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Home My WebLink AboutCounty of Riverside Interoperability Radio Systems ProgramREQUEST: CITY OF PALM DESERT COMMUNITY SERVICES/ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER STAFF REPORT Request for Concurrence with the Public Safety Commission To Support the County of Riverside Interoperability Radio Systems Program and Participate in the Multi -Jurisdiction Committee to Prepare an RFP for the Strategic Plan DATE: March 25, 2004 CONTENTS: Project information from County of Riverside, Department of Information Technology DRAFT Minutes of March 10, 2004, Public Safety Commission Meeting SUBMITTED BY: Sheila R. Gilligan, Assistant City Manager for Community Services Recommendation: By Minute Motion, concur with the recommendation of the Public Safety Commission to support the County of Riverside Interoperability Radio Systems Program and participate in the Multi -Jurisdiction Committee. Executive Summary: At its meeting of March 10, 2004, the County of Riverside Department of Information Technology made a presentation to the Public Safety Commission concerning the development of a regional radio system where the backbone can be shared by various cities, counties, and other government agencies. Background: The Public Safety Commission asked for a presentation from Riverside County relative to Interoperability Radio Systems. The presentation was made by Matthew Frymire, Chief Technology Officer, and Greg Stoddard, Deputy Chief Information Officer, and indicated some serious concerns about the system currently in use. 1 Interoperability Radio Systems Program March 25, 2004 The first concern is the lack of interoperability between the Riverside County Sheriff Department (Palm Desert Police Department) and non -contract cities in the Coachella Valley. At this time, if a suspect is being pursued out of Palm Desert, radio communication between Police Departments would cease at the City limit line of Cathedral City. Communication at that point is made through the dispatch office which is dangerous, at best. While Riverside County Fire Department is commended for having a state-of-the-art radio system, it does not communicate with the Sheriff Department's system. Homeland security requires better interoperability between Police, Fire, and governmental agencies. Developing a regional radio system where the backbone can be shared by various cities, counties, and other government agencies is desirable as it will enable better communication and lower costs. Funding is the single greatest impediment to the development of a Regional Radio System. Grant funding is now available which will allow interaction to occur. This project has been ongoing since July, 2003, and due to be completed in June, 2004. The formation of a Multi -Jurisdiction Committee to define the governance, funding, and technical requirements that would need to be addressed to implement a regional radio system has been discussed. The Committee would be involved in the preparation of an RFP for the development of a Regional Radio System Strategic Plan that will address the requirements and needs defined by the Committee. The Committee would solicit the support of Federal, State and local representatives to develop a regional system and to provide assistance in identifying funding sources. The request from Riverside County Department of Information Technology is for participation on the Multi -Jurisdiction Committee to assist in the development of an RFP for the Strategic Plan. A consultant will be hired to write the actual RFP. Assistant Sheriff Neil Lingle urged the Commission to take this request forward to the City Council. While grant funding is available for the RFP process, operations funding will be another challenge. Currently, the County is looking into the addition of a telephone tax of 350. 2 Interoperability Radio Systems Program March 25, 2004 The Commission was unanimous in its support of this program and participation in the Multi - Jurisdiction Committee and asked that the item be forwarded to the City Council for its consideration. B HEILA R. GILL! Assistant City Manage . Community Services Approval: CARLOS L. ORTA City Manager n/a PAUL GIBSON Finance Director GlCityClrkVCeren RusselAgenda ItemsVntemperabRty Radio Systems Aagram•gpp 3 FT CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MINUTES March 10, 2004 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Nethery called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Commissioner James Butzbach Commissioner James Larsh Commissioner Rick Lebel Commissioner Martin Nethery Also Present: Councilman Dick Kelly Assistant City Manager/Community Services Sheila R. Gilligan Lt. Steve Thetford Division Fire Chief Ignacio Otero Robert Kohn, Director of Special Programs Steven Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager Guests Assistant Sheriff Neil Lingle Assistant Sheriff Gayle Janes Matt Frymire, County of Riverside, Department of Information Technology Greg Stoddard, County of Riverside, Department of Information Technology G:\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\March Minutes.wpd 1 Public Safety Commission March 10, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************************************************************** III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the Public Safety Commission meeting of February 11, 2004. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Minutes as presented. B. Ratification of Approval of P.A.C.T. billing for the month of January, 2004. Rec: By Minute Motion, ratify the approval of the P.A.C.T. billing for December, 2003. Motion by CommissionerButzbach, seconded by Commissioner Lebel, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 4-0. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Palm Desert Police Department Budget. Rec: The Police Department Budget will be presented at the April meeting for review and comment. Ms. Gilligan indicated there was a preliminary staff/executive management budget meeting held March 10. The proposed Police and Fire budgets will be on the April agenda for Commission consideration and recommendation to the City Council. FT G:\CityClrk\Karen Russo \Public Safety Commission 2004\March Minutes.wpd Page 2 Public Safety Commission March 10, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************************************************************** AST B. Fire Department Monthly Report - January, 2004. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file report. Chief Otero discussed the report. Also discussed were two recent fires; one at the Reserve in Indian Wells, and the other at Palm Valley. Both causes were gas barbecue grills being left on overnight. Motion by Commissioner Larsh, seconded by Commissioner Lebel, to receive and file report. Motion passed 4-0. C. Coachella Valley Association of Governments Public Safety Committee Goals for Fiscal Year 2004/2005 Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the CVAG Public Safety Committee Goals for Fiscal Year 2004/2005 and forward to the City Council for final submission to CVAG. Ms. Gilligan indicated this is the first time the Public Safety Commission has received this type of information/request from the CVAG Public Safety Committee. A question was raised as to whether the "Every 15 Minutes" program would be presented at the high school this year, and the response was that it would occur in 2005. After discussion, the Commission agreed on the following priorities: 1. Support Radio Inter -Operability 2. Valley -Wide Burglary Suppression Team 3. Burglary/Property Crime Prevention 4. Traffic Safety, as it relates to senior and teenage drivers 5. Valley -Wide D.U.I. Enforcement and Prevention Education Program Motion by Commissioner Lebel, seconded by Commissioner Larsh, to recommend support of the above five priorities to the City Council. Motion carried 4-0. [Ms. Gilligan introduced guests: Gayle Janes -Assistant Sheriff, Neil Lingle -Assistant Sheriff, and Greg Stoddard and Matt Frymire from the Riverside County Information Technology.] G.\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\March Minutes.wpd Page 3 Public Safety Commission March 10, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************************************************************** D. Palm Desert Police Department 2000-2003 Crime Stats. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. Lt. Thetford provided a report and indicated the goal of the Target Team is to work closely with the Crime Analyst in identifying patterns. Motion by Commissioner Butzbach, seconded by Commissioner Larsh, to receive and file the Police Department's Crime Stats report. Motion carried 4-0. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. Interoperability Radio Systems Presentation by Matthew Frymire, Chief Information Officer -Riverside County Information Technology Department. Rec: Oral report. Mr. Frymire, Riverside County Department of Information Technology, made a power point presentation consisting of two phases; projects underway and long term plans. He introduced Greg Stoddard, Department of Information Technology with the County of Riverside, who discussed current projects. Current Projects: Mr. Stoddard indicated that currently the Sheriff and Fire Departments are on separate systems. Homeland Security requires better interoperability and coverage for our citizens. Grant funding is now available which will allow interaction to occur. This project has been ongoing since July, 2003, and due to be completed in June, 2004. There are several RFP's going out. One is for services which involves getting the different communication sites up and operational and ready to receive different communications coming together so that everyone can interact. The State of California Emergency Services Office has made some changes to the process used in applying for licensing. They have asked for changes in design, and those changes have been made. The antenna redesign is complete and has been resubmitted to the State, and it will be incorporated into another RFP. Still on timeline. Long Term Plans: The concept for the future is to develop a regional radio system where the backbone can be shared by various cities, FT G:\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\March Minutes.wpd Page 4 Public Safety Commission March 10, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************************************************************** counties, and other government agencies. Shared frequencies can allow more capacity to others outside another's coverage area. Funding is the single greatest impediment to the development of a Regional Radio System. State and local funding is not likely in the immediate fiscal environment. Federal and Homeland Security dollars will be required to address public safety radio needs. Grants and other funding sources need to be made available. The plan is to lobby for a Public Safety Communications surcharge to phone bills to fund local Public Safety emergency communications infrastructure for ongoing growth and support. The next step would be to form a Multi -Jurisdiction Committee to define the governance, funding, and technical requirements that would need to be addressed to implement a regional radio system. Also required would be the preparation of an RFP for the development of a Regional Radio System Strategic Plan that will address the requirements and needs defined by the Committee. The Committee would solicit the support of Federal, State and local representatives to develop a regional system, and to provide assistance in' identifying funding sources. The request from Riverside County Department of Information Technology is for participation on the Multi -Jurisdiction Committee to develop an RFP for the Strategic Plan. There is a May timeframe to get the committee together to work on this so that all needs are identified. A consultant will be hired to write the actual RFP. From that, a determination can be made as to the cost. There may be a need fora General Obligation Bond, another Measure A -type tax, and possibly the addition of $.05 to the sales tax for a limited period of time. A question was raised as to what the current interoperability project is and what it does to improve interoperability. The response was that it is a band -aid. Bottom line is that law enforcement has not been as capable as Fire over the years in radio communication. Today, in Riverside County, the Riverside County Sheriff cannot talk to other police departments. If there was an issue where Palm Desert had to work with the City of Cathedral City, they could not communicate, and the same is true for the cities of Indio, Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs. The need is great for an interoperability system in order to respond to public safety emergencies. There are two separate pieces; one is the band -aid for today and the next is the vision for tomorrow. FT G:\CityClrk'Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\March Minutes.wpd Page 5 Public Safety Commission March 10, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************************************************************** FT The Federal Government has recognized that there are homeland security issues in Riverside County. Riverside County is the only