Called to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m.

Changes to the Agenda

 A resolution authorizing the County Administrator to enter into an agreement for a digital voice recorder system at the Emergency Response Center was added to the agenda.

Environmental Impact Study

 Ms. Shakarjian provided a written summary of the Public Safety Communication System Project's environmental review process to date (copy on file in Legislative Office).  A discussion ensued related to the environmental impact statement (EIS), and different ways to approach this portion of the project.  Some suggestions were to utilize in-house personnel or former employees along with outside assistance to complete the work.  It was stressed that the work needed to be done in the most efficient, least expensive manner.  In addition, it should address environmental concerns adequately to provide assurance to the municipalities involved.  Members noted that the level of the study could vary because some sites exist, and some would be new.  A Committee member felt that each site should be evaluated separately, on a site-by-site basis, due to the differences, but it was noted that segmentation must be avoided.  As the discussion concluded, consensus was reached to have Mr. Marx and Ms. Shakarjian review the matter and develop a possible plan and schedule for the EIS process and bring it to the Committee for review.  Mr. Whicher stressed the importance of timing in the project and that the EIS would have to be completed in a manner that would not impact construction progress.

Resolution - Project Management

 Mr. Whicher reported that eight responses to the RFQ were received, four of which they chose to interview.  Of these four he said Kimball, and SSI, Inc. were the two firms that clearly stood out as the possible choices.  Upon further review of information and interviews with personnel that would be closely involved on the project, a determination was made to choose SSI, Inc., of Limerick, Pennsylvania.  He indicated that Kimball was a higher cost and that we did not require all the services offered.  Furthermore, the personnel involved with SSI, Inc., have 35 - 45 years experience in this field and are fully knowledgeable with both MA/Comm and Motorola systems, and police, fire, and emergency services operations.  Mr. Whicher and Mr. Shurtleff noted that the personnel of SSI, Inc., were clearly knowledgeable with the technical aspects of the industry and appeared to be willing to work with the County in all aspects.  Members of the Committee inquired what experience in New York or similar systems the firm has had and what the full cost would be of contracting with SSI, Inc. is.   Mr. Whicher and Mr. Shurtleff provided information on the experience in Warren County as well as the ability to work with 800 mHz multiple frequency, digital simulcast systems.  It was explained that the resolution would allow a short-term contract for an hourly rate pending full contract negotiations with SSI, Inc.  
 It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Robertson.  Members requested the resolution clarify that this is an initial contract for services.  A voice vote resulted unanimously to present the following resolution to the full Legislature for their consideration:

RESOLUTION NO.       - AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN INITIAL AGREEMENT FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM CAPITAL PROJECT

 WHEREAS, Tompkins County will negotiate and implement a contract for the Public Safety Communications System capital project, and
 WHEREAS, the County has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for project management services, and
 WHEREAS, eight responses to the RFQ were received and four companies were interviewed, and
 WHEREAS, the review process has been completed and SSI, Inc., of Limerick, Pennsylvania, has been selected to assist with the implementation of the Public Safety Communications System, and
 WHEREAS, in an effort to begin utilizing the services of SSI, Inc., as soon as possible, an initial contract for work on an hourly basis shall be issued, and
 WHEREAS, a final scope of services will be negotiated with the vendor, pending satisfactory completion of initial services rendered, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Communications Capital Projects Committee, That the County Administrator be authorized to enter into an initial contract with SSI, Inc., of Limerick, Pennsylvania, for a total amount not to exceed $30,000, for assistance in the contract and system negotiations with Motorola, for the implementation of the Public Safety Communications System, the funds for which are available in the current capital project, (Project No. 34.12) Account No. HI3412-59239.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-21

 Mr. Whicher reported that SWEN has chosen Ma/COM over Motorola, noting his is relieved that a decision has finally been made.

Resolution - Authorizing Agreement for a Digital Voice Recorder

 Mr. Whicher and Mr. Shurtleff explained that a 90% reimbursement is expected on this piece of equipment through the New York State Expedited Wireless 911 funds.  The recommendation was made to obtain the equipment through the capital project and reimburse the funds when received, which is anticipated to be by July 2004.

 It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Robertson, to present the following resolution to the full Legislature for their approval.  Mr. Shurtleff explained that this piece of equipment will assist in easily obtaining information regarding calls received when necessary for legal matters as well.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5; Noes - 0.  MOTION CARRIED.

RESOLUTION NO.   - AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR A DIGITAL VOICE RECORDING SYSTEM AT THE NEW EMERGENCY 
  RESPONSE CENTER

 MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Robertson, to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  The committee was informed that this unit records sixty-four channels of incoming calls and is expected to operate for more than five years before replacement/upgrade is required.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5; Noes - 0. MOTION CARRIED.

 WHEREAS, the County is constructing a new Emergency Response Center, and
 WHEREAS, the Center will require a digital voice recording system that is software and hardware compatible with the new console system and the County's existing Computer Aided Dispatch system, and
 WHEREAS, the County has received bids from three qualified vendors, and
 WHEREAS, the bid from Willemac, Inc., of Rochester, New York, for a total of $45,305, including the first year of maintenance, is the lowest bid, and
 WHEREAS, ninety percent (90%) of the funds for the digital voice recording system shall be reimbursed from the State's Expedited Wireless 911 Funds, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Communications Capital Projects Committee, That the County Administrator is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Willemac, Inc., of Rochester, New York, for the digital voice recording system in an amount not to exceed $45,305,
 RESOLVED, further, That ninety percent (90%) of the funds necessary shall be derived from the Public Safety Communications Project Phase I capital project account (Project No. 34.12) Account No. HI3412-59239, to be reimbursed when available, and any remaining funds necessary shall be derived from the Department of Emergency Response Account No. 3410-52222.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

 The meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk.