HomeMy WebLinkAbout20110103 - VI-12
City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Hicks & City Councilmembers
From: Paul P. Schnell, Chief of Police
Date: December 29, 2010
Item: Outdoor Warning Siren System Resolution
Council Action Requested:
Approval of Resolution to endorse a storm siren narrow banding strategy that includes seeking
funding assistance for 2013 implementation.
Background Information:
In accordance with FCC rules requiring the reconfiguration of radio transmitters and receivers
used in conjunction with outdoor warning sirens, a Work Group comprised of public safety
representatives of the Cities within the County and Dakota County staff has been engaged in
planning. The FCC requires the narrow banding requirement by January 1, 2013. In preparation,
the Work Group and Dakota County staff developed a strategy plan and is seeking grant
assistance for the project. The City of Hastings will realize a financial impact of approximately
$9,000, tentatively planned for inclusion in the FY 2012 budget. Without grant funding being
sought, Hastings cost would be approximately $18,000.00. Approval of this resolution will allow
our particpation in the grant application.
Financial Impact:
No impact in the current fiscal year.
Advisory Commission Discussion:
N/A
Council Committee Discussion:
N/A
Attachments:
Resolution
RESOLUTION # ____
Outdoor Warning Siren System Narrow Banding
WHEREAS, in 2007 the Dakota Communications Center (DCC) began to provide 9-1-
1 call answering, public safety radio dispatching, and related Public Safety Answering
Point (PSAP) services to the citizens and visitors of Dakota County; and,
WHEREAS, in 2008 the DCC and Dakota County (County) entered into an Agreement
relating to the maintenance, operation, and support certain fixed radio communications
and signaling equipment used to activate individual outdoor warning sirens located in
various communities and townships within or near Dakota County; and,
WHEREAS, individual outdoor warning sirens are owned and maintained by various
entities including cities, townships, and private enterprises (e.g. Xcel Energy); and,
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established Rules
and Regulations which require the reconfiguration of radio transmitters and receivers
used in conjunction with the outdoor warning siren system by January 1, 2013; and,
WHEREAS, the aforementioned transmitter/receiver reconfiguration is commonly
known as the First Phase Narrow Banding requirement; and,
WHEREAS, failure to comply with FCC Rules and Regulations may subject the County
and/or the Cities to possible sanctions including loss of FCC license authority and/or
fines; and,
WHEREAS, representatives of the Cities and Dakota County staff (Work Group) have
been planning a method to narrow band equipment used by the DCC to activate outdoor
warning sirens as well as individually owned/operated sirens across the County; and,
WHEREAS, the DCC Joint Operations Committee has reviewed and recommended
the Work Group recommendations to the DCC joint power’s board.
WHEREAS, the Work Group has recommended a migration strategy including funding
assistance to local communities to narrow band individual siren radio
transmitter/receivers using technology that will provide additional redundancy, faster
signaling methods, and capability for future siren status monitoring.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the City of Hastings hereby endorses and recommends the adoption of the
Work Group’s outdoor warning siren narrow banding plan.
ADOPTED this 3rd day of January, 2011.
__________________________
Paul Hicks, Mayor
Attest:
_________________________
Melanie Mesko Lee, City Clerk