HomeMy Public PortalAbout20070124 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 07-02 Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 07-02
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California
AGENDA
STUDY SESSION ON DRAFT INVASIVE SPECIES POLICIES
6:00 Introduction of Guest Presenter/Study Session Outline—Cindy Roessler "
6:05 Presentation—Bob Case, California Invasive Plant Council, Contra Costa County Department of
Agriculture—retired
6:35 Summary of Draft Policy—Cindy Roessler
6:45 Board/Public Discussion of Draft Policy
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 • Phone: 650-691-1200
Fax: 650-691-0485 • E-mail: info@openspace.org • Web site: www.openspace.org
IL
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 07-02
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California
Please Note: 5:30 p.m. Special Meeting Closed Session Start Time
6:00 p.m. Special Meeting Study Session Start Time
7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Start Time
AGENDA*
5:30 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
ROLL CALL
CLOSED SESSION
The Special Meeting Closed Session will begin at 5:30 p.m. At 6:00 p.m.,the Board will convene the Special Meeting
Study Session. At 7:30 p.m.,the Board will convene the Regular Meeting,and,at the conclusion of the Regular
Meeting,the Board may reconvene the Closed Session.
I. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation,California Government Code § 54956.9(a)
Name of Case: Fogarty v. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, San Mateo County Superior Court
Case No. CIV441934
2. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation,California Government Code Code § 54956.9(A)
Name of Case—Citizens for Responsible Open Space v. San Mateo County LAFCo, Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District, San Mateo County Superior Court Case No. CIV442954
6:00 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
ROLL CALL
1. STUDY SESSION TO REVIEW INVASIVE SPECIES POLICY
7:30 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
ROLL CALL
REPORT ON RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION (The Board shall publicly report any action taken in Closed Session
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.1(a).)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—Public
ADOPTION OF AGENDA—K.Nitz
ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR—K. Nitz
APPROVAL OF MINUTUES
■ OCTOBER 25,2006
Me2ting 07-02 Page 2
BOARD BUSINESS
7:40* 1 Acceptance of the Proposed Two Way Radio System Five-Year Plan for Improvement;Accept Consultant's
Report in Implementation of a Digital Simulcast Two-Way Radio System for the District;Approve the Five-
Year Plan for Improvement of the Radio System in Concept; Direct District Staff to Obtain More Detailed
Estimates from the Consultant in Order to Present this Information to the Administration and Budget
Committee as a Part of the 2007/2008 Budget Preparation Process —D. Topley
8:00* 2 Appointment of Board Committee Members for 2007;Approve the President of the Board of Directors
Recommendations for Appointments to the Standing, Ad Hoc and Outside Committees as Contained in the
Report, Including the Determination of Compensation Status for Attendance at Board Committee Meetings
—C. Britton
3 Approval of Appointments of Board President as Chairperson of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District Financing Authority and Directors Hassett, Riffle and Siemens and as District Representatives to
the Governing Board—K.Nitz
4 Approval of Appointment of Director Nitz as District's Representative to the California Joint Powers
Insurance Authority Board of Directors and Appointment of Two Alternatives: General Manager
Craig Britton and Assistant General Manager Sally Rice—S. Rice
5 Amendments to District's Conflict of Interest Code;Adopt Resolution Amending District's Conflict of
Interest Code—S. Rice
6 Authorize Additional Legal Fees in the Matter of Citizens for Responsible Open Space v. LAFCO and
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and Authorize General Manager to Execute Retainer
Agreement with the Law Firm of Shute, Mihaly&Weinberger for this Litigation.; Authorize Payment of
Additional Legal Fees in the Matter of Citizens for Responsible Open Space v. LAFCO and Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District in an Amount not to Exceed$30,000 and Authorizing the General Manager to
Execute a Retainer Agreement with the Law Firm of Shute, Mihaly& Weinberger to Represent the District
in this Litigation—S. Schectman
REVISED CLAIMS
8:20* INFORMATIONAL REPORTS—Reports on compensable meetings attended. Brief Reports or announcements
concerning activities of District Directors and Staff, opportunity to refer public or Board questions to staff
for factual information; request staff to report back to the Board on matter at a future meeting; or direct staff
to place a matter on a future agenda.
CLOSED SESSION CONTINUED(if necessary)
REPORT ON RETURN FROM RECONVENED CLOSED SESSION(if necessary) —California Government Code
Section 54957.1(a).
8:35* ADJOURNMENT
Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed.Agenda is subject to change of order.
TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. You
may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately,
you may comment to the Board by a written communication,which the Board appreciates.
All items on the consent calendar may be approved without discussion by one motion. Board members,the General Manager,and members of the
public may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,if you need assistance to participate in this meeting,please contact the District Clerk at(650)
691-1200. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the District to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting,
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-06-150
Meeting 07-02
January 24, 2007 STUDY SESSION ITEM I
STUDY SESSION ITEM
Study Session to Review Invasive Species Policy
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
Review, discuss and comment on the attached I �sive Species Policy
DISCUSSION
The Board of Directors prioritized the development of new resource management policies during a public
workshop held on and has subsequently reviewed policies for water resources, grazing and forest
diseases. The next resource priority scheduled for a Board workshop is the management of invasive
species. After reviewing resource management policies originally adopted by the Board in 1994, staff
recommends revising the existing Non-native Species Management chapter(Chapter 6).
The proposed invasive species management policy text is attached. Revisions to Chapter 6 are presented
in a strikeout/underline version. The order of the policies has been rearranged to fit within the current
approach of addressing these issues under prevention, monitoring and control topics. As a result, some of
the former policies have been relocated, in addition to being revised or completely replaced.
Staff is recommending that any inconsistencies within the resource management policies that arise
because of sequential revisions to different sections be addressed at the conclusion of all the specific
policy workshops.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
The study session will not result in any action by the Board of Directors subject to CEQA compliance.
Prepared by:
Cindy Roessler, Resource Management Specialist
Contact Person
Same as Above
Management
Species Mana
January 24, 2007 P 9
6 NON-NATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
The Problem with Invasive Species
The District defines native to
mean plant and animal The Distric;t defines native to mean speGles hiGh GGGUF, have GGGUrred, oF may --G--UF in a
species that were present in
the San Francisco peninsula
prior to the large-scaleeliferate beyond natural control and nterfere with the natuFal pFaG9sses-A4!4cA
alteration of North American Aon--,Id Q-them open spaGe_ lands. Strategies feF managing pest populations
lands by European humans dependORwhether the pest is a native oF non native speGies. Native pests areAGt GORtF011ed
after 1769. Native species eXGept where they 6igRifiGantly threaten human health oF s Int an URarraePtable
are adapted to local natural
conditions and support
complex ecological systems. invasive species are non-native animal or plant species that take over large areas and
reduce biodiversity. They proliferate beyond natural control and interfere with the natural
Non-native species are processes that would otherwise occur on wildlands. Once established, invasive species can
did alter the
defined as species that become difficult to manage Because they can eliminate native species or otherwise a e
r on the f invasive
not originallyoccu r s s the management o
this chapter addresses e
conditions of District reserves t s c
natural cod p p q
San Francisco peninsula, species
and that move into, or are
introduced into preserve Nest-Native Invasive Plants
landscapes as a direct or
indirect result of human Pier-Aative Invasive plants have greatly altered many of California's natural plant
activities. communities. Because they originated elsewhere, many native invasive plants have no
are not susceptible to browsing, pests or diseases of this region. They are extremely
adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of conditions. They can most inva6iVe non natives
grow fast quickly, reproduce early, produce many long-lasting seeds whirh
dormant-fog-years, and tolerate disturbance and full-SUR. They reduce native biodiversity by
gradually crowding out native plants and
Over fifty invasive plant competing with native wildlife for food and reducing or modifying wildlife habitat.
species have been identified
or are likely to occur in
District preserves. Some ,
common invasive plant ,
species in District preserves Poisen ,
are French broom, pampas
grass, and yellow starthistle.
Nets-Native Invasive Animals
Along with direct
habitat loss due to human development, invasive animals pose the-greatest another threat to
native wildlife. Escaped domestic animals and other non-native wildlife species can thrive in
tl#s the favorable climate of the San Francisco peninsula. Once established in a preserve,
they compete for valuable resources and disturb the sensitive balance of natural food webs.
Feral pigs were abundant in Bullfrogs and wild pigs are examples of invasive introduced animals found in District preserves
the South Skyline region in that are displacing native plants and wildlife.
the 1990s. The District has Wild (feral) pigs are toe non-native an example of an invasive wildlife species with the most
been trapping feral pigs obvious impact on District lands. They have been widespread in the central coast of California
since 2000 and has since about 1970 and have rapidly inGreased theii: FaRge !R TeGent years. They aFe partiGUlaFly
substantially ubstantialt reduced their
population and damage from abundant in SieFFa Aaul Open SpaGe AFve a6 well iding aFeas, and aFe
6taFtiRg to invade 9theF foothill and skyline .
_ TheY reproduce
ro duce rapidly, dig u
P
their rooting� meadow andw wetlands, and carry w#+F# thatt can affect people and livestock. They
eat acorns, bulbs, and soil animals, and are intelligent and difficult to control. Under ideas
suitable conditions, th&a feral piq population can double every four months.
6-1
January 24, 2007 Invasive Species Management
Integrated Pest Management
example,managemeRt teGhniques to prevent Unar.Geptable levels of darnage with the least hazard tG
reseUrses:
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a long-term strategy that specifically reviews
alternatives and monitors conditions to effectively_control a target pest with minimum impact to
human health the environment and nontarget organisms. IPM can be used for many types of
Pesticide is a broad term pests and situations (e g landscape weeds ants in houses thistles invading native
that includes any material grasslands) Chemical and non-chemical techniques are considered and techniques will vary
(natural, organic, or according to site conditions or as conditions at a treatment site change over time. If pesticides
synthetic) used to control are necessary to meet a pest control objective the least toxic and most target-specific
or prevent pests including Pesticide is chosen IPM requires knowledge of the biology of pests the available methods for
herbicides (weed or plant controlling them and the secondary effects of these methods. It also requires monitorinq site
killers), insect sprays, and conditions before during and after treatment to determine if objectives are being met and if
rodenticides (rodent killers) methods need to be revised
as a few examples.
Programs to control non native invasive plant and animal species require long-term
. With manynatives- invasive species, short-term lapses in management
commitment p
activity may negate years of expensive control programs.
I
Goal: Control of non native Invasive species whIGh that have a
substantial impact on preserve resources, whenever control is
reasonably possible
Policies and Implementation Measures
6.1 Prevent the introduction of invasive non-native species to District
preserves.
• Stay informed on potential new invasive species their threat to District resources, likely
vector pathways control methods and monitoring techniques.
Best management
practices for preventing 0 Take measures to pFevent invasion of non natives in undeFtaking pr(�eGts that disturb
the introduction of invasive vegetatien-
species include cleaning
equipment before leaving . When designing new District proiects that may result in ground disturbance,
a weedy site, and using incorporate measures to avoid spreading invasive species into work areas and where
seed, plant, forage, fill, reasonably possible control any invasive species currently on the site. j
erosion-control and other
,
that are free of . management practices during District maintenance activities to avoid
materialsest mana e e Use b
q p g
weed seeds. introducing invasive species into new areas.
• Conduct education and outreach to keep visitors and adjacent landowners informed on
the threat of invasive species and actions they can take to prevent and control their
spread.
6-2
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January 24, 2007 Invasive Species Management
6.2 Map and monitor invasive species problems.
Develop a PFOgFan; tO FAGAitOF iAVa6iVe non native plant and animal GE)eGies to deterat
population gFevAh and range expansion. Pest 6nfn_r,m;;finn ;;h
i1nWasives at
apprepFiate tFailheads.
Maintain a GIS database of the location or range of invasive species on District
preserves, and use this information to determine priorities for control.
• Share mapping information with adjacent landowners and other responsible agencies
to assist in collaborative control efforts.
• Monitor District invasive species control activities to assess the effectiveness of
different treatment methods on target and nontarget species and to guide future actions
at the same and similar sites.
6.2Manage both native and non native ',GGFd*ng to integrat
pest management (IPM) teGhniques in Gw�peFation with Fesponsible
6.Xontrol invasive species using a system of priorities and integrated
pest management OPM) techniques.
The California Invasive 0 Give highest PF'Wity for GGRtFO1 0046 tO Ron native Nhirh aF9 arwely
Plant Council maintains displaGing native speGies, espeGially in sensitive�- as ReXt to PF'Yate
an Invasive Plant PFOPeFty, and aFeas with high V'6it()F USe.
Inventory that rates the
threat of non-native plant 0 Prioritize invasive species control based on potential risk to sensitive native species
species by evaluating and loss of native biodiversity* feasibility for effective control: availability of necessary
their ecological impacts, labor, tools and time: collaboration with adjacent landowners and other responsible
invasive potential and agencies* and consistency with other District-goals.
ecological distribution.
Along with local UndeF6tand the biology of an invading speGies, deteFmine its disFuptive potential, and
knowledge, the District GGeptable levels of darnage. Use Gentral Fnetheds that Gause the ieast hazaFd
uses this list to evaluate and the envimnment. IdeRtify a pFepored Gentre, or elimination
the invasive risk of program and its effeGtS PFiGF tO 46 implementation. FGF example, befor . -
existing and new non- resnribed fire to Gentrel enGroaGWng vegetatiOR, GQnsideF fiFe's impaGt on the overall
native plants found on ka-hWU ;;n
..d landsGape and weigh this against etheF GGntFG' Fnethedr, sUGh as phy6iGal
District preserves. x►eva#
•
Take artion against pests only when and where natural Gontrols be failing
and the peSt Will Gause- unar.Geptable iF:npaGtS on-Weserve Fes( bGF44;9
pr vatepFOPWty, GF-���
Prior to implementing a pest control activity, determine the biology of the invading
species, its disruptive potential, and relevant site conditions. Review pest control
obiectives for consistency with other site goals and determine acceptable levels of
damage.
• Use IRM PmGedure6 to determine when tG GontFol pests and whether to urse
rnpnhaRiGal, Ghemirai, fiFe, bielegiGal, or otheF Fnea
• Gons*deF the full range of pest Gentrol alternatives. Ghoese rategies and times of
treatment that aFe the least di6ruptive to RatuFal GentFGIG, least hazaFdoUs tO hUFnan
health, least texir. to non taFget ergani6ms, 1 st damaging to the gee.n.e.rall
6-3
January 24, 2007 Invasive Species Management
t, and MOSt Gest e#eGt*ve. I)iFeGt the Gentral method narrowly at the taFge
organism to avoid bFoad impaGtS On the eGOsystern.
0 Using an IPM approach, consider the full range of pest control alternatives. Choose
site-specific strategies and times of treatment that provide the best combination of
protecting preserve resources, human health, and non-target organisms and that are
efficient and cost-effective in controlling the target invasive species. Direct the control
method narrowly at the target organism to avoid broad impacts on the ecosystem.
Modify control methods over time as site conditions and treatment techniques change.
0 DO ROt introdUGe Pon native plants and animals iRto pFesewes, eXGept to GentFol
Prior to the approval of _AtrlmAntal non native 6peGies, and then only when the following tWQ GoRditions aFe
the use of any new met; (1) ailable native SpeGie6 Will not meet the needs of the rnanageMeR
biological control agent, pFegram; and (2) the non native speGi8r, Will ROt beGGme a pest (based en bes
the US and California available infoFmation).
Departments of 0 Only use non-native biological control agents to control invasive species if sufficient
Agriculture conduct information is available to determine that nontarget native and agriculture species will
years of laboratory and field studies to assess not be adversely affected and the biological control agent will not otherwise become a
the candidate's host subsequent pest.
specificity and its 0 USA- 9-heMiGals only wheFe alternative methods aFe known to be iRe#eGtiVe. Apply
potential impact on biodegradable Ghem*Gal Dnmentally safe manneF. Take all reasonable
target and nontarget
pFeGautien6 to PFGteGt the eAViFonment, the health and safety of DistriGt employees,
species and
environmental safety. and presep�e-��
0 Use pesticides only where alternative methods are known to be ineffective. Apply
pesticides in an environmentally safe manner. Take all reasonable Precautions to
protect the environment, the health and safety of District emplovees, adiacent lands
and preserve visitors.
The District coordinates 0 Plan for repeat treatments as indicated by the invasive species' regenerative
with the San Mateo County capabilities. Manage the addition of new sites to the invasive control program to
and Santa Clara County ensure that existing sites are sufficiently controlled,
Weed Management Areas,
the California Invasive 0 Coordinate and cooperate with neighbors adjacent landowners and other responsible
Plant Council, the agencies to control invasive species.
California Department of 0 tive species on native wildlife.
Fish and Game, the • Consider the impact of removal of non n invasive
California Department of
Food and Agriculture, 0 If;; nnn-nMWA emes a problem and Feme is advisable, make an effe
County Agricultural up thA nni��al's 16fe by finding a 6w4able heme in a nOR natuFal setting.
Departments, and the
Cooperative Extension 0 If a non-native animal becomes a problem and removal is advisable, consider a range
Service to stay informed of techniques for feasibility, including live capture and relocation toa suitable home in
on invasive plants and a non-natural setting.
animals, IPM techniques,
and pesticide regulations. Attempt to menitoF Ron pest populations *R trea d aFeas befoFe and afteF applying
PeStiGide to deteGt any unanti,.-Oated e#eGtS. Keep FeGGFds of all pe6tiGkkW,aPP4ed
•
and all pest menitering aGtWitieS. Submit an annual FepeFt of all pe6tiGi and
herbicide use to the BoaFd Of DiFeGtOrs-
Keep records of all pesticides applied and submit monthly and annual reports to the
County Agricultural Departments. Obtain Pest Control Recommendations and provide
field staff safety training in the storage, mixing and application of pesticides.
• Plan for and monitor natural regeneration or install native plants and provide short-
term maintenance at sites from which invasive plants have been removed. Generally,
this will occur after several years when the number of invasive individuals and their
potential for reseeding resproutinq or otherwise reoccupying the site has been
6-4
January 24, 2007 Invasive Species Management
substantially reduced.
• If eradication of an invasive species from a distinct location is not feasible, apply
measures to contain the population or slow down its rate of spread.
i
6-5
I
V
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-1 0
Meeting 07-02
January 24, 2007
AGENDA ITEM I
AGENDA ITEM
Acceptance of the Proposed Two Way Radio System Five-Year�Plan for Improvement.
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIO
I. Accept consultant's report in implementation of a digital simulcast two-way radio system
for the District.
2. Approve the five-year plan for improvement of the radio system in concept.
3. Direct district staff to obtain more detailed estimates from the consultant in order to present
this information to the Administration and Budget Committee as a part of the 2007/2008
budget preparation process.
BACKGROUND
In October 2005, staff solicited Request for Proposals (RFP's) for a Needs Assessment and Plan
for Improvement of the District's Two Way Radio System. The proposal from Macro
Corporation was the best proposal in both content and price. Macro came highly recommended
by both San Mateo County and the City of Sunnyvale. Macro has also completed similar projects
for other public agencies. Macro's contract fee of$21,998 was within the budgeted amount and
less than $25,000, and therefore within the General Manager's spending authority. On
December 2, 2005, the District entered into an agreement with Macro Corporation to complete a
comprehensive study to evaluate the District's current two-way radio communications system,
assessing the needs of its users, and recommending strategies for possible system upgrades of the
District's two-way radio system. Macro completed their report on May 10, 2006, which is the
basis of the proposed plan.
A committee made up of field staff, Support Services Supervisor and the Operations Manager
assisted in the development and evaluation of the RFP's and worked with Macro providing
valuable input on the needs and problems of the current radio system. This input was used by
Macro in their evaluation and final report.
The District requested that Santa Clara County Communication review Macro's final report and
provide comments. Santa Clara County received a fee for this review. In their written report to
the District, Santa Clara County Communications felt the overall report was excellent. They felt
it was written with clear and concise language. They reconsidered that their recommendations
are appropriate and fully support the recommendation for a digital simulcast radio system.
R-07-10 Page 2
The District operates a single frequency pair (channel) analog radio system, consisting of five
stand-alone repeater(tower) sites and over 100 vehicular,and portable radios. The District
contracts with the City of Mountain View for dispatching services. The District's current radio
system was developed in the early 1990s when the District's growth exceeded the capabilities of
sharing the Santa Clara County Parks radio system.
The current radio system is based on a community repeater system on the District's own
frequency, licensed by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). A community repeater
allows one group of uses (patrol) to mute messages from the other group (maintenance) to reduce
distractions. However, only one group of users can communicate at a time, since there is only a
single channel available.
A community repeater operation also provides a significant benefit to Mountain View Dispatch.
It allows dispatch to hear only messages from patrol, thereby limiting any distractions from
maintenance messages. This is important, because a single Mountain View dispatcher must
monitor numerous public safety channels simultaneously (District patrol messages as well as
those from the city police or fire). Ideally, if the District had two channels there would not be
the need for a community repeater. It took many years and a tremendous amount of effort to
obtain our current channel. The District has been trying for many years to obtain another channel
from the FCC and the outlook is not good. This is due in large part to the scarcity of frequencies
that can be used over the large areas covered by the District. Numerous mountaintops within the
District would probably cause interference with other agencies within the hundreds of miles
covered.
The loss of community repeater operation, without replacing it with an equivalent function,
would significantly impact Mountain View Dispatch and field operations. Dispatchers and field
users would have to sort through every message on the radio channel to determine whether it
involves them or not.
District field operations also require "wide-area communications." Wide-area communications
is the ability of a radio system to allow two or more field users in different geographic areas to
communicate, when they are not in range of the same communications tower site. District
supervisors are responsible for incidents occurring District-wide and must be able to talk and
listen to all units. Field staff responds to emergencies and fires throughout the District, requiring
them to communicate with staff within the entire boundary area of the District.
The District's current radio system is analog. Some agencies that the District communicates with
have changed or are in the process of changing to digital format, i.e. CDF and Santa Clara
County Sheriff's Office. Once another agency switches to a digital signal the District can no
longer communicate by means of radio without a digital radio. Digital radios have the ability to
communicate with both analog and digital format radio systems provided they are on the same
frequency band.
Staff has been aware of newly enacted Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations
that will require the District to either modify the legacy analog equipment to "narrowband"
operation (and replace some models that are incapable of such modification), or eventually
replace the analog equipment with digital models that are inherently narrowband. Narrowband
refers to a radio signal which occupies only a small amount of space on the radio spectrum,
thereby making it more efficient.
R-07-10 Page 3
DISCUSSION
The following discussion outlines Macro's findings, including alternatives to address
deficiencies found in the current system. Alternatives include changes necessary to comply with
FCC regulations. The conclusion of the Macro Corp. report contains a recommendation for a
Digital Simulcast radio system with vehicular mobile repeaters. The report advises that this will
best meet the needs of the District for current operation and will provide the ability to grow with
the District long into the future.
Purpose of Report
The purpose of Macro's report was to evaluate the District's current two-way radio
communications system, assessing the needs of its users, and recommending strategies for
possible system upgrades and/or replacement. The report describes the findings and presents
various upgrade and/or replacement strategies that will address the needs of the radio system
users, as well as comply with mandatory Federal Communications Commission spectrum
efficiency standards that become effective in the near future. The following discussion details
Macro's recommendation that the District implement a digital simulcast two-way radio system,
based on the two major deficiencies found in the current system: over-transmission and poor
coverage.
Report Findings
Macro's report validated the two most significant system deficiencies noted by District staff.
These were over-transmission problems and poor coverage.
"Over-transmission" refers to the collision of two or more messages on a radio channel. It occurs
when a dispatcher or field user, unable to hear an ongoing conversation on the channel, attempts
to make a radio call. This results in one or both messages becoming garbled and possibly lost. It
is caused by limitations associated with analog community repeater operation, as well as the
current configuration of stand-alone tower site repeaters. The over-transmission problem is a
safety concern to patrol. Simulcast technology would allow all field users to hear all messages if
in range of any tower site. Having a"digital" simulcast system will enable the District to
maintain a community repeater operation.
Most of the "poor coverage" areas were associated with the use of portable radios, which is to be
expected to a certain degree. However, in many areas, Macro found that the tower site signals
were strong enough to support communications using a vehicular radio. In these specific cases, a
device called a mobile repeater could be used to enhance portable radio coverage when the
portable radio user is near his/her vehicle. Mobile repeaters are devices that are installed in a
vehicle that can relay a portable radio's signal to the tower site using the higher-powered
vehicular radio.
There were a number of areas where Macro's findings conflicted with user reports of poor
coverage. In these cases, the tower site equipment should be tested to verify operation. However,
some cases may be the result of limitations associated with the District's current stand-alone
tower site repeaters. If a user is not in range of a particular tower site, he/she will miss all
messages routed through that tower site. A similar problem can also occur when a field user
forgets to select the closest tower and unknowingly tries to activate a more distant tower site
repeater. Such messages will be difficult to understand or missed entirely.
R-07-10 Page 4
Although Macro feels the current system worked well in the past, it believes these problems will
worsen as the District's jurisdictional area grows and tower sites are added. Thus, the District is
approaching the point where a more comprehensive solution is required.
Regulatory Impacts
Recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulatory changes will require the District
to make changes to its radio system. Effective January 1, 2011, the District will not be permitted
to expand the coverage area of its current system, unless it converts to more spectrally efficient
technology. ("Narrowband" refers to a signal that occupies only a small amount of space on the
radio spectrum -- 12.5 kHz bandwidth, in contrast to "Wideband"that occupies 25 kHz
bandwidth, narrowband thereby being "spectrum efficient.")
Concurrently, the FCC will prohibit manufacture and importation of equipment not meeting
specific spectrum efficiency standards. Furthermore, the FCC has established January 1, 2013 as
the mandatory deadline for final conversion to more efficient technology. Thus, the District will
not be permitted to operate in its current "legacy" (wideband) mode of operation after this date.
