Agenda - 02-16-2010 - 4g - Laserfiche WebLink

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Supporting the communication efforts and playing a key role during disasters and special events is a group of dedicated volunteers -the Amateur Radio Emergency Service CARES). To support their operation, the Emergency Services Meadowlands site needs to properly accommodate the equipment in the form of an antenna and radio set-up within the Emergency Operations Center at a cost of $10,000. ARES members bring to the operation their own portable radio equipment reflecting thousands of dollars of personal investment. This action will provide equipment complimenting their system to allow them better, quicker start-up time during disasters when time is critical. The Satellite phone system provides Orange County with a satellite based communications tool during a widespread disaster. The Satellite phone system can connect directly with mutual aid counties as well as the State Emergency Operations Center when other forms of communication are down. In addition, maintaining the satellite phone is a requirement of the annual Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) from North Carolina Emergency Management. Emergency Services would move the satellite phone hardware from 1914 New Hope Church Road and reinstall it in the new Emergency Services building at 510 Meadowlands Drive at a cost of $2,000. The NC Department of Transportation allows access to its network of traffic cameras to assist public safety with monitoring traffic along major highways and interstates. This action will allow Emergency Services through the E911 Center to monitor roadway situations and more effectively route emergency response vehicles to major accident scenes. Further, weather conditions could also be better monitored along 140 and 185 utilizing this system. The cost of this initiative is $65,000. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds for the purchase of the above mentioned items, totaling $112,000, will come from the $1.2 million surplus 911 funds that the Board approved setting aside in an Emergency Services Reserve Capital Project for equipment, vehicles, and capital maintenance. Currently, there is $400,000 available in this reserve. nth this appropriation, $288,000 would remain available for future allocations from the Board. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: 1. Approve the purchase of these items to update the Public Safety Communications Infrastructure; and 2. Approve funds up to $112,000 from the Emergency Services Reserve Capital Project, allocate this amount to the Emergency Services Department's capital budget section within the General Fund for the purchase, and approve the attached capital project ordinance.