Proposal:
Reallocate Funds for Contracted Communication Services to Support Rule 701-Episode Forecast and Declaration Dissemination to Schools
Synopsis:
Rule 701, as amended on September 8, 1995, removed the requirements for schools and industry to maintain an antiquated radio system to receive daily air quality forecast and episode declaration. In its place, the AQMD committed to explore new-technology methods to provide episode notification to school districts. Staff recommends that the Board authorize the reallocation of $40,000 of budgeted funds to the Professional and Special Services account to fund contractual services for providing a communications link to the school districts.
Committee:
Administrative, January 19, 1996, Approved
Recommended Actions:
Authorize the reallocation of $40,000 of FY 95/96 budgeted funds ($20,000 from Planning and Policy account 745 [PM10 Model Development], and $20,000 from Stationary Source Compliance accounts 735, 750, and 970 to Planning and Policy account 745 (Communication Services) to fund contractual services for providing a communications link to the school districts.
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
BRW:CSL:MZ:JC
Background
Rule 701, when amended at the September 8, 1995 Governing Board meeting, removed the requirements for schools and industry to maintain an antiquated radio system to receive the daily air quality forecast and episode declaration. In its place, the District committed to explore updated technology methods to provide episode notification to school districts. A survey was conducted by the Public Advisor's Office of school supervisors responsible for re-transmitting the episode information to the individual schools in their district. The results indicated that facsimile communication was preferred as a replacement to the radio system. Providing the school district headquarters with the episode message by facsimile in a timely manner requires a "turnkey" operation, utilizing a fast facsimile technology or equivalent method. While the District has an existing fast facsimile capability, it is unable to handle the volume and timing of episode transmission under its current configuration.
Proposal
Staff recommends that the Board authorize the reallocation of $40,000 in FY 95/96 budgeted funds to a Planning and Policy Professional and Special Services account for Communication Services to fund contractual services for providing a communications link to the school districts. The scope of the work would either (1) provide an upgrade to the existing District fast facsimile communications capability, or (2) require the contractor to provide a fast facsimile or equivalent service to receive and immediately re-transmit the District's episode messages directly to the school districts. Funds for this program are available within the existing FY 1995-96 Budget of Planning, Transportation and Information Management - $20,000 from 745 (PM10 Model Development) and Stationary Source Compliance - $10,000 from 735 (Rents & Leases), $5,000 from 750 (Public Notices), and $5,000 from 970 (Miscellaneous Expenses).
(Boardfax.DOC)