7. Joint Dispatch radio proposal

., TO: RESPECTIVE GOVERNING BODIESS: FROM: RED RIVER REGIONAL DISPATCH CENTER BOARD SUBJECT: PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM PROPOSAL DATE: February 15,2005 The consortiwn of public safety agencies in the Fargo/Moorhead, Cass/Clay County area is making significant progress toward completion of a state of the art, interoperable VHF digital radio system. This communications system will become operational during this year and will provide seamless, joint communications capability between all law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies in Cass and Clay counties. The advantages this radio system provides in keeping us safe during both day to day operations and emergency situations are obvious. The investment in this system is $8 million, and is funded from a variety of sources including N.D.. Homeland Security grant funds from three years, two U.S. Justice Department grants, together with money from the Minnesota, Moorhead, Clay County, Fargo and Cass County. As we move from installation to the operation of this system it is critical to plan for the long term administration and maintenance of this investment. This is evidenced by the requirement to maintain a managed. integrated. computer based. digital radio system. The U.S. Justice Department in their grant guidance, emphasizes the importance of planning for the future management of these new and complex interoperable communication systems. A working group representing the stakeholder agencies was appointed by the Red River Regional Dispatch Center board to evaluate the future governance of the new system. The board members of the RRRDC accepted their recommendation the center move forward to hire a communications systems coordinator that could provide integrated communications systems management. The responsibilities identified for this position and budget implications are attached.