Compliance will require the District to either modify its legacy analog equipment to
"narrowband" operation (and replace some models that are incapable of such modification), or
eventually replace its analog equipment with digital models that are inherently narrowband.
Continuing to operate analog equipment has certain limitations, but is the least costly approach.
Digital operation eliminates some potential risks associated with converting analog equipment,
but is more costly.
Alternatives
Macro provided four alternatives to meet upcoming regulatory requirements as well as provide
operational options that target some of the system deficiencies noted in their report. Estimated
total costs are included.
Each alternative is based on the following assumptions and considerations unless otherwise
noted:
• 150 MHz frequency band
• Meet anticipated FCC spectrum efficiency requirements
• Utilize the same tower sites as in use today
• Equipment quantities based on current inventory (includes spares)
• Assumes new antennas at all sites
• No backup battery systems are provided at tower sites (none exist today; only generators)
Costs include sales tax, installation, vendor engineering and project management, and
professional (consulting) efforts, such as vendor proposal review and vendor oversight/project
Alternative A—Maintain the Status Quo. This alternative continues operation of the current
technology and includes steps to meet all upcoming regulatory requirements.
Estimated cost is $369,000.
PRO:
• Maximizes reuse of existing fixed and user equipment
• Many brands and tiers of user equipment expected to be available through 2009
• Open standards-based analog operation promotes interoperability
R-07-10 Page 5
• Simple to maintain, allows for competitive outside maintenance contracts
• Less costly (then other replacement alternatives)
• Mobile repeaters can be added to reduce current portable radio dead spots
CON:
• Does not provide wide-area communications
• Does not eliminate the over-transmission problem
• Narrowband analog will reduce in coverage in current fringe areas
• Vendor support for analog products will diminish after 2009
• New equipment models and options will diminish after 2009
• Radios cannot operate on any outside agency systems which are/or convert to, digital
• Cannot support individual-calling, messaging or other advanced features
• Narrowband analog is more susceptible to co-channel interference
Alternative B—Migration to Digital Operation. This alternative is similar to above, but
replaces the legacy 150 MHz analog systems with digital technology. Most of the District's
equipment is incapable of digital operation, so most equipment would eventually require
replacement. Selecting this alternative would not preclude the District from later upgrading to
simulcast (Alternative D). Estimated cost is $406,000.
PRO:
• Coverage generally equivalent to current legacy system
• Vendor support for digital products increasing
• Latest equipment models will likely be digital
• Digital radios are backward compatible with legacy and narrow analog systems
• Enhances community repeater functionality
• Project 25 Compliant (standardized digital radio technology to allow interoperability)
• Mobile repeaters can be added to reduce current portable radio dead spots
CON:
• Does not provide wide-area communications
• Does not eliminate the over-transmission problem
• Requires replacement of some existing legacy equipment before the end of its useful life
• Outside agencies incapable of digital could not communicate on frequency.
• Fewer equipment models available today (temporary situation)
• Some outside maintenance shops are not yet trained on digital (reduces pool of shops)
• More costly than analog
Alternative C—Analog Simulcast Operation_This alternative integrates all tower sites
together through the use of existing Santa Clara and San Mateo County infrastructure equipment.
Allows all radio messages to be automatically transmitted by all tower sites simultaneously.
Estimated cost is $1,025,000.
PRO:
• Eliminates the over-transmission problem
• Provides wide-area communications
• Significantly simplifies the operation of the radio system (particularly as it grows)
R-07-10 Page 6
• Mobile repeaters can be added to reduce current portable radio dead spots
CON:
• High capital costs
• Cannot support the "community-repeater" function
• Increases recurring lease and maintenance costs
0 Proprietary equipment complicates maintenance and requires special technician training
Alternative D— Digital Simulcast Operation. Similar to Alternative C above, but uses digital
technology. However, this alternative provides for community repeater operation.
Estimated cost is $1,037,000.
PRO:
0 Eliminates the over-transmission problem
0 Significantly simplifies the operation of the radio system (particularly as it grows)
0 Provides wide-area communications
9 Coverage generally equivalent to current legacy system (requires fewer radio sites than
analog Alternative A or Q
0 Vendor support for digital products increasing
0 Latest equipment models will likely be digital
0 Digital radios are backward compatible with legacy and narrow analog systems
9 Mobile repeaters can be added to reduce current portable radio dead spots
* Compatible with, and enhances Community repeater functionality
* Project 25 Compliant (standardized digital radio technology to allow interoperability)
CON:
• Requires replacement of some existing legacy equipment before the end of its useful life
• Outside agencies incapable of digital could not communicate through District's frequency
• Fewer equipment models available today (temporary situation)
• Some outside maintenance shops are not yet trained on digital (reduces pool of shops)
• Increases recurring lease and maintenance costs (over Alternative A and B)
• Proprietary equipment complicates maintenance and requires special technician training
• Only one to two manufacturers capable of designing (today)
• Highest capital costs
Enhancements /Options for Each Alternative:
Macro provided the following options that can be added to each of the alternatives above.
Option 1: Implement mobile repeaters to reduce current portable dead spots. This option
minimally equips the vehicle fleet (approximately 22 vehicles) with mobile repeaters.
The cost for mobile extenders is $53,000. This option is not included in the estimates
above. Macro recommends a"pilot project" by implementing with a couple of units to
evaluate their performance before expansion to more fleet vehicles. Mobile repeater will
require licensing of an additional low power radio frequency.
Option 2: Purchase and install tower site repeaters to cover dead spots in current and future
growth areas. This option installs new tower site repeaters to fill existing coverage "dead
spots" in the current jurisdictional areas, and in the future San Mateo County coastal
R-07-10 Page 7
region. Fewer tower site repeaters may be needed if mobile repeaters are implemented
under Option 1, or if digital options are chosen. Integrates all repeaters together using a
receiver comparator to simplify operation. This option is not included in the estimates
above. The estimated additional cost is $350,000.
Option 3: License a frequency pair (second channel) or other alternative for maintenance
traffic. This option licenses an additional radio channel to separate patrol and
maintenance onto separate discreet channels to reduce over-transmission problems and
eliminate community repeater operation. This option is not included in the estimates
above. The estimated additional cost is $187,OOO.This option may be difficult, if not
impossible, to implement at this time because of difficulty obtaining a second frequency.
FCC laws requiring spectrally efficient technology may provide better opportunities for
an additional frequency in the future.
Macro's Recommendations
Macro has recommended implementing Alternative B (Migration to Digital Operation), with a
commitment and intent to pursue simulcast technology as described under Alternative C or
Alternative D.
Digital technology will have increasing support from vendors over time. Digital operation can be
phased in over time by purchasing digital-capable portable, vehicular and repeater equipment
going forward, but operating this equipment in analog mode in the near term (digital radios are
capable of analog operation so they will remain compatible with the older radios that are still in
operation during the transition to digital).
Simulcast technology solves the over-transmission problem and provides wide-area
communications. Simulcast allows all field users to hear all messages if in range of any tower
site. Digital maintains a community repeater operation and meets FCC requirements for
spectrum efficiency. Digital will suffer less performance degradation compared to analog
technology when the District converts to FCC-mandated"narrowband". Mobile repeaters will
addresses the current problem of portable radio dead spots.
Implementing Alternative B also leaves the District's options open to implementing either type
of simulcast technology (analog or digital) in the future, as described in Alternative C or D.
Most importantly, simulcast solves the current over-transmission problems, provides wide-area
communications and will simplify system operation as the radio system inevitably expands.
Simulcast technology allows all field users to hear all messages if in range of any tower site.
Simulcast can completely eliminate over-transmission problems and can provide seamless wide-
area communications as required by patrol.
Simulcast requires more equipment at each radio site, and reliable "backhaul" (site connectivity)
links to connect the tower sites together and to a central point. Although simulcast simplifies
system operation from a user's standpoint, it is more complicated than what is in place today.
Thus, recurring costs are likely to increase under either simulcast alternative.
Macro also recommends adding the mobile repeaters option. This could reduce the need to
construct additional repeater sites to solve some portable radio coverage problems. Consider
conducting a"pilot project" by implementing a couple of units to evaluate their performance for
possible expansion to more fleet vehicles.
R-07-10 Pagc 8
Macro recommends that the District continue its attempt to license an additional channel to
provide flexibility (Option 3 above). A secondary frequency pair (channel) could eliminate
community repeater operation, which would promote certain alternatives above. Due to a
shortage of frequencies in the Bay Area, such efforts are considered long-term at best.
Converting to digital can begin today. Since the vast majority of these models are backward
compatible with both the legacy analog operation, as well as narrowband analog operation, these
models will operate on the current legacy system as well. This fact also permits these radios to
operate with other external radio systems, such as with CDF, for the long term.
Cost
Migration from Analog to Digital Simulcast Radio System
Macro was originally requested by staff to provide a 12-year implementation plan for the four
alternatives. After further consideration Macro was asked to develop an accelerated five-year
Master Plan for Alternative D.
Macro has provided cost estimates for a five-year implementation plan. Total estimated cost is
$1,334,030. This includes the $1,037,000 from Alternative D above, plus mobile repeater option
and annual tower leases and equipment maintenance for five years.
Fiscal year 2006/2011 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11
Digital Digital Digital Microwave Simulcast
Radios, Radios, Radios Backhaul Equipment
Mobile Mobile Connectivity
Extenders Extenders
Total $1,334,030 $157,940 $115,973 $115,973 $527,973 $416,170
The District can begin to purchase digital radios today, since the vast majority of these models
are compatible with both the legacy analog operation as well as narrowband analog operation.
These models will operate on the current legacy system as well. This fact also permits these
radios to operate on other external radio systems, both analog and digital, such as CDF and Santa
Clara County Fire.
Prepared by:
David Tapley, Support Services Supervisor
Contact person:
Same as Above
_J
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M1DPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Improvement of the Two-Way� p Y Radio
Communications System
NEEDS ANALYSIS AND
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN REPORT
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Table of Contents
SECTION 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...............................................................................................I
SECTION 2. EXISTING WIRELESS VOICE SYSTEMS....................................................................7
2.1 RADIO SYSTEM OPERATION................................................................................................7
2.2 INTEROPERABILITY WITH OUTSIDE AGENCIES...................................................................8
2.3 EQUIPMENT INVENTORY AND FCC LICENSES....................................................................8
2.4 COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES...........................................................................................9
2.4.1 Dispatch Center.......................................................................................................9
2.4.2 Future Dispatch Facilities........................................................................................9
2.4.3 Prerequisite Site Improvements.............................................................................10
2.5 WIRELESS COVERAGE ASSESSMENT.................................................................................10
2.5.1 Future Changes in Jurisdictional Area...................................................................13
2.5.2 Radio Coverage Predictions for Existing and Future Systems..............................13
2.5.3 Overall Coverage Assessment........................;......................................................14
2.6 INTERCONNECT SYSTEMS .................................................................................................14
SECTION 3. REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS..........................................................................15
3.1 PR DOCKET 92-235 "REFARMING.....................................................................................15
3.2 FCC NARROWBANDING RULE(WT DOCKET 99-87)........................................................16
3.3 COMPLIANCE WITH THE NEW EFFICIENCY STANDARDS...................................................17
3.4 WIZEN TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW EFFICIENCY STANDARDS..........................................17
3.5 IMPACTS OF A NARROWBAND,CONVERSION.....................................................................18
3.6 CONVERTING To NARROWBAND ANALOG OPERATION....................................................18
3.7 CONVERTING To NARROWBAND DIGITAL OPERATION ....................................................20
SECTION 4. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN ALTERNATIVES AND COSTS.........................................22
4.1 ALTERNATIVE A—MAINTAIN THE STATUS-QUO.............................................................23
4.1.1 Cost Phasing ........24
4.1.2 Options/Enhancements..........................................................................................25
4.2 ALTERNATIVE B—MIGRATION To DIGITAL OPERATION..................................................26
4.2.1 Cost Phasing..........................................................................................................27
4.2.2 Options/Enhancements............................................. ............................................28
4.3 ALTERNATIVE C—ANALOG SIMULCAST OPERATION......................................................29
4.3.1 Cost Phasing..........................................................................................................30
4.3.2 Options/Enhancements..........................................................................................31
4.4 ALTERNATIVE D—DIGITAL SIMULCAST OPERATION.......................................................32
4.4.1 Cost Phasing..........................................................................................................33
4.5 OPTIONS/ENHANCEMENTS(ALL ALTERNATIVES)..........................................................34
SECTION 5. RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................36
APPENDIXA—GLOSSARY................................................................................................................38
APPENDIX B—COVERAGE PREDICTION MAPS..........................................................................40
APPENDIX C—USER EQUIPMENT PROGRAMMING...................................................................47
APPENDIX D—DESCRIPTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY.......................................................49
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page i
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
MACRO
SECTION 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has contracted with Macro Corporation for assistance
is evaluating its current two-way radio communications system, assessing the needs of its users, and
recommending strategies for possible system upgrades and/or replacement.
This report describes our findings and presents various upgrade and/or replacement strategies that will
address the needs of the radio systems users, as well as comply with mandatory Federal
Communications Commission spectrum efficiency standards that become effective in the near future.
Background
The District operates a single channel analog radio system, consisting of five stand-alone repeater
(tower) sites and over 100 vehicular and portable radios. The District contracts with the City of
Mountain View for patrol dispatching services.
Maintenance and Rangers (referred to as "Patrol") share use of this radio channel. Users are able to
mute messages from the other user group to reduce distractions. However, only one group of users can
communicate at a time since there is only a single channel available. This configuration is referred to as
Community Repeater operation.
Community Repeater operation also provides a significant benefit to Mountain View Dispatch. It
allows dispatch to only hear messages from Patrol, thereby limiting the number of distractions from
Maintenance messages. This is important, as a single Mountain View dispatcher must monitor
numerous public safety channels simultaneously(District Patrol messages as well as those from the city
Police or Fire).
Field radios are equipped with up to 43 channels (see Appendix Q. Ten channel positions are used by
the District to access one of the five repeater sites (five for the Maintenance group, five for Patrol).
However, users must be trained and understand which repeater best serves the areas they may be
operating in.
An eleventh channel exists for communications directly between users in close range of each other
(referred to as the"Tactical"channel).
User Requirements
Patrol's requirements include the need to communicate with Mountain View dispatch and with other
patrol units throughout the District's jurisdictional area. This includes field supervisors that must be
able to monitor events over a vehicular or portable radio from anywhere in the jurisdiction. As patrol
officers are often away from their vehicles, they require reliable portable radio coverage to the extent
achievable.
Patrol and Maintenance occasionally communicate with the California Department of Forestry (CDF),
Santa Clara County Parks, and other law and fire agencies. This level of interoperability must be
maintained.
Maintenance personnel typically need to communicate with others within the same area, and
occasionally outside of that area. Unlike Patrol, Maintenance is not typically dispatched to their work
locations via radio, and do not heavily rely on a specific office base station. Maintenance crews are
more likely to be assigned to a specific work location in advance, or have more regular routines when
compared to Patrol. Thus,a higher percentage of their messages will be localized.
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MADPENWOMA R60*0m*.L Ofth$P^M 04TRI"
MACRO
Mtn. View Dispatch is not currently configured to monitor Maintenance communications. However,
Maintenance personnel can reach dispatch by using the Patrol radio channel that is present on all
Maintenance radios.
The two most significant system deficiencies noted by users were over-transmission problems and poor
coverage. "Over-transmission" refers to the collision of two or more messages on a radio channel; it
occurs when a dispatcher or field user, unaware of an ongoing conversation on the channel, attempts to
make a radio call. This results in one or both messages becoming garbled and possibly lost. The over-
transmission problem is a safety concern to Patrol. It is caused by limitations associated with analog
Community Repeater operation, as well as the current configuration of stand-alone tower site repeaters.
While this system configuration has worked well for the District,we expect these problems to worsen as
the District's jurisdictional area grows and tower sites are added. Thus, the District is approaching the
point where a more comprehensive solution will be required. Each of the Alternatives presented later in
this report address these challenges.
Most of the reported poor coverage areas were associated with the use of portable radios, which is to be
expected to a certain degree. However, in many areas, Macro found that the tower site signals were
strong enough to support communications using a vehicular radio.' In these specific cases, a device
called a Mobile Repeater could be used to enhance portable radio coverage when the portable radio user
is near their vehicle. Mobile Repeaters are devices that are installed in a vehicle that can relay a
portable radio's signal to the tower site using the higher-powered vehicular radio.
Users also identified areas having poor vehicular coverage. Our analysis showed that in most cases,
terrain conditions were responsible for attenuating or blocking signals between the field user and their
closest tower site. These problems can only be solved by the addition and/or relocation of tower sites.
There were a number of areas where our findings conflicted with user reports of poor coverage. In
some cases, we have recommended that the tower site equipment be tested to verify proper operation.
However, some cases may be the result of limitations associated with stand-alone tower site repeaters.
If a user is not in range of a particular tower site, they will miss all messages routed through that tower
site. A similar problem can also occur when a field user forgets to select the closest tower and
unknowingly tries to activate a more distant tower site repeater. Such messages will be difficult to
understand or missed entirely.
Integrating or networking the stand-alone tower sites together as a cohesive system could noticeably
improve system performance. Networking would not increase the coverage "footprint" of the radio
system per se — only additional tower sites can accomplish this. However, integration simply makes
more effective use of the District's tower sites. There are two ways to accomplish this. A partial
improvement could be realized by implementing a receiver comparator;2 this device automatically
selects the best incoming signal from the field and routes it to the single-most appropriate tower site
transmitter. This eliminates the user from having to switch channels to select the closest site.
A more complete improvement can be realized by implementing simulcast technology. Used in
conjunction with a receiver comparator, simulcast allows all field users to hear all messages if in range
of any tower site. Simulcast can completely eliminate over-transmission problems and can provide
seamless wide-area communications as required by Patrol.
Vehicular radios are equipped with better antennas and transmit with higher power than portable radios,and can
sometimes communicate where a portable radio cannot.
See Option 2 under Alternatives A and B. It is included Alternative C and D baseline costs.
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 2
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
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Community Repeater operation is incompatible with receiver comparators and simulcast technologies,
in an analog system environment. However, Community Repeater operation can be maintained under
these technologies if a digital-type radio system is eventually implemented. This is discussed in more
detail later in this report. The loss of Community Repeater operation, without replacing it with an
equivalent function, would significantly impact Mountain View Dispatch, as well as field operations as
dispatchers and field users would have to sort through every message on the radio channel to determine
whether it involves them or not.
Regulatory Impacts
Recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulatory changes will require the District to
make changes to its radio system. Effective January 1, 2011, the District will not be permitted to
expand the coverage area of its current system, unless it converts to more spectrally efficient
technology. Concurrently, the FCC will prohibit manufacture and importation of equipment not
meeting specific spectrum efficiency standards.
Furthermore, the FCC has established January 1, 2013 as the mandatory deadline for final conversion to
more efficient technology. Thus, the District will not be permitted to operate in its current "legacy"
(wideband)mode of operation after this date.
Compliance will require the District to either modify its legacy analog equipment to "narrowband"
operation (and replace some models that are incapable of such modification), or eventually replace its
analog equipment with digital models that are inherently narrowband. Continuing to operate analog
equipment has certain limitations, but is the least costly approach. Digital operation eliminates some
potential risks associated with converting analog equipment,but is more costly.
Conceptual Design Alternatives
Macro has provided four Alternatives to meet upcoming regulatory requirements, as well as provide
some operational options that target some of the system deficiencies noted in this report. Life-cycle
costs quoted below are considered budgetary, 3 and include sales tax, installation, vendor engineering
and project management, and a contingency. Costs for any specific options under each Alternative are
not included but are presented later in this report.
Alternative A —Maintain the Status Quo. This Alternative continues operation of the current technology
and includes steps to meet all upcoming regulatory requirements by December 2009. Equipment life-
cycle costs are estimated to be$975,000 through 2019.
Characteristics of this Alternative include:
Continues analog operation(foreseeable future)
Community Repeater operation becomes impractical/incompatible as system grows
➢ Additional tower sites needed to offset narrowband coverage impacts
r Does not reduce over-transmission problems or enhance wide-area communications
Can be upgraded later to support simulcast(see Alternative Q
Lowest cost Alternative
The time-value of money has not been considered in these estimates.
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Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10, 2006
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Alternative B—Migration to Digital Operation. This Alternative is similar to above, but replaces the
legacy 150 MHz analog systems with digital technology by December 2009.4 Most of the District's
equipment is incapable of digital operation, so most all equipment would eventually require
replacement. Equipment life-cycle costs are estimated to be$989,000 through 2019.
Characteristics of this Alternative include:
Transitions to digital operation
Enhances Community Repeater operation; compatible with all Options
Does not suffer from narrowband coverage degradation(compared with narrowband analog)
Does not reduce over-transmission problems or provide wide-area communications
Can be upgraded later to support analog or digital simulcast(see Alternative C or D)
Higher initial costs
Alternative C—Analog Simulcast Operation. This Alternative integrates all tower sites together through
the use of existing Santa Clara and San Mateo County infrastructure equipment. Allows all radio
messages to be automatically transmitted by all tower sites simultaneously. Equipment life-cycle costs
are estimated to be$1.743M through 2019.
Characteristics of this Alternative include:
Continues with analog operation(not upgradeable to digital without considerable cost)
Incompatible with Community Repeater operation
Suffers from narrowband coverage degradation
Eliminates over-transmission problems and provides wide-area communications
More complicated network(than Alternative A or B); requires highly skilled technicians/service
providers
Possibly increases recurring costs due to use of county infrastructure
;o, Higher initial costs(than previous Alternatives)
Alternative D — Digital Simulcast Operation. Similar to Alternative C above, but uses digital
technology. However, this Alternative provides for Community Repeater operation. Equipment life-
cycle costs are estimated to be $1.872M through 2019.
Characteristics of this Alternative include:
Transitions to digital operation
Enhances Community Repeater operation;compatible with all Options
Does not suffer from narrowband coverage degradation(compared with narrowband analog)
Eliminates over-transmission problems and provides wide-area communications
More complicated network(than Alternative A or B); requires highly skilled technicians/service
providers
Vendors capable of implementing digital simulcast is limited(today)
Possibly increases recurring costs due to use of county infrastructure
Higher initial costs(than previous Alternatives)
4
Conversion could be delayed as late as January 1,2013.
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 4
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N"OPEMINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE 0411IT"My MACRO
Enhancements 10ptionsfor Each Alternative
The following enhancements and options can be added to each of the Alternatives above(with the noted
exceptions). Costs are presented later in this report.
Option 1: Implement mobile repeaters to reduce current portable dead spots. This option minimally
equips the patrol vehicle fleet(approximately 22 vehicles)with mobile repeaters.
Option 2: Purchase and install lower site repeaters to cover dead spots in current and future growth
areas. This option installs new tower site repeaters to fill existing coverage "dead spots" in the current
jurisdictional areas, and in the future San Mateo County coastal region. Fewer tower site repeaters may
be needed if mobile repeaters are implemented under Option 1, or if digital options are chosen.
Integrates all repeaters together using a receiver comparator to simplify operation.
Option 3: License a frequency pair (second channel) or other alternative for maintenance traffic. This
option licenses an additional radio channel to separate Patrol and Maintenance onto separate discreet
channels to reduce over-transmission problems and eliminate Community Repeater operation.
Recommendations
Our recommended actions are listed below in no particular order. Costs are included in the Alternatives
listed above,or listed as an Optional cost under a specific Alternative later in this report.
Recommendation 1: Consider Implementing Alternative B (Migration to Digital Operation), with a
commitment and intent to pursue simulcast technology as described under Alternative C or Alternative
D. Digital technology will suffer less of a performance degradation (compared to analog technology)
once the District converts to FCC-mandated "narrowband" operation, maintains and enhances
Community Repeater operation under various configurations, and will have increasing support from
vendors over time. Digital operation can be phased in over time by purchasing digital-capable portable,
vehicular and repeater equipment going forward, but operating this equipment in analog mode in the
near term (digital radios are capable of analog operation so they will remain compatible with the older
radios that are still in operation during the transition to digital).
Implementing Alternative B also leaves the District's options open to implementing either type of
simulcast technology (analog or digital) in the future, as described in Alternative C or D. Most
importantly, simulcast solves the current over-transmission problems, provides wide-area
communications, and simplifies system operation. Theoretically, simulcast could be implemented at
any time. However, Macro expects the need for simulcast will become even more critical if the District
expands its jurisdictional area along the north coast. Such expansion will require additional tower sites,
which will further complicate operation and exacerbate wide-area communications problems unless
simulcast is implemented.
Recommendation 2: Implement mobile repeaters (Option I above). This could reduce the need to
construct additional repeater sites to solve some portable radio coverage problems. Consider conducting
a"pilot project"by implementing a couple of units to evaluate their performance for possible expansion
to more fleet vehicles.
Recommendation 3: License an additional channel to provide flexibility (Option 3 above). A secondary
frequency pair(channel) could eliminate Community Repeater operation, which would promote certain
Alternatives above. Due to a shortage of frequencies in the Bay Area, such efforts are considered long-
term (1-3 years).
Recommendation 4: Convert radio system to narrowband operation before December 2009. Reprogram
or replace equipment incapable of meeting the FCC-mandated narrowband requirement, and switch to
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 5
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narrowband operation before December 2009. This will ensure that compatible replacement equipment
remains available.
Recommendation 5: Assess and improve antenna systems at some tower sites. Verify whether the
Umunhurn tower site antenna system is mounted and operating properly, and consider raising the Sierra
Morena antenna higher on tower.
Recommendation 6: Perform facility improvements at some tower sites. Electrical grounding, seismic
bracing and equipment chassis improvements are recommended at Umunhum, Coyote and Sierra
Morena sites. Please see Section 2.4.3 for details.
Recommendation 7: Maintain operations on the 150 MHz (VHF) radio band. This radio band provides
the most favorable coverage and maintains interoperability with other key agencies, such as CDF, and
various Santa Clara County agencies.
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 6
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SECTION 2. EXISTING WIRELESS VOICE SYSTEMS
2.1 Radio System Operation
The District operates one radio channel that is shared by maintenance and park rangers (patrol). Users
are able to mute messages from the other user group to reduce distractions. However,only one group of
users can communicate at any one time since there is only a single channel available. This
configuration is referred to as Community Repeater operation.
The Mountain View Police and Fire dispatch center in Mountain View dispatch patrol units. Dispatch is
able to select among the five different sites on the patrol group, from their console. Field users must
advise dispatch of which tower site they are operating on, if different from Black Mtn.
Field radios are equipped with up to 43 channels (see Appendix Q. Ten channel positions are used by
the District to access one of the five repeater sites (five for the Maintenance group, five for Patrol).
However, the user must be trained and have experience to know which repeater best serves the areas
they may be in.
An eleventh channel exists for communications directly between users in close range of each other
(refereed to as the"Tactical"channel).
Users indicated that lack of coverage was their greatest concern. Section 2.5 lists the top four areas
where users desire improvement. From inspection of the coverage prediction maps provided in
Appendix B, and discussion with users, the Black Mtn. site can be heard in a majority of the Preserves.
The remaining sites tend to fill gaps in Black Mtn.'s coverage footprint. Thus, users tend operate on the
Black Mtn. channel most often. Macro notes that users seem to understand the operation of the radio
system well and are used to switching among radio sites as they travel. The fact that Black Mtn. covers
large portions of the area lessens the operational impact of manual site selection.
Dispatch cannot hear or communicate on the Maintenance channel. Macro is aware that dispatch can
unknowingly interfere and block Maintenance messages on occasion.
The blocking' problem is the second most critical deficiency noted by users. This is where one user is
unaware of an ongoing conversation on the channel and inadvertently makes a call,blocking one or both
messages. In some cases, neither the blocked user nor the initiator is unaware that their message has
been blocked. Users reported that both Maintenance and Patrol could block or cover each other's
messages, particularly if a user is unfamiliar with the radio system or has not been trained to unmute
their radio before transmitting to make sure the channel is clear. They also noted that even users in the
same group (Patrol or Maintenance) could block each other's message since they cannot always hear
another user who may be operating on a remote repeater(usually other than Black Mtn.).
This deficiency is a safety concern to Patrol. As the system grows in size, and use increases, this
problem is expected to worsen.
This is caused primarily by Community Repeater operation. The inability of users to hear messages
routed through remote tower sites further contributes to this problem.
Separating users on different radio channels partially solves this problem. Implementing a Simulcast
type radio system in addition to separate radios channels will eliminate this problem entirely.
5 It is also known as"talk-over",or an over-transmission.
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There are less costly approaches, but most are less effective. However, simulcast adds significant
complexity to the radio system, and can increase recurring costs to a significant degree. These are
discussed later in this report.
2.2 Interoperability with Outside Agencies
Patrol communicate regularly with the following outside agencies(in order of greatest occurrence):
Santa Clara County Parks
Santa Clara County Fire
California Department of Forestry (CDF)
Palo Alto Fire Department
Such communication is usually accomplished by a patrol unit switching to the other agency's radio
channel, or a common channel such as CALCORD, as opposed to these agencies switch to the District's
channel. However the latter is technically possible if the other agency has the District's channel
programmed into their radio equipment.
Patrol desires to have the capability communicate with the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Department.
However, the District's vehicular radios are incompatible with the Sheriffs digita16 radio system. It is
unclear if the Sheriff would permit the District to access the system, however.
2.3 Equipment Inventory and FCC Licenses
The following information was derived from inventory lists and site surveys.
Table 1 -Equipment Inventory
Useful Age(yrs.)
Equipment Type Life(yrs.) Total 0-5 6- 10 11-15 15+
User Equipment
Vehicular Radios 10 44 22 22
Portable Radios 6 54 32 22
Fixed Equipment
Repeaters 15 5 2 3
Control/Base Sm.(LD) 15 3 3
Control/Base Sm.(HD) 15 0 1
LD-Light Duty HD-Heavy Duty
Quantities shown include District spares. The Useful Life values provided here are based on Macro's
observation of other similar systems and conditions. However, it is well known that law enforcement
radio equipment experiences the heaviest use of most systems, which can reduce its useful life to less
than that shown.
The table below shows all District licenses considered in the current project.
6 This system may conform to Project 25 digital radio standards. Such radios are available to the District but are
more costly.
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Table 2—District FCC Licenses,Frequencies,and Codes
Base Transmit Base Receive
Freq. CTCSS Freq. CTCSS FCC No.
Callsign Channel Name (MHz) Code(Hz) (MHz) Code(11z) Service Bandwidth T Mobiles
WNVC239 MROSD Ranger I(Purisima) 151,235 123,0 159.255 218.1 Pw 20k Analog 70
MROSD Ranger 2(Black man.) 151.235 1210 159.255 123,0
MROSD Ranger 3(Mt-Umunhum) 151-235 123.0 159,255 110.9
MROSD Ranger 4(Sierra Morena) 151.235 123.0 159.255 131.8
MROSD Ranger 5(Coyote Peak) 151235 123.0 159,255 179,9
MROSD Maint.6(Purisima) 151.235 203.5 159.255 1567
MROSD Maint.7(Black man.) 151,235 203.5 159.255 77.0
MROSD Maint.8(Mt.Umunhurn) 151.235 203.5 159-255 71.9
MROSD Maint 9(Sierra Morena) 151.235 203.5 159255 82.5
1MROSD Maint. 10(Coyote Peak) 1 151.235 1 203.5 1 159,2551 118.8 1
WPKE752 JMROSD Tactical 1 150.775 1 203.5 1 150.775 1 203.5 1 PW I 20k Analog 1 60
PIN=Public Safety CTCSS=Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System
While there are eleven District channels, ten share the same radio frequency and are functionally
separated through the use of CTCSS signaling codes.
2.4 Communications Facilities
2.4.1 Dispatch Center
The District owns and maintains a heavy-duty base/control station at the dispatch center, which
connects to the City of Mountain View's radio dispatch console system. Macro was unable to identify
the antenna associated with this station.
In order to communicate with a field a Ranger, Mountain View Dispatch must manually select the radio
tower site it believes is closest to the field unit it wishes to communicate with. Of course, this is not
always possible, so the dispatcher typically selects and calls first from Black Mtn., and if no response is
heard, they must proceed through the remaining four sites. From Macro's experience, it is unusual that
a busy dispatcher will try all the different tower sites; they will usually try the most likely one, and if no
response is heard, drop the call altogether, or hope that the unit calls back in and identifies which site
they are using.
This is a significant drawback, and is the result of using stand-alone (non-networked) repeater tower
sites. If the field unit is not in range of the site the dispatcher is calling on, they will never receive the
message. While mobile repeaters can slightly improve this situation, deploying a simulcast-type system
would likely eliminate this problem.
2.4.2 Future Dispatch Facilities
Today, Mountain View Dispatch connects to the radio system over-the-air via a base/control station
radio — similar to how a field user connects to the radio system. Fortunately, we understand that the
dispatch center is located in an ideal spot to be able to receive signals from all five stand-alone repeater
tower sites.
However, if the District contracts with an agency at a different location in the future,which many not be
ideally located with respect to reception of the tower sites, the base/control radio could be located
elsewhere, and connected to the dispatch consoles via microwave radio (preferred), or through leased
analog or digital lines. In fact, the base/control station radio could remain at the Mountain View
Dispatch Center, and remotely connected to consoles elsewhere. However, we were unable to identify
any microwave radio links that exist at the dispatch center today. Thus, telephone or digital lines may
be required to establish a connection. These have annual recurring costs of$1,800 to$5,400.
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As systems grow, agencies normally establish a direct connection to the radio network via microwave
radio. However, the five repeater tower sites are not connected together or to a central point today,
precluding this option. However, Option 2 of either Alternative presented later in this report would
create such a network, which would be an avenue for such a connection.
In conclusion, Macro suggests that the selection of dispatch centers and radio networks do not have to
depend on each other.
2.4.3 Prerequisite Site Improvements
Macro surveyed the District's radio facilities to identify any deficiencies or problems that would
preclude their reuse with any new system. The following general list of site improvements are
recommended by Macro. Budgetary costs for these improvements are provided later in this report.
Mt.Uniunhum(Tomita Hill) Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa)
Improve equipment electrical grounding Improve equipment electrical grounding
Install equipment moisture-proof cabinet Seismically brace equipment cabinet
Install cabinet ventilation(passive fans)
Troubleshoot antenna system
Possible antenna replacement
Sierra Morena(Skaggs Point)
Raise antenna above foliage obstructions
Repair grounding on lightning arrestor
Verify if crystal filter is necessary
2.5 Wireless Coverage Assessment
Reliable vehicular and portable radio coverage is required in all preserves, and roads and trails linking
these areas. However, given the terrain in these areas and the physical limitations of wireless signals, it
will not be possible to cover all areas to a high-reliability in a reasonably economic way, particularly to
support portable radios. The current selection of tower sites and the propagation characteristics of the
current 150 MHz radio frequency band remain the best approach to cover the greatest area for a
reasonable cost.
By inspection of the maps in Appendix B, it is clear that vehicular radio coverage is much more
complete than portable coverage.
In most cases, entirely new repeater sites will be needed to provide highly reliable portable coverage in
some of the problem areas. Overall, the these additional repeater sites will simply fill small, hard-to-
cover gaps, and will account for a very small percentage of the total jurisdictional area of the District.
Small, low-cost radio repeaters are available,and can be mounted on existing buildings. However, from
an operational perspective, unless this repeater is somehow integrated into the larger network, it will not
serve much of a purpose.
Integration requires an interconnection link back to one of the other sites, and overall integration of the
five existing sites—all of which are stand-alone today. The user in the field must manually select which
site to use; adding a new repeater will further complicate system operation from a users perspective.
We have addressed this integration issue as an option to the various Alternative systems described later
in this report.
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Table 3 below lists poor coverage areas as reported by users. These areas are also shown on the
coverage prediction maps in Appendix B. The prioritization indicates the order in which mitigation
should be approached, considering the degree of the problem, number of calls for service and overall
importance of the area as suggested by users.
Table 3—Re orted Coverage Problem Areas
Mitigation Type of
Priority Description of Area Equipment Macro Assessment
1 Western portions of: Portable Comment:Macro could not verify poor portable
Purisima Creek Redwoods coverage in northwest areas near Purisima.
E.C.de Madera Creek Purisima site should cover northern and some
Redwoods southern portions of E.C.de Madera Creek
Redwoods;users may be experiencing limitation
of"multisite"system design. Macro verified
poor portable coverage in southwest portions of
E.C.de Madera Creek Redwoods due to terrain
and foliage losses affecting Sierra Morena's
signal strength. Efforts to predict effect of
raising the Sierra Morena antenna showed
improved coverage,but not to extent needed to
provide highly reliable portable coverage.
Suggestion: An additional tower site would be
needed in E.C.de Madera Creek Redwoods to
provide reliable portable coverage. Use of
Mobile Repeaters could reduce issues
significantly. Our Option 2 of either Alternative
will improve problems,to a lesser degree. At a
minimum,consider raising the Sierra Morena
antenna to the highest western spot on the tower
to help reduce terrain and foliage attenuation
effects. Also,have technician verify if existing
filter equipment we found here is needed,
remove if unnecessary to curb any additional
signal attenuation.
2 Bear Creek Redwoods Portable Comment: Verified poor portable coverage;
(west of Lexington Reservoir) Vehicular vehicular coverage should be adequate.
Umunhum should be primary serving site,
following closely by the Black Mtn.site.
Suggestion: An additional tower site would be
needed here to provide reliable portable
coverage. Use of Mobile Repeaters would also
be significant.In any case,have a technician
identify and inspect the Umunhum antenna
(Macro was unable to)to verify it is physically
located to best serve this area;replace antenna if
aged,even if it tests fine. Perform a receiver
desensitization test to verify proper receiver
operation.
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3 Eastern portion of Sierra Azul, Portable Comment: Verified poor portable and vehicular
Hicks Road,from Guadalupe Vehicular coverage,particularly in the southern areas,
Reservoir to Twin Creeks; where poor vehicular coverage is considered
St.Josephs Hill severe. Our predictions hold even if the
Umunhum antenna is working properly.
Suggestion: Mobile Repeaters would help in
some areas. More study needed to determine
cause of the coverage problem. Consider
simulating relocation of the Umunhum repeater
to a different site in the same area to see if it
would improve coverage here,without
worsening it in other areas.
4 Picchetti Ranch Portable Comment: Verified poor portable coverage.
Umunhum should be primary serving site,
following closely by the Black Mtn.site.
Suggestion: An additional tower site would be
required for reliable portable radio coverage.
Mobile Repeaters would also be a benefit here.
In any case,perform Umunhum efforts noted
above for Area 2.
We note that use of Mobile Repeaters' devices that relay portable radio message through a users
vehicular radio - appear to be an obvious choice to improve many of the portable radio coverage
problems. This is because Macro found that many of the areas above seem to have reliable vehicular
radio coverage, and if portable radios could be linked to the network through the vehicular radio,
communications range would effectively be improved. Such packages can cost $1500 to $2200 per
vehicle,not including the vehicular or portable radio they would interface with.
However, Macro notes that there are numerous operational limitations that users must he tolerant of
These include the inability to remotely change the channel of the vehicular radio from the portable (on
some repeater models), the limits on distance between the user and vehicle, and occasional voice
message truncation at the beginning of transmissions. Most packages are partially customized to the
type of vehicular radio model in use, complicating purchases and change-outs of replacement radios.
Ongoing user training is also necessary. However, the majority of agencies that deploy them have been
satisfied with their operation. EBRPD and the CHP are currently using such devices. We would
recommend a representative pilot or trial project be conducted with one or two of the units before
purchasing them for a large number of vehicles.
Some of these limitations could be addressed if the District implements Option 2 (Simplify System
Operation)under either Alternative discussed later in this report.
However, we note that if cost was not a limitation, further enhancement the fixed infrastructure, to
enhance coverage and simplify operation, usually remains a preferred approach. This provides the most
significant benefits, both in performance and dependability, as well as operational simplicity. However,
See Glossary for a definition.
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from our experience, given the severity of the District's terrain, filling even a few of the coverage holes
can be a costly undertaking.
2.5.1 Future Changes in Jurisdictional Area
The District may be taking responsibility for the following additional areas over the next five years:
Growth Area I -Coastal area from Montara to approximately Pigeon Point,west of highway 35
Growth Area 2- Smaller fill-in areas(Sierra Azul),due west of Mt. Umunhum
With regard to Growth Area 1, the best serving site depends on a users location (see Appendix B, Map
3, which shows which tower site would be strongest in each area). However,this map does not indicate
whether and area is adequately covered. Please refer to the other maps for this information. It is clear
that some of these areas may have vehicular coverage. Portable coverage is expected to be extremely
poor to non-existent. Almost all areas will require the use of Mobile Repeaters, or additional tower site
repeaters.
With regard to Growth Area 2, Mt. Umunhum, and secondarily Black Mtn. are the most likely sites to
serve this area. Vehicular coverage is marginal here, and reliable portable radio coverage is virtually
non-existent.
2.5.2 Radio Coverage Predictions for Existing and Future Systems
Appendix B contains coverage maps that illustrate the difference between the naffowband and legacy
operation, as well as coverage from specific sites. These maps are listed below.
Table 4—Coverage Prediction Maps
Channel Prediction Maps
MROSD Ranger(all sites) Map IA- Existing System-Talk-In
MROSD Maintenance(all sites) Map I B- Narrowband Analog System-Talk-In
Map 2A- Existing-Umunhum Talk-in
Map 213- Narrowband Analog-Umunhum Talk-in
Map 3- Strongest(Most Likely)Serving Site
Map IA should roughly illustrate the extent of coverage provided by the existing 150 MHz system, for a
specific level of reliability. This would also be representative of coverage from a digital-type radio
system.
The Narrowband Analog maps illustrate the coverage provided by the same radio system, but operated
in narrowband analog mode(such as if the District converts its existing system to narrow).
We have provided maps of coverage from the Umunhum site, in both modes, to indicate the specific
areas this site should be covering.
Map 3 (Strongest [Most Likely] Server) is intended to show areas where the particular site's signals are
stronger than all others. Each site is assigned a different color to show where each dominates.
However, presence of a color is not indicative of adequate coverage. It only indicates that a particular
site is better than others in reaching the area.
A description of our methodology and assumptions used to develop these maps is fully described in the
Appendix. While users may seem to experience reasonably clear signals in areas shown as poor on
these maps, the signal they hear may not be strong and/or clear enough to meet the stringent reliability
and voice quality goal Macro use in its predictions. We have chosen to calibrate all maps using a
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reliability margin of 95%and a Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ)value of 3.4.8 Thus, all coverage maps
show where there would be a 95%chance of hearing an extremely clear radio signal.
2.5.3 Overall Coverage Assessment
In looking at the Map 3 (Strongest [Most Likely] Server), it is clear that Black Mtn. is the District's
single most important site. We also note that Coyote's contribution is somewhat limited.
One possible action that could be taken is to relocate the Coyote repeater and antenna to a site that can
fill some gaps in Area 3 or Area 2. However, Dispatch may lose the ability to communicate with this
repeater without changes at the dispatch center. The Umunhurn antenna system should also be assessed
before any changes are made to Coyote.
Our analysis showed that terrain obstructions just west of Sierra Morena blocks signals to reported
coverage Area 1. There is a possibility that raising the antenna to the highest point possible on the
tower could reduce the impact of this obstruction, and reduce the signal attenuation from foliage. We
also note that some filtering equipment exists that might be contributing to some attenuation as well.
Considering all of these factors may make a difference west of the site.
2.6 Interconnect Systems
The District does not currently use microwave radio links or ]eased telephone lines to integrate its
communications system together or to the dispatch center.
8 III
Defined as"Speech understandable with repetition only rarely required. Some Noise/Distortion".
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SECTION 3. REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
The Section addresses any significant Federal Communications Commission (FCC) legislation affecting
the project.
3.1 PR Docket 92-235"Refarming"
In June 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted PR Docket 92-235, known as
the "Refarming" plan. The Commission later clarified and adopted additional rules in this Docket in
February 1997. The intent of the plan was to increase the number of radio channels available within
particular radio bands by promoting more spectrally efficient use. Major rule modifications were
adopted which govern public and private agencies' use of radio channels in the 150 and 400 MHz
bands. The ruling had no effect on radio bands above 512 MHz.
Some of the more important changes included(1)narrowing the width of each existing channel, thereby
creating new channels in between, and (2) reducing radiated transmitter power of high-elevation base
and repeater stations such that channels could be reused in other surrounding areas, and (3) permitting
trunked-type systems. These aspects affect radio system range and available throughput for both voice
and data systems employed on these radio bands.
These rule changes have an impact on the District's existing system, and will affect the design of any
new system.
These changes would take place in two steps. The first step would:
0 Require the use of narrowband-capable (12.5 kHz or less) equipment on all newly-created
channel (existing channels are 25 and 12.5 kHz today)
0 Permit trunking on the 150 MHz and 400 MHz radio bands
9 Immediately require applicants for new systems or channels to comply with new radiated power
requirements(applied to narrowband and wideband channels)
• Grandfathered all existing licensees' radiated transmitter power
• Consolidate the 20 existing radio services into two(Public Safety and Business/Industrial)
• Require manufacturers of new products to meet a minimum spectral efficiency of one voice
channel per 12.5 kHz of bandwidth, and 4,800 bits per second(bps)per 6.25 kHz channel
• Elimination of Inter-service Sharing (use of business frequencies by public-safety, and vice
versa)
While the new rules permitted used of trunked-type systems on these frequency bands, the Commission
also established very stringent requirements for trunked applicants to protect existing, non-trunked
licensees from potential interference that could result. These requirements make it difficult, but not
impossible to implement a trunked-type radio system in these radio bands.
These changes will have the following effect on new systems:
• Increase costs of new equipment in the near term
• Reduce the range or coverage of the base station and mobile radios
• Potentially double the number of channels in each band in the long term (10-20 years)
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The second step of this ruling would have required new radio products manufactured after January
2005 to meet a minimum spectral efficiency standard of one voice channel per 6.25 kHz of bandwidth.
However, the effective date of this order was stayed in 200410 due to concerns from licensees and
manufacturers.
3.2 FCC Narrowbanding Rule(WT Docket 99-87)
To accelerate the Refarming process, the FCC later adopted the Third Memorandum Opinion and
Order, Third Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Order in WT Docket 99-87 (December 20,
2004), which set hard dates affecting the importation, manufacture and operation of equipment affected
by the new spectrum efficiency standards. The following key transition dates were specified for Public
Safety licensees:
January 1, 2011: (a)Denies applications for new licenses,or modifications to existing licenses that
request expansion of existing service coverage,which do not meet specific
spectrum efficiency standards;and
(b)Prohibits manufacture and importation of equipment not meeting specific
spectrum efficiency standards.
January 1,2013: Deadline for use of equipment meeting specific spectrum efficiency standards.
The upcoming spectrum efficiency standard is a minimum of one channel per 12.5 kHz of bandwidth
for systems conveying voice messages."
Today, the District's voice radio system operates on 25 kHz of bandwidth but only provides for one
voice message channel, half as much as the upcoming efficiency standard requires.12 Therefore, unless
the District makes changes to its system efficiency, it will not be able to expand its current coverage
area - by adding or changing tower sites - after January 1, 2011, and could not continue operating its
system in its current configuration after January 1, 2013.
Additionally,after January 1, 2011,the availability of such legacy equipment will quickly diminish until
domestic inventories are depleted. Macro anticipates that many agencies may attempt to replace
portions of their aging legacy networks after this date, only to find that their new, more efficient
equipment is incompatible with the rest of their legacy network. The agency must therefore wait to
deploy its new equipment, or, immediately reprogram, modify or replace (possibly prematurely) the
remaining legacy portions of their networks.
9 Applies only to new products that require FCC certification. Existing 25 kHz equipment models could continue
to be manufactured,however.
'0 Third Memorandum Opinion and Order,Third Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Order,WT Docket
99-87,FCC 04-292,adopted December 20,2004
" Or two channels per 25 kHz of bandwidth for systems conveying voice messages. If the radio system is to
support data messaging,it must convey 4,800 bits per second(bps)per 6.25 kHz of channel bandwidth,or
equivalent,up to a maximum of 25 kHz.
12 This is often(and confusingly)referred to as"wideband"operation. This report uses the term"current
configuration"to refer to the technology now in use by the District.
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3.3 Compliance with the New Efficiency Standards
The new efficiency standards could be met by either(a) doubling the capacity of the radio system (e.g.,
enable two or more voice messages to be conveyed on the current 25 kHz-wide channel)', or by (b)
halving the amount of channel bandwidth the current system is using.
The vast majority of FCC licensees, which includes the District, can only take the latter action (halving
its bandwidth, or"narrowbanding") due to unavailability of high-efficiency wideband equipment in the
150 MHz radio band. This is unfortunate,as once a licensee converts to a narrower bandwidth,they are
effectively giving up valuable radio spectrum, which could have
been used to obtain greater system
capacity(i.e., more radio channels, in effect). This occurs because licensees who convert to narrowband
operation must modify their FCC licenses to reflect the narrower bandwidth, which will signal others
looking for spectrum to move onto the"green space"created adjacent to the narrowed channel.14
However, Macro is aware of technology that will provide two voice channels on a single narrow radio
channel being manufactured for the 700 MHz and 800 MHz radios bands, which will be shipping in
2008. Additionally, equipment that can provide four voice channels in a single 25 kHz channel—which
would be ideal—is already shipping in 700 and 800 MHz bands. However, we are aware of no plans to
produce such equipment on radio bands below 700 MHz. We also note that all of these systems are
digital-type trunked radio systems and are considered proprietary. Thus, only one manufacturer
produces compatible hardware, which would lock a customer into a single, and possibly expensive,
source.
Therefore,conversion to narrowband is the only logical choice at this time. The District can accomplish
this in two ways. It can choose to narrowband its existing (analog) equipment, or affect a complete
replacement to a new narrowband digital radio system. These options are further discussed in Section 4.
l 3.4 When to Comply with the New Efficiency Standards
A key question is when the District should plan to convert to narrowband operation.
The District could continue operating its legacy equipment until January 1', 2013, if all the following
can be attained:
Sufficient spare parts can be maintained or obtained for its legacy infrastructure and fleet; and
Y Enough spare legacy vehicular and portable radios are in place on or before January 1,2011 to
support any anticipated fleet growth through January 1,2013; and
No coverage expansion is planned after January 1',2011,through addition of new repeaters
and/or tower sites using its existing 150 MHz radio channel.
However, to maintain flexibility and to reduce the chances of a service disruption, Macro recommends
conversion to narrowband operation before January 1, 2011. How far in advance of this date should the
conversion take place depend upon when manufacturers stop producing such legacy equipment,
particularly in models that the District may want or require.
13 There is a widely held belief that all licensees must convert to narrowband(12.5 kHz)operation in 2013;this is
false. The rules explicitly permit wideband(25 kHz)operation after 2013,as long as it meets the required
efficiency standard.
14 There is no interference concern since the new neighbor must ensure no interference occurs,as is the case today
with wideband channels.
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Therefore, it might be prudent to consider conversion to narrowband operation as late as December
2009. We see no other advantage to an earlier conversion. Deferring this conversion may turn out to be
an advantage, given that one or more manufacturers might introduce equipment that is both compliant
with the 2013 efficiency standards, and is capable of operating on the District's current 25 kHz
bandwidth channel.
3.5 Impacts of a Narrowband Conversion
The District current operates analog-type radio equipment. Converting analog equipment to
narrowband operation can worsen coverage, particularly in areas where weak signals exist today (fringe
areas). Furthermore, if the District is experiencing certain types of interference today, such as
interference from another agency that may be using the same radio channel, its effects will become
significantly more disruptive and have a greater impact than they have today. We are not aware of any
current interference problems, although there have been some in the past.
