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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 01232007 - D.1 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra FROM: John Cullen, County Administrator. __ •• Costa DATE: January 23, 2007 ;A k° ~` 4sra-cour•� � SUBJECT: EAST BAY REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS County SYSTEMS (EBRCS) PROJECT SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATION 1. Acknowledge Receipt of this Board Order as the second quarterly report on County radio communications activities and the East Bay Regional Communications System (EBRCS) project. 2. Provide requests for any additional information that the Board would like included in future quarterly reports. BACKGROUND On July 25, 2006, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors endorsed in concept, County participation in the proposed East Bay Regional Communications System (EBRCS); directed the CAO to work with Alameda County, cities and other agencies to develop a JPA; authorized the CAO to work with ALCO to solicit proposals for an independent review of the Motorola design and study; directed the CAO to report back on all preliminary steps and funding commitments thus far; directed the CAO and County .Counsel to review the history of the Alameda County bidding process, including the RFP, specifications, and involvement by Contra Costa County management; and directed the CAO to provide quarterly reports to the Board on the project. Since our last update in October 2006, several areas have progressed and detailed below. Also attached is the February, 1, 2007 progress report and PowerPoint presentation for the Contra Costa Mayors' Conference. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE_ - ------------ - - ----------------------------- RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): --------------- ----- - ------- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------------------ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVE AS RECOMMENDED _ OTHER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN UNANIMOUS(ABSENT �Iv ) AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE AYES: NOES: SHOWN. ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTESTED U CONTACT: JOHN CULLEN,CL RK OFT BOARD F SUPERVISORS COUNTY ADMINIS RATOR BY G INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY REVIEW In October 2006, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hired an independent third party consultant to review the Motorola Proposal and Design for the proposed two-county EBRCS, to confirm its engineering and estimated costs prior to Contra Costa County's consideration of the JPA. The independent consultant, CTA Communications of Lynchburg, Virginia, is expected to have a final report by February 2007. In addition, as part of the due diligence process, the Interoperable Communications Advisory Program (ICTAP), a federal technical assistance program designed to promote and enhance interoperable communications among local, state and federal emergency responders and public safety officials, has agreed to review the proposed EBRCS as well to ensure its viability. FINANCIAL ADVISOR Also in October 2006, the Contra Costa County Board,of Supervisors authorized the County Administrator to engage a financial advisor. Contra Costa County has engaged Jean Buckley of the firm of Tamalpais Advisors to provide financial advice and assist the law firm of Meyers and Nave hired by Alameda County, in drafting the legal agreements necessary for the formation of aJPA . EBRCS TASK FORCE EBRCS Task Force continues to meet monthly to move this project along. Representation on the EBRCS Task Force from Contra Costa County includes personnel from the County Sheriff's Office, Fire Chiefs' Association, Police Chiefs' Association, County Administrator's Office, County Information Technology Department, radio experts, City Managers, and elected council members. Alameda County has retained retired Alameda County Fire Chief William (Bill) J. McCammon as Project Manager. SYSTEM MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE/GOVERNANCE The EBRCS Task Force has proposed that the future EBRCS JPA Board of Directors be comprised of 21 members made up of equal participation from both Counties. Membership would be as follows: 2 Police Chiefs Association (*) 2 County Fire Chiefs Association (*) 1 Special District 1 Alameda County (CAO) 1 Contra Costa County (CAO) 2 County Sheriffs (*) 4 City Managers from Alameda County (**) 4 City Managers from Contra Costa County (**) 2 Elected Officials from Contra Costa County (***) 2 Elected Officials from Alameda County (***) one representative from Contra Costa and from Alameda ** selection to be determined by each County's City Manager Association *** selection to be determined by the Mayors' conference of each County NEXT STEPS AND 2007 TIMELINES FOR COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS AND LETTERS OF INTENT To begin to take steps toward committing to membership in the JPA and to enable agencies to estimate their individual costs of participation, the EBRCS Task Force has laid out a process for initial commitment to the JPA. Following updates to both Alameda and Contra Costa Mayors' Conferences (attached white paper and power point presentation), an initial presentation on the EBRCS will be made to each City Council in February.or March by its City Manager, Police Chief and Fire Chief or District Chief as appropriate. Representatives from the EBRCS Task Force will be available to attend the City Council meetings or assist in presentations as requested. Each City Council will be asked to consider endorsing the EBRCS in concept by approval of a letter of intent (form to be provided) to join the JPA, and by directing its City Manager to provide an accurate radio count of public safety and general government radios, which is expected to be the basis of future cost sharing, and to authorize payment of a non- 2 refundable initial membership fee of $100 per radio. The EBRCS Task Force is seeking initial commitments to JPA membership by early April so that a realistic recalculation of cost sharing based on actual agency participation may be made. Financing of the system and issuance of debt will depend on obtaining additional offsetting federal or state grants and will proceed during the summer months. EBRCS Infrastructure The two-county East Bay Regional Communication System (EBRCS) design as presented by Motorola consists of 31 sites grouped into 5 cells. Three of these cells are in Contra Costa County, will require installation of equipment and some improvements. The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department has received radio equipment purchased using department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Oakland. Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funds. This equipment is presently warehoused awaiting release of the Super Urban Area Security Initiative (SUASI) funds to provide for the installation of this equipment as well as site improvements necessary for the start of the build out of the West County Cell, which is the highest priority due to proximity to Alameda County and population density. Similarly, Alameda County is using DHS, UASI and SUASI funds to begin the build out of its radio cells. Once the EBRCS JPA is formed, the completion of cells and the further build out of the EBRCS will be under the direction and control of the EBRCS JPA. 3 ADDENDUM TO D.l JANUARY 23, 2007 On this day, the Board of Supervisors considered accepting the second quarterly report on County radio communications activities and the East Bay Regional Communications System (EBRCS) project and providing requests for any additional information that the Board of Supervisors would like included in future quarterly reports. John Cullen, County Administrator, presented the report, saying that since the last update in October 2006, several areas have progressed. He said the County is working at the federal level pursuing funds that may be available in the next federal budget cycle to help offset some of the cost of the radio communication system. He pointed out the Sheriff's office has people in Washington today and said that there would be representatives from the Board there next week. Chair Piepho asked if there was a timeframe on the review of the outside independent reviewer and when those results would come back. Mr. Cullen noted this would be done by February 1, 2007. He said a presentation would be scheduled at a Board meeting in February. Chair Piepho asked how the County would budget the commitment cost for the overall buildout of the system, asking if it would be in the next budget cycle. She said she was concerned the cost would be expensive in the end'run versus being cheaper to go together with Alameda County, cities and other-agencies. Mr. Cullen responded, saying that in the next budget cycle the County would continue to capitalize on using federal homeland security and special earmarked money at the federal level for the Contra Costa County Sheriff. He said the Financial Advisor of the Joint Powers Authority(JPA) would figure out the financial split and most likely there would be a recommendation for the new JPA to borrow money to pay for the long-term cost and that each participating agencies will share in their split based on their number of radios. Supervisor Gioia said this has been an ongoing issue and stressed the importance of getting the report to the Board after the independent third party consultant CTA Communications of Lynchburg, Virginia reviews the Motorola. Proposal and Design for the proposed two=county EBRCS, to confirm its engineering and estimated costs prior to Contra Costa County's consideration of the JPA. He noted Alameda County went forward on this alone and Motorola was the only Company that provided a response to the proposal because at the time, the way the specifications were drafted in Alameda County, Motorola was the only entity that met the technical specifications. He stressed the importance of getting the report back on all preliminary steps and funding commitments thus far, and being able to discuss it thoroughly. He stressed the County would need a clear indication of which cities would join, as this would affect the cost share. He asked whether Contra Costa would divide the amount based on the total cost of ADDENDUM TO ITEM D.1 January 23, 2007 Page 2 of 3 sharing among all cities, and asked what thoughts have been given how to approach the apportionment. Mr. Cullen said the apportionment would be based on the number of radios for each of the jurisdictions that would sign up in the beginning and said that the committee is . consulting with the County's attorneys and others financial advisors on what the arrangements would be for a new agency coming in after the JPA formation. Supervisor Bonilla noted The East Bay Regional Communication System(EBRCS) Task Force has proposed the future EBRCS JPA Board of Directors be comprised of 21 members made up of equal participation from both Counties, and asked why an elected official from the County would not be serving on this Committee. Mr. Cullen said he believes the way the group is working now the County is well represented. He said if the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors desire extra representation, the JPA is not formed yet and there is room for that discussion to take place. He noted the County would budget the commitment cost for the overall buildup of the system. Supervisor Bonilla asked whether this would be in the budget year because the cost would be expensive. Supervisor Uilkema said she would like to make sure the report addresses at what point after the review, added choices for this Board, a different arrangement, different equipment, and different providers. Mr. Cullen said the contractor has been asked to address: 1) does the proposed design ,work; 2) are there critical flaws in this design; and 3) is the cost reasonable and supportable, and if not,what are the options the County has to differently address the cost side of the project through further capital bidding. Supervisor Glover said Chair Piepho and he will be in Washington D.C. next week and said he is hopeful members of the Board will be able to make the Mayor's Conference in Antioch to support the idea of JPA and the need to get everyone on board. He spoke about $47m unfunded dollars that will need to be used to get the radio communication system in place, and said the lobbying process should start. Supervisor Gioia noted that not included in the report is the subject of the County Sheriff s use for our contract cities not being apportioned to the County. Supervisor Uilkema asked for the Port of Oakland to be included in the radio communication system as this is one of the largest growing enterprises in the area. By an unanimous vote with all Supervisors present, the Board of Supervisors took the following action: MEMORANDUM TO: Contra Costa Mayors' Conference FROM: Contra Costa Public Managers' Association DATE: February 1, 2007 RE: Updated White Paper—East Bay Regional Communications System (EBRCS), an Emergency Services Radio System for Alameda and Contra Costa Responders INTRODUCTION This is to provide an update of the White Paper first presented to the Mayor's Conference on August 3, 2006. It provides an overview of the critical components of the proposed East Bay Regional Communications System (EBRCS), which will provide interoperability between emergency services radio system users throughout jurisdictions in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Endorsement of the system in concept was approved by the Contra Costa Mayors' Conference on August 3rd 2006. The Contra Costa Mayors' Conference action included a provision for the appointment by its Chair of two members to represent the Mayors' Conference on the combined counties and cities EBRCS Task Force (Mayor H. Abram Wilson, San Ramon and Vice Mayor Bill Shinn, Concord). In November 2006, the Alameda County Mayors' Conference appointed Mayors Janet Lockhart of Dublin and Tom Bates of Berkeley to work with the EBRCS Task Force. PROBLEM STATEMENT Communications is one of the most fundamental aspects in the day-to-day operations of public safety functions. The communication function becomes even more important during a rnulti- jurisdictional response to a critical incident. Such critical incidents may include, but are not limited to, earthquakes, floods, tires, pipeline explosions or terrorist threats. It is important to •note that these critical incidents do not respect political boundaries and may require multi- jurisdictional/multi-county responses. In Contra Costa County, interoperable communications between police and fire agencies has been a recognized need for many years, particularly during times of emergencies when multiple agencies are involved and must talk to each other. