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and goes overhead to connect to existing Duke Power lines (single-phased). He said <br />that DOT, Duke Power, and the school board are satisfied with this route. <br />John Link recognized George McFarley from the OCS. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked if this was similar to what was proposed earlier and <br />it was answered yes, but Jahn Link said that the cost has been lowered by half now. He <br />said that when they originally called the stakeholders together, the senior engineers with <br />DOT were in the Gulf. When they returned, the presentation was revised based an the <br />engineers' input. <br />Craig Benedict said that there were going to be underground conduits, and they <br />think that they can pop up and extend existing utilities, which cut $25,000-$30,000. <br />Jahn Link said that the County will contribute $60,000 for underground service <br />and will come from earned interest from the capital fund and the school system will pay <br />$60,000. <br />George McFarley said that they expect this price to go down further because <br />they see one segment of overhead coming from the weigh station. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiatis, seconded by Commissioner <br />Jacobs to approve the proposed western route for electrical service at a cast to the <br />County not to exceed $60,000 and to approve the Gravelly Hill Middle School Capital <br />Project Ordinance. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />1. Emergency Management Matters <br />Rod Visser referred to the three major topics that they would like to update the <br />Commissioners an this evening. The first item is the Fire and Rescue Service Study. <br />They will then give an update on the Communications Interoperability /Homeland <br />Security Grant funding as it relates with participation in the VIPER program and as it <br />relates to planned replacement of consoles. He said that they have secured grant <br />funding and with matching funds from the County of 25°~, it will cover the casts of <br />replacement of the old consoles. Lastly, they will review the Quick Reference Card, <br />which is to help citizens become aware of steps for sheltering during emergencies. <br />Emergency Management Director Jack Ball said that they discussed earlier the <br />capabilities and future needs of EMS and the Board authorized an independent study to <br />assist in determining where to go in the future. In developing the study, they identified <br />several members from the community fire and rescue organizations, along with staff to <br />serve as the work group to develop the scope of service. They met last month and <br />refined the study that was sent out. The changes are in italics. The study was <br />presented to the Chief's Council last week and was well received. The next step is to <br />work with the Purchasing Department to develop requests for proposals and requests for <br />qualifications. <br />Commissioner Foushee made reference to page 5, the first paragraph, relating to <br />opportunities to implement some cost saving measures. She asked if there was any <br />progress. Jack Ball said that this would be part of the study recommendations. They <br />discussed jointly purchasing equipment. There has been some progress in that they <br />went out last month to test all ladders in the community. <br />John Link said that currently every fire district makes purchases on their own and <br />may or may not consult with Jack Ball. These recommendations are to look at a <br />standard for equipment in order to save money. <br />Chair Carey asked about the timing far completion of the study and Jack Ball <br />said that the request will go out for a minimum of 30 days, and when they sign a contract <br />with a consultant, they will have 90 days to report back. He hopes to get it done before <br />the next budget cycle. <br />