Much of these coverage and interference impacts can be overcome by the addition of tower (repeater)
sites. Basically, by ensuring that the District's signals are stronger in areas it operates, fringe area
problems will be reduced, and many interference problems can be effectively "covered". Such an
approach may be practical and effective, and could be lower cost than most other options, depending on
how many new tower sites would be required.
"Before and after" coverage prediction maps are provided in Appendix B. These show predicted
differences in coverage between the District's existing legacy systems, and that of an analog
narrowband system. The effects of interference cannot be predicted and are not shown, but will
effectively worsen coverage in some areas unless tower sites are added where needed.
Another approach is to convert to a digital radio system, such as a Project 25-compliant type, or other
more proprietary types. In general, Project 25 type systems provide similar coverage to the District's
legacy system, and are much less affected by the type of interference noted above. However, capital
costs are higher,although the recurring costs can be similar to that of analog types,if not slightly higher.
The District can expect greater manufacturer support for digital products as time goes by, and much less
for analog products. Macro does believes that most all radio systems will eventually convert to digital
operation over the next six to ten years.
If the District is content with the predicted coverage area of the narrowband analog system (see
Appendix B, Map I B), and no interference exists today,15 converting its analog equipment to
narrowband is a valid option. If the number of marginal areas is minimal, and those that do exist can be
solved by the addition of a single tower site,this choice remains valid.
Otherwise,a digital-type system could be considered.
3.6 Converting to Narrowband Analog Operation
All radios using a particular radio network should operate in the same mode —mixing narrowband and
legacy equipment on the same radio channel would result in some voice quality degradation and
miscommunication,under certain conditions.
This degradation will only occur during reception of some legacy signals by fleet or repeater equipment
already configured for narrowband operation. This degradation will not occur in the opposite case, such
as when equipment configured for legacy operation is receiving signals from other narrowband fleet
'5 There is no reason to believe that interference would increase over time.
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radios or tower site repeaters.16 Thus, any conversion plan should focus on minimizing the duration of
the former condition when possible, as well as insuring that the dispatch center will not miss inbound
emergency calls from field units.
In anticipation of narrowband conversion, we understand that the District began purchasing narrowband
capable fleet and repeater equipment a number of years ago, as equipment required replacement due to
age or condition. Thus, some of the District's fixed infrastructure (repeaters) can be reprogrammed or
modified to operate on a narrower channel bandwidth. Vehicular and portable radios must be
narrowband-capable, on a per-channel position basis, or be replaced with models that are capable of
this. Table 5 below indicates the narrowband capability of the District's equipment.
Table 5—Narrowband Cap ility of Existing Equipment
Narrowband Capable YES YES NO
Method Reprogram HardwareNeither
Modification
User Equipment Total
Vehicular Radios 44 22 22
Portable Radios 54 32 22
Fixed Equipment
Repeaters 5 2 3
Control/Base Sm.(LD) 3 3
+ Control/Base Sm.(HD) 1 I I I
LD-Light Duty HD-Heavy Duty
"Programmable" means a technician can simply reprogram the radio for narrowband through a
computer. "Hardware Modification" indicates that some parts need replacement to enable narrowband.
The remaining equipment can neither be programmed nor modified to support narrowbanding.
i Narrowband conversion is straightforward. The following steps are required.
In preparation for conversion:
Step I: Order narrowband retrofit parts for older repeater stations that will be retained after conversion
(perform as soon as possible)"
Step 2: Install any new tower sites, if required per this report; new sites can be configured for
narrowband mode initially
Exception: If new tower site(s) will be implemented well before the narrowband conversion,
i.e., to fill current coverage gaps in the legacy system, initially configure them for legacy
operation, and reprogram all vehicular and portable radios (the "fleet") for the new tower site
channel(s).
Consider programming the fleet with a second set of channels, but set for narrowband mode, to
reduce or eliminate a second reprogramming later;
Step 3: Replace any fleet or repeater equipment incapable of narrowband operation or conversion
re i
However,such signal will be lower in volume than other legacy signals. This is only considered a nuisance,
and should not cause significant operational problems.
1�
Applies t repeaters that require retrofit parts and/or retuning,as opposed to simply being reprogrammed(see
Table 5 in the previous Section). In this case,Macro recommends ordering retrofit parts now to assure their
availability when needed. If the equipment is approach the end of its useful life,Macro recommends replacement.
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Step 4: Advise/coordinate conversion date with other outside agencies that have access the District's
channel"
To perform the narrowband conversion:
Step 1:Manually adjust(reduce)the transmitter bandwidth of tower site repeaters19(2 days)
Step 2:Convert fleet radios to narrowband operation(if not previously performed)(4 days)
Concurrently program fleet radios for new tower site channel(s)if needed
Make narrowband changes to other outside agency channels, if necessary
Step 3: Convert dispatch control station to narrowband operation(0.25 days)
Step 4: Switch all tower site repeaters in network to narrowband operation(3 days)
Step 5:Modify FCC license to reflect narrowband operation(I day)
The narrowband conversion steps above should minimize or eliminate any significant communications
disruptions. Step I of the narrowband conversion may not be necessary; this can be established once
more conversion experience is gained by the industry over the next few years.
3.7 Converting to Narrowband Digital Operation
As noted earlier, conversion to digital operation, particularly Project 25, would meet the 2013 spectrum
efficiency requirement since it is a narrowband technology. However, with the exception of the
Mountain View Dispatch radio equipment, none of the Districts other equipment is capable, or can be
modified for digital operation. Thus, all user equipment and remaining fixed repeater and base station
equipment must be replaced with digital-capable models before conversion to digital operation is
planned.
The District is not in an unusual position as over 90 percent of government agencies operate analog-only
equipment. Most all agencies will be facing a similar challenge over the next few years.
If the District is planning to covert to digital, it can begin to purchase digital user and fixed equipment
today. Since the vast majority of these models are backward compatible with both the legacy analog
operation, as well as narrowband analog operation, these models will operate on the current legacy
system as well. This fact also permits these radios to operate on the other external radio systems, such
as with CDF, for the long term.
There are several drawbacks to digital conversion. These are:
➢ Higher equipment(capital)costs(although we expect costs to drop over time)
➢ Outside agency incompatibility
Outside agencies having analog-only radios will not be able to monitor or communicate on the District's
radio system this will lessen over time). However, Macro understands that the District's field units
more often switch to the outside agency's system, as opposed to those outside agencies switching to the
District's system. Thus,digital migration would not significantly impact such communications.
While conversion to digital conversion could be deferred until January 1, 2013, for the reasons cited in
Section 3.4 above, it may be less disruptive to covert by December 2009, otherwise the District may
"Other outside agencies have the District's legacy channel programmed into their fleet;these fleets will require
that the District channel be reprogrammed to narrowband operation as well.
19 This step has radio technician reduce transmitter"deviation"to a level consistent with narrowband levels.
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have to perform a two-step conversion process—once to nan owband analog(December 2009), and then
a second time to narrowband digital (January 1, 2013). However, this remains an option. For the
purpose of this report,we have assumed that a digital conversion could occur in December 2009.
i
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SECTION 4. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN ALTERNATIVES AND COSTS
Macro has provided four Alternatives for consideration. Each alternative includes Options that are
targeted at addressing some of the systems deficiencies noted earlier in this report.
The initial cost tables under each Alternative represent complete system replacement. For a more
complete picture,we have provided a second table in each section that provides life-cycle costs through
the year 2019. Equipment replacement schedules are based on Table I in Section 2.3, which lists the
useful life for various types of hardware.
Each Alternative is based on the following assumptions and considerations unless otherwise noted:
• 150 MHz frequency band
• Meet anticipated FCC spectrum efficiency requirements
• Use of similar-quality tier fixed and user equipment as is use today
• Utilize the same tower sites as in use today
• Equipment quantities based on current inventory(includes spares)
• Assumes new antennas at all sites
• New systems are furnished and installed by a single vendor
• Dispatch workstations(computer)is supplied by others
• No backup battery systems are provided at tower sites(none exist today; only generators)
Costs include sales tax, installation, vendor engineering and project management, and a contingency.
Costs for professional (consulting) efforts, such as vendor proposal review and vendor oversight/project
management are shown as a line item and are optional. The most significant cost factor will be the tier
and feature set of the vehicular and portable radios. Cost estimates are considered conservative, and
could be reduced if lower-tier equipment is procured, or multiple RFP's are used to procure different
subsystems.
Basic coverage provided by each of the Alternatives, without Optional Systems/Enhancements, are
shown in the Appendix.
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4.1 Altemative A—Maintain the Status-Quo
This Alternative continues operation of the legacy 150 MHz analog conventional technology until
approximately December 2009. Equipment incapable of narrowband operation would be replaced with
new narrowband-capable analog equipment by this date, and the entire system is transitioned from
legacy(wideband)operation to narrowband.
Some user equipment is overdue for replacement now, so we have assumed that this equipment would
be replaced in the near term with narrowband-capable analog models.
Selecting this Alternative would not preclude the District from later upgrading to simulcast(Alternative
C). However,care be taken to ensure simulcast-capable repeaters are selected. Macro also recommends
that all repeaters - including those that may be needed in the future - be purchased at the same time to
ensure consistent and matched performance.
The following arguments relate to this Alternative(without the Options/Enhancements below).
PRO
➢ Maximizes reuse of existing fixed and user equipment
Many brands and tiers of user equipment expected to be available through 2009
No has significant impact on interoperability
Open standards-based analog operation promotes interoperability
Simple to maintain;allows for competitive outside maintenance contracts
Least costly(then other replacement Alternatives)
CON
Reduction in coverage in current fringe areas
Vendor support for analog products will diminish after 2009
New equipment models and options will diminish after 2009
Radios cannot operate on any outside agency systems which are/or convert to,digital
➢ Cannot support individual-calling,messaging or other advanced features
Narrowband analog is more susceptible to co-channel interference'o
Budgetary costs are shown below. Costs are for all new equipment, and do not anticipate reuse of any
existing eguipment.
Estimated costs to mitigate reductions in radio coverage following conversion to narrowband operation
are included. We have assumed that two new tower sites may be necessary, and that one or more of the
existing tower sites could require relocation to optimize radio coverage. Additional analysis would be
required to establish a more accurate estimate.
20 We note that no interference exists today,and we cannot anticipate any in the future.
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Capital Costs-Alternative A (Maintain the Status Quo)
Radio System-Conventional Analog,150 MHz
Purisima(Ranger Stn.) $19,000
Black Mtn. $19,000
Mt.Umunburn(Tomita Hill) $19,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $19,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $19,000
Mountain View Dispatch $15,000
Site Improvements and Other Services
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $10,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $4,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $1,000
Narrowband Coverage Mitigation(add two sites;relocate one) $59,000
Project Oversight and Acceptance Testing(Macro or other firm) $42,000
User Equipment(includes spares) Qty. Each
Portable radios,with accessories,chargers 54 $1,300 $70,000
Vehicular radios,installed 44 $1,500 $66,000
Control/Base Station Equipment 3 $2,200 $7,000
Total. $369,000
Annual Recurring Costs
Tower site leases,maintenance and ongoing equipment replacement program $33,000
(includes site leases for Narrowband Coverage Mitigation above;estimate)
Options/Enhancements
(1)ADD mobile extenders to reduce current dead spots(equip 22 patrol vehicles) $53,000
(2)ADD repeaters to cover dead spots in current and future growth areas(6 repeaters) $378,000
(3)ADD frequency pair(second ch.)to separate Maintenance and Patrol $169,000
4.1.1 Cost Phasing
The following table considers life-cycle costs for this Alternative. Expenditures consider equipment
replacement required for either narrowband conversion, or due to equipment age. Italicized cost values
represent those that would be incurred as the equipment ages and required replacement, usually as part
of the District's ongoing equipment replacement schedule. These values account for the differences
between capital costs shown here versus those in the in the previous table.
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Alternative A-Maintain the Status-Quo 2006 2007-2009 2010-2014 2015-2019
Radio System-Conventional Analog,150 MHz
Purisima(Ranger Sm.) $19,000 $19,000
Black Mtn. $19,000 $19,000
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $19,000 $19,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $19,000 $19,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $19,000 $19,000
Mountain View Dispatch $15,000 $15,000
Narrowband Coverage Mitigation(add two sites, $59,400 $59,400
relocate one)
User Equipment(includes spares)
Portable Radios-Conventional Analog $175,140 $27,720 $34,020 $56,700 $56,700
Vehicular Radios-Conventional Analog $98,670 $32,890 $32,890 $32,890
Control/Base Equipment-Conventional Analog $13,260 $6,630 $6,630
Site Improvements and Other Services
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $10,000 $10,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) S4,000 $4,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $1,000 $1,000
Project Oversight and Acceptance Testing(Macro or $42,000 S42,000
other firm)
Annual Recurring Costs
Tower site leases,maintenance and ongoing $462,000 $33,000 $99,000 $165,000 $165,000
equipment replacement program
Total System(all users) $975,470 $94,720 $311,940 $269,590 $299,220
OptionslEnhancements
(1)ADD mobile extenders to reduce current dead $53,000 $53,000
spots(equip 22 patrol vehicles)
(2)ADD repeaters to cover dead spots in current and $378,000 $56,700 $321,300
future growth areas(6 repeaters)
(3)ADD frequency pair(second ch.)to separate $169,000 $169,000
Maintenance and Patrol
Total System(wlOptions&Enhancements) $1,575,470 $373,420 $311,940 $590,890 S299,220
4.1.2 Options/Enhancements
Options and Enhancements are described in Section 4.5.
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4.2 Alternative B—Migration to Digital Operation
This Alternative is similar to above, but replaces the legacy 150 MHz analog conventional systems with
conventional digital technology. None of the District's user equipment, and most of its fixed equipment
is capable of,or modifiable for,digital operation. Thus, all equipment must eventually be replaced.21
To minimize disruptions, we have assumed that conversion to digital would occur on or before
December 2009, although such conversion could be delayed as late as January 1,2013 if desired.
Replacement equipment is assumed to be Project 25 Phase 122 compliant, but could be any
manufacturers digitally compliant equipment.
Community Repeater operation is a standard feature of Project 25 digital systems, so this functionality
could continue, and would be enhanced. Our research indicates that Project 25 radios can help prevent
over-transmission in some cases, as well as provides all-call and possibly individual (radio-to-radio,
selective)call functions.Caller-ID is a standard feature as well.
This Alternative does not have a significant impact on the interface between the dispatch consoles
(provided by others) and the associated base/control station radio, as the interface remains analog.
Thus,this radio system could be interfaced with any typical dispatch console workstations system.
Selecting this Alternative would not preclude the District from later upgrading to simulcast(Alternative
D). Please see the equipment restrictions described for Alternative A.
The following arguments relate to this Alternative(without the Options/Enhancements below).
PRO
Coverage generally equivalent to current legacy system
Vendor support for digital products increasing
Latest equipment models will likely be digital
Digital radios are backward compatible with legacy and narrow analog systems
:i-, Enhances Community Repeater functionality(can reduce some over-transmissions)
Provides individual-calling, messaging and other advanced features
Project 25 is an open standards-based technology
CON
Requires replacement of some existing legacy equipment before the end of its useful life
Outside agencies incapable of digital could not communicate on District's system
Fewer equipment models available today(temporary situation)
Some outside maintenance shops are not yet trained on digital(reduces pool of shops)
More costly than analog
2' The exception is the Districts Base/Control Station radio that supports the Dispatch Center. This station would
require a hardware modification.
22 See Appendix D for a complete description.
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We note that one main reason that the cost of digital radios are higher is that fact that manufacturers
only provide digital on their high-tier (most expensive) models initially, and only later focus on more
affordable products as competition grows. We expect prices on digital conventional products to fall
over the next five years. However, we have assumed that current price levels remain constant in our
budgetary estimates.
Budgetary costs are shown below. Costs are for all new equipment, and do not anticipate reuse of any
existing equipment.
Capital Costs-Alternative B(Migration to Digital Operation)
Radio System-Conventional Digital,150 MHz
Purisima(Ranger Sm.) $26,000
Black Mtn. $26,000
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $26,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $26,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $26,000
Mountain View Dispatch $23,000
Site Improvements and Other Services
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $10,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $4,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $1,000
Project Oversight and Acceptance Testing(Macro or other firm) $34,000
User Equipment(includes spares) Qty. Each
Portable radios,with accessories,chargers 54 $1,500 $81,000
Vehicular radios,installed 44 $2,600 $114,000
Control/Base Station Equipment 3 $3,000 $9,000
Total. $406,000
Annual Recurring Costs
Tower site leases,maintenance and ongoing equipment replacement program $23,000
Options/Enhancements
(1)ADD mobile extenders to reduce current dead spots(equip 22 patrol vehicles) $53,000
(2)ADD repeaters to cover dead spots in current and future growth areas(5 repeaters) $366,000
(3)ADD frequency pair(second ch.)to separate Maintenance and Patrol N/A*
Use of the Community Repeater function can eliminate the need for this approach.
4.2.1 Cost Phasing
The following table considers life-cycle costs for this Alternative. Expenditures consider equipment
replacement required for either narrowband conversion, or due to equipment age. Italicized cost values
represent those that would be incurred as the equipment ages and requires replacement, usually as part
of the District's ongoing equipment replacement schedule. These values account for the differences
between capital costs shown here versus those in the in the previous table.
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Alternative B-Migration to Digital Operation 2006 2007-2009 2010-2014 2015-2019
Radio System-Conventional Digital,150 MHz
Purisima(Ranger Sin.) $26,000 $26,000
Black Mtn. $26,000 $26,000
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $26,000 $26,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $26,000 $26,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $26,000 $26,000
Mountain View Dispatch $25,000 $2,000 $23,000
User Equipment(includes spares)
Portable Radios-Conventional Digital $211,680 $32,340 $47,040 $66,150 $66,150
Vehicular Radios-Conventional Digital $232,760 $116,380 $116,380
Control/Base Equipment-Conventional Digital $18,330 $11,700 $6,630
Site Improvements and Other Services
Mt,Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $10,000 $10,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $4,000 $4,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $1,000 $1,000
Project Oversight and Acceptance Testing(Macro $34,000 $34,000
or other firm)
Annual Recurring Costs
Tower site leases,maintenance and ongoing $322,000 $23,000 $69,000 $115,000 $115,000
equipment replacement program
Total System(all users) $988,770 $96,340 $384,120 $204,150 $304,160
Options/Enhancements
(1)ADD mobile extenders to reduce current dead $53,000 $53,000
spots(equip 22 patrol vehicles)
(2)ADD repeaters to cover dead spots in current $365,850 $76,950 $288,900
and future growth areas(5 repeaters)
(3)ADD frequency pair(second ch.)to separate N/A*
Maintenance and Patrol
Total System(wlOptions&Enhancements) I $1,407,620 $226,290 $384,120 $493,050 $304,160
Use of the Community Repeater function can eliminate the need for this approach.
4.2.2 Options/Enhancements
Options and Enhancements are described in Section 4.5.
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4.3 Alternative C—Analog Simulcast Operation
This Alternative integrates all tower sites together to form an integrated network, and implements
"simulcast"technology. Under simulcast, every radio message would be broadcast from each tower site
simultaneously; instead of just one site as is done today, providing wide-area communications.
Simulcast inherently alerts all field staff when the radio channel is already in use,effectively eliminating
the chance that two or more messages will conflict with each other
This would require the District to lease a small amount of capacity on existing Santa Clara and San
Mateo County microwave radio backhaul links, and find equipment rack space at a central location (I
rack). Some new low-capacity backhaul links would be required.
Simulcast on analog systems cannot support Community Repeater operation. Thus, either both user
groups must utilize a common channel or code, or a second channel must be licensed. The latter is
listed as Option 3 in this report.
This Alternative is similar in other ways with Alternative A—Maintain the Status Quo.
The following arguments relate to this Alternative(without the Options/Enhancements below).
PRO:
Eliminates the over-transmission problem
➢ Enables Supervisors to monitor all events
Significantly simplifies the operation of the radio system (particularly as it grows)
Provides wide-area communications
CON:
High capital costs
Cannot support the"community-repeater"function 23
Increases recurring lease and maintenance costs
Proprietary equipment complicates maintenance and requires special technician training
Budgetary costs are shown below. Costs are for A new equipment, and do not anticipate reuse of any
existing equipment.
2'Note that if second channel pair was obtained,the requirement for community repeater operation would be
eliminated.
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Capital Costs-Alternative C(Analog Simulcast Operation)
Radio System-Conventional Analog,150 MHz
Purisima(Ranger Sm.) $19,000
Black Mtn. $19,000
Mt.Umunhum (Tomita Hill) $19,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $19,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $19,000
Mountain View Dispatch $15,000
Add simulcast components and services(all sites) $525,000
Site Improvements and Other Services
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $10,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $4,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $1,000
Narrowband Coverage Mitigation(add two sites;relocate one) $146,000
Project Oversight and Acceptance Testing(Macro or other firm) $86,000
User Equipment(includes spares) Qty. Each
Portable radios,with accessories,chargers 54 $1,300 $70,000
Vehicular radios,installed 44 $1,500 $66,000
Control/Base Station Equipment 3 $2,200 $7,000
Total. $1,025,000
Annual Recurring Costs
Tower site leases,maintenance and ongoing equipment replacement program $41,000
(includes site leases for Narrowband Coverage Mitigation above;estimate)
Options/Enhancements
(1)ADD mobile extenders to reduce current dead spots(equip 22 patrol vehicles) $53,000
(2)ADD repeaters to cover dead spots in current and future growth areas(6 repeaters) $287,000
(3)ADD frequency pair(second ch.)to separate Maintenance and Patrol $187,000
4.3.1 Cost Phasing
The following table considers life-cycle costs for this Alternative. Expenditures consider equipment
replacement required for either narrowband conversion, or due to equipment age. Italicized cost values
represent those that would be incurred as the equipment ages and requires replacement, usually as part
of the District's ongoing equipment replacement schedule. These values account for the differences
between capital costs shown here versus those in the in the previous table.
Costs shown for"Add simulcast components and services(all sites)"are spread between the 2007-2009
and 2010-2014 periods as implementation could be divided into two steps, if desired.24However,these
steps should be performed within adjacent years to ensure that equipment purchased in the first year
remains compatible with equipment purchased in the second year. Thus, Step I could occur in 2009,
24 Step I would be construction of the microwave backhaul or site"connectivity';step two would install simulcast
equipment at each transmitter site.
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with Step 2 following in 2010 (or any two-year period). No significant simulcast improvements would
be realized until both steps were completed.
Alternative C-Analog Simulcast Operation 2006 2007-2009 2010-2014 2015-2019
Radio System-Conventional Analog,150 MHz
Purisima(Ranger Sm.) $19,000 $19,000
Black Mtn. $19,000 $19,000
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $19,000 $19,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $19,000 $19,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $19,000 $19,000
Mountain View Dispatch $15,000 $15,000
Add simulcast components and services(all sites) $525,150 $324,000 $201,150
Narrowband Coverage Mitigation(add two sites; $146,000 $146,000
relocate one)
User Equipment(includes spares)
Portable Radios-Conventional Analog $175,140 $27,720 $34,020 $56,700 $56,700
Vehicular Radios-Conventional Analog $98,670 $32,890 $32,890 $32,890
Control/Base Equipment-Conventional Analog $13,260 $6,630 $6,630
Site Improvements and Other Services
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $10,000 $10,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $4,000 $4,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $1,000 $1,000
Project Oversight and Acceptance Testing(Macro or $86,000 $86,000
other firm)
Annual Recurring Costs
Tower site leases,maintenance and ongoing $574,000 $41,000 $123,000 $205,000 $205,000
equipment replacement program
Total System(aft users) $1,743,220 5102,720 $790,540 $510,740 $339,220
OptionVEnhancements
(1)ADD mobile extenders to reduce current dead $53,000 $53,000
spots(equip 22 patrol vehicles)
(2)ADD repeaters to cover dead spots in current and $286,700 $113,400 $173,300
future growth areas(6 repeaters)
(3)ADD frequency pair(second ch.)to separate $187,000 $187,000
Maintenance and Patrol
Total System(wl0ptions&Enhancements) I S2,269,9201 5456,120 5790,540 $684,040 $339=0
4.3.2 Options/Enhancements
Options and Enhancements are described in Section 4.5.
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4.4 Alternative D—Digital Simulcast Operation
This Alternative is similar to Alternative C, but uses digital radio transmission instead of analog.
However, unlike analog types,Project 25 digital systems can support the Community Repeater function.
Therefore, the District would not be required to discontinue such operation, or necessarily implement a
secondary channel in which to separate users.25 The following arguments relate to this Alternative(without the Options/Enhancements below).
PRO:
Eliminates the over-transmission problem
Enables Supervisors to monitor all events
Significantly simplifies the operation of the radio system(particularly as it grows)
Provides wide-area communications
➢ Coverage generally equivalent to current legacy system (requires fewer radio sites than analog
Alternative A or Q
Vendor support for digital products increasing
Latest equipment models will likely be digital
Digital radios are backward compatible with legacy and narrow analog systems
Compatible with, and enhances Community Repeater functionality(can also reduce some over-
transmissions)
Provides individual-calling,messaging and other advanced features
Project 25 is an open standards-based technology
CON:
Requires replacement of some existing legacy equipment before the end of its useful life
Outside agencies incapable of digital could not communicate through District's systeM26
➢ Fewer equipment models available today(temporary situation)
Some outside maintenance shops are not yet trained on digital(reduces pool of shops)
Increases recurring lease and maintenance costs(over Alternative A and B)
Proprietary equipment complicates maintenance and requires special technician training
➢ Only one to two manufacturers capable of designing(today)
Highest capital costs
Budgetary costs are shown below. Costs are for all new equipment, and do not anticipate reuse of any
existing equipment.
25
While multiple users groups could hear the radio channels,any type of Community Repeater operation is still
limited to supporting one message at a time since only a single radio channel is being used.
