Laserfiche WebLink
Recommended Proiect No. 3 — Improve SCADA Communications <br />The City has experienced some interruptions in communication with the existing radio -based <br />system. This is typical in mature, hilly settings surrounding lakes where radio paths can be <br />difficult. Seasonal variations (tree leafing, tree growth, etc.) can impact radio communication, <br />so a system that is designed for certain radio paths can have later problems as the tree canopy <br />grows. <br />The City needs to avoid large antenna structures in residential areas for aesthetic reasons. Thus, <br />improvements to the existing radio -based system may not be acceptable. <br />A newer option that is currently in use in a few Minnesota municipalities is the development of <br />a private cellular network. Verizon Wireless is currently providing these private network <br />services to other Cities with systems of equal or larger size. The cellular communication usually <br />does not require large towers or antennas, so it can be installed without major aesthetic <br />concerns. <br />Our recommendation is to pursue cellular communication as a project option, with the intent of <br />making a final decision in the next year. The evaluation should be made considering the <br />following: <br />• Visit each potential site, measure Verizon signal strength at the panel or building <br />location <br />• Obtain price proposal from Verizon Wireless Network Services <br />• Maintain a record of radio communication failure events on the existing system <br />• Perform a cost/benefit analysis of converting from City -owned radio equipment to <br />cellular network services. <br />Depending on the selected alternative for sanitary lift station monitoring, the quantity of cellular <br />sites could vary significantly. The following estimated project costs are based on converting four <br />(4) water system sites from radio to cellular: <br />Page 9 of 18 <br />