Minutes 01-31-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Investment Plan for Fiscal 2014/2015, the financial impact for Fiscal 2014/2015, and provide direction on any changes to the Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal 2014/2015. Paul Laughton (Finance and Administrative Services) provided a detailed review and answered Commissioners' questions about the CIP information included at Attachment 1 b, pages 9-12 of the retreat agenda packet. He said the Board only approves the first year funding in the CIP, and that this is a planning tool. Staff wanted to show what they currently have in the CIP for 2014-15, $27.9 million. However, because the Culbreth Middle School science wing was funded entirely in 2013-14, the $27.9 million figure will drop by about $4.1 million. Paul Laughton noted a planned $2,000,000 allocation for Northern Human Services Center. Michael Talbert explained that this would be a February work session topic so the Board could discuss whether they want to add wings. Commissioner Jacobs noted that the cancellation of this week's work session would require re-prioritization of future work session topics. Michael Talbert noted that staff would come back to the Board with recommendations about how to cascade missed work session topics onto 3-4 future scheduled work session agendas. Michael Talbert noted that they had contracted with an outside consultant on a radio tower coverage study that would be coming back to the Board soon on a work session agenda. Commissioner Dorosin inquired if this would be the end of spending on this or would this be a recurring capital improvement. Michael Talbert noted that this topic would come back regularly as population grows and technology changes. Commissioner Rich asked if this includes changing from 800MHz to 700 MHz systems. Michael Talbert indicated that is being investigated and would be addressed at the upcoming work session. They are also investigating how they might partner with the State's VIPER system, to include other County services such as Animal Services and bus services, so as not to have to build a separate system. Commissioner Pelissier said they need to get information about the new radio systems as they relate to a new program called FirstNet, which related to communication for safety purposes. Paul Laughton noted that 2014-15 includes $2.4 million for the Lands Legacy Program to replace 2001 approved bond authorization that had lapsed. Commissioner Dorosin asked if that money would actually be spent in 2014-15 and whether it would be limited to purchasing land. Paul Laughton noted there is about $1.5 million available right now, and that Dave Stancil expects much of that will be expended this year and next. Michael Talbert explained that in the past, lands legacy funds have been used for the purchase of land banking or property and/or for conservation easements. It can be used for both purposes but it would be a Board decision on how to move forward. He explained how the bond funds had lapsed, and that the Board is under no obligation to allocate this money, other than that voters had previously approved such funding.