March 2001
Minutes
New England Region 700MHz
Technical Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 29, 2001
State Police Headquarters
Framingham, Massachusetts
List of Attendees:
George Pohorilak DPS-OSET, State of Connecticut, Chairman
Jerry Zarwanski DPS-OSFT, State of Connecticut, Vice-Chairman
James Warakois Boston, MA, Police Communications, Secretary
Gregory Richardson Boston Fire Dept
James P. Kowalik NH State Police
Michael Doucette NH State Police - Troop F
Ralph R. Thompson
Rick Pollak Motorola
Robert DiBella Town of Glastonbury, CT
Thomas Crony Rhode Island State Police
John Pinkham Mass State Police
John Mosely Mass State Police
Mark Cady Worcester Fire
Richard Hanlon Mass State Police
Gary Gutowski Mass State Police
Phillip Balboni Boston EMS
George Carbonell CT DOT
Michael Stemmler CT State Police
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:40 AM.
The Chairman announced the publication of the Fifth Report and Order (FCC WT Docket No.96-86). Of immediate importance is the definition of the geographic regions served by the committees. The Chairman referenced the division of the State of Connecticut into Region 8 and Region 19. State decision to opt out must meet 7/1/01 deadline
Copies of FCC Public Notice DA 01-58, Public Safety 700 MHz
Band General Use Spectrum Deadline for changing Regional Boundaries
were distributed.
The Chairman requisitioned members of the committee, from the
state of Connecticut, take a vote to include the entire state
into one Region. He referenced page 1 of attachment B of DA 01-58.
Motion by G. Carbonell that: THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT UN
IT'S ENTIRETY
BE MOVED TO REGION 19 FOR THE 700MHz SPECRUM ASSIGNMENTS.
Second by R. DiBella. Comments by the Chairman and & Carbonell
about the
advantages of the change The Chairman called for a vote by those
members from
Connecticut. The Vote was unanimous in the AFFIRMATIVE.
The FCC will be notified by letter of Connecticut's decision to opt out of Region 8 as a result of this vote.
Grant Application
The Chairman next called attention to the document Regional Planning Committee Support Funding Program 2001. He pointed out the need for disbursement and accounting of any funds received from the National Institute of Justice AGILE Program Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, International (APCO), Atlantic Chapter was approached to provide the accounting and disbursement of any funds received under this program.
The treasurer of the APCO, Atlantic Chapter, Jeff Vannais was approached by the Chairman as to the willingness of APCO - Atlantic Chapter to hold money for the committee and disburse funds as authorized by the committee.
R.DiBella suggested that APCO - Atlantic Chapter handling the funds might give the appearance of favoritism.
R. Thompson stated that the small sum of money would not be
significant and from his view would not evoke feeling of conflict
with IMSA or other frequency coordinators.
G. Carbonell noted that the handling of the finds by APCO would
avoid the accounting difficulties found within state accounting
and disbursement systems. He questioned how many other organizations
not tied to a state were setup to handle the disbursement of finds.
It was noted that there would be no charges for servicing this
account.
The chairman stated that the request for accounting support be brought before the APCO - Atlantic Chapter for approval. A Memorandum of Understanding will be generated between the 700Mhz Committee and APCO - Atlantic Chapter. Rules of find disbursement will be identified.
J. Kowalik inquired of the committee's intent to support funding
for implementation of software training for maintenance of the
frequency database.
The Chairman suggested that use of the database would likely be
by the Frequency Coordinators involved in the frequency assignment
process.
Vice Chairman (J. Zarwanski) observed that the frequency database would be maintained by some person from the Committee. Coordination of frequencies could be by any of the Coordinators who currently coordinate Public Safety frequencies.
Motion by R. DiBella that APPLICATION BE MADE FOR A GRANT OF
THE
MAXIMUM FUNDS AVAILABLE FROM N.P.S.T.C. Seconded by G. Carbonell.
Voted in the affirmative by the majority of those present.
Motion by R. DiBella that APCO, ATLANTIC CHAPTER BE USED
TO HOLD
AND DISBURSE THE GRANT MONEYS RECEIVED. Seconded by R. Thompson.
Voted in the affirmative by the majority of those present.
Public Notice (FCC) DAOI-406 Public Safety 700 MHz Band-State License Option to Apply Runs through December 31, 2001 distributed.
The Chairman emphasized the need for each State to take prompt
action to file
application for the State frequencies even though the final rules
have not been issued.
General discussion ensued regarding the designation by the States for State "Band Managers" for 700 MHz.
J. Kowalik described the process in New Hampshire.
The Chairman described the process and intentions in Connecticut.
J. Zarwanski explained the current procedure for filing for the license, the results that can be expected and the date of deadlines.
The discussion by others emphasized the need for all of the
Region 19 member states to file timely application for the "State
700MHz Band" even though the states were in
preliminary discussions.
Motion by R. Thompson that The Chairman send a letter to
those states not
represented at this session (Maine and Vermont) emphasizing the
need for them to act on making application for the state allotment
of 700 MHz frequencies. (FCC Public Notice DA 01-406). Seconded
by R. DiBella. A voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative.
The Chairman opened discussion about the plan development process. He suggested that the elements of the plan should begin by the June meeting.
The subjects of discussion included: Geographic boundaries;
800 MHz process and previous experience with the 821 MHz plan.
The Chairman referred to the published NPSTC Plan and recommended
it as a guideline for the 700MHz plan. The NPSTC Plan includes:
Procedures; Plan Development; Technical Standards; Appeals; Interoperability;
Eligibility; Applications; Enforcement; etc.
J. Kowalik suggested dividing plan development into two main areas with associated subcommittees: administrative procedures; and technical issues; and procedures isle noted many of the procedures be modeled after the 800MHz plan that is now in place. However, there are technical standards that will have to wait for FCC guidelines.
The possibility of Internet use by the members was discussed G. Carbonell suggested the creation of an Internet user group for exchange of information.
The Chairman suggested that the plan development process should begin before the next meeting. The following members agreed to begin drafting the following:
Procedures element - J. Kowalski
Eligibility sub committee - J. Zarwanski, G. Pohorilak
Applications process - sub committee, G. Pohorilak
It was suggested that the current Regional 19 plan be obtained for the members G. Carbonell agreed to "scan-in" the current Region S and Region 19 plans into a user group format to be available to the members of this committee via the Internet
The Chairman suggested holding the next meeting of the entire committee in late June. After discussion, Wednesday, June 20, 2001 was chosen as the next meeting date. The location, Vermont. The location address will be sent with Agenda to committee members
A general public notification of the meeting will be made to Public Safety Entities, especially those near the meeting venue
Motion by the Vice-Chairman that The minutes of the previous meeting be accepted as written. Second by G. Carbonell. There was no further discussion. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved by voice vote.
The Chairman called for any further comments or discussion from the floor.
Motion to adjourn voted and carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:48 AM
Documents distributed to attendees:
Regional Planning Committee Support Funding Program 2001,
NPSTC (National Public
Safety Telecommunications Committee
FCC Public Notice, DA 01-58, Public Safety 700 MHz Band General Use Spectrum Deadline for Chaning Regional Boundaries is July 2, 2001
FCC Public Notice, DA 01-406, Public Safety 700 MHz Band--State License Option To Apply Runs Through December 31 2001
Minutes New England Region 700 MHz Planning Meeting, December 7, 2000, Daniel Webster College, Nashua, New Hampshire.
Respectfully Submitted
James N Warakois, Secretary