26 However,outside agencies could still communicate with District units on other tactical channels.
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 32
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
MA M010NAIL 006N SPACE oas" r MACRO
Capital Costs-Alternative D (Digital Simulcast Operation)
Radio System-Conventional Digital,150 MHz
Purisima(Ranger Stn.) $26,000
Black Mtn. $26,000
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $26,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $26,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $26,000
Mountain View Dispatch $23,000
Add simulcast components and services(all sites) $587,000
Site Improvements and Other Services
Mt.Umunhum(Tomita Hill) $10,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $4,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $1,000
Project Oversight and Acceptance Testing(Macro or other firm) $78,000
User Equipment(includes spares) Qty. Each
Portable radios,with accessories,chargers 54 $1,500 $81,000
Vehicular radios,installed 44 $2,600 $114,000
Control/Base Station Equipment 3 $3,000 $9,000
Total: $1,037,000
Annual Recurring Costs
Tower site leases,maintenance and ongoing equipment replacement program $41,000
Options/Enhancements
(1)ADD mobile extenders to reduce current dead spots(equip 22 patrol vehicles) $53,000
(2)ADD repeaters to cover dead spots in current and future growth areas(5 repeaters) $342,000
(3)ADD frequency pair(second ch.)to separate Maintenance and Patrol N/A*
*Use of the Community Repeater function can eliminate the need for this approach.
4.4.1 Cost Phasing
The following table considers life-cycle costs for this Alternative. Expenditures consider equipment
replacement required for either narrowband conversion, or due to equipment age. Italicized cost values
represent those that would be incurred as the equipment ages and requires replacement, usually as part
of the District's ongoing equipment replacement schedule. These values account for the differences
between capital costs shown here versus those in the in the previous table.
Costs shown for"Add simulcast components and services (all sites)" are spread between the 2007-2009
and 2010-2014 periods as implementation could be divided into two steps, if desired.27 However, these
steps should be performed within adjacent years to ensure that equipment purchased in the first year
remains compatible with equipment purchased in the second year. Thus, Step 1 could occur in 2009,
with Step 2 following in 2010 (or any two-year period). No significant simulcast improvements would
be realized until both steps were completed.
27 Step 1 would be construction of the microwave backhaul or site"connectivity';step two would install simulcast
equipment at each transmitter site.
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 33
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
-
&ODPIERMSwA ramalONAL OP"SPA Ot$TMCr
������
"nw���*x���
Digital .Black Mtn. $26,000 $26,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $26,000 $26,000
Add simulcast components and services(all sites) $587,250 $324,000 $263,250
User Equipment(includes spares)
�
Vehicular Radios-Conventional Digital $232,760 $116,380 $116,380
Control/Base Equipment-Conventional Digital $18,330 $11,700 $6,630
Site Improvements and Other Services
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $1,000 $1,000
Project Oversight and Acceptance Testing(Macro $78,000 $78,000
or other firm)
Annual Recurring Costs
equipment replacement program
-, __--_ments
__
(1)ADD mobile extenders mreduce current dead
spots(equip 22 patrol vehicles)
(2)ADD repeaters to cover dead spots in current $342,350 $171,450 $170,900
and future growth areas(5 repeaters)
(3)ADD frequency pair(second ch.)to separate N/A*
Maintenance and Patrol
Use ofthe Community Repeater function can eliminate the need for this approach.
4.5 Options/Enhancements(All
The following apply 0o each ofthe previous/\|te«notivmm.
OptionJ:Add mobile repeaters to reduce current dead spots(equip 22 patrol vehicles) |
MohileIlepeuterszv are devices that relay portable radio nmcaau8e through u users vehicular radio. They
appear to he an obvious choice to improve onuoy of the portable radio coverage problems. This is
because many of the areas having weak signals seem to have reliable vehicular radio coverage, and if
portable radios could be linked to the network through the vehicular radio, communications range would �
effectively be improved. Such packages can omn $1500 to $2200 per vehicle, not including the
� vehicular or portable radio they would interface with. This could reduce the need to construct additional
�
repeater sites to solve some portable radio coverage problems. The District should consider conducting
� 28 Sometimes referred mn"mobile cxteudos~. Meaning is the same.
�
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page34
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10. 2006
"9010HAL ONM SPA OW"tICT
MACRO
a "pilot project" by implementing with a couple of units to evaluate their performance for possible
expansion to more fleet vehicles. This will require licensing of an additional low power radio
frequency. Use with a digital radio system should be investigated but should be possible.
Option 2:Add repeaters to cover dead spots in current and future growth areas(6 repeaters)
This option installs repeater near locations having poor vehicular coverage today, and provides for
repeaters to cover the San Mateo coastal areas where the District may have responsibility in the future.
Costs include repeaters for one radio channel.
It assumes that existing county or other commercial communications site is utilized that is already
equipped with an equipment shelter and antenna tower. Identifying specific sites at this time is beyond
the scope of this project.
For analog Alternatives, three sites are assumed to support coverage problems in the existing
jurisdictional area, with three being added over time in the northern coastal areas.
For digital Alternatives, we assume three sites would be needed in the existing area, and two along the
coastal area. The difference in number of sites is due to coverage degradation we expect with
narrowband analog operation.
Under simulcast Alternatives we assume that all sites are simulcast consistent with the specific
Alternative.
The use of Mobile Repeaters may reduce the number of sites needed in the existing jurisdictional area.
One significant aspect of this Option, when used with Alternative A or B, is that it integrates or
networks all existing and planned District repeater sites together using a receiver comparator, existing
Santa Clara and San Mateo county microwave radio backhaul links, and some new microwave radio
links. This could reduce the number of channel positions needed on field radios to one or two,
significantly simplifying system operation. As such,this Option is seen as a significant upgrade to these
Alternatives,not just a small incremental change.
With Alternative C or D, integration or networking is performed as part of the baseline Alternative to
begin with. This Option simply installs additional repeaters, and networks these into the previously
established network. Thus,these costs are purely incremental.
Option 3:Add a frequency pair(secondch.)to separate Maintenance and Patrol
This Option would reduce over-transmission problems, and provide full channel priority to each user
group (the District's channel is shared by Maintenance and Patrol today). Under this Option, the
District licenses a second frequency pair (channel), and places Maintenance on the new channel. A
second repeater and associated antenna system would be installed at each site to support the new
channel, and all user equipment would be reprogrammed with the new channel. Community Repeater
operation would no longer be needed or necessary. Licensing and basic regulatory engineering costs are
included.
This Option does not include site lease costs would likely increase since the District would effectively
be doubling the amount of equipment at each site.
Any new channel must operate under FCC Refarming guidelines. Thus, additional transmitter sites may
be required to offset coverage impacts resulting from lower permissible radio transmitter power, as well
as the anticipated coverage impacts of narrowband operation. Costs for these impacts cannot be
anticipated at this time and are not included.
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 35
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10, 2006
1AMPEMWASULA RGOICHAL OPEN SPACE OtSVOCT
MACRO
SECTION 5. RECOMMENDATIONS
Our recommended actions are listed below and are presented in no particular order. Costs for these
recommendations, if any, are included as part of particular Alternatives or associated Options above.
Recommendation 1: Consider Implementing Alternative B (Migration to Digital Operation), with
a commitment and intent to pursue simulcast technology as described under Alternative C or
Alternative D. Digital technology will suffer less of a performance degradation (compared to analog
technology) once the District converts to FCC-mandated "narrowband" operation, maintains and
enhances Community Repeater operation under various configurations, and will have increasing support
from vendors over time. Digital operation can be phased in over time by purchasing digital-capable
portable, vehicular and repeater equipment going forward, but operating this equipment in analog mode
in the near term (digital radios are capable of analog operation so they will remain compatible with the
older radios that are still in operation during the transition to digital). Digital radios are more costly
than analog types,but costs are expected to drop over time.
Implementing Alternative B also leaves the District's options open to implementing either type of
simulcast technology (analog or digital) in the future, as described in Alternative C or D. Most
importantly, simulcast solves the current over-transmission problems, provides wide-area
communications, and will simplify system operation as the radio system inevitably expands. Simulcast
requires more equipment at each radio site, and reliable "backhaul" links to connect the tower sites
together and to a central point. Although simulcast simplifies system operation from a users standpoint,
it is more complicated than what is in place today. Thus, recurring costs are likely to increase under
either simulcast Alternative.
Recommendation 2: Implement mobile repeaters (Option 1). This could reduce the need to
construct additional repeater sites to solve some portable radio coverage problems. Consider conducting
a "pilot project" by implementing with a couple of units to evaluate their performance for possible
expansion to more fleet vehicles. This will require licensing of an additional low power radio
frequency. Use with a digital radio system should be investigated but should be possible.
Recommendation 3: License an additional channel to provide flexibility (Option 3). A secondary
frequency pair (channel) could eliminate community repeater operation, which would promote certain
Alternatives. Alternately, such a channel might reduce the need for simulcast, particularly when the
District expands operation along the San Mateo County coast (this channel could be placed at the best
northern site, and play a role similar to the Black Mtn. channel (e.g., act as the default northern
channel). Due to a shortage of frequencies in the Bay Area, such efforts are considered long-term (1-3
years), and would require a significant investment in resources without a guarantee of success.
Recommendation 4: Convert radio system to narrowband operation before December 2009.
Reprogram or replace equipment incapable of meeting the FCC-mandated narrowband requirement, and
switch to narrowband operation before December 2009. Replacement equipment compatible with the
District's legacy equipment will become increasingly difficult to obtain after this date. Narrowband
conversion will ensure that compatible replacement equipment remains available.
Recommendation 5: Assess and improve antenna systems at some tower sites. Assess and improve
the coverage effectiveness of two existing sites by focusing on their antenna systems. Macro
recommends the following:
(a)Verify whether the Umunhum tower site antenna system is mounted and operating properly;
(b) Consider raising the Sierra Morena antenna higher on tower and investigate whether some
antenna systems components are still needed.
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 36
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
k"DPIEMOMMA RMOkAL*V"SPAM DtWMCV MACRO
Recommendation 6: Perform facility improvements at some tower sites. Some electrical
grounding, seismic bracing and equipment chassis improvements are recommended at Umunhum,
Coyote and Sierra Morena sites. Please see Section 2.4.3 for details. These could be performed over
the next year, as none are considered major. In general, the tower sites were considered in good
condition.
Recommendation 7: Maintain operations on the 150 MHz (VHF) radio band. This radio band
provides the most favorable coverage given the District's terrain, and provides interoperability with
other key agencies, such as CDF, and various Santa Clara County agencies.
SUBMITTED BY:
Gregory J. Forrest,P.E.
Executive Consultant,Macro Corporation
@ 2006,Macro Corporation
file:MROSD—Task I—Needs—Concept 4-24-06.doc
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 37
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
WKWSNOOH"REWMAL OMM SPA"DWrIdCr MACRO
APPENDIX A—GLOSSARY
Automatic Transmitter Steering A radio system configuration that automatically transmits
(ATS) outbound messages from the tower site closest to a field unit
needing to receive the message. The decision of which
transmitter to activate is based on which tower site had best
received a signal from that unit, on the previous inbound
transmission.
Can allow multiple repeater or base stations to share a common
radio frequency, since only one station is activated at a time.
Primarily improves communications between dispatch and field
units. Makes a slight communications improvement between
field units,under certain conditions. Lower cost than simulcast.
Community Repeater Operation A radio system configuration that allows separation of two or
more groups of users on a single radio channel, through the use
of private signaling codes.29 Allows users to mute messages
from all but their own user group. Does not enable simultaneous
use of the same radio channel by more than one user group,
however. Applied only to conventional type radio systems.
Conventional Radio System A type of radio system where each group of users operates on a
pre-assigned radio channel and repeater(s). Each group owns,
operates and maintains a private,stand-alone repeater system.
Coverage The ability of a radio system to provide adequate radio signal
strength and quality to allow users to communicate.
FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access. A method that creates
different communications channels or paths by dividing the radio
spectrum into numerous"slices"—each slice is then used as a
channel to carry one message. Used by the majority of
government and private businesses. Conventional radio systems
are FDMA-type systems.
Mobile Repeaters A vehicle-mounted device that enables a nearby portable radio
user (+/- 1/4 mile away) to access the fixed radio network or
repeaters through the high-powered vehicular radio. Extends the
range of a portable radio equal to that of the vehicular radio.
Used in lieu of adding additional tower sites for the purposes of
improving portable radio coverage.
29 These codes are typically referred to a Private Line("PL"),Channel Guard("CG"),Continuous Tone Coded
Squelch System(CTCSS). All conventional radios are capable of such operation.
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 38
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
F
hOOPINWOULA RtaMNAL OF"IVAC*MIA= MACRO
Over-transmission Refers to the collision of two or more messages on a radio
channel. It occurs when a radio user, unaware of an ongoing
conversation on the channel, attempts to make a radio call. This
results in one or both messages becoming garbled and possibly
lost.
Simulcast A radio system configuration in which repeaters or base stations
at different tower sites are configured to simultaneously
broadcast the same message on the same radio frequency.
Requires no user intervention when roaming to different areas.
Provides"seamless"wide-area communications.
Talk-In Mobile-to-base communications direction;uplink
Talk-Out Base-to-mobile communications direction;downlink
TDMA Time Division Multiple Access.A radio technology that
interleaves multiple messages onto a single communications
channel,one after another,while maintaining separation between
the messages. In private government systems,TDMA can
double or quadruple the capacity of the original analog method
(FDMA). It divides each channel into multiple sub-channels
providing a communications paths for up to four messages
instead of one.
Wide-area communications The ability of a radio network to allow two or more field users in
different geographic areas to communicate,when they are not in
range of the same communications tower site. It can be provided
to some degree by Automatic Transmitter Steering,and to a
significant degree by Simulcast technology or through use of a
Zoned-type Trunking system.
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 39
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
WOMMOISMA R4040HAL OPM SVMM OWMCT MACRO
APPENDIX B—COVERAGE PREDICTION MAPS
Maps labeled as"talk-in"coverage represent the ability of the Dispatcher to hear a field unit, where the
latter is operating through the network. Maps labeled as "talk-out" coverage (if present) represent the
ability of afield unit to hear a Dispatcher or another field unit, when the latter operate through the radio
network.
Two map colors indicate where portables, and/or vehicles will experience less reliable coverage. Colors
are defined as follows:
Reliable Outdoor Portable Coverage
Unreliable Portable,Reliable Vehicle Coverage
❑ Unreliable Portable and Vehicle
In some cases, the maps are composites of two or more radio sites. This gives a good overall picture of
system coverage. Existing System maps represent an existing wideband conventional analog system, or
a digital system.
The colored areas indicate areas where there is a 95% or greater chance, on average, that the signal
strength will be adequate for a particular type of radio. The radio site locations are depicted as a yellow
box containing an abbreviated site designation label.
Maps predict "worst-case" radio coverage, i.e., coverage one could expect using a belt-mounted portable
radio (using a remote speaker/microphone), or a vehicle radio equipped with a quarter-wave antenna on
the vehicle trunk.
Strongest (Mostly Likely) Server maps show where each site is predicted to have a signal stronger than
any other site. However,they should not be used to predict coverage in all cases.
Factors Affecting Portable Radio Coverage
The portable radio's limited transmitter power and antenna performance cause it to be the limiting factor
in the coverage of radio systems. A portable radio's transmitter power and antenna size is usually much
less than that of a vehicle radio or a repeater. This can result in the system "talk-in" coverage being
much worse than "talk-out" coverage. The ideal (or "matched") system has equal talk-in and talk-out
coverage. This explains why there are typically more receivers than transmitters in a given radio
system.
Propagation Prediction Model
The propagation maps are based on the "extended" Okumura prediction method with modifications to
allow multiple-obstacle diffraction loss predications (the effects of rough terrain). Okumura's method
was developed using actual measured data at several frequency bands in the Tokyo urban and suburban
area. This method was computerized by Hata 30 in 1980, and was expanded to allow greater antenna
heights and prediction distances than those of Okumura's original method.
Signals weaken when there is an obstruction in the line-of-sight path between the transmitting and
receiving antennas. This is called"diffraction-loss." Macro employed 30-meter terrain elevation points
that were derived directly from 1:24,000 USGS maps.
30 M.Hata,"Empirical Formula for Propagation Loss in Land Mobile Radio Services",IEEE Transactions,Veh.
Tech.,vol.29,no.3.pp 317-325,August 1980.
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 40
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SUOPENOMMA R6010"AL Oft"SP^Cg OtST"WT MACRO
The original Okumura model allowed for selection of three different land-use categories to predict land-
use and land clutter losses. Such losses are caused by signal absorption by trees, shrubs or other ground
cover, including bodies of water and buildings. However, current computer-based methods allow use of
up to ten different USGS and BLM land-use category classifications, each with varying loss factors that
are frequency-dependent. Land use/land cover is categorized in areas of 250 x 250 meters.
This propagation method is similar to that recently adopted by APCO and accepted by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC), as described in "TIA Telecommunications Systems Bulletin
(TIA/TSB-88-B), Wireless Communications Systems — Performance in Noise and Interference
Limited Situations; Recommended Methods for Technology Independent Modeling, Simulation, and
Verification, September 2004".
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 41
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
� � •.'� �\J �'> MSRE"':Midpeninsula Regional-Exlslinp Coverage Tall In
Prop model 1:Hata-Extended/E-P ditt.
* _ )..� r •� `� M1 iredrd'ro n P Confidence Margin:O.OdB
Climate:Meriime Temperate(Sea)
,� "L: ��y`, +�D '•T1 Land use(duller):USGSEDX format(.151 files)
Atmospheric Abs..none
K Fador 1.333
\ ..� � Y• it{ Sties
• - f M _..r\ ' `� _ Site:Black Mountain
NBlack OBTx.A1GL:015.2 mTotal ERPd:164,06 W
Model:1 duedanal-verticaV0.0' 151.2350 MHz
She Coyole_Paak
{. x j• ..C%'�.._�� N37'12-32.00'W121.46'31.00'343 0 m 1
\ i' i 1 Y
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i
Model.t diredianaFverticaV300.0 151.2350 MHz
Site.Dispatch
S
N3723' 00"W122'04'55.00'22.0m
Dispatch Tx.HI AGL.30.0 in Total ERPd:100.00 W
�i•,;L "`�,��t,� Model:1 omni-verticaV0.0' 151.2350 MHz
/� y.-; _.._, •/ �.. /``- '�• ; Site:Mt Umuhnum
N37'09'37 00"W121'54'28.00'1008.0 no
Umuhnum Tx.FIt.AGL:12.5 in Total ERPd:211.37 W
J.- Model:1 directional-verticaV0.0'151.2350 MHz
� ' ly. r•
She:Purisinna
N37'27'04.00'W122'20'22.00'617.8 in
Punsima Tx.M.AGL:5.2 no Total ERPd:192.53 W
-nJ e e � Model:1 diredionaFvert"I/177.0' 151.2350 MHz
She.Sierra Morena
1,137'24'39.00'W122'18'23.00'706.5 m
S Morena TxFt.AGL.9.1 in Total ERPd:26,61 W
,�_t/{ 1 •11 7���.'.� �� Model:1 diredionaFverticaV0.0' 151.2350 MHz
Poor Coverage Area(reported)
MPROSD 2005 Boundary
Lz..• County Boundaries
j /� J ,7 Streets
�r '^Q j 1� � Received power at best base from remote
7'1500.00" ,�t�';-?�;� �'• jz-•'��{� .�; �'� '% \ � -'\ -57.3 dBmW Reliable Mobile BPortable Talk-In
{ 1 �+dam ��' i• w- .86A to -57.3 dBmW Reliable Mobile,Unreliable Portable
W122'3V00.00" .j,. :/"�}-... V �. "'"� rrr,,„....z�� �e•- '•'�,� `�.�J <�T�U threshold
dBmW Unreliable Mobile d Portable Talk-In
,W,J� \ am Display IMeshokf level:•100.0 dBmW
•/'�, /.,,_._ %y r\ ; / Rx Antenna•Type:OMNI
Height:1.8 m AGL Gain:-1.50 dBd
Preserves
..t 1
f Notes
ram.{ I.r l,,, � / Mobile ERP=50 waits
J I'�
KILOMETERS
t R-3 f, -5
{ 0 5
l /J I
Existing Analog System-Talk-In
Al Saes I Legacy Equipment
Map 1A February 2006
!
„` V ! .., MSITETM Midpeninsula Regional'Exisling Coverage Talk In
4 t ) Prop.model 1:Hala-ExtendedrE-P dirt.
ii aj \ Time:50.0% Loc.:50.0%
Prediction Confidence Margin:O.OdB
Clhnale.Mamime Temperate(Sea)
Land use(Duller):USGSEDX formal(.151 files)
i, Atmospheric Abs..none
K Factor 1.333
Styes
Site:Blade_Mountain
'i-1 N37°19'0800'W122'08'49.00'547.8 in
Black Tx.Ht.AGL:15.2 in Total ERPd:164.06 W
Modell direclionaWerticaV0.0' 151.2350 MHz
,�er Sde:Coyote_Peak
r `A
1 lam! �, _ r N37'12'J2.00'W121'46'31.00'343.0 in
Coyote Tx.HLAGL:27.4 in Total ERPd.79.43 W
l ` { Model:1 direclional."rticaV300.0' 151.2350 MHz
` _ r
Site'.Dispatch
N37'23`44.00'W122'04'55.00'22.0 m
Dispatch Tx H1.AGL:30.0 m Total ERPd 100.00 W
r
2 "��,��`'i_ Model:1 omnr•vedica110.0' 151.2350 MHz
Site MI Umuhnum
N37'09'37 00'W12l'54'28.00' 1008.0 m
;� r1l .� ` a3 r• Umuhnum Tx HI.AGL:12.5 inTotal ERPd:211.37 W
Model.1 directional-venicaV0.0' 151.2350 MHz
3
Sae:Pudsima
N37°2T04.00'W722'20'22.00"617.8 in
\h° \ Purisima Tx.H1AGL 5.2 m Total ERPd:199.53 W
Model:1 direction6."dicaV177.0'151.2350 MHz
{ 171P
�^�" +. "�`t Site:Sierta_Morena
N37'24'39.00"W122'l 8'23.00'706.5 m
Y .
S Morena Tx.Ht AGL:9.1 m Total ERPd:26.61 W
Model,I directionaFvenicaVO.o° 151.2350 MHz
Poor Coverage Area(reported)
MPROSD 2005 Boundary
dary
County Boundaries
Streets
X, 'y. Received power at best base from remote
�N37'15'00.0g" "'r.. � `---"*.�1 _ "i "'-\ -54.5 dBmW Reliable Mobile 8 Portable Talk-In
3O00 DO' d ,•�'t- \\\ ~f85.610 .54.5 dBmW Reliable Mobile,Unreliable Portable
-05.8 dBmW Unreliable Mobile 6 Portable Talk-In
Display threshold level..100.0 dBmW
y5U r .-y ''r- ) :\ _ - ft RX Antenna-Type.OMNI
J ,'✓�' _ .k. „�,��' Height:1.8 m AGL Gain:-1.50 dBd
14,
t �, Notes
A Mobile ERP=50 watts
Y J"'�1 ✓. Jt,�,.t" `�ti r� Y°l t°- '',} v/ t �\ KILOMETERS
AREA 3
Narrowband Analog System-Talk-In
tta �t,' ✓ i 1.....��.JJ,\ Al Sites
Map 18
February 2006
J
MSITE":Midpeninsula Regional-Umuhnum
Prop model LHata-ExtendediE-P dirt.
n �- `` Time 50.0% Loc..500%
�� - Prediction Confidence Margin:0 OdB
Climate:Maritime Temperate(Sea)
, _e ',• >. '�\ • _, Land use(clutter):USGS-ED%formal(.151 files)
:7\"- a',: 'f E •+ Atmospheric Abs.:none
'+�^�(" 'yri 1 - Lk•-� �,. '*.`L. J'k t>,.,. �. ry K Factor:1.333
Sites
r t.�MSite
il A 1 �........� N3muhnu.00n .HI.A L:12.0'1001.0m
U muhnum Tx.H1.AGL:12.5 m Total ERPd:211.37 W
-' Model:1 dlrectbnaFvenlcaV0.0' 151.2350 MHz
f yY, Poor Coverage Area(reported)
') \G� - MPROSD 2005 Boundary
County Boundaries
Streets
J Received power al best base from remole
.57.3 dBmW Reliable Mobile S Portable Talk-88.8 to -57.3 dBmW Reliable Mobile,Unreliable Portable
�.� < .88.6 dBmW Unreliable Mobile A Portable Talk-In
�
( } t �. / \ �\ Display threshold level:-100.0 dBmW
�
RX Antenna-Type:OMNI
s ' Height 1.8 m AGL Gain:-1.50 dBd
• _p \ " _ i -1 x h, Preserves
}� 1 J Notes
t�y AREA 2 ' \•C`>�j�` Moble ERP=50 warts
1` \ Y
KILOMETERS
Existing Analog System-Talk-in
^'L—Y``.', / 's I •y."!7• \ t AREA J"�.'._...,�•.....�•�".^'�`� _ MT.VMUHNUM February 2008
Map 2A
46
J kiL
Y i `
?`' . (•yii J... C ikF�,�, i _ -}' MSITET:Midpeninsula Regional-Umuhnum
Pmp model 1:Hate Extended,E-P dill.
