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ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS Contel and Satellite Information Services Corporation also offers enhanced weather services to users in WeatherStream 2000. This is a data stream which allows access to the widest variety of the National Weather Service generated weather products on the market today. The WeatherStream 2000 provides charts, data and additional products not distributed on the Weather Wire utilizing personal computer type equipment. Contel offers a purchase or lease plan. It appears that the Weather - Stream 2000 Lease Plan would be the best approach for the County. The recurring fees would amount to approximately $311.00 per month with a one time charge for installation. The Department of Emergency Management Services currently is paying the same amount for the teletype only service. The enhanced service would provide color charts as well as data for the similar price. The minimum service period is one year, however, prices can be frozen at current rates if a five year contract is executed. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that a contract be executed with Contel to provide Indian River County with the new, updated NOAA Weather Wire Service including the WeatherStream 2000 cost-efficient satellite commun- ications technology. Staff also recommends that the current contract with AT&T be cancelled relating to data circuits per provisions of the referenced contract and the Board of County Commissioners authorize the Chairman to execute the required documents to accomp- lish the new service as well as terminating existing services. The lease plan is recommended with either one or two data services as is determined to provide the most service for the minimum of cost. Commissioner Eggert wished to know if there is a way to get out of the 5 year contract if it werefound this- isn't what we expected it to be. Acting Administrator Collins did not think so, but felt the Board should be happy and know what they want before they get into this contract. Vice Chairman Wheeler believed that satellite weather service is a thing of the future, and there is a chance it may decrease in price over the next five years. He wished to know if there is any provision we could put in the contract about adjusting the charge if the prices come down. Acting Administrator Collins noted that any contract is negotiable. His experience, however, is that the larger company you are dealing with, the less willing they are to modify their standard forms. He further noted that actually we are arguing for it both ways; we are saying we want to lock in the low price 31 QCT 4 1988 800K 74 FAGE 428