Minutes 12-13-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PUBLIC COMMENT: Bill Waddell read a prepared statement. "We fully support a plan to engage Highway Patrol to help with VIPER improvements. However, we ask that the newly created workgroup have a chance to review the proposal before you approve it. It won't take long. "We believe thafithe study should be directed by the workgroup. Experts from our rural fire departments have a great deal to contribute to the effort. Plus we are likely to have to work with Highway Patrol to identify the areas where there are coverage problems. It is important that we understand the project and .expectations on our teams and on Highway Patrol As part of the effort to improve radio coverage, we hoped the workgroup, Highway Patrol and the call center could finalize a process to use talkaround channels as an interim measure. This should greatly improve our safety and we need to be confident that it works in the broader context. "Through the work group, we hoped to invite professionals from our rural fire departments and Chief Dan Jones to bring their deep expertise to the highway patrol project. Specifically Pete Hallenback, Guy Randell, Tony Blake, and Dan Jones all have relevant expertise to properly interpret and recommendations from HP and work with the county to implement them. "Please do not approve this study until the workgroup has had a chance to get on board." Commissioner McKee said that since the State Highway Patrol has offered to provide information at no greater cost to the County, he thinks the County should move forward with this. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to authorize the Manager to sign a Coverage and Capacity Assessment Analysis Agreement for assistance from the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Commissioner Jacobs said that, with respect to the workgroup that as part of this study that the Highway Patrol work with the County and the Emergency Services Workgroup. Chair Pelissier agreed with Commissioner Jacobs and said that she sees this as additional information and she does not want to delay it. Michael Talbert said that there is a certain amount of data gathering that will have to go on with this process. This could begin sometime in late January and the first of February. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs made reference to VIPER and asked Craig Benedict about the discussion about putting antennae attachments on cell towers. This seems to have fallen as part of the discussions. He said that this seems like a less expensive and quicker way to address concerns. Planning Director Craig Benedict said that antennae attachments can be made and these could be considered by the experts. He thinks that all opportunities can be considered. e. Study/Assessment for Emeraency Medical Services and E911 Communications Center and Aoproval of Budget Amendment #5-B The Board considered a recommendation regarding the County's Emergency Medical Services System and E911 Communications Center by contracting with Solutions for the Local Government, Inc., for $26,400 to assist the department in developing a multiyear strategic plan addressing Emergency Medical Service System and E911 Communication Center needs; approving Budget Amendment #5-Bto appropriate $26, 400 of Emergency Telephone System Fund Balance for professional services to compete the proposed scope of services; and authorizing the Manager to sign the sign the contract with Solutions for Local Government, Inc.