KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH

ORDINANCE 2003-19-40

AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $100,000 FOR THE SITE EVALUATION AND SCHEMATIC DESIGN OF A NEW MULTI-USE BUILDING FOR E-911 DISPATCH, CENTRAL EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, AND THE BOROUGH OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ON BOROUGH PROPERTY LOCATED ON WILSON LANE IN SOLDOTNA, ALASKA

WHEREAS, the assembly included a funding request in the 2003 Borough Federal Priorities book requesting $5.0 million for an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that would include E-911 Dispatch, Central Emergency Services (CES) administration, and the Borough Office of Emergency Management (OEM); and

WHEREAS, the assembly approved Ordinance 2002-19-35 that authorized the purchase of Lots 3, 4, 5 & 6, Block 2, Airport Subdivision, Plat No. KN 1325, located on Wilson Lane near Central Emergency Services Station in Soldotna for a new CES administrative building; and

WHEREAS, the assembly approved Resolution 2004-003 authorizing the planning of a new multi-use building for E-911 dispatch, Central Emergency Services administration, and the Borough Office of Emergency Management on this site but did not appropriate money for this purpose; and

WHEREAS, the borough Public Safety Communications Strategic Plan recommends the replacement of the current E-911 Dispatch Center that is currently located in a lean-to on the back of the State Troopers Station on K-Beach Road; and

WHEREAS, the CES Board has approved the concept of this combined facility that is immediately adjacent to CES Station 1 to relieve overcrowding in the existing building, and CES has capital money available to budget toward this project; and

WHEREAS, the recently approved mini-omnibus bill included funding of $2.5 million through the Department of Justice for a borough Emergency Operations Center; and

WHEREAS, the borough is anticipating additional Homeland Security funding through the State for communications equipment that will help fund the project; and

WHEREAS, during emergencies, the borough Office of Emergency Management needs room for an Emergency Operations Center that is centrally located and in close proximity to the borough building; and

WHEREAS, locating a 911 dispatch center and an EOC, including OEM offices, with CES administrative offices would house complementary building occupants together, which would promote efficiency, coordination, and communications during an area-wide emergency operation; and

WHEREAS, a cost savings would result by housing all three entities together, making maximum use of common building components; and

WHEREAS, a site evaluation and the development of a schematic site design is necessary before the cost of the project can be estimated with accuracy; and

WHEREAS, the Borough Capital Projects Division estimates the cost to develop a schematic drawing of the project will be up to $100,000; and

WHEREAS, there is available fund balance of $172,000 left from previous communications systems capital projects in Fund 455 which could be redirected for this purpose;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH:

SECTION 1. That the mayor is authorized to spend an amount up to $100,000 for site evaluation and the development of a schematic drawing of the proposed multi-use building for E-911 dispatch, Central Emergency Services Administrative Offices, and the Borough Office of Emergency Management.

SECTION 2. That the funds be appropriated from 911 Communications Capital Projects fund balance to account 455.53110.04EOC.43011.

SECTION 3. That this ordinance takes effect immediately upon its adoption.

ENACTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH THIS 20TH DAY OF APRIL,  2004.