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors initiated a feasibility study in May 2002 of a regional interoperable radio system with other local agencies. Since that time, significant discussion has been undertaken with both the Police Chiefs' and Fire Chiefs' Associations which has resulted in their endorsement of a regional, interoperable radio system. During this same period Alameda County also initiated a project, the EBRCS, which offered the opportunity to become part of a two-county regional interoperable communications system designed to offer all local government agencies the opportunity to participate. Given the stated priorities of the federal government to support interoperable communications by providing funding to regional communications systetns, a two-county system provides the best chance to maximize grant funding to reduce the cost impact to all participating agencies. We should also mention that current communications equipment is becoming obsolete and replacement parts may not be available in the future, which could render such systems inoperable. In addition, by 2013, all agencies nationwide that use UHF, VHF, or Low Band frequencies will be required by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations to operate in "narrow band" mode. This means that all agencies operating on these radio bands will either need to upgrade or replace base station, mobile and portable radios. While the primary focus for the proposed system is emergency services communications, the EBRCS plan envisions non-emergency and/or public services participating in the system. CURRENT COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS Neither Contra Costa County nor Alameda County possesses a radio communications system that enables the various fire departments or districts to communicate directly to one another during critical incidents. This same inadequacy exists among police and sheriffs departments. Obviously, there is no current communication capability that allows police to talk to fire or to public works. The EBRCS plan anticipates operation.'of a unified communications system under the governance of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) formed by the participating jurisdictions. RADIO FREQUENCIES Radio frequencies have monetary value to both public agencies and to private broadcasters (television and radio). The FCC generates revenue for the federal government by selling these frequencies to private, for-profit businesses. Representatives from both counties have been active insuring that there are sufficient frequencies to serve the proposed system. It is of benefit that we do not need to petition the FCC for additional frequencies. COSTS Backbone: Alameda County issued a Request for Proposal to design the two-county system. and purchase the master site controller. Motorola, Inc., was selected since Motorola was the only bidder who responded to Alameda County's Request for Proposals for a master site controller. Motorola's preliminary estimate for the construction of a backbone system is in the $61 million range, to which the EBRCS Task Force added a $5M contingency. The backbone system would consist of numerous towers, repeaters, microwaves and the buildings necessary to support this equipment. Initial one-time costs would include consulting costs for engineering peer review, environmental review, and legal expertise. A breakdown of the estimated backbone costs of the EBRCS, and committed grant funding is shown on Pg. 8 of this report. Backbone costs are proposed to be financed through the issuance of bonds by the JPA. The debt payments would be 3 supported by the agencies participating in the JPA. The unit of cost for any member agency's share of support is proposed to be based on the number of radio units that agency operates. The system costs shown on Pg. 8 do not include the costs of hand-held radios, in-vehicle radios and/or dispatch consoles. The cost of radios and dispatch consoles would continue to be the responsibility of each participating agency, or could be funded through existing agency replacement funds or financed through the proposed backbone bond issue. Cost savings through potential joint purchasing of the new equipment required by each jurisdiction is anticipated. Operating Costs: Funds will need to be appropriated each year from the participating agencies to cover the costs of the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and system administration, equipment maintenance and replacement, and insurance (similar to our collective experience with other JPA's such as insurance and the Contra Costa County Transportation Authority.) A minimum configuration for operating and support personnel is discussed below under Staffing. FINANCES Close to $9M in Federal and State grant funds has been secured for the backbone of this proposed two-county communications system. An additional $12.5M in funds for microwave and a master site controller have been committed. We also believe that once the Joint Powers Authority for the two-county system is created, we will be able to attract additional grant dollars from such sources such as Homeland Security funding. The bulk of the projected remaining backbone costs of approximately $47M would fall upon the participating agencies and is proposed to be financed through a bond issue. The bonds are proposed to be issued by the yet- to-be-created JPA, which would receive annual payments from the participating agencies to cover the debt service and operating. CENTRAL DISPATCH There is no proposal in this two-county radio system to centralize dispatch services. Dispatch operations would be left to the decision-making process of the participating agencies. TOWER SITES The two-county system would utilize existing tower locations wherever feasible. It appears that only one new tower site may be needed in Contra Costa County to service the Point Richmond and Point Pinole areas. 4 SYSTEM MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE/GOVERNANCE The EBRCS Task Force has proposed that the EBRCS's JPA Board of Directors be comprised of the membership as indicated below: System Management Structure Board of Directors The Board of Directors will have 21 members made up of equal representation from both counties. (2) Police Chiefs Association* (1) Alameda County (CAO) (2) County Fire Chiefs Assn* (1) Contra Costa County (CAO) (l) Special District (2) County Sheriffs* (4) City Managers Contra Costa County** (4) City Managers Alameda County** (2)Elected Officials Alameda County*** (2) Elected Officials Contra Costa County*** *one representative from Contra Costa and one from Alameda **selection to be determined by each County's City Managers Association ***selection to be determined by the Mayor's conference of each County STAFFING At a minimum, the ongoing staff needs for the JPA with such an undertaking would require one chief operating officer, one radio engineer and one secretarial position. As an alternative, the JPA could seek the services of an existing company to meet its needs. No budgetary costs have as yet been estimated for these annual operating services. 5 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE(S) The JPA will require the assistance of technical subcommittees or user groups to provide oversight and feedback on various intricacies of the.system. Based on the experience of other joint radio systems throughout the State, we would suggest that these committee members be volunteered staff from participating jurisdictions. KEY ISSUES Coverage — Determining the coverage requirements of such a system will also determine the costs. For example, the higher the coverage requirement, the more tower sites are required and the greater number of facilities needed. Future members—The JPA document will address any number of items but must also include the ability to enlist future agency members that do not join the JPA initially. Redundancy — The system must be constructed in a looped manner so that the failure to signal the site does not interrupt the provision of service to the remainder of the system. SUMMARY EBRCS MILESTONES July 12, 2006 - Alameda County Mayors' Conference endorses system concept and initial steps July 13, 2006 - Contra Costa Public Managers' Association approves recommendation to 'Mayors' Conference to endorse system concept and initial steps July 25, 2006 - Contra Costa County Supervisors presentation and endorsement in concept August 3, 2006 - Contra Costa County Mayors' Conference presentation and endorsement in concept October 3, 2006 - Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors accepted report on the EBRCS Project and review of Alameda County's RFP and procurement (See enclosed Report and Addendum) January, 2007 - Alameda County Mayors' Conterence Update February, 2007 - Contra Costa Mayors' Conference Update JPA FORMATION With the concurrence of the EBRCS Task Force, Alameda County has hired the law firm of Meyers &Nave to prepare the legal agreements necessary for the formation of the JPA. Steve Meyers has had all initial meeting with the two-county Task Force and will also be in consultation with a financial advisor, hired by Contra Costa County, to develop appropriate options for the formation of the JPA. 6 INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY REVIEW In October 2006, as noted above. Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors reviewed the Alameda County procurement and three year contract with Motorola for the proposed EBRCS and concluded that it was an appropriate business decision. In addition, Contra Costa County, on its own, authorized the County Administrator to engage a financial advisor to assist Meyers and Nave in forming the JPA. Contra Costa County also has hired an independent third party consultant to review the Motorola Proposal and Design for the proposed two-county EBRCS, to confirm its engineering and estimated costs prior to County consideration of the JPA. The independent consultant, CTA Communications of Lynchburg, Virginia, is expected to have a final report by February 2007. Any recommendations made through this third party review will be trade available to agencies considering becoming members of the JPA. Finally, as part of the due diligence process, the Interoperable Communications Advisory Program (ICTAP), a federal technical assistance program designed to promote and enhance interoperable communications among local, state