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® r � Alternative No. 12: Review the user equipment list and reduce the expenditure for new radios and accessories where appropriate without adversely affecting operational capabilities of county agencies. This has been done as noted on the attached Indian River County user equipment worksheet. A% large number of the control stations have been reduced to a basic MDX mobile radio package using a desk microphone, antenna, coax, and antenna. Also, quite a number of portable radios have been reduced from level one to a level two radio to save as much money as possible. A reduction has been achieved in the County user equipment. For the most part, only public safety agencies now have level one radios unless a unique need was demonstrated. The reduction in the cost of user equipment pertains only to that which the County is purchasing. Other agencies' user equipment was not;adjusted. Alternative No. 13: Delete the fiber optic cable expense of $677,545 from a cost associated with the 800 MHz Communications System. As noted earlier, the communications system will be a relatively small user of the fiber optic cable. The main advantage of using fiber optic cable is that it is not affected by lightning or electrical interference, it is durable, it has the ability to transmit data,_video, or voice at great speeds, limited maintenance cost, and the ability to withstand significant weather events. The fiber optic cable is simply a means or method by which the various communications towers will be connected together. The cable could possibly beused by County organizations or other entities on a lease or cost basis with the revenue obtained from this source going to other uses. Alternative No 14: Delete the digital interface feature of the 800 MHz system and fund this cost in the future, delaying the expenditure of approximately $300,000, which would have to be funded in a later year. Deletion of the digital interface equipment of the system would save approximately $300,000 at this time. However, the vendor informs staff that to add this to the backbone a couple of years later, the estimated cost would be $700,000. This alternative would also delete the encryption features within the system. Law enforcement agencies will utilize these features for drug enforcement and investigations. Other agencies needing this everyday capability include EMS for the purpose of maintaining patient confidentiality when communicating with the hospitals, fire service for the purpose of arson investigations, bomb threats, and hazardous materials communications. The installation of these features would need to be funded in the future. Deletion of this feature would impair the system design and eliminate a needed function of the system. It is not recommended by this writer, but is an option to -be considered. In addition to the various alternatives referenced above, the County will probably not have another opportunity for a private entity to construct two free-standing towers at a cost of $705,000 .with a total contribution of $60,000 from the County. There is some minor cost the County will incur such as bringing power into the site and routine recurring costs for electricity, generator fuel, etc. As stated earlier in this document, a proposed Lease Agreement has been worked out with TALCOM, INC., a subsidiary of AT&T Wireless Services, for the two towers to be built on County leased or owned land if the Board approves the two contracts. The proposed system is the minimum which has been determined as necessary to provide viable, stable, and functional communications to all the users in the County. It is by no means the "Cadillac• version or "Optimum System" available on the communications market today. There are many other options and capabilities that could be purchased such as Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), Mobile Data Terminals (MDT's), simulcasting three sites instead of two, additional channels, and a status and message system. The County can migrate into the above options in the future, if desired, since for the most part, the options and features are software driven. 57 December 19, 1995