Agenda - 10-04-2012 - 4 - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 ire r , ( r E a a r r o 1 oi. r 0 6.e i %r 6 r% / � / oiV r% :-/ % 0 fr '? uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu GOALS The Orange County Chief's Association recognizes the important interdependencies that exist to provide emergency services to the citizens of Orange County.These goals are a mix of work that the OCCA can complete independently and with others.Therefore, successful implementation of this plan and completion of each objective often requires cooperation and communication with other key stakeholders. The OCCA recognizes that the importance of keeping in mind the "big picture," and has supported adopting specific standards and identified timeframes for doing so throughout this plan.The OCCA encourages its key partner agencies to do the same.The Orange County Chief's Association invites and encourages the Orange County Board of Commissioners to carefully consider the goals and objectives in this plan and how they can positively impact the citizens of Orange County. GOAL I: Ensuring Viable and Reliable Voice and Data Communication Objective A: To work with Orange County, relevant law enforcement agencies, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, and outside experts to apply technology solutions to insure 99% radio coverage throughout Orange County with building penetration by July 2013.The MMA Report acknowledged these deficiencies, noting that"dead spots and poor building penetration place responders at risk when operating under emergency conditions."' Background: Currently, the VIPER (Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders) digital 800MHz system provides inadequate radio coverage for emergency services personnel across Orange County. VIPER was originally designed for use at street level by the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Fire and rescue providers often respond to calls beyond the highways, creating substantial safety hazards. As Orange County Emergency services notes: "The current system does not provide 100%coverage—there are "dead spots."8 VIPER has problems with coverage, capacity, and building penetration. Construction of new towers in strategic locations may be required to address this problem. Some fire departments in the county, including Chapel Hill, Efland, and White Cross, have already purchased mobile repeaters to partially address this issue.These repeaters are vehicle based, and cost approximately$20,000 each, and are not considered adequate substitutes for a full tower.9 The VIPER system is strained from its use by all Orange County public safety agencies. Due to the increased usage, users are sometimes confronted with "busy bonks," a beeping when trying to transmit due to system overload.The problem and the solution have been acknowledged by Orange County. "Adding channels to existing towers will improve system capacity.The cost of one channel added to one tower is approximately$30,000 and multiple channels will be needed on multiple towers.i10 MMA Consulting Group,April 2011,p.78 $Orange County Board of Commissioners,November 17,2011 Action Agenda Item#8-d Abstract:Review of VIPER 9 Adapted from Orange County Board of Commissioners,November 17,2011 Action Agenda Item#1 Abstract:VIPER 10 Orange County Board of Commissioners,November 17,2011 Action Agenda Item#1 Abstract:VIPER 7