COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY AD HOC COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

July 21, 2010

 

** NOT APPROVED **

Members Present:  M. Healy, M. Johnsen and C. Crandall

 

Absent:  D. Pullen and J. Scott

 

Others Present:  F. Sinclair, K. LaForge, D. Fanton, J. Margeson, M. Alger, J. Garmong, K. Dirlam, R. Hall, Sherriff Tompkins, J. Tucker, C. Braack, S. Grugel, and D. Hanchett   

 

Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order at 10:04 a.m. by Planning & Economic Development Chairman Fred Sinclair in the absence of Chairman David Pullen.

 

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by M. Johnson, seconded by Legislator Healy and carried 3-0; w/2 absent, to approve the minutes of June 28, 2010.

 

STW Memorandum of Understanding

Chairman Sinclair presented an MOU that was revised and signed by Southern Tier West regarding the construction of a new radio tower at the county site on Ackerman Hill.  STW has $180,000 in grant funds available to offset the cost for a 300 foot tower with completion being in mid-August. 

 

County Planner Kier Dirlam handed out a quote from SAIA who has agreed to move all equipment, including FBI, to which STW has agreed.

 

Legislator Fanton expressed a concern with maintenance cost coming back to the county after five years.  Chairman Sinclair referred to the 5th paragraph in the MOU regarding the maintenance of the tower and after discussion County Attorney Miner expressed no problem with the language, but would check with Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Services.  There was additional discussion regarding:

 

·        Leasing tower from STW at no monthly fee

·        Price of tower versus future tower costs

·        Tower pricing, with a lower price submitted by SAIA

·        Increased height of tower with increased cost ($15,000-$17,000)

·        Real Estate to be rented by other providers may provide future revenue

·        Tower height concerns - statewide wireless; building replacement; add-on’s to additional height (i.e., microwave extra RE)

·         Highland Security Grant (Emergency Services); allocation and reimbursement process

 

M. Johnsen spoke regarding concerns with tower loading (number of antennae’s) and design to accommodate systems today and in future years with strength enough to support “twist and sway.”  Too much twist will miss signal and extra height is no good if it can’t support the additional load of antennae’s.

 

Kier Dirlam reported on the finances and estimated demolition cost of old tower.  $45,000 has been allocated and the estimate to take down the old tower is approximately $12,000, leaving $33,000 for the additional 40 feet which should cost approximately $17,000.  The remaining funds are not allocated at this time and there is no request for additional funds today, just the decision on authorization to spend.  Legislative Chairman Crandall questioned the time-frame and possible loss of the $160,000 from STW if not met.  Chairman Sinclair commented we are still within Southern Tier West’s time-frame; however, they need to know the height as soon as possible, preferably today. Legislator Healy asked of the existing Memorandum of Understanding will need to be amended for the specifics.  Chairman Sinclair responded “no, that nothing in the previous MOU addressed the specifics.”  Legislative Chairman Crandall commented that he felt comfortable moving ahead as the money is already allocated and whatever questions we can’t answer immediately, Southern Tier West could decide, as long as it stays within the funds appropriated.  Height difference should not be a concern as long as it meets our needs.  M. Johnsen agreed with Chairman Crandall and stressed the height and strength needs to be decided now as it will take time to pour footers.  There was consensus and no objections to the 300’ tower height. 

 

There was consensus with board members to recommend a 300’ tower to Southern Tier West with a codicil defining future usage.  M. Johnsen and K. Dirlam will talk to Southern Tier West and SAIA and Chairman Sinclair encouraged the Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Services to be involved in those discussions.  D. Hanchett remarked there is not enough room in the current building to add more equipment and there will need to be future discussions regarding the housing and equipment space.

 

Chairman Sinclair entertained a motion to move the Memorandum of Understanding to the Ways and Means Committee with a 300’ tower height pending the assurance we have adequate strength for loading and “twist and sway.”  Motioned by Legislator Healy; seconded by M. Johnson and carried 3-0 w/2 absent.  REFER TO WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Chairman Sinclair; seconded by Legislator Healy and carried to adjourn the meeting at 10:35 a.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Cathleen L. Whitfield

Recording Secretary