Minutes 03/11/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 11. 2008 Background: . The UASI grant program focuses on planning, equipment, training and exercise needs of designated high-threat areas, and its purpose is to assist designated areas in building sustainable capacity to prevent, protect, respond and recover from acts of terrorism. . The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) submitted and received a UASI grant award of approximately $3,800,000 for interoperability communication initiatives in the region. This grant continues initiatives of the "ORION" (Overlay Regional !nterOperability Network) system that provides for an interoperable voice and high-speed data network for Southside Hampton Roads and a portion of the Peninsula. ORION enables these jurisdictions to communicate among and between one another during a terrorist event or other emergencies and disasters. . The ORION initiatives have been highly endorsed by the Hampton Roads' police and fire chiefs. Discussion: . The City of Portsmouth and United States Coast Guard Base (Craney Island) communication links to ORION are provided through radio antennas on the Cox Communications tower located on Virginia Avenue. A three year temporary lease agreement with Cox Communications for rental space on the tower will expire in 2009. . The HRPDC has designated $300,000 of the UASI grant to move the regional radio equipment from the Cox Communications tower to the Portsmouth Public Utilities water tank located on Broad Street. Engineering structural analysis of the water tank and a communication path analysis find that the water tank is an ideal site for relocation. The Director of Public Utilities/Works supports the placement of antennas on the water tank. Financial Impact: . No local cash match is required. Staff Recommends: Adoption of ordinance. Vision Principle Advanced: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Acquire necessary engineering services and equipment to enhance regional interoperability communications. Motion by Mr. Heretick, and seconded by Mr. R. Smith, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: "ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000 FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY'S URBAN AREAS SECURITY INITIATIVE AND APPROPRIATING SAID SUM IN THE FY 2007-2008 GRANTS FUND BUDGET TO FUND INTEROPERABILlTY ENHANCEMENTS." Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, D. Smith, R. Smith, Holley Nays: None 08 - 132 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting $82,711 in Technology Trust Fund monies from the State Compensation Board and appropriating said sum in the FY 2007- 2008 General Fund Operating Budget to fund redaction of personal data services from the Supreme Court of Virginia. Vision Principle: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community; and Bold New Directions.