Sponsor: Emergency Communications
Title
title
Emergency Communications Dispatch Center Remodel
end
Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the use of $800,000 from the Emergency Communications Center Equipment Fund Balance to remodel the Emergency Communications Dispatch Center.
2. Authorize the County Manager to establish Emergency Communications Dispatch Center Remodel as a project account in the Emergency Communications Center budget.
3. Authorize the County Manager to enter into agreements and execute amendments to the agreements in accordance with the county’s procurement policies and procedures, provide the amounts are within the limits of available funding.
end
Background and Rationale
body
The approved 2019-20 Capital Improvement Program authorized $980,000 to remodel the Emergency Communications Dispatch Center. The cost for the remodeling the Dispatch Center has increase by $800,000 due to supply chain issues and inflationary cost. The estimated new total to complete the remodel is $1,780,000. The Director of Emergency Communications recommends using $800,000 from the Emergency Communications Equipment Fund Balance to cover the additional cost. Emergency Communications is requesting board approval to use additional funds from the equipment fund balance for the remodel.
The current floor plan at the Emergency Communications Dispatch Center was designed in 2005 when the facility was constructed and has not changed significantly in 18 years. The current remodel is necessary to replace aging workstations and to accommodate changes to call handling processes that have evolved since the center opened in 2007. The remodel was originally scheduled to occur in the fall of 2020 but was delayed due to the worldwide pandemic and civil unrest. The remodel will update the network wiring, include a new rubberized flooring, noise reduction panels, add an additional seven workstations (increasing from 33 to 40) to account for anticipated growth, and modernize the dispatch furniture with a focus on the ergonomics during the 12+ hour work shifts. The additional costs are inclusive of a temporary relocation plan during the remodel to assure continuity in dispatch services with no interruptions. The Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Board is aware of the cost increase and no objections where noted. The Dispatch Center remodeling project is scheduled for early 2024.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no direct racial equity impact linked with this board request. The Alternative Response Initiative (ARI) is rooted in the remodel design. This new design embeds the social services members within the dispatch center which allows for ease of collaboration and operation of ARI. Diversifying response teams allows for a fuller understanding of residents needs and increases the ability to best respond and resolve the issues faced daily. The Dispatch Center remodel will enhance the county’s capabilities to response and support all residents of the county.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The community was consulted through the development and growth of ARI on dispatch needs. These insights were considered in the design of the new dispatch center. This action is to inform the community of an update to the emergency communications system.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The dispatch fund balance was established to cover the costs of capital improvement upgrades to dispatch center systems and is funded by 60% levy contribution and 40% city contribution as outlined in the Computer Aided Dispatch Joint Power Agreements. As of September 1, 2023, the dispatch fund balance is $4,058,730 and will fully cover the additional $800,000 request. The new estimated project total is $1,780,000.
Last Previous Action
On December 21, 2021, the Ramsey County Board approved the 2022-27 Capital Improvement Program Plan and 2022-23 Capital Improvement Program Budget and Financing (Resolution B2021-295).
Attachments
None.