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12 <br /> • Radio & Paging System Upgrade - $1,400,000: Page 52 (project page to be updated <br /> in CIP) <br /> o Project funding correction needed — reallocate from prior year tower funds for <br /> FY2017-18 Engineering Services <br /> o First responder radio system to replace VIPER as primary system <br /> o Detailed engineering in FY2017-18 — determine specific number of tower sites, <br /> locations, existing infrastructure <br /> o Tower sites scheduled for years 2 through 5 <br /> o Share core system with Durham County <br /> o Design and construction cost estimated at approximately $13.7 million for first <br /> five years of CIP. Project to be evaluated for needs after year five. <br /> o Cost share negotiations with partner agencies prior to construction contract <br /> o Presentation to the Board of Commissioners scheduled for May <br /> Commissioner McKee said he is happy to partner with Durham, but asked if any <br /> thought had been given to whether the County will find itself in the same position with Durham <br /> County as it is with the State VIPER system: being the junior member. <br /> Dinah Jeffries, Emergency Management Services Director, said this does not have to <br /> be a permanent partnership. She said this partnership is being initiated because the cost of <br /> the core equipment is astronomical. She said Fayetteville is also on Durham's system, and <br /> she has spoken with the staff there, who reports being very happy with the arrangement. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked if this will give the County the capacity to handle not only <br /> EMS, but the Sheriff and Fire Departments as well. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said if one considers the capacity needed to operate fire, <br /> emergency, rescue, and police and quantifies this need as a 5; then this system is at a 50. He <br /> said it is the most robust system he has seen. <br /> Commissioner McKee said he is glad to hear this information, because there have been <br /> ongoing issues with the VIPER system. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said the problems with the VIPER system are not unique to Orange <br /> County. <br /> Dinah Jeffries said the use of VIPER would not be eliminated, but would no longer be <br /> the primary system. <br /> Commissioner Rich asked if staff knows the number of towers that will be needed. <br /> Travis Myren said there is a current estimate, but this will become more detailed in the <br /> next phase. <br /> Commissioner Rich asked if the towers can be used for anything else. <br /> Travis Myren said yes. <br /> Commissioner Rich asked Craig Benedict, Planning Director, if building towers will stir <br /> up rural residents. <br /> Craig Benedict said the Master Telecommunications Plan has some County owned <br /> sites that are being evaluated or earmarked for these towers. He said there is also an annual <br /> meeting with the private sector, and there may be rental opportunities available. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said the adopted plan seemed to minimize the impact to the <br /> environment, but the BOCC should not belittle residents' concerns about cell towers. <br /> Travis Myren resumed the presentation: <br /> Capital Investment Plan <br /> • EMS Substations - $845,000: Page 53 <br />