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coverage in the two-county area to all member agencies. As a result, it represents an improvement over most existing radio systems that offer only limited or no, communication outside of individual city or district boundaries. Public safety agencies across the country have pursued interoperability as a means of improving public safety responses and services during both normal and emergency operations. To achieve this goal, the ICTAP has determined that the most cost effective and technically superior solution is for both counties to construct a shared two county regional communications system. In order to develop this system, a task force of public safety representatives from both counties recommended the formation of a joint powers authority (JPA) with a board of directors with representation from both counties that will oversee the financial, technical, and operations of the two county communications system. In response to this analysis and recommendations, both county Board of Supervisors recently approved formation of the EBRCS-JPA which will be the legal entity responsible for the system. It will be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 23 directors selected from participating county and city agencies. (See page 6 of Attachment A for Board Membership.) The EBRCS-JPS will have authority to issue debt for system acquisition and maintenance and to make decisions regarding communication specifications. As a result of this action, the counties are now seeking membership from interested cities and agencies. To date, most cities/agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties have joined the JPA and others are currently in the process of agendizing the matter. However, indications are that Oakland and BART may not elect to be members at this time. A copy of the EBRCS-JPA agreement is attached (Attachment A). While it may be possible to fund a significant portion of the physical backbone of this system with federal and state grants, (decisions are expected in the next few months) it will also require ongoing financial contributions from member agencies to acquire, maintain and replace system components. This responsibility will continue for the life of the EBRCS. The amount of financial assistance required for the EBRCS-JPA will be determined in 8-12 months as part of a financial and technical plan. The final cost to member agencies will be dependent upon the amount of available grant funding, the total project cost including the cost of debt service anticipated to acquire the system, and the number of participating cities/agencies. While Pleasanton's cost will not be determined until completion of the financial plan, it is expected to be similar to replacing the cities' radio system. During this same time frame, it is anticipated that more information will be developed outlining service levels, maintenance services, system phasing and other operational issues. It should be noted that the Pleasanton/ Livermore system is owned jointly by the two cities and operates with its own radio channels/frequencies and equipment without the need of county or regional assistance. As a result, unlike many cities/agencies that currently rely on the two counties for their communication services, Pleasanton/Livermore system is independent and self reliant. Further, while the Pleasanton/Livermore staffs support the goal of interoperability, questions remain regarding whether a new city system or the EBRCS system will best meet the communication needs of both cities. As a result, we are in the unique position of moving Page 3 of 5