Agenda - 01-22-2009 - 4o - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: January 22, 2009 Action Agenda Item No. 4 - SUBJECT: RENCI Lightning Detection Study— Memorandum of Agreement DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Blackwood, 919-245-6130 Lightning Detection Study - MOA PURPOSE: To approve an Agreement to establish a framework of cooperation to allow RENCI (the Renaissance Computing Institute) to place lightning detection equipment on an Orange County Emergency Services building. BACKGROUND: RENCI is a research unit of the University of North Carolina and is funded by the North Carolina General Assembly with the specific purpose of providing new and innovative research and solutions to local emergency managers. RENCI is conducting a research study, entitled the Experimental North Carolina Lightning Detection Network, (the "Study"). The purpose of the Study is to explore the type and number of lightning sensors that can adequately provide lightning strike data for a region so emergency service managers can be aware of lightning strikes in their area. Meteorologists can also access the data to study thunderstorms. Since RENCI is located in Orange County, its staff approached Orange County Emergency Services about placing a sensor at 1914 New Hope Church Road as one of a limited number of sensors currently deployed during the testing phase. The Memorandum of Agreement allows RENCI to continue to operate the sensor on-site or move it to the new Orange County Emergency Services facility. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Since no equipment is required to be purchased by the County, there is no financial impact to the County. RECOMMENDATION (S): The Manager recommends the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement and authorize the Chair to sign it subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney.