EAST WINDSOR: Township to get new radio systems

By David Kilby, Special Writer
   EAST WINDSOR — The township has entered a shared service agreement with Hamilton Fire District 3 for the purchase of new communications equipment for personnel and vehicles to comply with recent federal mandates.
   East Windsor and Hamilton Fire District 3 have been awarded the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the purchase of new 12.5 kilohertz efficiency radio systems. The Federal Communications Commission is requiring all public safety agencies to upgrade to these radio systems by Jan. 1.
   The total cost for East Windsor’s share of the equipment and its installation is $229,107, and $183,286 is covered by the grant. The township will pay Hamilton District 3 the remaining $45,821 as well as auditor and grant writer fees — making the equipment’s total cost to East Windsor $46,386.20.
   Maintenance fees over the lifetime of the equipment will be paid entirely by the township, and the township will officially own the equipment, reads the resolution authorizing the agreement. The resolution was passed at the East Windsor Township Council meeting Tuesday.
   Hamilton Fire District 3 is the lead agency in the purchasing agreement and was the agency the grant was awarded to, but it is not responsible for any liability, which may arise out of using the equipment. The total amount of the grant is $2,828,627 and will assist a handful of other municipalities in the area. Each one has agreed to contribute 20 percent to the total cost of the grant program.
   The purpose of the grant is to “promote shared services between local units,” reads the resolution.
   As of Jan. 1, the FCC will mandate all public safety and business industrial land mobile radio systems operating in the 150 to 512 megahertz radio bands to use at least 12.5 KHz technology, reads the resolution.
   The FCC has been working toward mandating this transition to 12.5 KHz efficiency for almost two decades. The 12.5 KHz efficiency technology, also known as narrowbanding, will ensure greater spectrum access for radio systems.
   Licensees not operating at 12.5 KHz efficiency by Jan. 1 will be in violation of FCC rules and may be subject to admonishment, monetary fines or loss of license.
   Mayor Janice Mironov said the county helped facilitate the decision to pursue the grant and added she supports it since it will enhance the communication abilities of the township’s public safety services.