COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY AD HOC COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

** NOT APPROVED **

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Present: D. Pullen, M. Healy, J. Scott, M. Johnsen, R. Swarthout, C. Crandall

Others Present: J. Margeson, M. Alger, F. Sinclair, K. Graves, D. Fanton, A. McGraw, J. Luckey, J. Foels, K. Dirlam

The meeting was called to order by Chairman David Pullen at 10:03 a.m.

A motion was made by Randy Swarthout, seconded by Jerry Scott and carried to approve the August 17, 2011 minutes.

Status of the 911 Upgrade and Tower Installations:

Randy Swarthout – Head Emergency Services Dispatcher gave an update of the 911 equipment upgrade. Mr. Swarthout stated that the State is satisfied with the FEMA contract. Some of the work is not completed on the Pingrey Hill tower due to National Grid not installing the electric lines. National Grid’s man power are working to restore electric to Binghamton, and other areas were wind and rain damage is prevalent. Mr. Swarthout stated the equipment has been tested and is ready for installation once electric has been installed on the tower. Once the Pingrey Hill tower is completed the 911 equipment upgrade will be turned on and running from all the towers.

Release of Draft Communications Report:

Legislator Sinclair distributed draft copies to the committee of the Communications Report. Legislator Sinclair requests the committee to review the report and if there are any recommendations or comments, to please forward them on to him as soon as possible so a final report can be completed by the next scheduled meeting in November. Legislator Sinclair stated he would like the cut off date for comments to be no later than a week to ten days. There was discussion on the contents and future benefits of the report.

Good to the Order:

Mr. Johnsen stated that the Tibbets Hill tower is up and running. Mr. Johnsen had concerns on why this tower isn’t listed on the map. Kier Dirlam County Planner stated he was not aware of the location to this tower and stated he will work with Mr. Johnsen to get the information he needs to include this tower on the map.

Legislator Sinclair had concerns on adequate coverage of insurance for all the new equipment and towers. This issue will be addressed and discussed at the next scheduled meeting.

Legislator Pullen requests an update from John Foels Economic Development Director on the progress with the ION (Independent Optical Network) project. Mr. Foels stated the project is not moving forward as much as the company anticipated, due to the weather. There are still discussions on the possibility of having the POP (Point of Presence) to be located at the Crossroads Center. A final decision has not been made at this time. Mr. Foels stated he will continue to work with ION Company to get a final decision soon.

Chairman Pullen stated he has been talking with Lieutenant Daniel Hanchett on what other communities are doing to enhance their broadband services. There is a company that has been instrumental in assisting a town in Pennsylvania. This town is a very rural community, similar to towns in Allegany County. The company has a DVD as advertisement of what they offer. After discussion the committee agreed to have Chairman Pullen work with Lieutenant Hanchett to find out more information about this issue and to report their findings at the next scheduled meeting.

Mr. Johnsen discussed the need to have a plan to possibly have a professional come to educate the committee on how the dividing of the lines for fiber optic works in order to enhance the coverage and to receive the most coverage possible.

Jeffrey Luckey Director of Emergency Management & Fire discussed the damage that was done in Schoharie County and Green County by the recent hurricane. He stated that improvements to their system was done after the devastation of hurricane Agnes and how that wasn’t enough. Their 911 Emergency Center was flooded out with over nine feet of water in the building and discussed the damage that was done. He further discussed the need to constantly upgrade the counties Hazard Mitigation plan.

Adjournment:

A motion was made by Jerry Scott, seconded by Randy Swarthout and carried to adjourn the meeting at 10:52 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Alice Alsworth

Confidential Secretary

County Administrator