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because it lessens the scope of the work. She asked if there has been or if there should be <br /> some consultation with the Highway Patrol. <br /> Frank Montes de Oca said that the Highway Patrol is the owner of the sysfem, so they <br /> would have to be part of the study. <br /> Commissioner Foushee said that she wants to know what happens in the interim <br /> because of the safety issues and the lack of the ability to communicate. <br /> Michael Talbert said that there is no quick fix for this system. <br /> Commissioner Foushee said that she is not asking for a quick fix, but strategies that <br /> could help right now: � <br /> Frank Montes de Oca said that the strategy is to have a working group of users looking <br /> at the operational use of the current technology and maximizing it. <br /> Chair Pelissier echoed Commissioner Foushee's comments. She suggested having an <br /> update after all of the parties get together so that the public can know that steps are being <br /> taken to ensure safety. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked if there have been any cost studies of going back to the I <br /> analog system and Frank Montes de Oca said not yet, but this should be a part of the I <br /> conversation. I <br /> Frank Clifton said that this is a problem that Motorola needs to address. <br /> Commissioner Hemminger said that she would like the Board to direct something to <br /> happen with this work group so that there is a plan in place. <br /> Craig Benedict made a presentation with maps showing the current towers and the <br /> potential future towers. The existing towers are both public and private. <br /> He made reference to the map in the packet from the 2004 study. This shows the <br /> towers within Durham County, Alamance County, and on the border. This map shows the need <br /> for additional towers in the area. <br /> Frank Clifton said that the physical tower is not the majority cost item, but the back-up <br /> generators and the actual communications aspect is the greater proportion of the cost. This is <br /> why a technical consultant is needed. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked about the limitations on the height of the repeaters right <br /> , now. Craig Benedict said that there are different processes. For towers below 150 feet it is <br /> one process and over 150 feet there is another process. If the tower is owned completely by <br /> Orange County, there is a new policy that the County Commissioners passed earlier in the year <br /> that determines the process. <br /> Commissioner McKee said that the County might have to consider allowing higher <br /> towers to get the needed coverage. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that it looks like there will be a study that can be funded by the <br /> State. In the meantime, Michael Talbert can work with user groups to see what can be done as <br /> a temporary measure to address the issues. <br /> Frank Montes de Oca said that they have already started talking to VIPER managers in <br /> surrounding counties. <br /> Commissioner Foushee asked staff to draw an outline of what the work group should <br /> look like and bring it back to the Board before making a determination. This will be brought <br /> back at a regular meeting,in December. Commissioner McKee seconded this. <br /> The Board agreed by consensus. <br /> Commissioner Gordon underscored that the users need to 4e involved in the work <br /> group. <br /> 2. E911 Communications Center Improvement Plan <br /> Frank Montes de Oca made a PowerPoint presentation. <br />