JACKSON – The Township Council has introduced a bond ordinance that would, if adopted, appropriate $6.5 million to finance the cost of a new radio system for the Jackson Police Department.
The bond ordinance, which was introduced during the Nov. 27 council meeting, would authorize the issuance of $6.184 million in bonds and notes to finance a portion of the costs. Jackson officials would provide a $325,450 down payment to cover the balance of the appropriation.
The second reading and public hearing for the bond ordinance will be held during the Dec. 18 council meeting.
The improvements authorized by the bond ordinance would consist of the acquisition of a new radio system for the township, including, but not limited to, the construction of two radio towers with radio equipment shelters and emergency generators; the acquisition of infrastructure equipment for an existing third radio tower site; and the purchase of more than 300 mobile and portable radios.
Council President Ken Bressi, Vice President Robert Nixon, Councilman Barry Calogero, Councilman Scott Martin and Councilwoman Ann Updegrave voted to introduce the ordinance.
At the same meeting, council members authorized an agreement between Jackson and Motorola Solutions Inc. for the purchase of a police radio communications system in an amount not to exceed $5.655 million.
Jackson Police Capt. Rich Wagner is responsible for the police department’s communication system and said the planned upgrades are something “we have to do.”
“We have two major problems with our current radio system. First, our system is at the end of its usable life, many of its major components are becoming difficult to repair because the parts are not available anymore. The second problem is that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will not renew our license after 2020 because of the frequency we are on,” Wagner said.
At present, the police department’s communications system is in the TV and radio range of frequencies and that has become a problem as technology continues to evolve.
“Our radio frequencies are between TV channels and when the FCC allowed for high-definition television to be broadcast, (that is) now infringing on our radio frequencies. Public safety organizations across the country are having radio problems because of high-definition television,” Wagner said.
He said the police department has applied to the FCC for a new license in the appropriate frequency.
“We are absolutely excited about (the new equipment) because we are going to have better coverage, we are going to be part of the Ocean County radio system,” Wagner said. “There will be better communications within the township and throughout the county. All public safety units in the TV bandwidth had to leave (that frequency). The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department already has their (new) system up and running.”
As Jackson switches to the new system, every piece of the radio equipment in the police department will have to be replaced.
“Our old radios will not work on the new system,” Wagner said.
