1/3/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

JAN6J ilbd� POOK 75 PACE 498 It appears that a service contract should be considered and the bat- teries that are apparently inferior should be replaced to improve the reliability of the UPS system. ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS The liability of Indian River County is certainly at risk as a result of the failure of the batteries rendering the Central Dispatch in- operative. It seems that the most logical approach at this time would be to replace the existing power batteries with the new type battery in which the manufacturer has made significant improvements. The approximate cost of replacing the batteries as proposed by EPE, would be in the range of $2,000 and the cabinet would not have to be replaced. An alternative would be to replace the UPS system with a static type system which would cost approximately $90,000. The static type system could be purchased on a lease/purchase type option. However, this is not recommended due to the excessive costs and lack of funds in the existing E911 budget prior approved by the state. Funds are available for maintenance and improvements to the existing UPS system and that is the approach which appears most feasible at this time. In an effort to reduce the costs associated with an EPE represent- ative having to replace the batteries when they go bad and adjust the charging circuit, it appears that the Board of County Com- missioners should approve the attached service contract with EPE at a cost of $6,000 per year. This should reduce repair costs and with the replacement of the inferior batteries, problems should be mitigated with the system. It should be noted that batteries are not covered by the service agreement, this being standard industry practice. An alternative to the service contract would be for a member of the Building and Grounds Division to be trained and certified by EPE to adjust the charging circuit, troubleshoot the system, and replace the batteries, although he would not be capable of repairing other technical problems that might occur within the UPS system. The benefit of this would be an improved response time as the service agreement specifies a response within twenty-four (24) hours. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the following: 1. Approve the annual service agreement with EPE for the sum of $6,000 2. Approve the purchase and replacement of the UPS power batteries at the prorated costs of $45 each plus freight for a total not to exceed $2,000 3. Approve the training and travel expense for a staff member to become certified in replacement of batteries and adjust- ing the power charging circuit in the UPS system for im- proved response time. Funds for the above recommendation are available in the E911 budget which was approved by the Board of County Commissioners as well as the Florida Division of Communications. As stated above, the Central Dispatch system must have the back-up capability to continue operations in the event of an external power failure._ 54