`i
Yy Time:50.0% Loc.:50 0%
l Prediction Confidence Margin:0 gdB
,
� ! Cbmale�.Maritime Temperate(Sea)
�' �{. �� 4 Land use(clutter).USGS-ED%format 1.151 files)
Atmospheric Abs-none
f, �N 'e _ Ny �"t >.,,,- •�'y.=`^ KSires Factor 1.333
,r T i` F• ,�. 1 fr/ ���;� �tip. /�
Site:Mt Umuhnum
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< M l -.-- PROSD 2005 Boundary�i
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___ —_ County Boundaries
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Site:Siena Morena
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f wv S Tx.Ht.AGL:9.1 m Total ERPd:26.61 W
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*L,, t Poor Coverage Area(reported)
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ash),~.J '"' ^•�^ k k {T�•e —- — -—- County Boundaries
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Map 3 February 2008
1 � i 9ir`^'� '•
U30pam"494"R6040NAL .,SPACE Dt*rfdcT MACRO
APPENDIX C-USER EQUIPMENT PROGRAMMING
Receive Receive Transmit
Channel Agency(Repeater Location) Frequency Tone Frequency Tone
I MROSD Ranger I (Purisima) 151.235 123.0 159.255 218.1
2 MROSD Ranger 2(Black man.) 151.235 123.0 159.255 123.0
3 MROSD Ranger 3(Mt.Umunhum) 151.235 123.0 159.255 110.9
4 MROSD Ranger 4(Sierra Morena) 151.235 123.0 159.255 131.8
5 MROSD Ranger 5(Coyote Peak) 151.235 123.0 159.255 179.9
6 MROSD Maint.6(Purisima) 151.235 203.5 159.255 156.7
7 MROSD Maint.7(Black man.) 151.235 203.5 159.255 77.0
8 MROSD Maint.8(Mt.Umunhum) 151.235 203.5 159.255 71.9
9 MROSD Maint.9(Sierra Morena) 151.235 203.5 159.255 82.5
10 MROSD Maint. 10(Coyote Peak) 151.235 203.5 159.255 118.8
11 MROSD Tactical 150.775 203.5 150.775 203.5
12 SCCO Fire-main 154.250 162.2 158.355 162.2
13 SCCO Fire-Command 2 155.985 179.9 158.955 167.9
14 SCCO Fire-Command 8 154.400 110.9 154.400 110.9
15 SC Co.Fire Tac 154.175 none 154.175 none
16 Palo Alto Fire-Main 153.770 110.9 154.445 110.9
17 SMCO Park-car to base 151.475 114.8 151.475 114.8
18 CALCORD 156.075 none 156.075 none
19 SCCO Parks-simulcast 151.145 107.2 159.120 131.8
20 out of service
21 out of service
22 CDF Felton Local 2(Allen Peak) 151.370 167.9 159.285 123.0
23 CDF Felton Local 6(Chalks) 151.370 167.9 159.285 156.7
24 CDF Morgan Hill(Mt.Allison) 151.445 none 159.345 136.5
25 CDF Tac 3-San Mateo 151.175 none 151.175 none
26 CDF Tac 6-Santa Clara 151.325 none 151.325 none
27 CDF Tac 10-Santa Clara 151.400 none 151.400 none
28 SMCO Fire-Command IA 153.890 114.8 159.075 179.9
29 Fire White 1 154.280 none 154.280 none
30 Fire White 2 154.265 none 154.265 none
31 Fire White 3 154.295 none 154.295 none
32 CLEMARS 154.920 none 154.920 none
33 MROSD I -Direct 151.235 123.0 151.235 123.0
34 SCCO Fire-Saratoga 154.205 179.9 154.205 179.9
35 SCCO Parks-Stevens Cyn) 151.145 107.2 159.120 173.8
36 SCCO Park-Tac 151.490 107.2 151.490 107.2
37 Fire(Yellow) 153.830 none 153.830 none
38 CDF Felton Local 5 (Belawski) 151.370 167.9 159.285 146.2
39 CDF Felton Local 8(Pisa) 151.370 167.9 159.285 103.5
40 CDF Felton Local 10(Loma Prieta) 151.370 167.9 159.285 107.2
41 CDF Felton Local 11 (Mt Allison) 151.370 167.9 159.285 114.8
42 CDF Tac 2 151.160 none 151.160 none
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 47
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
hrOPSNUMULA AL SV^C6 OtSTItWT MACRO
43 San Mateo Co Parks-Car to Car 151.475 none 151.475 none
44 SCCO Sheriff-control 1 (Co.Primary) 156.210 179.9 ****** ******
45 out of service ****** ****** ****** ******
46 out of service ****** ****** ****** ******
47 BAYMACS 155.475 156.7 150.790 156.7
I
I
i
I
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 48
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UMPOOMMA"6010HAL OPM SPACS OWTVOCT MACRO
APPENDIX D—DESCRIPTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Digital Radio Systems
Although some manufacturers may assert that their radio systems are "digital," this usage of the term
may only apply to the internal operation of the radio system, and not the voice transmission portion.
Our discussion here concerns digital voice transmission.
Digitization, with respect to wireless communications,refers to the conversion of speech sounds(which
are "analog") into unique numbers or"replacement values." Unique combinations of I and 0 represent.
these values. This 'conversion occurs in the radio unit itself. Once converted, the Is and Os are
transmitted over-the-air though a repeater or to another radio where the reverse process takes place. The
original speech is then emitted from the receiving radio's speaker. This is what makes digital systems
less susceptible to eavesdropping and interception.
Once voice is "digitized,,,31it becomes relatively easy to vary the assignment of values and order in
which they are transmitted (loosely referred to here as the "protocol"). As long as the transmitting and
receiving radios operate under the same protocol or rules,transmission and reception is possible.
But, who determines the rules or protocols that dictate the assignment of numeric values to specific
speech sounds?In lieu of a democratic standards-setting process, the first manufacturer to get a product
into the market usually makes the rules. Yet, some protocols are open while others remain closed or
proprietary. However, some "open" protocols still require manufacturers to pay intellectual property or
license fees for the rights to use them. As with most current digital technologies, the industry
"standard" is usually defined less by standard-setting bodies than by market penetration and widespread
acceptance by users.
Some manufacturers claim that the quality of a digital signal is better than that of an analog signal. This
may be due to the simple fact that radio noise, such as static and some forms of interference, are analog-
type signals. Since analog radios are designed to reproduce analog signals, both voice and noise can be
reproduced, resulting in poor voice quality. Digital radios, on the other hand, only reproduce signals
that contain discreet and well-defined signal values(combinations of I or 0), so random or continuously
variable static noise is ignored.
However, it is well known that a strong analog voice signal will have more clarity than a strong digital
signal.32 But, once an analog signal starts to degrade, digital performs better. Thus,digital systems have
an advantage when signals become weaker. Based on recent measurements and experience, Macro has
found that some digital technologies will have slightly better range than analog. This is especially true
when digital is compared with narrowband analog systems.
One major advantage to digital systems is their tolerance of interference. Initial studies indicate that
digital systems can tolerate significantly more co-channel interference than their analog counterpart.
This will be an increasingly important benefit to agencies in congested areas.
Due to design differences between analog and digital equipment, it is generally not possible to purchase
an analog radio that is digital-capable or upgradeable. Normally, a digital-type radio must be purchased
31 The electronic process of converting voice sounds into numeric values prior to transmission(and vice-versa for
reception). A Voice Coder("vocoder")performs these functions.
32 This is true today. However,Macro expects significant improvements over the next five to ten years.
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WDPSNOMMA A69NONAL CW"SPACE WSTRICT MACRO
at the outset and at a cost premium, although the agency may only intend to operate it in an analog
mode. Digital radios can be expected to be backward compatible with analog systems.
Regardless of whether a radio system is trunked or conventional, an agency could employ a mix of
digital and analog trunks or channels. However, unless all user equipment is capable of digital
operation, only digital radios could use digital trunked channels. However, since all digital user
equipment is dual-mode,digital radios could use the analog radio trunks.
Differences in Digital Technologies
Significant differences can exist in voice quality and capability between competing digital systems.
The resulting voice quality of digitized message is dependent on the hardware device (and
accompanying software) that converts and reconverts the speech sounds to/from digital (it is called a
voice coder, or "vocoder"). There are numerous vocoder types available, and in some modem radios,
the vocoder can be changed or modified by uploading new software. Common vocoder types used in
wireless communications include IMBE,AMBE, VCELP and CVSD.
Another differentiating factor among digital systems is their ability to "embed" other information
transparently within the voice message.
Some digital systems transmit the coded speech information only and rely on traditional analog methods
to implement other more advanced(although limited)feature sets.
However, digital technologies capable of embedding can transmit other information, such as a user's
identification number or name. Features such as single-button "canned" message transmissions,
individual or group calling and paging, and the ability to disable or "stun" stolen or misused radios
becomes possible. This helps system administrators to better manage large radio fleets.
Some digital technologies have the ability to allow limited shared-use of a channel among different user
groups using "group codes.,,3' This is similar to traditional Community Repeater operation. Some
models will also permit use of receiver comparator equipment while also maintaining the group code
function.
Standards have been developed that will permit "data-encapsulation," or the embedding of digital
information, such as vehicle computer inquiries and responses, in voice transmissions. A limited form
of Adaptive Power Control (APQ is also possible in some models. This feature can reduce the
transmitted power of a portable radio to optimize battery life 34 and reduce interference to nearby
agencies.
These features will operate optimally with radio technologies that employ Time Division Multiple
Access(TDMA)methods,as opposed to Frequency Division Multiple Access(FDMA).
33 Not to be confused with trunking. This feature simply"mutes"and effectively locks-out users on the same
conventional channel who do not have the same group code.
14 However,this will be partially offset by the somewhat power-hungry microprocessors in the radio,which make
such features possible.
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APCO Project 25
In an attempt to promote compatible interoperable digital two-way wireless communications products
and system, APCO and numerous State and Federal agencies have developed a suite of technical
standards for conventional and trunked digital radio systems for public-safety applications. Initiated in
1989 by APCO and standardized by TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association), this work is
known as Project 25 (P25). Project 25 sought to create a standard for second generation digital and
trunked radio systems and overcome the primary weakness of APCO 16: the lack of open systems and
resultant competition among manufacturers.
This fairly recent APCO standard applies to the implementation of conventional and trunked digital
radio systems for public safety applications. One advantage of this newer standard is that it defines
protocols and interfaces so that it is possible to utilize radios from different manufacturers in the same
system. Implementation of this standard is becoming more common today as public safety agencies
begin switching to digital radio; however,competition among manufacturers is still somewhat limited.
There are currently three phases to the Project 25 process.
Project 25 Phase I
Phase I resulted in a 12.5 kHz bandwidth ("narrowband") FDMA35 set of standards consisting of 32
completed and published documents. The P25 Phase I standards were approved by ANSI in 1997.
One key document describes the Common Air Interface (CAI), which is crucial in defining how radios
communicate over-the-air. The P25 Phase I CAI requires that the control and messaging structure be
transmitted at a gross rate of 9.6 kbps, of which 4.4 kbps is used for the digitized voice message 36 2.4
kbps is used for signaling,and the remaining 2.8 kbps is used for error correction. This provides for one
voice message to be conveyed using 12.5 kHz of spectral bandwidth.
Unfortunately, consoles and base station (repeater) standards were not developed during Phase 1, their
interfaces are currently proprietary. Open console and base station interfaces will be part of the Phase 11
standards. Therefore, the vendor providing a Phase I system would probably provide the console
system, limiting competition to only vehicles and portables radios. Therefore, real vendor competition
may not be a reality until after the standards for Phase 11 are finalized and published.
P25 Phase I system preliminary tests were recently completed at Motorola's factory for the Cities of
Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona's trunked radio system with reported positive results. The participating
vendors were Motorola, E.F. Johnson and IFR(IFR focused on radio test equipment). Other equipment
manufacturers such as M/A-Com, Wulfsberg Electronics, BK Radio, and Kenwood are currently
shipping Project 25 Phase I radios. At least forty-six manufacturers have signed the Project 25
Intellectual Property Rights(IFR)Memorandum of Understanding(MOU).
Project 25 systems offer some major advantages over legacy analog systems. One of the advantages is
that the P25 standards were developed in an open process that should result in competition from
different manufacturers. P25 Phase I uses C417M (Compatible 4-level Frequency Modulation). C417M
is a constant amplitude frequency modulation that allows the use of non-linear power amplifiers,
allowing digital power levels to be similar to current power levels of today's analog equipment. An
analog transmitter can therefore be replaced with a P25 Phase I digital transmitter with similar output
power level. This results in radio coverage similar to that of the analog systems they are replacing, and
Frequency Division Multiple Access. A method that creates different communications channels or paths by
dividing the radio spectrum into numerous"slices"—each slice is then used as a channel to carry one message.
.16 A"Vocoder",or voice coder is used to digitize human speech. This is the vocoder's output.
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MOVENOMULA PtGQ#ONAL CWSN*r^C2 04STfdCT MACRO
37
allows reuse of the same radio tower sites in most cases. P25 systems configurations include both
conventional and trunked systems, including zoned and simulcast architectures.
It should be noted that very few fully compliant Project 25 Phase I trunked systems have been installed
or manufactured, although the list of participating manufacturers is growing. While Motorola's Astrov
25 model radio systems currently employ the Project 25 CAI for voice transmissions, some trunked
models are still equipped with Motorola's lower-speed and proprietary control-channel signaling
method found on their earlier analog systems. This is normally found on Motorola's Version 4.X Astro
trunked systems. However, Motorola has announced their Astro(& 25 system version 6.X that will
utilize the APCO 25 9.6 kbps control channel signaling protocol. Theoretically, V6.X will permit their
trunked customers to use subscriber radios from other manufacturers.
Project 25 Phase I systems are currently available and are considered robust and reliable enough for
demanding government systems. They can be equipped with standard voice encryption products as
well. They can also be implemented using the same repeater sites, frequencies, and many of the
components that current analog systems use. Many federal government agencies, including the FCC and
the District of Defense have embraced Project 25. In fact, P25 Phase I has been defined as the required
standard for use on the new 700 MHz interoperability channels.
As noted above, Phase I of Project 25 addressed systems capable of transmitting one voice message per
one 12.5 kHz radio channel (e.g., FDMA). While this is compliant with current FCC Refarming rules
affecting 150 and 460 MHz radio bands, these rules also required manufacturerS38 of equipment to
eventually be capable of providing one voice message on a 6.25 kHz channel. Project 25 Phase I
systems will not be capable of such operation. However, P25 Phase 11 systems are being developed to
comply with this requirement. It is unclear, however, whether a Phase I system purchased today would
require a major or minor upgrade.
It should be noted that manufacturers produce many different tiers of user and fixed-end equipment. It
is not uncommon for manufacturers to initially roll out their highest-tier and most expensive P25 Phase I
radio models first, and follow later with lower-cost models.
Project 25 Phase 11&III
Phase 11 is currently underway with the goal of defining both FDMA and TDMA 39 standards to achieve
6.25 kHz bandwidth efficiency. P25 Phase 11 FDMA standards (6.25 kHz) have been completed for
some time, but manufacturers are unable to build equipment due to some of the technology constraints
that currently exist: linear amplifiers, frequency stability, battery size, etc., particularly for portable
subscriber sets.
The APCO P25 Steering Committee recently accepted a joint proposal from the European Defense and
Security Networks(EDSN, also called EARS) and Nortel Networks to create a new P25 Phase 11 2-slot
TDMA standard. This proposal offers backward compatibility with P25 Phase I conventional and
trunked systems; uses the Phase I Common Air Interface (CAI) technology, control channel, data
format, IMBE vocoder, and system identifications plans; and defines power levels similar to Phase I
equipment,thereby assuring comparable coverage.
Compatible Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (CQPSK) was the modulation technique selected for P25
Phase 11. CQPSK modulates both the phase and the carrier amplitude of the radio signal. This
37
Exceptions may include P25 simulcast systems.
38
Not end-users,however.
39 Time Division Multiple Access.A radio technology that interleaves multiple messages onto a single high-speed
channel,one after another.
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`QV"WA"IX$r""Cr MACRO
technique minimizes the width of the emitted signal allowing the bandwidth to be cut in half. The
CQPSK demodulator in the P25 Phase 11 receiver will be capable of receiving a signal from either the
C4FM or the CQPSK modulator. Therefore,during migration from P25 Phase I to Phase 11,the Phase 11
receiver would ensure interoperability with Phase I systems since its CQPSK demodulator will be able
to detect and demodulate Phase I C4FM signals.
The third phase of Project 25 deals with two different sub-phases of data standards. One phase is to
develop a set of standards for use in 25, 50, and 150 kHz channel bandwidths in the US 700 MHz band,
and the other would develop an international standard to achieve data rates of more than 2 Mbps. The
latter standards effort is called Project MESA, an international standardization partnership on vehicle
broadband technologies between TIA (North America)and ETSI (Europe).
Encryption
Encryption involves changing the form of a message, prior to transmission, such that the instructions to
"undo" or reverse the changes are known by the intended recipient. These instructions or"codes" must
be definable and changeable by the operator of the system in order to ensure secure message
transmission.
Encryption can be implemented in an analog or digital form. Today, analog encryption can usually
comes in the form of a small circuit board that is installed in each radio, repeater and remote receiver.
They are not an OEM(Original Equipment Manufacturer)produceo and are rarely installed by the radio
manufacturer. These are adequate to protect communications from immediate security threats and to
discourage casual eavesdropping. Users will experience degradation in voice quality, and sometimes
range,when using analog encryption techniques.
Digital radio systems are not automatically encrypted, although most can be considered moderately
secure.4 1 Adding encryption to digital-type systems normally requires a software upgrade as opposed to
any hardware modifications.
Each manufacturer normally offers both its own proprietary encryption product, as well as the DES
(Digital Encryption Standard) product that is in use by the federal government. DES is normally more
secure, in that it employs a more sophisticated encryption key.
Digital encryption can be employed on a conventional or trunked analog system. However, its voice
quality and performance are normally quite poor. Most of these products were designed over eight to
ten years ago before advances in voice compression and transmission. However, deploying encryption
on a digital radio has little effect in range or voice quality,and is the preferred method.
If encryption were employed on a trunked system, it would be available to all users, not just to specific
groups of users. However, user equipment must also be capable of encryption as well.
40 These modifications usually void the equipment warranty unless installed by the radio manufacturer.
4'However,this is generally a function of limited availability of compatible and affordable digital receivers.
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MOPOMMULA L OftN SPACE OWTV"Cr MACRO
Digital Radio and Vehicle Data Systems
Cities quite often consider implementing a digital voice radio system for vehicle data transmission.
Although the Project 25 process lead to plans to integrate voice and data, very few if any have been
implemented. In any case, Project 25 data will be limited to data rates around 7.2 kbps (much slower
than a standard telephone modem).
The difficulty is that data requires large amounts of bandwidth (or wide channel widths) for short
periods, whereas voice requires small amounts of bandwidth for longer time periods. Voice
infrastructures are not normally optimized for data transmission, and vice versa. Thus, manufacturers
have not produced such equipment.
Although M/A-COM and Motorola have implemented vehicle data on their analog trunked radio
systems,users have had mixed results.
The most common data systems today rely on a dedicated data channel and base station, with
specialized and dedicated radio transceivers in vehicles. Macro sees no significant changes over the
next five years.
END OF DOCUMENT
Improvement of the Two-Way Radio Communications System Page 54
Needs Assessment&Conceptual Design Report May 10,2006
Acc ated 5-Year Plan for Alternat D
Alternative D-Migration to Digital Operation
For budgetary purposes only. Replacement dates consider narrowbanding and equipment age.
Time value of money not considered-
Alternative D-Digital Simulcast Operation 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Normal
Replacement of aging equipment with new digital models Replacement
User Equipment Actions (vehicle and portable radios) Cycle
Normal
Replacement of aging equipment with new digital models Replacement
Radio System Infrastructure Actions
(repeaters and base stations) Cycle
Build Build
System Upgrade Actions Back-haul Simulcast
I System I System
Radio System-Conventional Digital,150 MHz $26,000
Purisima(Ranger Stn.) $26,000
Black Mtn. $26,000 $26,000
Mt.Umunhurn(Tomita ME) $26,000 $26,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $26,000 $26,000 $26,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $26,000
Mountain View Dispatch $23,000 S23,000
Add simulcast components and services(all sites) $587,250 $324,000 $263,250
User Equipment(includes spares)
Portable Radios-Conventional Digital $79,380 $32,340 $15,680 $15,680 $15,680
Vehicular Radios-Conventional Digital $116,380 $38,793 $38,793 $38,793
Control/Base Equipment-Conventional Digital $11,700 $3,900 $3,900 $3,900
Site Improvements and Other Services
Mt.Urnunhum(Tomita Hill) $10,000 $10,000
Sierra Morena(Skeggs Point) $4,000 S4,000
Coyote Peak(Santa Teresa) $1,000 $1,000
Project Oversight and Acceptance Testing(Macro or $78,000 $39,000 $39,000
other firm)
Annual Recurring Costs
Tower site leases,maintenance and ongoing $240,320 $31,600 $31,600 $31,600 $54,600 $90,920
equipment replacement progran
Total System(all users) $1,281,030 S104,940 S115,973 $115,973 S527,973 $416,170
optionslEnhancements
(1)ADD mobile extenders to reduce current dead $53,000 $53,000
spots(equip 22 patrol vehicles,
(3)ADD frequency pair(second ch.)to separate N/A*
Maintenance and Patro
Total System(WOptions&Enhancements) S 1,334,0301 $157,940 S115,973 S115,973 S527,973 $416,170
Use of the Community Repeater function can eliminate the need for this approach.
1 it
Recurring Costs 9-18-06
Annual Recurring Costs
Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
No. Tower Sites 5 5 5 5 5
#Site Leases 2 2 2 2 2
Increased rack space req'd. Black Yes Yes
linfrastructure Improvements Backhaul Simulcast
Alt D
11 00 11 000 13 000 $13 000
11000 0 $ $ ,
Site leases $ $ ,
Annual Maintenance $14,000 $14,000 $14,000 $35,000 $70,000
Annual equipment replacement $6,600 $6,600 $6,600 $6,600 $7,920
Coverage Mitigation Sites(analog only)
Total Recurring: $31,600 $31,600 $31,600 $54,600 $90,920
I
I
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-05
Meeting 07-02
January 24, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 2
AGENDA ITEM
Appointment of Board Committee Members for 2007
PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION
Approve my recommendations for appointments to the Standing, Ad Hoc and Outside
Committees as contained in this report, including the determination of compensation status for
attendance at Board Committee meetings.
DISCUSSION
Sections 1.80 through 1.83 of our Rules qf*Procedure calls for the Board President to appoint Board
members to our existing Standing and Ad Hoc Committees and to outside committees, with consent
of the Board.
The four Standing Committees consist of Administration and Budget; Legislative, Funding and
Public Affairs; Use and Management; and Real Property. Following our Rules of Procedure,
Directors Riffle (Board Treasurer) shall be one of the three members of the Administration and
Budget Committee.
The four Ad Hoc Committees consist of Board Appointee Evaluation; La Honda Master Plan; Sierra
Azul & Bear Creek Redwoods Master Plan; and Good Neighbor Policy.
Section 2.30 of the District's Rules provides that all Standing Committees are compensable.
Attendance at Ad Hoc Committee meetings is compensable when determined to be so by the Board.
It is recommended that attendance at the Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee, Good
Neighbor Policy Committee, La Honda Master Plan Committee and Ad Hoc Sierra Azul Master Plan
Committee are compensable. The Ridge Trail Council representation, an outside committee, is
proposed to remain non-compensable.
Proposed committee assignments for the 2007 are shown on the following page and I look forward
to Board concurrence.
Prepared by:
L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Contact person:
Ken Nitz, President
Regional Open Space "I.........
------------
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
BOARD OFFICERS — 2007
President — Ken Nitz:
Vice-President— Pete Siemens
Treasurer—Curt Riffle
Secretary — Mary Davey
BOARD COMMITTEES — 2007
JSTANDING COMMITTEES 11 jgE::S:]j
Administration and Budget Board Appointee Evaluation
0 Curt Riffle (Treasurer) 0 Jed Cyr
0 Mary Davey 0 Nonette Hanko
0 Pete Siemens 0 Curt Riffle
Legislative, Finance and Public Affairs La Honda Master Plan
• Larry Hassett 0 Mary Davey
• Nonette Hanko 0 Larry Hassett
• Jed Cyr 0 Curt Riffle
Use and Management Sierra Azul & Bear Creek Redwoods Master
0 Larry Hassett Plan
0 Curt Riffle 0 Jed Cyr
0 Pete Siemens 0 Ken Nitz
0 Pete Siemens
Real Property Good Neighbor Policy
0 Mary Davey 0 Jed Cyr
0 Nonette Hanko 9 Nonette Hanko
0 Jed Cyr 0 Ken Nitz
Financing Authority UTSIDE COMMITTEES
• Ken Nitz, Chairperson
• Curt Riffle, Treasurer Ridge Trail Council Representative*
• Larry Hassett
Jed Cyr
• Pete Siemens
• Liz Kniss, Board of Supervisors Rep.
CAJPIA REPRESENTATIVE*
from Santa Clara County
0 Ken Nitz, President
• Michael Foster, Controller
• Sally Rice, Secretary
*non-com pensa ble
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-16
Meeting 07-02
January 24, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 3
AGENDA ITEM
Appointment of District Representatives to the Governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District Financing Authority
PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION
In addition to myself as Chairperson and Director Riffle as Treasurer, I request you approve my
appointment of Directors Hassett and Siemens to serve on the Governing Board of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Financing Authority.
DISCUSSION
Members of the Board
The Governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority
consists of five members. In accordance with its bylaws, the District's Board President shall be the
Chairperson of the Financing Authority and the Treasurer of the District shall be the Treasurer of the
Authority. Two of the remaining members are members of the District's Board of Directors and are
appointed by the Board President. I am recommending that these two Board Members be Directors
Flassett and Siemens. The fifth member is the member of the Santa Clara County Board of
Supervisors whose district encompasses the greatest territory of the District, and who is appointed to
the Board of the Financing Authority by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Accordingly,
Supervisor Liz Kniss will remain as the fifth member.