and federal emergency responders and public safety officials, has agreed to review the proposed EBRCS as well to ensure its viability. NEXT STEPS AND 2007 TIMELINES FOR COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS AND I:ETTERS OF INTENT To begin to take steps toward committing to membership in the JPA and to enable agencies to estimate their individual costs of participation, the EBRCS has laid out a process for initial commitments. Following updates to both Mayors' Conferences, an initial presentation on the EBRCS will be made to each City Council in February or March by its City Manager, Police Chief and Fire Chief or District Chief as appropriate. Representatives from the EBRCS Task Force will be available to attend the City Council meetings or assist in presentations as requested. Each City Council will be asked to consider endorsing the EBRCS in concept by approval of a letter of intent (form to be provided) to join the JPA, and by directing its City Manager to provide an accurate radio count of public safety and general government radios, which is expected to be the basis of future cost sharing, and to authorize payment of a non- refundable initial membership fee of$100 per radio. The J HBRC'S Task.f=orce is seeking initial commitments to JPA membership by early April so that a realistic recalculation of cost sharing based on actual agency participation may be made. Financing of the system and issuance of debt will depend on obtaining additional offsetting federal.or state grants and will proceed during the suininer months. EBRCS TASK FORCE In addition to the two municipal elected officials from Contra Costa County, representation on the EBRCS Task Force from this county includes personnel lrom the County Sheriffs Office, Fire Chiefs' Association, Police Chiefs' Association, County Administrator's Office, County Information Technology Department, radio experts, and City Managers. Alameda County has retained retired Alameda County Fire Chief William (Bill) J. McCammon as its Project Manager. 7 EAST BAY REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM Current Financial Overview Motorola Proposal $ 6091519063 This includes the microwave and other components that will be purchased through other grants :Deductions Funded through grants Master site controller and 2 sites 5,355,838 Microwave 7,215,789 12,571,627 (12,571,627) 47,579,436 Tax 3,1.03,088 $ 5096829524 Contingency Approximately a 10% contingency to cover unexpected costs related to site development 5,000,000 Sub-Total $ 5596829524 Grants Secured 2005 UASI* 2,999,999 2006 SUASI** 3,000,000 Alameda County SHSGP*** 1,800,000 Contra Costa SHSGP 1,000,000 8,799,999 ( 8,799,999) TOTAL remaining to be funded $ 46,8829525 *Urban Area Security Initiative (USAI) **Super Urban Area Security Initiative (SUSAI) ***State Homeland Security Grant Program (S.HSGP) 8 EBRCS White Paper Attachments: 1. October 3, 2006 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Board Order and Addendum - Quarterly Report on EBRCS and Recommendation and Findings on Alameda County Procurement 2. January 9, 2007 Contra Costa Times article by Ian Hoffman 3. January 14, 2007 Editorial 4. January 2007 Oakland Urban Area Interoperable Communications Scorecard 9 Radio Interoperability Solution East Bay Regional Communications System (EBRCS) Overview Presented by: William J. McCammon, Retired Fire Chief Alameda County Fire Department Keith Richter, Fire Chief Contra Costa County Fire Department Levels of Interoperability Standards-Based Shared P25 Full Interoperability between Shared Systems systems �:.. .:� Goal of the EBRCS System a Proprietary Interoperability within each system but .............. ........ Shared Systems limited between different systems fir"A Shared Effective provided the systems are Channels compatible,and channels are pre programmed and available T Gateway Limited Coverage, Requires Great Deal of (Fixed or Mobile) Planning, Limited Capacity .................... Swap Portable Simple, Short term, Not practical, Radios requires caches of radios 1 Current Communications Systems Contra Costa County 800 MHz 900 MHz UHF San Pablo Police AMR Walnut Creek Police Richmond Police Pleasant Ifill Police Richmond Fire Pittsburg Police Pinole Police Low Band Hercules Police East Bay Parks Martinez Police El Cerrito Fire CI IP Concord Police BART Clayton Police California State Parks VIIF San Ramon Valley Fire Lafayette Police San Ramon Police East Contra Costa Fire Rodeo Hercules Fire Danville Police Rio Vista Police Crockett-Carquinez Fire Pinole Fire Contra Costa Sheriffs Oakley Police Contra Costa Fire Moraga-Orinda Fire Brentwood Police Moraga Police Antioch Police CDF Contra Costa Com.Col. Coast Guard FBI Current Communications Systems Alameda County V11F/UHF 800 MHz Trunked Systems -Albany -Alameda County -BART •1-layward -AMR -Fremont -Piedmont includes: •Berkeley •Piedmont -Alameda -Coast Guard -Union Ci -Emeryville h� •1=L;I -Newark -Port of Oakland -San Leandro Low Band -Dublin -Fast Bay Parks •0-11, -Livermore 1 Pleasanton -UC Berkelev •EBMLID*(conventional) •CalTrans 2 Interoperable Communications System — Prerequisites -Political Support -Funding •Spectrum Common to all Users ;4; .,f' ''sem::• --¢:�7- :.. 