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BOOK Ili F,gGE 407 <br />It should be noted that staffalso plans to include bi-lingual broadcasts to inform the Spanish speaking citizens <br />and visitors in Indian River County as part of the overall program. <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Commissioners and many citizens have voiced an interest in the County achieving an alternative method of <br />disseminating information when commercial power, phone, and cable have been interrupted. During the <br />recent storm events, many citizens lost power for several days, and this radio broadcast capability would <br />provide information to citizens during, as well as after, these disastrous events. Furthermore, the planned <br />radio station would be of significant assistance, which if not done, may leave many people without timely <br />and accurate life saving responses and recovery information. <br />Staff recommends the Board take the following actions: <br />1. Approve the concept of acquiring an FM non-commercial government access radio station license for <br />broadcast capability and authorize the Director of Emergency Services to pursue an FCC license in <br />a phased process to ensure the dissemination of emergency information during and after disaster <br />events to inform citizens and visitors when a loss of power, phone, or cable occurs. <br />2. Approve initial funding in the amount of $5,000 for the consulting firm of Smith & Fischer, the source <br />of the funding to be from the Tower Lease Revenue Account to <br />interference and engineering update and finalize the original <br />gineering study on a sole source basis since this firm did the prior work for the <br />School District. Additional funding may be required for the licensing process and if that occurs, staff <br />will return to the Board to provide an update if further expenses are required. <br />NOVEMBER 16, 1999 <br />-126- <br />• . <br />