Enhancing Emergency Communication: Saratoga County Antenna Relocation and New Radio System
This report outlines the initiatives for improving emergency communication in Saratoga County, focusing on the relocation of antennas and the implementation of a new radio system by the Office of Emergency Services (OES). Key goals include using structurally sound towers for greater reliability, compliance with FCC regulations, and embracing new technologies. The project features the construction of new facilities, installation of multiple antennas, and a multi-point microwave system designed for over 1,000 users. Completion is anticipated in 24-36 months, aiming for a modern and reliable communication framework.
Enhancing Emergency Communication: Saratoga County Antenna Relocation and New Radio System
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Presentation Transcript
Report to Saratoga County Chiefs and Officers Association County Communications Projects Antenna Relocation Paging/Alerting New Radio System Office of Emergency Services
Antenna Relocation Project Goals • Use of more structurally sound tower • Better building and more room • Greater reliability in back up systems • Clean up the top of Spruce Mt. Office of Emergency Services
Existing County Facilities Office of Emergency Services
Proposed New Facility Office of Emergency Services
National Grid Tower – Spruce Mt. Office of Emergency Services
Project Description • County to bid out the purchase of all new antennas (14) and coax cabling(2,800’)for installation on National Grid tower. • Installation of antennas will provide shorter cutover time. • Major challenge Microwave System Office of Emergency Services
Project Status – January 07 • National Grid – Agreed to terms on relocation – working language for agreement. • Structural capacity of tower has been calculated with our proposed loading. • Building work has been done by County DPW and roadways to mountain top vastly improved. • New electrical service is installed in building – Crawford Electric • Bid Specification for antenna work is at Purchasing Dept. for review and dissemination Office of Emergency Services
Project Completion • Target date of April 07 • Remaining Issues to be resolved. Microwave system • Project Weaknesses – weather dependent. Office of Emergency Services
Paging - Alerting • Need to move from low band frequencies • Increasing call volume = more air time consumed for alerting = more congestion on Fire B frequency • Need to embrace newer technologies • Project is “stand alone” from other radio projects moving forward Office of Emergency Services
Paging/Alert Relocation Project Goals • Relieve congestion on bandwidth • More reliable service • Compliance with FCC narrow-banding requirements • Greater utilization of new technologies • Single alert frequency • Common alerting procedures Office of Emergency Services
Project Status – January 07 • Blue Wing Communications seeking guidance from FCC input relative to VHF High Band usage • Blue Wing is researching market place relative to equipment availability and market pricing • Further definition of project goals to be determined – need more user input (Sheriff, Fire and EMS) Office of Emergency Services
Paging/Alerting Time Line & Impact • County sensitive to impact of local costs associated with project • Minimally – 24 months away from any phased cutover • Probability of operating two systems in parallel is great. • More to follow!!! Don’t get too nervous yet……. Office of Emergency Services
New Radio System Project Goals • More reliable communications system • Compliance with FCC actions • Ability to embrace new technology • Move from 1950’s to the 21st Century Office of Emergency Services
Project Description • System design currently calls for 13 locations • Construction of at least 5 new towers • A complex multi-point microwave system • User count – over 1,000 units • Integration of side band technologies • FCC Compliance Office of Emergency Services
Proposed Site Locations • Currently design criteria calls for sites at the following locations: Lake Luzerne* Lakeview* Conklingville* Fraker Mt.* Spruce Mt. Mt. McGregor* Skidmore Providence Stillwater Halfmoon 9 &146 County Ctr. Corinth HS** * New tower build * * Microwave Hop only Office of Emergency Services
System Diagram Office of Emergency Services
Project Status – January 07 • APA Permits in hand • Negotiations for conservation easements started • Negotiations with other landlords begun • FCC Licensing issues being worked on • Microwave design being developed • User committees being formed • Continuation of consultants team completed Office of Emergency Services
Project Completion • Target date for completion probably 24-36 months off. • Technology test bed • Phased implementation by area • Remaining Issues to be resolved. • Microwave system • Statewide Wireless Network • FCC Licenses • User Input • Landlord negotiations • Detailed engineering to be completed • Project Weaknesses – the Unknown !!!! Office of Emergency Services