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mof - . 9 7 au_ 973 , AU'1�IORIZATION TO SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE A REMOTE PICKUP BROADCAST TRANSMITTER (MARTI SYSTEM The Board reviewed the following memo dated 4/26/96: TOt Honorable Board of County Commissioners THROUGH: Jim Chandler, County Admi istrator FROM: Doug Wright, Director` Emergency Services DATE: April 26, 1996 SUBJECT: Authorization to Purchase a Remote Pickup Broadcast Transmitter (MARTI SYSTEM) On Sole Source Basis Utilizing Development of Regional Impact Funds for the Emergency Operations Center To Disseminate Hurricane/Disaster Information; and Budget Amendment It is respectfully requested that the information contained herein be given formal consideration by the Board of County Commissioners at the -next scheduled meeting. DESCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS: After Hurricane -Erin, staff critiques identified that the lack of immediate access to the public via radio for the dissemination of emergency information was critical, given the failure of the cable system in some areas. Although the public access channel (Channel 13) was utilized early during pre -storm activities, the channel was not available for use post -storm in those areas that lost cable service. Emphasis is being placed on citizens having available a battery-operated radio to enable them to receive emergency information quickly for storm -related protective actions as well as recovery information. Staff has had meetings with local radio stations (WGYL, WAVE, WAXE, WTTB) to arrange for equipment and personnel to be present at the Emergency Operations Center during emergency situations to assist in information dissemination. The management of the various radio stations have been instrumental in developing a method of providing emergency information to the public from the EOC, which staff feels will be of significant benefit to citizens and visitors within Indian River.County. Essentially, the County will purchase and have available a small compact MARTI brand Remote Pickup Broadcast Transmitter and accessories in the EOC which would be staffed by personnel, on a rotating shift basis, from each of the various radio stations which serve Indian River County. Each of the stations would independently purchase a receiver unit for the purpose of receiving the signal from.the--EOC and transmit the information live to the citizens and visitors in the County. The anticipated cost for the purchase, accessories, and installation of the Marti System equipment recommended by the radio station personnel is estimated to be $4,000. When an emergency event...occurs, the assigned radio station personnel would immediately respond to the EOC and began transmitting information as directed by the appropriate EOC staff. Staff is informed there is a balance of $8,65 - 4 available in the Reserve DRI fund account #001-000-247-008.00. 58 MAY 79 1996 � � r