Lincoln Park Fire Chief Mike Prinz (left) speaks about the purchase of a new emergency alert system during the May 11 City Council meeting.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK – The City Council authorized the purchase of replacement emergency outdoor warning systems, to be located at city hall and Hoover School, per the recommendation of Fire Chief Mike Prinz.
The city hall location is southwest of the intersection of Southfield Road and Fort Street, while Hoover School is located in the south end of the city, on Emmons Boulevard between Dix Highway and Fort Street.
The council waived the bid system and approved West Shore Services as the sole source provider for the equipment and system integration due to the need to expediently improve the city’s outdoor warning infrastructure.
Prinz said the upgrade will improve system reliability, enhance public safety and reduce the city’s dependence on aging equipment that has become increasingly difficult to maintain, with replacement parts difficult to acquire.
“As everyone is aware, the city hall siren recently experienced mechanical issues during severe weather conditions — the tornado that passed through a couple of weeks ago — highlighting the need for a more reliable and technologically advanced warning system to better protect our residents,” he said.
Prinz said he has worked with vendors to help ensure that the city receives the best value and the most effective system for its emergency needs.
He said the total system cost is $77,533, which will come from the capital improvement budget.
Software will allow for both remote activation and monitoring, available through an annual $1,500 subscription fee.
The new city hall warning system will be installed on the existing hose tower, while the Hoover School equipment will be mounted on an existing wood pole, with the solar panel removed and an overhead electrical connection utilized.
Prinz said they have had to resort to buying used parts for the existing system that had to be flown in from out of state, because repair parts are no longer being made for the existing out-of-date emergency warning system.