Subject: [NEXTEL-1] Accord adds regional radio link powers

From: Marcel <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 07 Nov 2002 10:27:37 -0500

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/cda/article/print/0,1674,206%257E22097%257E972319,00.html

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Pasadena Star-News

Accord adds regional radio link powers

Tuesday, November 05, 2002 -
PASADENA -- The City Council has approved an interim Joint Powers Authority agreement that will be the backbone of a new regional emergency communication system. The system, which is already being coordinated between nine regional cities, will greatly improve the response to natural disasters or terrorist attacks, said Cmdr. Chris Vicino of the Pasadena Police Department's Strategic Services Division.

"To be able to coordinate (regional) resources and speak to them through the event would be a tremendous advantage,' Vicino said.

Currently, analog technology hampers efficient communication because it doesn't allow cities to communicate on the same channel, Vicino said. But with the advent of digital technology, and the federal government's mandate for cities to digitize their radio systems by 2006, cities will have the ability to communicate on the same channel, Vicino said.

During daily operations, cities would maintain their independence, but the channels could be opened up regionally "like a faucet' in emergency situations, Vicino said.

Cities already had been working toward linking their communication systems, but the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks quickly heightened the need to concentrate on the project, Vicino said.

In addition to helping in emergencies, the regional Joint Powers Agreement increases the potential for getting federal funding to pay the high costs of bioterrorism defense, Mayor Bill Bogaard said. It also organizes the group by allowing cities to choose people to lead it, Vicino said.

The council approved entering into the interim Joint Powers Authority agreement with an 8-0 vote Monday night. The agreement doesn't carry financial or long-term commitments, but will give each city a voice in the evaluation and discussion of forming the inter-agency system. Once a system is formed, cities could enter a permanent agreement.

Cities involved in the agreement were chosen on the basis of their compatible radio systems, strategic location and commitment to working with other cities, according to staff reports.

-- Marshall Allen can be reached by calling (626) 578-6300 Ext. 4461, or by e- mail at [email-masked].