Subject: [NEXTEL-1] Pantagraph.com - News - County eyeing radio system 01/08/03

From: Marcel <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 20:35:40 -0500

http://www.pantagraph.com/stories/010803/new_20030108031.shtml

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Bloomington-Normal, Illinois

Wednesday, January 8, 2003

County eyeing radio system

By Bob Holliday

Pantagraph staff

BLOOMINGTON -- The McLean County Sheriff's Department is eyeing a new emergency radio system that could cost nearly $500,000.

Sheriff David Owens said Tuesday that he hopes to have the Clear Talk system up and running within a year -- if money to finance it can be found.

Police have complained for years that the current E.F. Johnson 800 MHz radio system has dead spots and areas of faint coverage. Owens said the new system should improve both officer safety and job performance.

"My fear is that one of my guys will get hurt (because of bad radio coverage)," Owens said.

Unhappy with the E.F. Johnson system, Bloomington and Normal police switched to their own 400 MHz systems over the past two years at a total cost of about $500,000. Bloomington-Normal fire departments and rural emergency services remain on the Johnson system.

Owens believes the proposed Clear Talk system, owned and operated by Corn Belt Electric and two other electric co-ops in Central Illinois, will solve those coverage problems.

"I've been out in the field and tested it myself, " Owens said.

The 800 MHz Clear Talk system, which also is used by cell phones, would provide countywide coverage from five tower sites, compared to the current system's three towers.

Through an in-car repeater system that boosts radio signals, deputies would be able to talk inside and outside structures in rural areas of McLean County.

The county's justice committee has given Owens its blessing to seek competitive bids for equipment, such as mobile radios, in-car repeaters and portable radios to operate the new system.

The committee recommendation on seeking bids, meanwhile, must go for final approval to the county board, which meets Jan. 21. Owens is hopeful of county board approval.

Owens noted the county has no money for this equipment, which could cost as much as $460,000 if purchased. Owens also will explore leasing options.

In addition to the equipment costs, the county still would have to pay a fee to access the Clear Talk system. This could cost just more than $29,000 yearly.

"It's like a cell phone. You pay to access the service," Owens said.

Tari Renner, chairman of the county's justice committee, agreed that finding the money will be hard. "There's no obvious pot of gold," Renner said, adding that problems with the current system will force the county to replace it.

County Administrator John Zeunik said firm cost estimates are essential if the county, which has budgeted no money for a new radio system, is to consider one.

Fixing the E.F. Johnson system could cost $2 million to $6 million, much more than switching to the Clear Talk system, Owens said.

Police have complained of poor sound quality and gaps in reception since the $2.4 million E.F. Johnson system was put into service about six years ago.

News: January 8

• Plan gets mixed reviews from Twin City residents

• Party lines split lawmakers' opinions

• County eyeing radio system

• ISU board of trustees chairman to resign

• Area legislators serve final day

• Saint James building coming down

• Owners were unable to find new occupants

• Ryan may deliver 2nd 'major' speech

• Senate OKs controversial appointments

• Daniels pushes bill to assist disabled

• Cultural district to begin effort to close East Street jog

• Philip fails to rename state park for Ryan

• Metcom poised to move forward on director search

• University: Recent ISU appointments positive

• Daily Digest -- Jan. 8

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