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Adjourned Meeting
April 3, 2001
5:00 p.m.
Meeting Convened. An Adjourned Meeting of the York County
Board of Supervisors was called to order at 5:01 p.m., Tuesday, April 3,
2001, in the East Room, York Hall, by Chairman James S. Burgett.
Attendance. The following members of the Board of
Supervisors were present: Walter C. Zaremba, Sheila S. Noll, Donald E.
Wiggins, James S. Burgett, and H. R. Ashe.
Also in attendance were James O. McReynolds, County Administrator;
and James E. Barnett, County Attorney.
REVIEW OF CHANGES TO PROPOSED FY2002 BUDGET
Mr. McReynolds briefly reviewed the material prepared for the
Board's approval of the budget and appropriation of funds for FY2002,
and for the adoption of the tax rates for current year 2001. He reviewed
the changes from FY2001 concerning the Revenue Stabilization Reserve
Fund, the Yorktown Capital Improvements Fund, contributions, State
Compensation Board funding, liquidation of purchase orders, and
completion of on-going projects. He noted there were no changes in the
proposed tax rates.
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM UPDATE
Mr. McReynolds noted the communications system update effort had
been underway for over a year and that some of the County's equipment
was over 20 years old.
Mr. Terry Hall, Department of Fire and Life Safety, made a
presentation concerning the needed upgrade to the County's
communications system. He discussed the process beginning with the
hiring of a consultant and defining the needs. The consultant's
conclusions were:
· The County has inadequate radio coverage.
· Lack of interoperability-the need to communicate between all
public safety and public service activities. Also need to be able to
communicate with surrounding local governments.
· The age and life expectancy of the current system and
technology is about 10-15 years, and the County has long outlasted
this timeframe.
· Channel capacity/spectrum is not adequate-need to have
multiple channels in order to communicate.
· Great deal of radio interference because of so many current
users.
· Frequency refarming-an initiative by the Federal
Communications Commission-all current radios in the County will have
to be replaced.
· CAD-IBR-multiple computer platforms-all need to be running on
the same system.
· Phase I & II wireless mapping-provides capability for
geographically locating each call.
· A need was identified for a regional approach with James City
County and the Cities of Poquoson and Williamsburg.
· MDT-need for the Sheriff to tie into the FBI and State
Police. Officers can get records directly from the field and report
directly to the State.
· A budgetary cost estimate was provided by the consultant.
· A regional system was recommended
Mrs. Noll asked if the proposed equipment was a top of the line
system.
Mr. Hall indicated it was not. The system would meet the
communications standards.
Mr. Wiggins asked to be assured that it would not be out of date
in a year or two.
Mr. Hall stated technology was changing everyday; the proposal is
to meet the public safety standard which is being met across the state
and the nation.
Mr. McReynolds added that it should serve the County for 10-15
years.
Discussion followed concerning the advances in technology and
using 700 MHz.
Mr. Ashe stated his concern was in how fast technology was moving
and how adequate the County's current system is versus the adequacy of
the new system. He stated he believed technology will move much quicker
than it has in the past, but noted he was also concerned about the
economy.
Mrs. Noll indicated Mr. Ashe had a good point, stating she would
like to look at the flexibility of the new system should changes occur.
Mr. Hall indicated the proposed system would make the County
compatible with the surrounding jurisdictions. If the County were to
wait until the 700 system becomes operational, the other jurisdictions
will be waiting for York to catch up. With the proposed system, all
local jurisdictions will be together for the next 10-15 years.
Further discussion followed regarding advancing technology and the
State's communication system.
Mr. Hall then reviewed James City County's status with regard to a
communications system, stating the consultant gave them the same
recommendations as York County received. The next step is to have a
consultant look at the regional approach with James City County and
Poquoson.
Mr. Richard Miller, Fire Chief for James City County, restated
that James City was committed to a regional approach. He indicated the
County's licenses have been granted, and it must move on a timeframe or
lose its frequency. He stated the system must be cost effective for the
County, and interoperability is a critical factor.
Mr. Wiggins asked about what New Kent and Charles City Counties
were planning.
Chief Miller stated the two localities were invited to be a part
of the regional process because James City provides service to both.
Both counties elected not to participate in the trunked radio system at
this time.
Mr. McReynolds then reviewed the costs associated with the new
system and maintenance in funding the system.
Discussion followed concerning the schools' commitment to the
proposed system.
Mr. McReynolds stated if the Board was supportive of the proposal,
staff would bring it back to the Board at its next meeting and provide
the Board members with an appropriate resolution for funds to come from
the Contingency Reserve. He indicated that staff was asking that the
Board make a decision whether or not it thinks the proposal was a wise
investment of $10 million to meet the communications needs of the County
over the next 12+ years. If the funds are not committed, staff will have
to reevaluate the situation. At that time it will be more difficult to
back away from the program. He stated the County has an opportunity to
participate in a regional effort that will lower the County's costs and
insure interoperability as well as meet the County's communication needs
for the foreseeable future. She stated if the Board was not comfortable
with this to let him know so that other information could be provided.
Mr. Ashe stated he would like to postpone action on this matter
for two weeks in order to have an opportunity to talk to some other
jurisdictions and collect information on his own.
Mr. McReynolds noted that if the County was going to participate
with James City County, a decision needed to made as soon as possible.
He indicated two weeks would not impair the County's opportunity to
participate with James City County.
Mr. Zaremba stated there were three contractors who could give the
Board a feel for what they have to offer. He noted he did not have
nearly enough information at this point on which to make a decision.
Mr. McReynolds indicated that at this time staff was asking
whether or not the Board wished to move forward with the design of a
system on the 800 MHz platform. If so, the procurement issues could be
addressed once the system has been designed.
Chairman Burgett agreed that a resolution to authorize staff to go
forward with the design of the communications system would be prepared
for the Board's consideration at its April 17 Regular Meeting.
USE OF YORKTOWN PROPERTY (Not on Agenda)
Mr. McReynolds reminded the Board that they had received a draft
of a letter going to the Daily Press from the Board Chairman responding
to the potential use of the Commons property in Yorktown.
Meeting Adjourned. At 6:28 p.m. Chairman Burgett declared the meeting
adjourned sine die.
_____________________________
_______________________________
James O. McReynolds, Clerk
James S. Burgett, Chairman
York County Board of Supervisors
York County Board of Supervisors
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