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Oberlin to Commishioners: Reinstate radio contract

Oberlin City Council unanimously passed a resolution April 3 asking the Lorain County Board of Commissioners to reconsider its repeal of a contract with Cleveland Communications Inc. to provide public safety radios to first responders.

The vote was 6-0 on the resolution that “encourages” Commissioners Michelle Hung, David Moore and Jeff Riddell to move forward with the L3 Harris radio system, and orders Clerk of Council Belinda Anderson to forward the resolution to the threemember board. Hung and former Commissioner Matt Lundy approved the nearly $8 million contract in two resolutions on Dec. 21, with support from the Lorain County Fire Chiefs Association, the Lorain County Deputies Associa- tion and numerous public officials.

Citing alleged irregularities with the bid process won by CCI and its L3 Harris system, Moore and Riddell voted 2-1 on Jan. 9 to rescind the resolutions over Hung’s objection.

Oberlin Law Director Jon Clark and Fire Chief Robert Hanmer said the resolution would help first responders, including both firefighters and police, in Oberlin and elsewhere in the county.

“The position of the fire chief, of the police chief, and other county leaders is that this is the preferable system,” Clark said.

Hanmer, who advocated for the radio system in December and criticized the rescinding of the contract in January, said commissioners have put Oberlin behind in getting a new radio system up and running.

Councilwoman Kristin Peterson said the Central Lorain County Joint

Ambulance District board passed a similar resolution asking commissioners to reinstate the contract.

“It’s important we raise our voice in support of this,” Councilman Michael McFarlin said.

Wellington Village Council passed a similar resolution on Feb. 20. Moore and Riddell have been roundly criticized for the move and also taken to court. Hung has remained in favor of the original contract.

The deputies association immediately filed a health and safety grievance with Sheriff Phil Stammitti over the matter, and CCI sued the county for breach of contract in Common Pleas Court.

A consulting firm, Mission Critical Partners, recommended CCI and its L3 Harris radios to the county after a yearlong study from 2018-2019.

CCI’s bid was the only full bid received by the county. Motorola and the

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