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Present: P. Penniman, Chair; M. Robertson; G. Totman;
B. Blanchard; T. Todd
Called to Order The meeting was called to order at 10:04 a.m. Minutes Minutes were tabled until the January 2005. Chair's Report Mr. Penniman spoke about a recent meeting with the NYS Statewide Wireless Network (SWN). The State’s project has progressed however the State is still several years away from implementation in Tompkins County. While we hope to share equipment and facilities, and this can be planned for accordingly, the County will proceed on its present path. The County and SWN will work through these items and assist each other as necessary. Memebrs discussed funding of the State project and it was noted the State’s project has dedicated funds, written into law. These funds will be visible during the budgetary process. Mr. Shurtleff noted the difficulty with 911 funding, inasmuch as no decision for disbursement has been established and may be subject to negotiations. The Committee discussed the impact of the State's project on the County. Mr. Penniman stressed that during the design phase, future needs for both projects must be considered (e.g. antenna load, room in the equipment shelters). There was no clear determination of whether our proposed infrastructure would be utilized by the State. It is hoped that the State will be able to partner in some fashion in the future. Phase I Mr. Shurtleff reported the planned cut-over of phone switches has occurred. At this time all systems related to the cut-over are operational and it is anticipated to have the Ithaca Police Department personnel move to the ERC location within three to four weeks. At this time the work is still progressing on the mobile data system, which has not been working since September. The computers utilized for this function are of an older generation and require modifications to connect properly with the new system. Grants Review The Committee was provided a handout indicating the status of grants received to date. It has been previously reported that the County will receive an additional $500,000 due to a direct federal appropriation sponsored by Representative Boehlert. It was noted that a determination of how to utilize grant funding for equipment has not been determined. PSCS Phase II A discussion of next steps followed. Mr. Wood said he is moving forward obtaining site options that have been determined to be appropriate for this phase of the project. Mr. Wood hopes to have options secured for the majority of sites prior to vendor negotiations, but he does not feel they have to be in hand prior to beginning negotiations. Mr. Schuler discussed the four steps for this phase: (1) determining the significance of exceptions and deviations received in the original RFP response, a thorough review of original specifications and updated specifications to adjust to technological advancements and needs; (2) provide baseline sites to the vendor and request potential guaranteed coverage (3) negotiate testing and system acceptance; and (4) negotiate cost, terms and conditions. Individual team members are presently working on completion of necessary items. Mr. Schuler noted it will be critical to coordinate the timing of various aspects of tower construction to provide for construction, followed by immediate implementation of components to avoid the need to store equipment. Members of the Committee were provided with a flowchart of the proposed structure of the Public Safety Communication System project management team. The proposed structure seeks to provide an understanding of the responsibilities of each group/team member and provide for additional involvement by all interested parties. Mr. Shurtleff will head this group, and will be responsible for the project and each subcommittee. It was noted the staff team meets once a week to discuss the progress and set agendas. A timeline for Phase II will be provided in January. With regard to community relations, it was determined an ad hoc group as well as the local Legislative representative, will act as liaisons during the siting process. The Committee then discussed how the new system will improve coverage from an approximation of 60% to 70% current overall coverage, to 95% in-the-road coverage with increased reliability. The portable radio coverage should improve significantly. Mr. Schuler spoke favorable regarding the timing of the County system's construction due to the difficulties currently posed due to the rebanding efforts with Nextel. Systems currently in operation will be required to modify their system to accommodate the rebanding effort. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk.
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