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DRAF June 27, 2003 LETTER TO MAYORS/CITY MANAGERS FROM PAUL KIRKWOLD SUBJECT: Public Safety Communications/800 MHz I am writing to you about the Metropolitan Radio Board's Metropolitan Public Safety Communication System (800 MHz) and several funding possibilities currently available that can assist us with our participation in this communication system. As you know, the Metropolitan Public Safety Communication System and the Radio Board were initiated in State law with a charge to develop a seamless communication system among all participating agencies/local units of government - an interoperable system. Phase 1 (system development) has been completed, and now Phase 2 (development and funding) is beginning. We have been told by State officials that developing a Ramsey County subsystem is a priority for the Radio Board during Phase 2. The remainder of this letter outlines steps and timeframes developed by the Radio Board and the State Department of Public Safety governing applications for participation in Phase 2. The Radio Board and related 800 MHz funding programs give counties a critical role in planning and developing the statewide system. Under Minnesota law, counties are required to develop county-wide 800 MHz technical and financial plans, and counties must approve all plans and grant applications prepared by any entity located within it. It is Ramsey County's intent to work closely with municipalities within the County to design a system that reflects our community/county-wide needs, and to aggressively seek out non-local property tax funds for the project. We realize that securing these types of funds are critical because they reduce the amount of local funds needed to build a system, making it possible for us to proceed with this mutually beneficial and important program. The Metropolitan Radio Board and Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services have just announced financial incentives to local government participation in the Public Safety Communication system. Initial applications are due July 24, 2003. At this time, Ramsey County is requesting (city/township)'s support to assist us in responding to these recently-announced funding opportunities for Phase 2 development (Attachment 1). We have been told by Radio Board officials that highest priority will be given to applicants whose jurisdictions have an updated County plan, and resolutions indicatinq the intention to move toward full 800 MHz system participation. (The Ramsey County 800 MHz plan has just recently