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• FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES _3_ July 23, 2003 Metropolitan Radio Board's Metropolitan Public Safety Communication System 800 MHz Resolution (continued) Administrator Worthington said that in order to move forward, they need to demonstrate broad- based support for this process amongst cities. Through the City's contract with St. Anthony Village, our police officers already have access to 800 MHz in Hennepin County and they have reported satisfaction with the technology. Ramsey County will be providing demonstrations of the technology to local fire departments in the next few months, and will also be implementing a process by which local government officials will have input in how this plan progresses. In addition, they are committed to seeking non-local funds for the implementation of an 800 MHz system. In response to a question from Council member Talbot, Council member Lamb said the system is anon-wired communication system instead of massive towers. There are receivers located around the metro area. This is not the best technology. In order for the system to work, you need to be able to communicate with everyone else who is on it. Ramsey and Hennepin Counties are not on the same systems. If the County were to shift to technology that is more advanced, the cost would be 100 times what is being proposed. In the short term, the most practical approach • is to convert to the 800 MHz. It is a wireless technology that requires receivers and transmitters that sit on top of public buildings. The City's costs would be for Public Works and the Fire Department. There would be some monthly or annual fee. Council member Talbot asked what is coming and how will the cost come down. Council member Lamb said that over time the larger communities will participate and the cost will be driven down. In the near horizon, this is the only option we have. Mayor Gehrz said that she was talking with Police Chief Engstrom about this and he said that one of the problems with traffic management around the Fairgrounds is that they can't communicate with the Saint Paul police. Saint Paul is now interested in participating in the 800 MHz communication system. The goal is to make this statewide. RESOLUTION 2003-12 Talbot moved adoption of Resolution 2003-12 in support of planning for the development of an upgraded radio communication system for Ramsey County. The motion was unanimously approved. Authorize Final Plan Preparation for Curtiss Field Improvements Parks and Public Works Director Maertz said that in 2000, the Falcon Heights Park Commission began studying the flooding problem at Curtiss Field. In 2001, the City contracted with SEH • Engineering to develop three design concepts that would improve drainage and recreational opportunities at Curtiss Field. 3