HomeMy WebLinkAbout- - KOCI Emergency Alert System - 9/6/2011CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: SEPT. 6, 2011 ITEM NUMBER:
SUBJECT: REQUEST FROM KOCI RADIO FOR $5,655 TO PURCHASE AND
INSTALL EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
DATE: AUG. 29, 2011
FROM: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S OFFICE
PRESENTATION BILL LOBDELL, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
BY:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION BILL LOBDELL, (714) 754-5288
CONTACT:
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a request by KOCI radio for $5,655 to
purchase an Emergency Alert System that will allow the Costa Mesa -based nonprofit
community station to broadcast local, state and national emergency information quickly
and automatically for the benefit of Costa Mesa residents.
BACKGROUND
KOCI 101.5 FM, a nonprofit, is a new class of lower power FM radio station specifically
licensed by the FCC to serve the Costa Mesa and Newport Beach communities. The
station's signal also reaches nearby cities in central and coastal Orange County.
As a local broadcaster licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), KOCI
is legally required to have an Emergency Alert System that meets federal operational and
performance standards. FCC regulations have recently required broadcasters to use a
new type of Emergency Alert System, forcing KOCI to replace the existing unit at the
station.
The Emergency Alert System is a national public warning system that allows the President
of the United States to interrupt all broadcasts and address the country during times of a
national emergency. The system also gives state and local authorities the capability to
deliver alerts and other emergency information that can be targeted to specific
communities.
The cost of buying and installing the new equipment is $5,655 (see attached), which the
nonprofit station cannot afford at this time. Its directors approached the City to see if a
partnership could be formed that would be beneficial to both parties.
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The new Emergency Alert System needs to be installed by Oct. 1, 2011 to meet the
federal deadline.
ANOI YSIS
KOCI's Emergency Alert System would allow Costa Mesa residents—especially those
in their cars, during strictly local emergencies or in blackouts—another communications
channel to receive information.
As part of a new KOCI-City of Costa Mesa partnership, the City and radio station also
would develop a regularly scheduled talk radio show that would feature Costa Mesa
civic news and events, as well as public safety/emergency preparedness segment that
would further both organizations' goal of public educational outreach.
As KOCI also serves the community of Newport Beach, City staff is working with KOCI
to explore partial financial assistance from the City of Newport Beach on this request.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
Decline KOCI's request for $5,655 to purchase a new Emergency Alert System.
FISCAL REVIEW
The Emergency Alert System for KOCI would cost the City $5,655 and provide Costa
Mesa resident with a local media outlet to turn to during emergencies, in addition to
providing redundancy. The City would receive $6,000 worth of programming on the station
to promote Costa Mesa news, events and emergency preparedness. Funding for this
equipment would come from the funds budgeted in the General Fund Contingency
Account.
LEGAL REVIEW
No legal review is required at this time.
CONCLUSION
It would be beneficial to Costa Mesa residents to have a local radio station equipped with
an Emergency Alert System that can be accessed while driving and during blackouts and
also provides information during local emergencies. The City of Costa Mesa would also
benefit by having a talk radio show where information, news and events can be
disseminated to the community.
E
BILL LOBDELL
Interim Director of Communications
BOBBY YOUNG
THOMAS HATCH
Chief Executive Officer
THOMAS P. DUARTE
Director of Finance (fiscal review only) City Attorney (legal review only)
ATTACHMENTS: 1 Emergency Alert System Cost Breakdown
File Name
Date
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