COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY AD HOC COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

JANUARY 18, 2012

** NOT APPROVED **

---

Present: D. Pullen, M. Healy, C. Crandall

Absent: J. Scott, M. Johnsen, R. Swarthout

Guest: Richard Zink – Southern Tier West, Daniel Broughton - Comnet

Others Present: J. Margeson, M. Alger, T. Miner, B. Rigby Riehle, T. Hopkins, F. Sinclair, K. LaForge, K. Graves, J. Foels, K. Dirlam, J. Luckey, D. Hanchett, T. Ross

The meeting was called to order by Chairman David Pullen at 10:08 a.m.

A motion was made by Mike Healy, seconded by Curtis Crandall and carried to approve the December 21, 2012 minutes with an amendment on page 2, fourth paragraph down where Jerry Scott was speaking. It should have read: Jerry Scott stated Verizon and several cable companies have signed an agreement to share facilities. Verizon wants to get out of copper wire and use cable lines and wireless 4G LTE technology to get their services to the consumer. There was a lengthy discussion on how this will affect phone service in the County.

Status of 911 Upgrade and Tower Installations:

Lieutenant Hanchett stated the 911 Emergency Systems high band service has been up and running for the last couple of weeks. It is anticipated that as of Friday, January 20, 2012 all law enforcement, town officials and the Department of Public Works will be on board as well. At this time Ambulance and Fire Service will remain on low band until new radios are all purchased. In May the County submitted a grant application for the purpose of upgrading the radio systems from digital to analog. They were notified the grant was denied. Lieutenant Hanchett stated he received notification from the 911 Coordination Association that this grant was changed for flood damage to the counties east of here, who received most of the funding. Mr. Hanchett stated they are still moving forward searching for future funding for these radios. Chairman Crandall discussed the concerns that the low band coverage will be affected by the new high band system. Mr. Hanchett stated it is the opposite, because of changing the location of the low band antenna to the Angelica tower it has increased coverage. After investigation it was determined that the cross band repeater for the low band system can not be accomplished. The only way the system can be converted over to the high band system is when the entire fleet of new radio’s are purchased, until that time the Fire Service/EMS will remain on low band frequency.

Lieutenant Hanchett stated, with the new high band system, frequency coverage is way beyond what was originally anticipated. There is high band frequency reaching from Cuba to as far away as Canaseraga.

There was discussion on the prices for the radios and if it is required they need to be purchased at this time or can they wait. There was also discussion on the possibility of purchasing surplus radios from other counties that have upgraded their high band systems to a higher frequency than Allegany County. All of this is being reviewed and trying to determine the best cost efficient plan.

ION POP (Point of Presence) at Crossroads Update:

John Foels Development Director stated ION (Independent Optical Network) project is on target for the end of February or the first of March to be completed. Mr. Foels stated the POP (Point of Presence) is progressing as planned. He stated the Industrial Development Agency is not in contract with ION, but they are providing the location-transfer station. Comnet is the official contracted company. (Point of Presence).

Richard Zink Southern Tier West:

Richard Zink, Executive Director, Southern Tier West gave a report on the Wireless Internet Project. Mr. Zink stated the project has been on going for approximately two years, in that time six towers have been installed. These towers are located in Swain (2), Rushford, Black Creek, Belmont and Allen. The towers in Swain are operational. The tower in Belmont located in Amity will be operational in the near future, there have been a few minor issues that are being resolved. Testing is being done on the Allen tower. Mr. Zink stated in the northern part of Allegany County there is presently 450 customers that now have internet service that didn’t previously. Southern Tier West has a five year contract with New York State for the completion of the tower projects in 2014. Mr. Zink discussed the transfer of ownership of the towers once the project is completed. The Belmont tower will transfer to the County and the rest of the towers will transfer to Southern Tier Wireless. Mr. Zink stated all parties involved with the project are working well together to see that any issues that develop are handled in a timely manner. There was discussion on the marketing aspects with regards to each tower and how this is all handled. Mr. Zink asked that the clients be patient with this project, due to unexpected issues that have arisen, there are areas in various towns that have service and others do not.

Daniel Broughton Manager Comnet:

Mr. Broughton gave a report on the progress of ION POP (Point of Presence). Mr. Broughton stated the construction at the Crossroads is expected to be completed in a few weeks. The POP is expected to be on-line in approximately 3-4 weeks. There was further discussion on how this will all transpire. The goal within reason is to serve as many clients as possible. Comnet and Southern Tier Wireless will work together to help make that happen.

There was discussion on the ION network being able to be connected to the County Court House/County Office Building, County Jail Complex and its huge significance.

Adjournment:

A motion was made by Legislator Healy, seconded by Chairman Crandall and carried to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Alice Alsworth

Confidential Secretary

County Administrator