3atd�l fi Why do we need the EBRCS? * Communications systems in both counties are fragmented o Existing communications systems in both counties are nearing the end of their useful lives * Significant cost savings can be realized for local jurisdictions by being part of a regional system without sacrificing local autonomy * Limited availability of spectrum * Grant funding from the Federal Government is available for "Regional Communication Systems" 3 EBRCS System Overview Q 2 County Digital P25 Compliant Communications System with 31 sites o Provide the highest level of interoperability o Funding through multiple sources including Federal grants, one-time assessments and ongoing subscriber fees 0 A Joint Powers Authority.with local jurisdictions becoming members will be created with local jurisdictions as members to own and operate the system System Capital (Backbone) Financing o Financing requirement — an equitable cost allocation model for participating agencies o System capital cost minus grant funding would be allocated to each jurisdiction and financed over an agreed upon period o The number of radios each jurisdiction operates on the system will determine each jurisdiction's share of the infrastructure costs 4 System Operational Funding o Ongoing system operations, upgrades, and replacement will be funded through a subscriber fee. The subscriber fee will be based on a cost per radio o Subscriber fees would be set yearly for the next fiscal year by the Board of Directors o New users such as the State of California or other special districts will be charged the operating subscriber unit fee as well as a start up fee per radio as determined by the Board of Directors and the ongoing subscriber unit fee JPA Board of Directors' Responsibilities o Own the system and its assets, set policies, assume all liability and provide overall direction for the operation of the system o Set subscriber unit pricing at a level to cover the system operations, technology upgrades, and system replacement costs o Establish advisory committees to develop recommendations and advise the Board on system operations, technology upgrades, and system financial planning 5 Progress to Date o Committees have been formed and are working to address governance, system design and implementation issues o Digital microwave network linking both counties has been approved using 2004 UASI funding, estimated cost $5.6 million Progress to Date Cont'd o Digital Master Site Controller, dispatch console upgrades and overall system design for the two county system have been approved using Alameda County ODP grant, estimated cost $6.0 million 0 National Public Safety Planning Advisory committee (NPSPAC), Region 6, has approved a "frequency repacking plan" which reallocates frequencies allowing the EBRCS to have a sufficient number of frequencies to operate 6 Progress to Date Cont'd o Preliminary system design is completed with the project estimated at $55 million (this does not include the cost of radios). At the present time $47 million is unfunded o EBRCS Task Force, including City Managers and Police and Fire Representatives from both counties, are meeting to determine the feasibility of forming a JPA and have developed the proposed governance model. System Management Structure Board of Directors The Board of Directors will have 21 members made up of equal representation from both counties. (2)Police Chiefs Association* (1)Alameda County(CAO) (2)County Fire Chiefs Assn* (1)Contra Costa County(CAO) (1)Special District (2)County Sheriffs* (4)City Managers Contra Costa County** (4)City Managers Alameda County** (2)Elected Officials Alameda County*** (2) Elected Officials Contra Costa County*** *one representative from Contra Costa and one from Alameda **selection to he determined by each County's City Managers Association ***selection to be determined by the;Mayor's conference of each County 7 Local Government Participation o Participation of each governmental agency determined by that agency's governing board o Method of participation in the system capital financing to be approved by each governing board * Approval of operational funding through a yearly budget process o Annual system overview presented to the Mayors Conferences in both counties and both Boards of Supervisors Endorsement Request for EBRCS oAdhere to EBRCS Task Force timeframes for presentation and consideration •Support for proposed JPA Structure • Establish accurate radio count •Sign letter of intent which includes good faith contribution of $100/radio • Provide technical point of contact to work with operational committees on system implementation issues 8 Timeframes for JPA Establishment *Jan - Feb Mayor's conferences in both counties receive presentations *Jan - Feb JPA is formed o Feb - Mar City Councils in both counties to receive presentations outlining JPA participation o Mar - Apr City Councils approve local participation Questions? 9