Schenectady County’s Public Safety Committee on Nov. 5 accepted a $1,639,396 grant from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for Next Generation 9‑1‑1 equipment and approved acceptance of two Aid to the Defense grants totaling $797,698 from the Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Kevin Spahn, director of the county’s Unified Communications System, explained New York State is rolling out a statewide Next Generation 9‑1‑1 system and the grant funds will be used to install a redundant, modern 9‑1‑1 server system in the county’s Unified Communications Center (UCC). "With this grant, it is $1,639,396. We have 4 years suspended. The plan is to put in brand new redundant 9 1 1 server system into the UCC," Spahn said.

The committee also heard that two Aid to the Defense grants totaling $797,698 will be divided proportionally among the county public defender’s office, the conflict defender’s office, and assigned counsel. Letters from the county manager and commissioner of finance were attached to the agenda items to explain the receipt of the monies.

Both items were moved and carried during the committee session.

Action recorded

• PS 20 — Accept Next Generation 9‑1‑1 grant ($1,639,396) to upgrade 9‑1‑1 receiving equipment and install redundant servers. Outcome: carried.

• PS 21 — Accept Aid to the Defense grants totaling $797,698 to be distributed to public defender, conflict defender and assigned counsel. Outcome: carried.

Provenance: topic introduced at 00:25:52 and closed at 00:27:48.