2001-02-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2O Mr. Lynch questioned why Little League is free but all other youth recreation classes charge a fee. Mr. Caravati asked about the County's study of their athletic fields, and Ms. Mueller said she will provide that information to Council. Mr. Cox said he cannot understand the logic of the City agreeing to jointly fund new athletic facilities in the County. Mr. Tatum said that an equitable program would have to be developed if it was jointly funded. Ms. Richards said she is struggling trying to think regionally on this issue and questioned why we would consider financing new fields in the County. Mr. Cox said he would rather do a better job of maintaining City fields. Mr. Caravati said he would like to look at how to make the programs pay more of the entire cost. Mr. O'Connell said that lighting is a significant issue. REPORT: 800 MHZ PROJECT ~MERGENCY COMMUNIATIONS) Mr. O'Connell said that since 1995 staff have been studying purchasing a new emergency services radio system. Mr. O'Connell said this is a major financial issue and funds have been programmed in the capital budget. Mr. O,Connell said he is seeking Council's approval for staffto negotiate and sign an agreement for the system. Mr. Tom Hansen, Emergency Cor-umunications Coordinator, explained that in 1995 a study was conducted which showed that there was inadequate radio coverage. A consultant recommended the 800 MHz systen~ The cost is expected to be $13,565,898, sites have been reviewed for tower locations, and the Federal Communications Commission has imposed a deadline of September 15, 2002 for installation of the new system. Mr, Lynch asked if there will be any operational savings with the new system, and Mr. Wayne Campagna, Emergency Communications Center staff, said there will not be a savings, but the cost will be shared. Ms. Richards asked if the E911 surcharge could be used to help cover the cost of the system, but Mr. Campagna said that the surcharge is restricted to E911 costs. Mr. Caravati asked why we should not consider using the E911 surcharge, and Ms. Linda Peacock, Assistant City Manager, said that the City Attorney's office feels that it is not legal to use the surcharge for that purpose. She noted that what is collected now does not even cover the E911 costs. Ms. Richards asked about the changing technology of such systems, and a representative of Motorola said there is no way to keep up with changing technology. He said that if other counties in the region joined in the future, maintenance cost could be reduced. Mr. Caravati asked if any problems are anticipated with the special permits for the towers, and Mr. Hansen said the Peter's Mountain site might be problematic. Mr. Campagna said if alternate sites are needed it could increase the cost, Mr. O'Connell said approval is needed for an agreement with Albemarle County, the University of Virginia and the Airport Authority as well as a contract with Motorola.