Lots of folks send me “tips” and “scoops” about things going on within Santa Fe. Most of the time, the stuff people share with me don’t amount to anything. When I go to the source, there’s always a logical explanation and something that was lost in translation. However, learning about the status of the prime site project is beyond troubling for me.
For the last several years, the City of Santa Fe, in conjunction with the Santa Fe County, has been upgrading the “prime site.” However, the City of Santa Fe has unilaterally decided to not only stop the upgrade, but also to move the City’s radio system to the State of New Mexico’s radio system. This decision impacts far more than the City. Furthermore, as part of the upgrade, the City moved the prime site to a new location, but the new location has been fraught with transmission issues (probably die to faulty microwave equipment). Because of these issues, the City was supposed to move the prime site back to its original location, but the City has halted those efforts, as well. This means the issues will remain to impact radio communciations.
The prime site is the hub for all radio transmissions within Santa Fe, especially for public safety and the regional emergency communications center (recc). Many years ago, I led the recc implementation and there are many people who still connect with public safety technology. Which is why the sudden stoppage of the upgrade is so troubling. Based upon the information I have, the City of Santa Fe will jeopardize and threaten the recc’s ability to provide radio communication. Also, the City is acting without communicating with County or RECC representatives, which means that the City is acting on behalf of agencies that should have a say in their radio operations.
In moving to the State’s system, the City may save money. However, there will be several issues that need attention: 1) The prime site and equipment would default to either Motorola or the County and at great financial impact to the City (approximately $1.8M of impact); 2) the MOU between the City and County would need another amendment to reflect that the City is acting on its own behalf; and, 3) Someone will have to answer for this taking place with City Council or County Commission input. Governing bodies should have some visibility into a decision that has regional impact.
Most of the time, I can ignore the ineptitude of City government. However, when that ineptitude impacts public safety, I can’t look the other way. I implore the City to reconsider its decision to switch to the state’s system and complete the move to the original prime site. Also, I ask that the City discusses the move to the State’s system with both the County and the recc. At the very least, I ask the City to at least communicate with its own governing body.
