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Committee approves PCAP grant application to upgrade dispatch radios for Wiscom interoperability
Summary
The Public Safety Standing Committee authorized staff to apply for a state PSAP/PCAP grant to add two 800‑MHz capable base stations so county dispatch can operate on the state Wiscom network. Committee members also received updates on NG9‑1‑1 mapping work, the PowerPhone EMS dispatch project and radio tower construction progress.
The Richland County Public Safety Standing Committee voted to move forward with a PSAP/PCAP grant application that would buy and install two base stations and associated equipment to make county dispatch 800‑MHz capable and interoperable with the state Wiscom network.
Committee chair Cosgrove asked for a motion to proceed; Cosgrove moved the action and Fleming seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote with committee members saying "aye." County staff explained the program is federal/state‑funded through the state's PSAP grant pool (supported by a small fee on phone bills) and that the round offers equipment funding with a 10% local match. The presenter said the project cost is roughly $33,000 and the county's match would be about $3,300 (figures provided by staff during the meeting).
The committee also received updates on 9‑1‑1 dispatch system work: the PSAP is moving from APCO EMD to PowerPhone for automated EMS pre‑arrival instructions and has begun implementation meetings with the vendor. Staff said the NG9‑1‑1 mapping and related work are in progress and that some fiber and last‑mile connections (notably an AT&T handoff) remain to be completed before full connectivity is confirmed.
Radio tower project updates said several sites have been "stacked" and placed: Keysville and Bunkers sites were reported as stacked (Bunkers work includes an ice bridge), and other site work is advancing pending remaining regulatory and utility hookups. Staff noted generators may not yet be hooked to gas at some sites but said construction work is moving forward as weather improves.
Committee members asked for a briefing from the radio‑tower contractor or project manager at a future meeting to confirm timelines and outstanding regulatory steps. Staff agreed to seek that availability.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to move forward with PSAP/PCAP grant application to add two 800‑MHz base stations: moved by Cosgrove; seconded by Fleming; voice vote, passed (committee members said "aye").
- Motion to approve monthly invoices: voice vote, passed.
- Motion to approve minutes of the Feb. 7, 2025 meeting: voice vote, passed.
- Motion to approve the meeting agenda: voice vote, passed.
- Motion to adjourn: voice vote, passed.
