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c. Weakness of current and planned configuration and operation: New Hope is close to I 40, is <br />intersected by State Highway 86, and has rail lines which can lead to accidents and exposure <br />to hazardous materials. New Hope lacks a sufficient hydrant system. <br />d. Assess the location and adequacy of each facility equipment volunteers: With 50 to 60 <br />volunteers, 25 to 30 are "active" and reliable. The report cites a map showing the personnel <br />and stations, but does not appear on the document. More 800MHz radios are required. <br />e. Demand Level and range of Service: New Hope has an increase in call volume but a decrease <br />in tax revenue. Annexation by Chapel Hill and Carrboro will reduce revenues and <br />effectiveness. <br />f. Response times: Not addressed <br />g. Population: Not addressed <br />h. Value of structure: The property value is about $550,000,000. Site market or accounting <br />value is not addressed. <br />i. Level of risk: Not addressed <br />j. Age and adequacy of vehicles and equipment: Not complete. The age and capacity of <br />vehicles and equipment are given with a total capacity of 4,000 gallons of water capable to <br />reach structure fires. This meets standards. <br />k. Adequacy of volunteers and staff: Not addressed <br />1. Population centers and projected growth areas: Not addressed <br />m. Any gaps affecting services and critical areas to be addressed: Not addressed <br />n. Any changes in the facility configuration: Not addressed <br />o. Recommend a strategy for addressing longer-term demands within the county: Not addressed <br />p. Countywide public education programs on public safety and being self sufficient in disasters: <br />Not addressed <br />q. Ident~ the population in the unincorporated areas of Orange County served.• Not addressed <br />r. Opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost, or improve the overall service: SAGE <br />recommends negotiating along-term agreement with Carrboro to provide services in <br />exchange for fmancial support. This will increase revenue for New Hope to provide more <br />services and elevate the need for Carrboro to build a new station. SAGE recommends <br />certifying water supply to improve the ISO rating, and to increase tax to generate $27,500 in <br />additional revenue, to document volunteers and promote student membership with stipends. <br />"White collar" professionals should also be recruited. A retention plan by encouraging <br />officer rank is proposed. <br />s. Provide an estimated cost (operating and capital) of recommended solutions or alternative <br />solutions proposed: Not addressed <br />t. How the county can involve Fire and Rescue Departments in processes and programs that <br />affect operational issues: The county should not lower taxes after property reassessments to <br />maintain financial stability. The county should improve communications by imposing a small <br />tax to assist departments with purchasing 800MHz radios and Computer Aided Dispatch <br />equipment. Expanded on in the fmal section "Countywide Recommendations." <br />u. Review ISO ratings and how county can assist Fire departments: The 9S ISO rating can be <br />reduced by certification and documentation of water supply sources and by setting proper <br />resources for responding to week daytime calls. <br />v. Identify countywide training facility need and specific training standards: Not addressed <br />w. Ident~ opportunities where County can assist the Volunteer Departments with required <br />paperwork and administrative issues: New Hope needs help with administration. <br />-r 12 <br />