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• Currently, staffhas the capability of broadcasting emergency information from the office via a "Marti" system. Any broadcast from our office is totally dependant on local radio stations receiving the radio signal and immediately broadcasting the signal. In the past, this technology provided essential information in an effective manner. At this time, most ofthe radio stations which serve Indian River County utilizes computers and satellite radio programming for broadcasts. This type of programming requires no personnel and no ability to broadcast the emergency information from our office. Recognizing this deficiency, staffhas been researching alternatives for adequate dissemination of emergency public information. The optimum solution is to secure an FCC radio license, equipment, and a radio station console which would be owned by Indian River County and capable of being operated by staff anytime a disaster event occurs. During normal day to day operations, the radio station would have the capability of simulcast programing on Channel 13. This would allow residents in our county without cable television the ability to hear County Commission meetings, Tropical Update programs, and possibly receive information regarding other governmental entities. Staff submits the entire couruty can be served by locating an adequate transmitter at the county's Hobart Tower site which is centrally located within the county. In the early 19901s, the Indian River County School District operated a radio station at the Vero Beach High School with very limited transmission coverage. In 1992, the School District completed engineering and feasibility studies for an expanded transmission coverage to include the entire county. The transmission site proposed for the expanded coverage was the Hobart Towel located in Wabasso. Due to finding difficulties, the radio station project was never completed by the School District and the license was allowed to expire. Staff is proposing to initially attempt renewal of the expired School District license and if this can be achieved, thousands of dollars of FCC application and engineering costs can be saved because the studies completed prior by the School District studies could be utilized in the planned licensing effort. The firm of Smith & Fisher, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Consultants with offices in Washington, D.C., did the prior study for the School District and they have provided a quote of $5,000.00 to attempt to resurrect the previous School District license. Staffmet with the owners/managers representing eight of the eleven area radio stations on November 9,1999, for the purpose of informing them of planned actions. All radio station personnel offered to assist as much as possible and felt this approach was a great idea. They understood the County must have certainty of dissemination of information over the entire term of a disaster event. None of the radio station personnel in attendance voiced any objection regarding the County seeking an FCC non-commercial government access radio license for broadcasting information similar to manner in which the government access television channels are now utilized. If the Board approves the concept of a non commercial county radio station, staff's approach would be to complete the project in three phases. Phase I is before the Board for consideration today because the FCC requires a detailed interference study and an updated engineering report as a first step in the process. This is to ensure no other radio station has claimed airspace or spectrum in any part of the expired School District license. Phase 11 would be the approval of application costs for FCC license approval and Phase III would be the purchase and installation of the transmission equipment, console, antennas, and associated equipment. In all phases, staffwould work closely with School District personnel to maximize the available resources and at the appropriate time an Interlocal Agreement would be submitted to the Board and the District for consideration as to the manner and method in which the equipment would be controlled and utilized. For the Board's information, staff has received an estimate that the expenses to obtain a license, purchase the transmitter(s), install coax and antennas, and purchase other equipment to put the station on the idr would be approximately $150,000. If the School District and the County cooperated in this venture, it is felt that no additional staff would be required at the present time. Hopefully, some level of funding could be obtained from the One Cent Sales Tax Revenue for this equipment since it is public safety related capital expenditures which has a life expectancy of over five years. NOVEMBER 16,1999 -125- BOOK � � rnE 40 •