Officers of the Authority
Section 2.4 of Article 11 of the Financing Authority's bylaws calls for four officers: Chairperson,
Secretary, Treasurer and Controller. The,Chairperson shall be the President of the Board of the
District. The Treasurer shall be the Treasurer of the District. The Secretary is the District Clerk,
Sally Rice. The Controller of the Authority shall be the Controller of the District, Mike Foster. The
Authority must confirm these officers at its first meeting each calendar year.
I recommend that you approve my appointment of Directors Hassett and Siemens to serve on the
Governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority in addition
to the bylaws dictated Board Members, myself as Chair and Director Riffle as Treasurer. The
Financing Authority Governing Board will confirm the Officers at its next scheduled meeting.
Prepared by:
L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Contact person:
Ken Nitz, President
Regional Open Space
-------------
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-15
Meeting 07-02
January 24, 2007 AGENDA ITEM 4
AGENDA ITEM
Approve Appointment of Director Nitz as the District's Representative to the California Joint
Powers Insurance Authority Board of Directors and Appointment of TwoAlternates: General
Manager, C. Britton, and Assistant General Manager, S. Rice
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMEND
I Approve appointment of President Nitz to represent t e Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District, consistent with the requirements of the California Joint Powers
Insurance Authority.
2. Approve appointment of General Manager, L. Craig Britton, and Assistant General
Manager Sally Rice, as alternates.
DISCUSSION
Pursuant to the Joint Powers Agreement—Creating the California Joint Powers Insurance
Authority, Article 7, Board oj'Directors, the CAJPIA shall be governed by a Board of Directors
composed of one representative from each member who shall be selected from the legislative
body of that member and, in addition, at least one alternate who shall be an officer or employee
of the member. The alternate member(s) shall have the same authority as the regular member.
The selected Board member or alternate would attend the annual CAJPIA board meeting, which
is held each July, and represent the District in any other matter required by the CAJPIA Joint
Powers Agreement.
At your April 24, 2002 Regular Meeting, you approved appointing the Board President as the
appropriate Board member selected to represent the District in this manner, with the General
Manager or Assistant General Manager available as alternates (see Report R-02-62). However,
according to the bylaws of the CAJPIA, each year the Board must actually name the individual
representatives.
Prepared by:
L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Contact person:
Same as Above
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-17
Meeting 07-02
January 24, 2007 AGENDA ITEM 5
AGENDA ITEM
Amendments to the District's Conflict of Interest Code
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIOIS�-���
V
Adopt the attached Resolution amending the District's Conflict of Interest Code.
DISCUSSION
In accordance with Government Code Section 87306.5, every two years the District is required
to review its Conflict of Interest Code and submit a notice to the code-reviewing body (the Fair
Political Practices Commission, or FPPC), specifically whether the Conflict of Interest Code
("Code") is accurate or needs amendment, The Code must be amended when adding or deleting
positions, changing disclosure categories, or changing job titles. Based on these criteria, staff
filed the required notice with the FPPC on October 1, 2006 stating that the District's Conflict of
Interest Code was in need of amendment. The proposed amendments to the Code are:
0 Amending the position title of"Land Acquisition Manager" to "Real Property Manager;"
* Amending the position of title of"Administration Services Manager" to "Administration and
Human Resources Manager,"
o Amending the position title of"Legal Counsel" to "General Counsel;"
o Amending the position title of"Office Manager/Secretary to the General Manager" to
"Senior Administrative Assistant;"
* Amending the position title of"Administrative Analyst"to "Management Analyst;"
0 Amending the position title of"Supervising Construction and Maintenance Ranger
Maintenance and Construction Supervisor" to "Maintenance and Resource Supervisor;"
9 Amending the position title of"Attorney" to "Assistant General Counsel;"
9 Amending the position title of"Senior Acquisition Planner" to "Senior Real Property
Planner;"
0 Adding new position title of"Open Space Planner I,"
0 Adding new position title of"Assistant General Manager;"
0 Adding new position title of"Resource Management Specialist;"
0 Adding new position title of-Land Protection Specialist;"
0 Adding new position title of"Community Affairs Supervisor-,"
0 Adding new position title of"Public Affairs Specialist.`
0 Adding new position title of"Resource Specialist I/Resource Planner 1;
0 I'llininating the Visitor Services Supervisor position, which is currently included in the Code
but no longer exists.
* n-ii FlIinati,ng the Real Property Representative position, which is currently included in the
(,()dQ, but no lon-er exists.
0 Idiininating the Research Attorney position, which is currently included in the Code but no
longer exists.
In accordance with the FPPC regulations, the District's notice of intention to amend its Conflict
of Interest Code has been posted for at least 45 days prior to tonight's Public Hearing on the
matter. Notice was also provided to seven existing employees affected by the proposed Code
amendments. As of`the writing of this report, the District Clerk has received no public
comments regarding the proposed changes.
A con-ij,'flete copy of the proposed Conflict of Interest Code is tAttached for your review.
Prepared by:
Carolyn Butler, Deputy District Clerk
Contact person:
Sally Rice. District Clerk
RESOLUTION 07-
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
AMENDING CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
WI-1EM'AS, by Resolution No. 00-73 the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District adopted a conflict of interest code pursuant to the Political
Reform Act of 1974; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 87306.5 requires a biennial review of the
District's Conflict of Interest Code; and
WI IERFAS. the District, in accordance with Commission Regulation 18750.1 (2
('al. Code ol'Regs. Sec. 18750,1 ), has prepared code amendments, noticed affected
employees and the public of its intent to amend the code, and conducted a public hearing to
consider the amendments;
NOW, 'ITIEREFORE, the Board of Directors ofthe Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District does hereby resolve to repeal Resolution No. 00-73 and adopt the amended
Conflict of Interest Code as contained herein, to be effective on the thirtieth day following
approval of the District's amended code by the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
The Political Reform Act, Government Code Sections 81000, et seq., requires state and local
-government agencies to adopt and promulgate Conflict of Interest Codes. The Fair Political
Practices Commission has adopted a regulation, 2 Ca. Code of Regulations Section 18730, which
contains the terms ol'a standard Conflict of Interest Code, which can be incorporated by
reference and which may be amended by the Fair Political Practices Commission to conform to
-
amendments in the Political Reform Act after public notice and hearings. Therefore, the terms of
2 Ca. Code of Regulations Section 18730 and any amendment to it duly adopted by the Fair
Political Practices Commission, along with the attached appendix in which officials and
employees are designated and disclosure categories are set forth, are hereby incorporated by
reference and Constitute the Conflict of Interest Code of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District, except as provided below.
Designated employees shall file their stateirients with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District who will make the statements available for public inspection and reproduction. (Gov.
Code Section 81008). Statements for all designated employees will be retained by the agency.
Exec)tion: The portion of land located within the District boundaries or sphere Of influence, or
within two miles of the District's boundaries or sphere of influence, or within two miles of any
land owned by the District used primarily as the residence of the designated position, including
U17) to three acres in area surrounding such residence, shall not be considered an "interest in real
property" for the purposes of this Code and need not be reported, but the rest of any Such land
shall he reported and its value declared.
330 Distel Circle * Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 9 Phone: 650-691-1200
Fax: 650-691-0485 o E-mail: lnfo@openspace.org 9 Web site: www.openspace.org
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE FOR THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
APPENDIX
Assigned Disclosure
Designated Positions Categories
Board Members 1, 2, 3
General Manager 1, 2, 3
Land Real Property Manager 1,2, 3
Planning Manager 1,2, 3
Operations Manager 1,2, 3
Public Affairs Manager 1,2,3
Administration and Human Resources Manager 1,2,3
Legal Gounsel General Counsel 1,2, 3
Controller" 1 2 3
Senior Administrative Assistant 4,2,3
Analyst-Management Analyst 2, 3
2,3
Maintenance and Resource Supervisor
Supervising Patrol Ranger 2, 3
Support Services Supervisor 2, 3
Planning Technician 2, 3
Resource Planner 1 2, 3
Senior Planner 1, 2, 3
Area Superintendent 1, 2, 3
,-2T-3
4 ',
Open Space Planner I 1 2
Open Space Planner II 1, 2, 3
Senior Planner 1, 2, 3
Area Superintendent 1,2, 3
Assistant General Counsel 1,2,3
Consultant- 1,2,3
Assistant General Manager 1 2 3
Senior Real Property Planner 1, 2, 3
Re ource Management S ecialist 1 2 3
Land Protection S ecialist 1 2 3
Real Property Specialists 1,2, 3
Communily Affairs Supervisor 2, 3
Public Affairs Specialist 2 3
Resource Sp§cialist I/Resource Planner 1 1 2 3
i
Amended 12/06
DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES
C Latci,,c) I — Interests in real property are reportable interests if:
A. The real property to which the interest pertains is located in whole or in part within the
District's boundaries or sphere of influence, or within two miles of the District's boundaries
or sphere of influence, or within two miles of any land owned by the District. Ownership
shall include an easement, leasehold, beneficial or legal interest, or option to acquire Such
interest.
B. P01- purposes of this category. *'interest in real property" does not include property used
exclusively as the personal residence of the filer, including the residence and up to three
acres in area Surrounding the residence. The remainder ofany such land, if any, shall be
reported and its value declared
A. Investments and business Positions in any business entity which is engaged in business
\,vithin the District and which is of the type which has contracted with the District to provide
employee testing or training, professional services, consulting services, financial set-vices,
other services, supplies, materials, machinery, books, uniforms, publications, equipment,
vehicles or insurance.
B. Investments or business positions in business entities which engage in the design, planning,
engineering, construction, materials supply or project management of private or public
construction projects with the District.
C. Investments or business Positions in business entities that engage in the business of
brokerage. aCtlUiSitiOn, leasing, marketing ol'disposal of real property within the District.
1), Investments of business positions in business entities which, within the District, engage in
the preparation of reports, surveys, evaluations or investigations of the type used by the
District. including environmental documents such as environmental Impact Reports, real
property appraisals land Surveys, environmental assessments, hazardous waste investigations,
percolation evaluations, engineering reports, biological assessments, geologic or hydrologic
evaluations. or evaluation ofthe physical condition of real property.
1. Income from any Source which provides employee testing or training, professional services,
consulting services, financial services, other services, supplies, materials, machinery, books,
UnIt'01-111S, publications, equipment, vehicles or insurance within the District.
amended 12/06
B. Income from sources which engage in the design, planning, engineering, construction,
materials supply or project manageme►lt of private or public construction projects within the
District.
C IIICOIIIC fi-0111 sources that engage in the business of brokerage. acquisition, leasing,
marketing, or disposal of real property within the District.
D. income from sources which, within the District, engage in the preparation of reports, surveys,
evZ►1t►ation or investigations of the type used by the District including environmental
documents such as Environmental Impact Reports, real property appraisals, land Surveys,
environmental assessments, geologic or hydrologic evaluations, or evaluations of the
physical condition of real property.
Comi-oller: Manages Public investment.
('011SUltant Disclosure Cate ,ory
Co►lst►Rant shall be included in the list of designated employees and shall disclose pursuant to
the broadest disclosure category in the code subject to the following limitation:
The general manager may determine in writing that a particular consultant, although a
-designated position." is hired to perform a range of duties that is limited in scope and
thus is not required to fully comply with the disclosure requirements in this section. Such
written determination shall include a description of the Consultant's duties and, based
upon that description, a statement of the extent of disclosure requirements. The general
mangers detcrinimitiori is a public record and shall be retained for public inspection in
the sarne mariner and location as this conflict of interest code.
Amended ►2/06
Regional Open Space
..........
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-18
Meeting 07-02
January 24, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 6
AGENDAITEM
Authorize Additional Legal Fees in the Matter of Citizens for Responsible Open S12ace v.
LAFCO and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and Authorize General Manager to
Execute Retainer Agreement with the Law Firm of Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger for this
Litigation.
GENERAL COUNSEL'S RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize payment of additional legal fees in the matter of Citizens for Responsible Open
Space v. LAFCO and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District in an amount not to
exceed $30,000.
2. Authorize the General Manager to execute a revised retainer agreement with the Law Firm of
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger to represent the District in this litigation.
DISCUSSION
On April 7, 2004, San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission ("LAFCo")
approved the District's Coastside Protection Program, which included an annexation application
to extend District boundaries to the San Mateo Coast. Leading up to the submission of its
application, the District engaged in a six year public process, including an advisory election and
preparation of a Program Environmental Impact("EIR"). Litigation challenging the adequacy
of the EIR was filed in July 2003. In April 2004, the Santa Clara County Superior Court ruled in
the District's favor. On June 11, 2004, LAFCo conducted a protest hearing as required by law to
receive any written protests to the annexation. On July 12, 2004, LAFCo issued its
determination that insufficient valid protests had been submitted and that the annexation
application therefore could become final.
On June 5, 2004, litigation challenging these proceedings was filed against LAFCo and the
District. On September 2, 2004, the San Mateo Superior Court issued its ruling denying a
request to enjoin the Coastside Protection Program from proceeding. The litigation challenging
these proceedings was later dismissed by the plaintiffs.
On September 7, 2004, LAFCo filed the Certificate of Completion of the District's annexation of
the Coastside Protection Area. The annexation is now complete and the District Board and staff
R-07-18 Page 2
have been working continuously since then to implement all of LAFCo's conditions of approval.
The District has begun purchasing land and providing services on the coast.
On November 5, 2004, a subsequent lawsuit was filed against LAFCo, the District and the
County of San Mateo challenging the validity of the annexation proceedings. This lawsuit
sought to set aside approval of the annexation.
It was the General Counsel's recommendation that the law firm of Shute, Mihaly and
Weinberger be retained to represent the District in this litigation. This firm is one of the most
highly qualified land use law litigation firms in the state and has extensive experience in this type
of litigation. The firm also provided legal advice to the District during the lengthy course of
development of the Coastside Protection Program and successfully defended the District in the
two prior lawsuits challenging the Program. The Board approved retaining the Shute Mihaly
firm and the District defended the current litigation throughout 2005 and 2006.
On October 30, 2006, the San Mateo Superior Court issued its Statement of Decision ruling in
favor of the District and LAFCO on all issues. On January 4, 2007, plaintiffs filed an appeal
from the Superior Court's decision.
The District needs to move promptly,to defend its position in this appeal. Accordingly, the
Board is being asked to authorize the sum of$30,000 to cover legal costs associated with this
appeal for this fiscal year. The District's FiscalYear 2006-2007 Planning Department budget for
legal services for the Coastside Protection Program includes sufficient funds to pay for the
requested legal services.
Depending on further steps necessary to defend this litigation, and on the nature and complexity
of other legal issues that may arise in connection with the appeal, staff anticipates returning to
the Board in the future for additional expenditure authorization. If this occurs, this expenditure
would be included in the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Planning Department budget for legal services
for the Coastside Protection Program.
Lastly, the Shute Mihaly firm has discounted its standard rates for its representation of the
District throughout its representation of the District on Coastside Protection Program matters and
will continue to do so. The firm did not raise its rates for District services since 2003. The firm
has now requested a relatively modest fee increase. Partner's rates will increase from $225 per
hour to $250 per hour and associate's rates will increase from $190 per hour to $215 per hour.
The firm's requested fees are very reasonable compared to similar firms, especially given the
caliber of experience and services the firm is equipped to provide. General Counsel recommends
the General Manager be authorized to execute a revised retainer agreement with the firm
reflecting this fee increase.
Prepared by:
Susan Schectman, General Counsel
Contact person:
Same as above
F
Claims No. 07-02
Meeting 07-02
Date 1/24/07
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6215 $30.00 Ace Fire Equipment&Service Co, Fire Extinguisher Maintenance-SFO
6216 $505.00 All Temp Refrigeration Heater Repair-FFO
6217 $45.90 AT&T Telephone Service-FFO/Fax Service-FFO
6218 $85.00 Auto Glass Solutions Install Glass For Bobcat Door
6219 $45.32 Ben Meadows Company Uniform Expense
6220 $23930 California Chamber Of Commerce Labor Law Posters/Lawbook
6221 $191.81 California Water Service Company Water Service-FFO
6222 $1%62 Clean Source Janitorial Supplies-AO
6223 $333.45 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
6224 $2,125.00 Concern Employee Assistance Program Quarterly Fee
6225 $251.14 Cube Solutions Ergonomic Supplies
6226 $5,128.69 Dell Commercial Credit 40 Exchange Email Licenses/Laptop For Boardroom
Sliding Rails For Servers
6227 $4,010.71 Design,Community&Environment Master Planning Services-La Honda Creek
6228 $300.00 Eflexgroup.com Cafeteria Plan Fee
6229 $104.46 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services
6230 $62,27 G&K Services Shop Towel Service
6231 $980.00 Interstate Fence Company Fence For Server/Storage Room
6232 $585.24 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Repairs
6233 $285.60 Jobs Available, Inc. Recruitment Ad-Real Property Specialist
6234 $12.67 Kwik Key Lock&Safe Co. Inc. Key Services
6235 $240.30 Lenington,Kirk Reimbursement-Mileage
6236 $2,112.00 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Legal Services
6237 $126.81 Los Altos Typewriter Typewriter Repairs
6238 $60.00 Macke Water Systems, Inc. Water Dispenser Rental-Two Months
6239 $1,486.04 Metro Mobile Communications Replace Tone Panel-Tomita Hill Radio Repeater
6240 $199.91 Minton's Lumber&Supply Plumbing Supplies
6241 $533.25 Palo Alto Upholstery Repair&Recover District Vehicle Seat
6242 $891.99 Pine Cone Lumber Fencing/Lumber Materials
6243 $30110 1 Precision Engravers, Inc. Name&Number Plates For Fire Pumpers
6244 $95.21 Quality Toner Products Toner Cartridge
6245 $12.05 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies
6246 $300.00 Ranee Ruble Freelance Writer For Media Projects
6247 $46.25 Rayne Of San Jose Water Conditioning Service
6248 $953,36 Redwood General Tire Co. Inc, Tires
6249 $206.11 Reed&Graham, Inc. Straw Bales-Restoration Project
6250 $1,582.95 Rich Voss Trucking, Inc. Rock Delivery-Staff Residence Driveway
6251 $1,944.51 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
6252 $368,53 San Jose Water Company Water Service
6253 $917.85 San Mateo County Planning&Bldg, Grading Permit-Skyline Ridge
Division
6254 $1,155.00 *2 Santa Clara County Department Of Hazardous Materials Disposal Fee
Environmental Health
6255 $59.22 State Board Of Equalization Diesel Fuel Tax
6256 $174.07 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
6257 $793.71 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies
6258 $329.04 Tires On The Go Tires
6259 $142.03 Tony&Albas Pizza Local Business Meeting
6260 $86,52 United Rentals Highway Technologies Field Supplies
6261 $1,345.00 West Bay Electric Inc. Electrical Work For Server Storage Room
6262 $2371 West Coast Aggregates, Inc. Rock-Skyline/Russian Ridge Road Repairs
Page 1 of 2
Claims No. 07-02
Meeting 07-02
Date 1/24/07
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6263 $80.77 West Payment Center Legal Research
6264 $121.78 West Tek Supply, Inc. Field Supplies
6265 R $174.75 AT&T Voilcemail Service-AO
6266 R $60.00 Bankosh, Michael Reimbursement-Cell Phone
6267 R $61.12 Ben Meadows Company Planning Supplies
6268 R $90-14 California Water Service Company Water Service-AO
6269 R $3,291.00 Camino Medical Group Medical Services
6270 R $109.70 Casaretto, Mark Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6271 R $35.00 City Of San Mateo Registration Fee-Local Meeting
6272 R $85.00 Concern Additional Cost-Employee Assistance Program Quarterly
Fee
6273 R $81636 Cube Solutions Ergonomic Equipment
6274 R $55.00 Del Rey Building Maintenance Replace Lights-AO
6275 R $544.26 Dell Commercial Credit 2 Flat Screen Monitors
6276 R $2,769.00 Employment Development Dept. Unemployment Insurance Claims-4th Quarter 2006
6277 R $29.51 Federal Express Express Mailing
6278 R $7,773.25 First Bankcard Field Supplies-1771.39 Office Supplies-50.10 Computer
Exp-1 178.40 Business Mtgs-29.28
Conferences&Training-1591.13
Advertising/Subscriptions/Books-3152.95
6279 R $46.18 Hapke,Alexander Reimbursement-Ranger Academy Expenses
6280 R $306,71 Life Assist First Aid Supplies
6281 R $1,906.22 Los Altos Garbage Company Dumpster&Recycling Services-FFO
6282 R $73.01 Malone, Brian Reimbursement-Cell Phone/Membership Dues
6283 R $1,218.46 Office Depot Office Supplies
6284 R $11'000.00 Old Republic Title Company Deposit-Property Purchase
6285 R $363.02 Petty Cash Business Meetings,Training,Office Supplies,Postage,
Parking&Mileage, Printing Services&Field Supplies
6286 R $204.20 Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Legal Services-Fogarty/MacFarlane Litigation
6287 R $106.03 Quality Toner Products Toner Cartridge
6288 R $7.60 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supply
6289 R $201.50 Staywell CPR Training Materials
6290 R $87.69 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
6291 R $380.92 United Site Services Sanitation Services-FFO
6292 R $275.06 Verizon Wireless Cell Phone Service
6293 R $1,492.78 West Payment Center Legal Resource Books
Total $55,736.62
.1 Urgent Check Issued 1/16/07
*2 Urgent Check Issued 1/16/07
Page 2 of 2
Claims No. 07-02
Meeting 07-02
Date 1/24/07
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6215 $30.00 Ace Fire Equipment&Service Co. Fire Extinguisher Maintenance-SFO
6216 $505.00 All Temp Refrigeration Heater Repair-FFO
6217 $45.90 AT&T Telephone Service-FFO/Fax Service-FFO
6218 $85.00 Auto Glass Solutions Install Glass For Bobcat Door
6219 $45.32 Ben Meadows Company Uniform Expense
6220 $239.70 California Chamber Of Commerce Labor Law Posters/Lawbook
6221 $191,81 California Water Service Company Water Service-FFO
6222 $1%62 Clean Source Janitorial Supplies-AO
6223 $333,45 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
6224 $2,125.00 Concern Employee Assistance Program Quarterly Fee
6225 $251,14 Cube Solutions Ergonomic Supplies
6226 $5,128.69 Dell Commercial Credit 40 Exchange Email Licenses/Laptop For Boardroom
Sliding Rails For Servers
6227 $4,010,71 Design,Community&Environment Master Planning Services-La Honda Creek
6228 $300.00 Eflexgroup.com Cafeteria Plan Fee
6229 $104.46 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services
6230 $62.27 G&K Services Shop Towel Service
6231 $980,00 Interstate Fence Company Fence For Server/Storage Room
6232 $585.24 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Repairs
6233 $285.60 Jobs Available, Inc. Recruitment Ad-Real Property Specialist
6234 $12.67 Kwik Key Lock&Safe Co. Inc, Key Services
6235 $240.30 Lenington,Kirk Reimbursement-Mileage
6236 $2,112.00 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Legal Services
6237 $126.81 Los Altos Typewriter Typewriter Repairs
6238 $60.00 Macke Water Systems, Inc. Water Dispenser Rental-Two Months
6239 $1,486.04 Metro Mobile Communications Replace Tone Panel-Tomita Hill Radio Repeater
6240 $199.91 Minton's Lumber&Supply Plumbing Supplies
6241 $533.25 Palo Alto Upholstery Repair&Recover District Vehicle Seat
6242 $891.99 Pine Cone Lumber Fencing/Lumber Materials
6243 $303.10 Precision Engravers, Inc. Name&Number Plates For Fire Pumpers
6244 $95.21 Quality Toner Products Toner Cartridge
6245 $12.05 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies
6246 $300.00 Ranee Ruble Freelance Writer For Media Projects
6247 $46.25 Rayne Of San Jose Water Conditioning Service
6248 $953.36 Redwood General Tire Co. Inc. Tires
6249 $206.11 Reed&Graham,Inc, Straw Bales-Restoration Project
6250 $1,582.95 Rich Voss Trucking, Inc. Rock Delivery-Staff Residence Driveway
6251 $1,944.51 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
6252 $368.53 San Jose Water Company Water Service
6253 $917.85 San Mateo County Planning&Bldg. Grading Permit-Skyline Ridge
Division
6254 $1,155.00 Santa Clara County Department Of Hazardous Materials Disposal Fee
Environmental Health
6255 $59.22 State Board Of Equalization Diesel Fuel Tax
6256 $174.07 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
6257 $793.71 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies
6258 $329.04 Tires On The Go Tires
6259 $142.03 Tony&Albas Pizza Local Business Meeting
6260 $86.52 United Rentals Highway Technologies Field Supplies
6261 $1,345.00 West Bay Electric Inc. Electrical Work For Server/Storage Room
6262 $23.71 West Coast Aggregates, Inc. Rock-Skyline/Russian Ridge Road Repairs
Page I of 2
Claims No. 07-02
Meeting 07-02
Date 1/24/07
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6263 $80.77 West Payment Center Legal Research
6264 $121.78 West Tek Supply, Inc, Field Supplies
Total $32,172.65
• Urgent Check Issued 1/16107
• Urgent Check Issued 1/16/07
Page 2 of 2
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manage
c
DATE: January 19, 2007
RE: FYI's
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Memormd=
To: Dennis Danielson, Supervising Ra ger
From: L. Craig Britton, General anager
Date: January 18, 2007
Re: Medical Call at Foothills Park
Thank you for your continued dedication, professionalism, and assistance with
the challenging emergency response at Foothills Park. You represented the
District well and collaborated with the City of Palo Alto rangers and the Fire
Department staff while providing support to the impaired hiker and his party
(See attached letter).
cc: John Maciel, Operations Manager
Personnel File
Regional Open Space MISS 111
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Memorandum
To: Tracy Hammond, Ranger
From: L. Craig Britton, General
Date: January 18, 2007
Re: Medical Call at Foothills Park
Thank you for your continued dedication, professionalism, and assistance with
the challenging emergency response at Foothills Park. You represented the
District well and collaborated with the City of Palo Alto rangers and the Fire
Department staff while providing support to the impaired hiker and his party
(See attached letter).
ou John Maciel, Operations Manager
Personnel File
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Memoimdm
To: Alexander Hapke, Ranger
From: L. Craig Britton, General Manag
Date: January 18, 2007
Re: Medical Call at Foothills Park
Thank you for your continued dedication, professionalism, and assistance with
the challenging emergency response at Foothills Park. You represented the
District well and collaborated with the City of Palo Alto rangers and the Fire
Department staff while providing support to the impaired hiker and his party
(See attached letter).
cc: John Maciel, Operations Manager
i
Personnel File
I
J
City of Palo Alto
Department of Community Services
ro w
CE
JAN 18 2006
January 16, 2007
C�A�R-- (per-•, -
Mr. L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Open Space Division Los Altos, CA 94022
Foothills Park
Enid Pearson—Arastradero Dear Craig:
Preserve
I wanted to acknowledge and thank your staff for their assistance with a recent
Baylands Nature difficult medical call at Foothills Park.
