7/17/1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

J U L 17 1985 I Bou 61 PnE 505 To replace a mobile unit in the low band frequency, the base State Contract price is now $1,055 each. This cost is almost guaranteed to increase as need for these radios is low and major manufacturers do not maintain an inventory of them. After placing an order for a new unit, delivery averages two to three months. The low band frequency is not compatible to any other system in County use. That is to say, should an agency on low -band be required to be in contact with an agency on high -band, they have two radios installed in the vehicles. The agencies utilizing high VHF Band systems are presently in "good shape." The radios owned are generally in good operating condition and manufactured by reputable companies (i.e. GE and Motorola). However, the problem arises in that there are so many users state- wide that being allotted a frequency with enough power output to provide County coverage causes "bleed -over" to surrounding Counties or them to us. When this occurs, transmissions are.shared which causes vital information being relayed to emergency services to become obliterated. In'the event of a major emergency or disaster, the coordination of government forces would be impossible, as there is no way for intercommunication. PRnPnRAT. Establish a five year plan to upgrade all communications in Indian River County, to a trunking communications system which provides each agency autonomy on a daily basis, but also is designed so that, if needed, that agency can activate a common net to communicate with another agency. In the event of an incident, all agencies would be able to talk on one frequency when required, yet operate on a frequency for inter -agency needs. All this on one radio. The trunking (800 mHz - 900 mHz) system is state-of-the-art, and would address and negate all the problem areas previously mentioned. To activate this system 100% would not be feasible, as the cost would be prohibitive. However, a method exists to enter into this in such a way that County -wide use could occur over a five year period. The "trunking" communications system is available through GSA contracts, where the best pricing is available; the system is of such design that it will allow for expansion with the growth of the County and meet present needs, and needs of the future; also the possibility of matching funds exists for political subdivisions that enter into the system 100%. Cost to enter this system is presently, for Indian River County, in the area of $750,000 for complete system start-up. However, to initiate the system for Indian River systematic activation by smaller Departments and building over five years to full county coverage is within existing funding mechanisms. 14