Twp. to fund communication systems overhaul
Bidding process for $10M overhaul expected to conclude Aug. 13
BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer
T he Woodbridge Township Council voted unanimously on Aug. 5 in favor of the bond ordinance totaling close to $10 million, for what was described as a muchneeded upgrade of the current public safety radio communications system in the township.

The township started advertising the $9,950,000 bond on Aug. 8, and bids will be due from the vendors on Aug. 13. After the bids come in, the Trunking Committee and the township administration will start the review process.

"This will be an upgrade to the whole communications system for police, fire, first aid, 911, dispatch — everything," said Mayor John E. McCormac, who added that township officials have been in conversations with other towns on sharing the new radio system.

The mayor said he does not expect the installation of the public safety system to cost local taxpayers a lot, due to the possibility of grants and sharing the new radio system with surrounding communities, but he stressed that no decisions have been made regarding sharing the radio system.

Township officials expect to award a contract in November, pending Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval for frequencies. The radio system will be installed between fall 2008 and spring 2010, and township officials hope the radio system will be up and running in summer 2010.

McCormac said upgrading the radio system was one of his administration's top priorities when he came into office in November 2006.

Police Chief William Trenery said the police department received a $235,000 grant sponsored by U.S. Rep. Michael Ferguson (R- 7th District) in December 2007. Because his department receives more than 100,000 calls from residents each year for services and emergency responses, the need for improved communications is "front and center."

Trenery said only parts of the radio system, which was installed in 1940, have been replaced over the years.

The mayor said a committee was formed, called the Trunking Committee, which includes Ward 1 Councilman Charles Kenny, Ward 4 Councilman James Major, two police officers, the township's information systems coordinator, four firefighters, public works employees, and one first aid squad member. The committee along with the administration will conduct the review process.

In 2006, the township hired Woodbridgebased RCC Consultants Inc., a company specializing in public safety and governmental communications consulting, to help the township with the process.