2/18/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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FEB 1'6- �91�`,_, RECON MMMAT I ON ER o0 Staff does not have the expertise in house to complete this very technical preliminary communications system evaluation and recommendation. Absent the data and configuration/design as relates to improving the existing system or filing the application for the current channel allocation for a new system, staff does not have sufficient information to formulate a recommendation for the Board. Therefore, staff recommends the Board approve and authorize a consulting contract with Henkels & McCoy, Inc., at a cost not to exceed $7,672.00 to conduct a preliminary study as stated in the Request for Proposals relating to communications systems in the area with funding from the contingency fund. Staff anticipates a presentation by the consultant will be made to the Board by March 24, 1992, for a determination in this matter. County Administrator Chandler stated we need a better estimate on cost of equipment in order to make a recommendation as to whether we should apply to retain the allocation of 11 channels after May 7, 1992. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by Commissioner Bowman, to approve and authorize a contract with Henkels & McCoy, Inc., at a cost not to exceed $7,672.00, to conduct a preliminary study relating to communications systems, as recommended by staff. Commissioner Wheeler commended Emergency Services Director Wright Is efforts to educate the people in this field. He felt this 800MHz Public Safety Trunking Radio Communications System is the state of the art and will do a great job, but was not in favor of spending an estimated $2 to $5 million on this new system. He reported that the Sheriff's Department and the Vero Beach Police Department have new VHF equipment and Sebastian Police Department plans to put in new VHF equipment. Commissioner Scurlock understood that the request is to have professional consultants make a study because we do not have in- house ability to evaluate our needs. Commissioner Eggert was in favor of the study so that an informed decision could be made and we would have the information available for future use. Administrator Chandler stressed we need this information to make a decision whether we are going to submit an application by May 7, 1992 Commissioner Scurlock asked if there is an estimate of the cost to implement this program, and Director Wright responded the range would be anywhere from $1.5 to $2 million. COMMISSIONER SCURLOCK WITHDREW HIS MOTION 34