supply/support copper lines.
11. What is the rationale for not using ARPA funds for this project? (Carolyn: Given
that this was an unexpected need that was both time sensitive and public safety related,
staff presented this project to the Select Board with ARPA as the recommended funding
source. The Select Board may want to speak to their decision not to approve ARPA
funds for this expense – I would recommend reaching out to them).
Carolyn Kosnoff
Assistant Town Manager for Finance
Town of Lexington
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02420
781.698.4622