2000-11-08 Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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If the total system replacement alternative is chosen, then use of microwave point -to -point radio for communications links to remote radio sites can be cost justified. In addition, microwave circuits will provide better reliability, stability and audio clarity. It is recommended that microwave point -to -point links be used if the total system replacement alternative is chosen. Regardless of the alternative chosen, it is important that a back -up location for receiving 9 -1 -1 telephone calls from the public and from which minimum control of the radio network will be possible should be implemented at the earliest possible time. Planning for a back -up dispatch center is complete and funding has been made available in the Anoka County budget. There is substantial congestion for eight hours each day on the single law enforcement channel in use. The second law enforcement dispatch channel should be made operational for 24 hours per day compared to the current 16 hours per day in order to provide some relief from congestion for law enforcement personnel. Use of the second channel during an additional eight hours per day will result in some improved radio coverage during the eight hour period in the northern areas of the county. This change should be implemented as quickly as it is possible to hire and train additional law enforcement dispatch radio operators. The improvements to the fire radio page alerting are a critical need that can be implemented as quickly as additional equipment can be placed into service since no additional radio frequencies are required. This upgrade of fire service radio paging will need to be done regardless of which base system direction alternative is chosen. Therefore, the fire radio page alerting system should be implemented as quickly as possible. In teens of the direction that is selected for implementation, the report lists in Section 4.4.4 a series of steps that need to be taken. The first of those steps is to decide which of the two base alternative directions is to be followed. Within the base altemative chosen, there are additional subalternatives that also need to be decided upon. Once the direction is established, the required amount of funding will be known and must be arranged. Additional radio frequencies will be needed if the enhancement of existing systems alternative is chosen. Needed radio sites will need to be identified based on engineering studies and agreements will have to be executed for use of those sites. Communications engineering work would then need to be performed followed by a procurement phase and implementation phase. Because of the critical nature of many of the system deficiencies identified, it is essential that public officials in Anoka County proceed as quickly as possible to decide on the long -term direction to be followed and the other steps to get the necessary upgrades implemented. Ronald Vegenosl Engineering, Inc. -3- Report Anoka County