Council approves 700 MHz radio upgrade funding and conditions theater repair money on roof scoping

City staff told the council the county has completed phase‑1 upgrades to the 700 MHz radio system used by police, fire and ambulance partners, and the council approved a budget adjustment to record the city’s share of the cost. Matt Nielsen said the total city cost for phase 1 would be "just under $300,000" and that the contingency would be reduced to about $97,000 if the adjustment is approved. He said the project is a tri‑county effort split among Jefferson, Madison and Bonneville counties and that the city’s share reflects prior cash set aside in earlier budgets.

After questions about tower locations and cost shares, a council member moved to approve the budget adjustment for the 700 radios and the motion was seconded and passed on the transcript.

Staff then presented recommended change orders and supplemental work for two historic cultural buildings. Bids for Tabernacle repointing came in lower than the $850,000 originally budgeted (encumbered at about $580,000), and staff proposed using part of those funds to address several items at the Romance Theatre (exterior mortar repairs, parge-area recoating and exterior chemical cleaning) at an estimated $91,002.50 and Tabernacle exterior painting, soffit and window prep and chimney work (about $148,400). Staff and several council members emphasized the need to scope the Tabernacle roof drain before committing to exterior repairs to avoid repeating work; staff recommended scoping the drain with a camera and cleaning if needed before proceeding with change orders.

Council approved the budget adjustments with the stipulation that staff return with a scope for the Romance Theatre (and confirm the roof/drain status for the Tabernacle) before further work is performed. The motion to approve the budget adjustments, with that stipulation, carried on a recorded voice vote on the transcript.