Preserve
Esther Clark Park Last Thursday an elderly man was hiking with a group of friends when he
collapsed. Others in his party began CPR and called for assistance. Supervising
Ranger Dennis Danielson,and District Rangers Tracy Hammond and Alexander
Hapke responded along with City of Palo Alto rangers and Fire Department staff.
The patient was located approximately 1'/2 miles up a trail, and the only access
was by foot.
Your staff acted with professionalism and clearly showed the value of their
training and experience. They were also very courteous and supportive of the
others in the patient's group.
An incident such as this underscores the value of the close working relationship
between the District and the City which has grown over the last few years. We
are very appreciative of the joint training opportunities which have occurred
between our staff and look forward to a continued beneficial relationship in
training and emergency response.
Again, I would like to express my appreciation for the assistance of your staff
with th' challenging incident.
e or
eg tts
Open Space Division Manager
1305 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto,CA 94301-3349
650.463.4906
-----Original Message-----
From: General Information
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 8:38 AM
To: John Maciel; Craig Britton; Sally Rice
Subject: Fw: Thanks!
----- original Message -----
From: "Gene F. Franklin" -
To: <info@openspace.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2007 5:34 PM
Subject: Thanks !
> To: Sierra Azul Open Space Ranger Office
> From: The four adventurers
> First, I 'd like to thank the Sierra Azul Rangers for their offer of
help
> on the afternoon of January 15. 1 was one of four who were exploring
the
• north slope of Mt. Umunhum when we took longer than we had planned to
• get back to our car. And then, in an unfortunate coincidence, our
very
• modern car refused to recognize its owner's very modern key. With the
• aid of the Rangers, we were able to arrange for a spare key to be
• brought up and the adventure ended happily for all concerned. Again,
we
> especially thank the Ranger who came to the Hicks road parking area
to
> be sure that aid was available if needed.
> Secondly, I would like to ask if the District has considered
providing
> guided visits to the top of Umunhum for interested parties? I believe
> your efforts to restore the area would be greatly aided by the
support
> given by the public based on better knowledge of the area.
> Again, Thank You All
>
> Gene Franklin
>
>
-----Original Message-----
From: General Information
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 8: 40 AM
To: Rudy Jurgensen; John Maciel; Craig Britton; Sally Rice; Matt
Freeman
Subject: Fw: 01/16/2007 Visitor Feedback
----- Original Message -----
From: <volunteer@openspace.orq>
To: <info@openspace.org>;
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 7:23 PM
Subject: 01/16/2007 Visitor Feedback
> Email Address:
> Feedback: Greetings.
> Just wanted to drop a quick note of thanks for the two or three
wonderful
hours I spent this morning walking the San Andreas Fault Trail. The
trail
was very well laid out, the website info was excellent, and the weather
couldn't be beat. I know you had nothing to do with the latter but,
hey,
take credit for it if you can.
> It 's nice to see tax dollars spent building and maintaining the
system of
trails you folks have over here. Just wish we had something similar in
Virginia.
> Kevin Lindsey
...........
:tititi`L'�'i''••
For Immediate Release Contact: Nina Nowak
January 17,2007 Staff Writer/Editor
Phone: (650) 854-7696
Email: nnovvakllopeiispacetrust.org,
Web: www.openspacetrust.org
Peninsula Open Space Trust Appoints
New Chair to Board of Directors
(Menlo Park, Calif.) - Karie Thomson has been named the new chair of the
Board of Directors of the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
Thomson is an active philanthropic supporter of environmental causes
around the globe. She serves on the board of directors of the Kinship Foundation,
a family foundation based in Northbrook, Illinois,that administers the Searle
Scholars Program in biomedical research and the Kinship Conservation Fellows
program in environmental leadership. She is a former member of the board of
directors for Ecotrust, a Portland, Oregon-based nonprofit that restores and
preserves salmon fisheries and rainforests in the western United States and
Canada. With her husband, David,she is also a generous supporter of the
African Wildlife Foundation.
Closer to home, Thomson has served as Chair of POST's successful Saving
the Endangered Coast campaign, which raised more than$200 million for the
protection of the San Mateo Coast. A resident of Woodside,she is also a former
president of the Woodside School Foundation.
"As POST enters its thirtieth year as a land trust, the threats to open space
on the San Francisco Peninsula are greater than ever. I can't think of a better
person to help us meet these challenges head on than Karie Thomson," said
POST President Audrey Rust. "Karie's inspiring leadership in POST's record-
breaking coastal campaign pulled our community together behind an urgent
cause—the protection of fragile, vulnerable lands in our region. Her
demonstrated devotion to POST's mission, her depth of experience in
environmental matters, and her infectious enthusiasm for our natural local
landscape will greatly benefit POST as we deepen our land-saving work on the
Peninsula."
Thomson, whose term as Board Chair began on January 1,has been a
member of POST's Board since 1996.She is succeeding Susan Ford Dorsey,
whose term as Board Chair expired at the end of 2006 and who will continue to
serve as the Board's Vice Chair.
Originally from Chicago, Thomson earned a bachelor's degree in French
and art history from Tufts University. She moved to Woodside with her husband
and three sons in 1985.
"It's been so thrilling to work with POST's Board. They're a terrific group of
people, with great vision and a profound commitment to the Peninsula's rural
lands," said Thomson. "The success of POST's coastal campaign has proven that
when people come together,they can do remarkable things on behalf of local
land protection. As Board Chair, I intend to keep that momentum going strong
as POST completes its 20,000-acre land protection campaign goal and continues
to save the open landscapes that are so precious to this region."
POST is a leading private, nonprofit land trust dedicated to Preserving the beauty,
character and diversity of the San Francisco Peninsula landscape. Since its founding in
1977, the organization has been responsible for saving nearly 60,000 acres as permanent
open ace and parkland in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
i
I
i
I
For Immediate Release Contact: Rudy Jurgensen
January 16, 2007 Public Affairs Manager
(650) 691-1200
DISTRICT APPOINTS NEW RANGER
--Alexander Hapke to Begin Peace Officer and Preserve Duties at Skyline
Area Preserves --
LOS ALTOS, CA [January 16, 2006] —The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District's Board of Directors has appointed Alexander Hapke as a new ranger for the
Skyline Area preserves, bringing the total number of District peace officers to 24.
"Alexander's education and forestry experience made him an excellent candidate for the
District's Skyline Area ranger position," said David Sanguinetti, Area Superintendent of
the Skyline Area preserves. "We're excited about his role helping to preserve, protect and
restore the area's precious natural resources."
District rangers patrol open space preserves and trails and interact with visitors. Located
approximately one mile south of the Skyline Boulevard and Page Mill/Alpine roads
intersection, the Skyline Area's 2,143-acre preserves offer 10 miles of trails for hikers,
horseback riders and mountain bikers.
"After backpacking the entire 225-mile John Muir trail in 17 days, I knew I wanted to be
a park ranger," said Alexander Hapke. "I earned my degrees to achieve that goal, and also
chose to work in a related field with the California State Parks to gain experience."
After graduating from Santa Monica College with an Associate in Arts degree in
photography, Alexander earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry and Natural
Resources, with a focus in Recreation, from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He worked with
the California State Parks as a seasonal park aide at Pismo State Beach for 3 1/2 summers.
"The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is a great agency to work for," said
Alexander. "The District is resource-oriented with a wide range of uses within many
ecosystems."
Created by voters more than 30 years ago, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District has successfully protected and managed over 55,000 acres oJ'open space. The
public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year. The District
is an independent, non-enterprise, California special district whose mission is to acquire
and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore
the natural environment, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public
enjoyment and education. www.openspace.org
NAIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
For Immediate Release Contact: Rudy Jurgensen
JaIlUiry 11. 2007 Public Affairs Manager
(650)691-1200
KEN NITZ ELECTED PRESIDENT
OF OPEN SPACE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
LOS ALTOS (January 1 1, 2007] - By a unaninIOUS vote, Ken Nitz was last night elected President of the
MIdpenHISUla Regional Open Space District's Board of Directors for a one-year term. Also elected were
Directors Pete Sicniens as the District's Vice President, Curt Riffle as Treasurer, and Mary Davey as
Secretary.
An avid environmentalist, Ken Nitz lives in Redwood City and has represented the residents of Ward 7 on
the Open Space District's Board of Directors since 1996 when he was first elected to a seat on the Board.
In addition to Redwood City, San Carlos, and Woodside, President Nitz' Ward also includes part of the
San Mateo County coastside. The boundaries of District Wards 6 and 7 were reapportioned in 2004 in
order to democratically represent coastside residents who became District Constituents when the Coastside
Protection Program became official oil September 7, 2004. Among Nitz' Constituencies are El Granada,
Half Moon Bay, Montara, Moss Beach, and Princeton. Nitz has a long history of community involvement,
including Volunteering at Earth Day 1990, for the Gorilla Foundation, and Wildlife Rescue as well as a
number of`District events.
Nitz said that resource management-the management of the land, water, forest and biological resources-
will be high on the District's agenda during his presidency: "My priority will be the removal of non-native
grasses from open space lands.-Nitz Continued: "'File District plays an important role as a steward of the
land it manages for the public and I Support ongoing efforts to fight dangerous forest diseases Such as
slender false bronle and Sudden oak death." The incoming president said that he also wants to improve the
District's electronic C01111111,1111cations capabilities by enabling e-mail transmissions to and from a list of
subscribers.
As a Board member, Nitz has also fought hard to expand areas for dogs, and worked on the District's
Budget Committee to keep the operating budget lean and able to survive economic downturns While
meeting the District's mission and Purpose.
Nitz thanked outgoing President Jed Cyr for his leadership during the last year and for overseeing the
single largest purchase in the District's history: the 3,681-acre Pos,r Driscoll Ranch.
Ken Nitz was born in Chicago, Illinois and was raised in Southern California. He Studied Atmospheric
Science at the University of California at Davis and Linear Programming at Stanford University. As a
Senior Software Engineer, he is working on such issues as computer learning, vision, cognition,C0111PUter
,Security, and hUnian/computer interaction.
Created by voters more than 30years ago, the Miapeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected
and rrranagcd over 55,000 acres«Jupen space. The public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves.365
days (I Ival. The District is an independent, non-enterprise, California special district si,hosc mission is to acquire
and presrrve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and
provide oppol-11117111cs/Or ccological1j,sensitive public enjoyment and education. ill iv,fy)c I
r. w
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
DATE: January 24, 2007
RE: FYI's
Regional Open Spa% DRAFT
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
To: C. Britton, General Manager
)K C Li ��'
From: M. Williams, Real Property Manager
Date: January 23, 2006
Subject: Peninsula Open Space Trust Property(Stevens Canyon Ranch)Addition to Saragota G p Open
Space Preserve
Escrow closed for the subject transaction on December 29, 2006 and title to and possession of this 238.15-acre
parcel passed to the District.
I am not aware of any use and management concerns that were not addressed in the staff report to the Board. In
accordance with the public notification policy, and since there were no public and/or adjoining owner comments
which might require amendment to the use and management recommendations, close of escrow marks the final
adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendation as tentatively approved by the Board of
Directors at its meeting of December 13, 2006.
DEDICATION&ACQUISITION INFORMATION
Preserve County Ownership Status: Board Approval Date&
& & Grantor Acres (Fee,Easement,Lease, Resolution Number or
Area A.P.N. Mgmt Agreement) General Manager
Approval Date
Santa Clara
503-04-001, POST 06-61
Saratoga Gap 503-05-016, (Stevens Canyon 238.15 Fee December 13,2006
503-05-034& Ranch)
503-06-024
Mgmt.Status: Dedication Date&
Closing Date (Open,Closed, Status(Intended or Type Purchase Price GIS Code
CMU,or Other) Withheld)
Grant-SF Bay Conservancy $ 500,000
Grant-Roberti-Z'Berg $1,240,318
t-SCVWD $1,600,000
January 16,2007 Closed Intended Gran $3.259,682
1 1 Cash $6,600,000
TOTAL
Misc.Notes: 1. District has been awarded a grant for$1,240,318 from the Robeti Z Berg Block grant program of the 2002 Resources
Bond Act and$500,000 from the San Francisco Bay Program of the California Coastal Conservancy(Conservancy).
For the Conservancy grant,an Irrovocable Offer to Dedicate Title In Fee was recorded ensuring that the property is
dedicated as public open space.
2. Peninsula Open Space Trust granted Santa Clara Valley Water District a Riparian Conservation Easement covering the
two creeks bisecting the property, which resulted in a$1,600,000 discount from POST's original purchase price of'
$6,600,000.
3. The small uninhabited cabin will be removed and the site will be returned to a natural condition.
cc: Board of Directors
Administration
Accounting
Operations&Field Offices-See Attached Riparian Conservation Easement
Planning-See Attached Riparian Conservation Easement&Sign Plan from Coastal Conservancy
Public Affairs
33o Distel Circle 650-6gi-12oo info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER:
Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-691-0485 fax www.openspace.org Curt Riffle,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
January 23, 2007
TO: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
FROM: G. Baillie, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: MONTHLY FIELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY
Month December Year 2006
DISTRICT VIOLATIONS CITES TOTALS OTHER CRIMES TOTALS
Bicycles Suicide I
Closed area 3 3
Speed 0 5 ACCIDENTSIINCIDENTS
Helmet 5 13 Bicycle accident I
Night riding 0 0 Equestrian accident 0
Enter sensitive area(M) 0 0 Hiking/running accident 0
Headset prohibited 0 1 Other first aid I
Dogs Search &Rescue 0
Prohibited area 1 5 Vehicle accident 0
Off-leash 10 14 LZ air evacuation 0
Off-road vehicles 1 3 Fire 0
Closed area 5 10
After hours 3 8
Fishing 0 0 ENFORCEMENT
Vandalism 0 4 Parking citations 42
Parking 12 17 Other citations 31
Parking after hours 30 41 Written warnings 45
Dumping 0 1 Arrests 0
Camping I I Police assistance 0
Weapons
Actual contact 0 0
Weapons report 0 0
Reckless driving 1 3 MUTUAL AID
Vehicle closed area I I Accident 0
Collecting plants 0 3 Fire 0
Smoking 0 4 Law enforcement 0
Filming w/out permit 0 1 LZ for offsite 0
False info to peace officer I I
Illegal trail construction 0 1
Encroachment 0 1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS BY DATE
Date
2 While doing building security checks at the former Alma College property in Bear Creek
Redwoods the transformer shed was found open. The door showed signs of a forced entry. The
four transformers inside had been opened and there was oil residue and transformer parts on the
ground. Santa Clara County Fire responded. They assessed the scene and stated that this was a
hazardous situation. PG&E then responded and determined the transformers were their property.
They removed the transformers and had the area cleaned up.
9 A ranger discovered unlawful trail construction in Sierra Azul near the Kennedy Trail trailhead. The
three-foot wide trail begins at a private property adjacent to the preserve. The U-shaped trail is covered
with decomposed granite, extends out into District land and back again to the property.
10 A person committed suicide at the summit of Windy Hill. The victim called 911 (CHP) to advise of his
intentions, then shot himself in the head. San Mateo County sheriffs' deputies located his vehicle
parked on Highway 35 at the top of Spring Ridge Road trail. Two resident rangers responded. The
victim was located with the help of a (11P helicopter. The area had been patrol checked by a ranger at
6:20 p.m., approximately one hour before the victim's arrival. San Mateo County sheriffs' deputies,
San Mateo County coroner, San Mateo County OES and an MROSD ranger removed the body.
14 Extensive graffiti was discovered inside the restroom at the Jacques Ridge lot in Sierra Azul. Rangers
were able to remove it.
19 A ranger was hiking off-trail in the Loma Prieta Ranch area of Sierra Azul, following a route marked by
orange flagging. A 1/2-inch black water line was observed; it appeared old because it fell apart when
pulled on. The ranger continued following the flagging up the ridge and observed an intact, closed,
dome-style tent, which did not look old. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department was alerted and
will investigate the area as a possible marijuana growing site.
23 At Purisima Creek two visitors were found sleeping in a tent on the Northridge Trail. The 2l-year-old
female appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. A 15 year old boy was also in the tent, and
appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Sheriffs' deputies were called and the
woman was arrested. The boy was taken into protective custody and was released to his mother.
25 At La Honda Creek one dirt biker was issued a citation and another was issued a warning for riding on
the preserve. The two bikers had gained access from adjacent private property. This has been an
ongoing problem in the former Paulin area.
29 A hiker at Rancho San Antonio experienced dizziness while hiking on the Black Mountain Trail.
Rangers located her, she was evaluated by Santa Clara County Fire paramedics and was transported to
the hospital by ambulance.
December vandalism
2 There was a break-in and vandalism at Sierra Azul. See December 2 incident report.
3 A three-foot section of the top board on the wheelchair accessible picnic table at Windy Hill was
broken.
11 An 'Area Closed' sign was ripped out of the ground at Foothills.
28 A fence was broken by unknown means at the prospect parking lot in Fremont older.
2
Regional Open Spy
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
To: C. Britt G neral Manager
00 0
From: M. Williams, Real Property Manager
Date: January 22, 2007
Subject: POST(Driscoll).Property Addition to La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
Escrow closed for the subject transaction on December 15, 2006, and title to and possession of this 3,680.7-acre
parcel passed to the District.
I am not aware of any use and management concerns that were not addressed in the staff report to the Board. In
accordance with the public notification policy, and since there were no public and/or adjoining owner comments
which might require amendment to the use and management recommendations, close of escrow marks the final
adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendation as tentatively approved by the Board of
Directors at its meeting of January 12, 2006.
DEDICATION&ACQUISITION INFORMATION
Preserve County Ownership Status: Board Approval Date&
& & Grantor Acres (Fee,Easement,Lease, Resolution Number or
Area A.P.N. Mgmt Agreement) General Manager
Approval Date
San Mateo
078-270-010 078-270-020
Fee
La Honda Creek 078-270-030 078-290-010 Peninsula Open 3,680.7 (Subject to 50-year January 12,2006
078-290-020 078-290-030 Space Trust Grazing Lease) 06-03
078-290-060 082-140-020
082-170-010 082-170-040
Mgmt.Status: Dedication Date
Closing Date (Open,Closed,CMU,or & Type Purchase Price CIS Code
Status(intended or
Other) Withheld)
Gift
$16,455,000 December 15,2006 Closed I Grants $115,365
Cash $8,884,635
1 $25,455,000
Misc.Notes: I The Fire Service Fee will be$12,507.22 as required by the Agreement between San Mateo County and the District
(Regarding Fire Services), increasing 2%per annum. With the purchase of the POST(Driscoll Ranch)property,the
District owns more than 1,000 acres in the Coastside Protection Area,and is required to make a one time payment
of$50,000 to the County towards the purchase of a four-wheel drive fire engine. The fire engine will be used by
the County to provide fire services to District-owned and managed lands within the Coastside Protection Area.
2. The La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District annual fee will be$10,059.73, increasing 2%per annum.
3. The property includes a 50-year cattle grazing lease with Driscoll Ranches, LLC.
4. It is anticipated that later this year,San Mateo County will contribute$115,365 in grant funding towards the
purchase of this property consisting of$80,320 in Per Capita and$35,045 in Robeti-Z'Berg Block grant funds from
Proposition 12 approved by voters in 2000.
5. It is also anticipated that an amendment to the grazing lease and two springwater easement agreements with
Driscoll Ranches will be brought to the Board for approval as a future Agenda item.
6. As part of this transaction,the District obtained Pollution liability insurance providing 10 years of coverage for
unknown contamination conditions that might be discovered on the property. This insurance policy became
effective with the close of escrow.
cc: Board of Directors Operations&Field Offices—(see attached copy of Grazing Lease)
Administration Planning
Accounting Public Affairs
33o Distel Circle 650-69i-1200 info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER:
Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-691-0485 fax www.openspace.org Curt Riffle,Nonette Hanko,Lorry Hossett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton
Integrated Resource Planning and Management Pi ogram
Monthly Summary: November& December 2006
Natural Resource Planning and Management Lead Progress
Project/Description Department
Cultural Resources
Picchetti Ranch Winery Seismic Upgrade Planning Notice of Completion Filed
Ecological Restoration
El Corte de Madera Operations Rock, seeding, straw on Giant Salamander
Public Affairs trail reroute.
Two volunteer projects planted 390 native
Pulgas Ridge Operations shrubs on north side of Hassler Loop.
Environmental Remediation San Mateo County requested a case closure
Pulgas Soil Investigation Planning summary report be submitted. Contracted
with LFR to prepare report.
Rare,Threatened and Endangered Species
Management
Special Status Wildlife Species Operations Consultant completed draft report on wildlife
habitats at Bear Creek Redwood.
San Gregorio Creek Watershed Steelhead Completed stream habitat inventories within
Trout/Coho Salmon Habitat Assessment and Planning Bogess,Harrington,and La Honda Creeks,
Restoration
Resource Program Planning and Policy Development
Annual Resource Management Update Planning Annual report made to Board on resource
Operations management activities.
Forest Disease Resource Management Policy Operations Conducted Study Session with Board on draft
Planning Forest Disease Resource Management Policy
Vegetation Management
Drafted Bid Solicitation for fencing
Grazing Program—Big Dipper/Silva Ranches Planning contractors to install 1.5 miles of fence along
Road.Al ine
Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods OSP and La Planning Conducted public workshops to inform public
Honda Master Plans Resources Element. and develop plan alternatives.
Vegetation Management(cont.)
Sprayed and pulled broom,acacia,bull thistle,
ivy and slender false brome at La Honda, El
Corte de Madera,Mills Creek, Russian Ridge,
Skyline Ridge, Saratoga Gap, Purisima Creek
Redwoods,Thomewood,Bear Creek
Redwoods and Sierra Azul. Flamed broom
Invasive Plant Control-Various Operations sprouts at La Honda,Coal Creek, Los Trancos
and St.Josephs Hill. Mechanical removal of
stinkwort at Rancho San Antonio and
Fremont Older.
Four volunteer projects included removal of
broom at El Corte de Madera,Purisima Creek
Redwoods, St.Josephs Hill and El Sereno.
Field staff attended War on Weeds conference
Training Operations in Monterey and made presentations on
purple star thistle control in red-legged frog
areas, and new weeds-fluellin and stinkwort.
Contract awarded to Go Native for slender
false brome public outreach program. San
Slender False Brome Operations Mateo County Weed Management Area
Administration awarded grant from California Department of
Food&Agriculture including funds to
support slender false brome project.
Board approved District participation in SOD
resistance study. All field staff received
Operations annual training on SOD best management
Sudden Oak Death(SOD) Public Affairs practices. West Valley intern prepared plans
and a photographic guide to constructing tire
brush for SOD areas. Heritage oak survey
conducted in South Skyline area.
Water Quality Protection
Volunteer project to restore former Upper
Windy Hill Operations Meadow Trail by regrading, installing straw
and sprea ing native grass seed.
Sierra Azul, Rancho San Antonio, Bear Creek Operations Seed, straw and wattles spread on erosion,
Redwoods,Russian Ridge bum and slide areas.
Fremont Older Operations Rangers restored illegal trail.
Conducted geotechnical investigation and
Dennis Martin Creek Road at Thornewood Planning topographical survey to determine suitability
of bridge crossing at lower Dennis Martin
Creek and identified new trail alignment.
5-Year MOU with CA Dept. Fish and Game: Lake Planning Met with Department of Fish and Game staff
and Streambed Alteration Agreement Operations to review proposal for application submittal.
Administration
ECdM Watershed Protection Program Planning Completed 3rd year of sediment monitoring.
Operations
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Water Quality Protection(cont.)
Consultant completing inventory and
Road and Trail Erosion Inventory Planning preparing report for San Francisquito Creek
Watershed preserves.
Wildlife Management
Rangers worked with neighbors and
California Department of Fish&Game
Mountain Lion Sightings Operations regarding goats possibly killed by mountain
lion near Sierra Azul. Signs posted along
ails.
Deer Surveys Operations Annual deer surveys completed—small drop
in number of deer seen.
Feral Pig Control Operations Two pi s trapped at Bear Creek Redwoods.
Denotes project not included within FY 06-07 Action Plan.
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Bob Case
bobcase(d)astound.net
Bob holds a Master's degree from San Francisco State University in Ecology and
Systematics. He is a California native born in the Bay Area. Bob has taught biology and
environmental science classes in Bay Area colleges and community colleges for twenty-
five years. Bob recently retired after 24 years of service with the Contra Costa County
Department of Agriculture. He served as a deputy commissioner,responsible for the
implementation of biologically sound pest management practices, including the
biological control of weeds.
Bob lives in Concord with his wife and daughter. He enjoys extended travel and weekend
jaunts in California to pursue spring, and its bounty of wildflowers. He frequently speaks
and offers classes to plant lovers and garden clubs on invasive plant management and
wildflower photography. In addition to his duties with Cal-IPC, Bob serves on the
California Native Plant Society Exotic Invasives Committee and is an Associate Board
Member with the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District. Bob serves as chair of the
Cal-IPC Outreach committee.