Sheriffs Department in the United States to garner money for homeland security. A Special Enforcement Bureau will be added with twenty-eight new Deputy Sheriffs. In terms of Riverside County, the ability to communicate does not rest in the unincorporated area of the county; it rests in every community, whether the County provides law enforcement services or it is provided by the individual municipality. The need is to be able to get on the police radio and be able to talk to another jurisdiction to ensure public safety needs are being met. That is not possible right now. Law enforcement also cannot talk to Fire counter -parts in the event there is a need for both emergency entities at a particular scene. Ms. Gilligan suggested that if the Commission wanted to take action, it could move to forward this item to the City Council indicating a presentation was made to the Public Safety Commission and it is in support of moving forward with the RFP. A question was raised as to whether the presentation had been given to the Cove Commission, and the answer was no. Presentations have been made to City Managers, Police Chiefs, and Fire Chiefs in the County. The Commission asked that a recommendation be made to CVAG indicating its strong support for radio interoperability projects. The County Department of Information Technology will ask CVAG to form a sub -committee with all cities represented. Motion by Chairman Nethery, seconded by Commissioner Larsh, to recommend to the City Council that it support the lnteroperability Radio Systems Program and participate in the CVAG Sub -Committee in moving forward with the RFP. Motion carried 4-0. The Commission requested that the communication with the City Council include the statement that a presentation has been made to the Commission, and it is in full support of the program and participation in the sub -committee. Ms. Gilligan reported that after receiving direction from the Commission at the February meeting, a letter was sent to the City Council commending both the Fire Chief and Police Chief for their commitment to the community, active involvement in the Public Safety Commission, and for the level of excellence they bring to the G:\CityCtrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 20041March Minutes.wpd Page 6 Public Safety Commission March 10, 2004 MINUTES *********************************************************************************.****************** LEFT community. A question was asked of Gary Rosenblum as to whether the proposed interim solution would resolve his concerns about communication between the Emergency Operations Center and Public Works in the event of an emergency. Mr. Rosenblum stated that depending on the type of digital patching equipment, the City should be able to be connected either through telephone or radio systems. He will coordinate this effort with Lt. Thetford. B. Discussion of Public Safety and Public Welfare Ordinances Rec: By Minute Motion, continue to April, 2004, Public Safety Commission Meeting. Motion to continue the discussion of public safety and public welfare ordinances made by Commissioner Larsh, seconded by Commissioner Butzbach. Ms. Gilligan mentioned that Steve Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager, will head up this project. A suggestion was made to form a sub -committee to include a member of the Public Safety Commission, Commissioner Lebel, the City Attorney, and Steve Aryan. Commissioner Butzbach volunteered to serve on the Committee. Sub -committee members will be: Commissioner Lebel, Commissioner Butzbach, City Attorney Dave Erwin, and Steve Aryan. Motion carried 4-0. VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. Trauma Intervention Program, Inc. - Selection of Advisory Committee Member. Rec: By Minute Motion, make an appointment to the TIP Oversight Committee and direct staff to notify Councilmember Benson. Ms. Gilligan reported that the Trauma Intervention Program was started by CVAG and the City participates monetarily. Councilwoman Benson is the City's representative for that group. This organization helps victims and families in emergency situations. G.\CityChk\!Caren Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\March Minutes.wpd Page 7 Public Safety Commission March 10, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************************************************************** FT Lt. Thetford mentioned that TIP differs from P.A.C.T. where trauma intervention is given from a clinical standpoint. TIP volunteers lend support to people at a time of need. It is an extremely beneficial volunteer program. Ms. Gilligan asked Commissioners to call her with recommendations of those who would like to serve on the Oversight Committee. No motion made. Ms. Gilligan will be contacted with names of those who may be interested in serving on the Oversight Committee. IX. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION(S) Ms. Gilligan reported that the City is still working on the General Plan. It is hopeful the City Council will take final action on the General Plan on March 15. X. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Citizens on Patrol Open House - March 15, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 74-833 Joni Drive. Commissioners were invited to attend. B. March 6, 2004, Public Safety Forum Although attendance was not what was hoped for, good information was exchanged and there was an excellent article in the Desert Sun on the Forum. There was discussion that although a disappointing turnout from the gated communities, the Commission felt it was an important event. It was suggested that future Forums include all residents. C. Low -Moderate Income Home Buyers Public safety issues relating to low -moderate housing projects were discussed. Lt. Thetford said that the City is progressive in this area; one example being the Crime Free Multi -Housing Program. Issues are handled quickly. Ms. Gilligan shared that the City makes this a huge priority because it wants to meet the needs of its community. G:\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\March Minutes.wpd Page 8 Public Safety Commission March 10, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************************************************************** XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Butzbach, seconded by Commissioner Larsh, to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m. Karen Russo, Recording Secretary G.\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\March Minutes.wpd Page 9 Z. 1 II NOM U ca' as O) 0 i2. C� 7-2 4..+ 8 1... +, :.6.2. n' '3) c x E >,i) 13 E E,... --- o _ `-. 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