County to Secure Radio Frequencies In Preparation for Central Dispatch (Salary Info Attached)

CREST HAVEN – In preparation for the county’s proposed 700-megahertz centralized communication system, freeholders at the Dec. 23 meeting awarded a one-year, $34,650 contract to V-Comm LLC of Cranbury.
Described as an “extraordinary unspecifiable service,” V-Comm will “prepare necessary applications and participate in the applicable FCC and regional planning coordination process” to secure frequencies needed for the radio system that will enable police to communicate countywide. That is not possible at present, since each department operates on its own frequency.
According to Kevin Lare, acting purchasing agent, “Police officers in Lower Township will be able to speak on the same radio to officers in Ocean City.”
Director Gerald Thornton added that if the county did not secure those frequencies from the FCC at this time, “We will lose them forever, so it’s important we purchase them, especially if we go to centralized communications.”
V-Comm has, in the past, been contracted by several municipalities in the county to review and recommend police communications systems.
Regarding the 700 MHz subject, V-Comm’s website states, “The FCC opened up its interoperability proceeding in July of this past year. V-COMM was involved in the 700 MHz interoperability proceeding at the FCC on behalf of several clients and conducted research including measurements and quantitative analysis. V-COMM analyzed the magnitude and extent of the interference risk from adjacent Channel 51 and Lower E Block transmissions for band Class 12 devices operating in the Lower B and C Blocks.
V-COMM was one of the first to provide full comprehensive measurements and quantitative analysis on this issue and its results for 700 MHz are referenced in the FCC’s Report and Order.”
The Process Works
Freeholders also awarded a $197,000, two-year contract to Multi Temp Mechanical Inc. for service and maintenance of HVAC on various buildings. According to Lare, there were “quite a few bids” which ranged from $842,000 to the winning one.
With such a difference between bids, Thornton asked Ann Marie McMahon, director of Facilities and Services, about the winner.
“We questioned their numbers, and they said they had everything in there,” she replied.
“The process works,” Thornton said.
Salary Increases and Adjustments
Director of Operations Michael Laffey, special deputy clerk, salary increase per agreement, $93,665, effective Dec. 12.
Facilities and Services Supervisor, Building Services, Terri Richter, merit increase $2,500, $40,518, effective Dec. 12.
Richard Tozer, maintenance worker, grounds, Correction of stipend, $231.
Correction of title: Kevin Lare, acting purchasing agent, $57,665, effective Dec. 9.
Human Resources and Training, Jeff Lindsay, attorney/human resources, salary increase per agreement, $100,000, effective Dec. 12.
Fare Free Transportation, promotion, William McKenna, supervisor, omnibus operator, $35,981, effective Dec. 12.
M.I.S., rescind from Resolution 957-14, non-union management stipends,
Sheppard Taylor, supervisor, data processing operations, $1,347.
Robert Thomson, confidential assistant, $1,015.
In other action the board:
Authorized a $168,800 modification to the contract with Hatch Mott MacDonald for site remediation professional services for airport Building 12. County Engineer Dale Foster said that the building has been demolished, but contamination exists in its foundation and soil, for that reason the service was needed.
Accepted a proposal for $76,260 from Urban Engineers Inc. of Cherry Hill for services in connection with replacing the 104th Street Bridge in Stone Harbor.
Modified by $10,400 the contract with Adams, Rehmann, Heggan and Associates Inc. for additional services in connection with the new correctional center. This was due to Department of Environmental Protection seeking a detailed study for stormwater drainage.
Approved new per diem rates for employees involved in official business such as meetings and conventions: breakfast, $10, lunch $12, dinner $26.
Awarded contract for $332,650 to Farm-Rite Inc. to furnish a new amphibious rotary excavator with a 30’ super-long reach boom, stick and bucket for Department of Mosquito Control. It will replace a 40-year-old unit.