To: Board of Supervisors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Tower-based Security System Installation and Monitoring Agreement with Stealth Monitoring, Inc. for the new Fire Center in Byron
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing board of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute a monitoring agreement with Stealth Monitoring, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $15,000, to install two solar-powered security tower units. This agreement pertains to the monitoring of the Byron Wildland Fire Center from April 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted: 100% CCCFPD General Operating Fund. Project cost not to exceed $15,000.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa Fire Protection District (District) acquired Byron Boys’ Ranch from the Contra Costa County Probation Department on January 16, 2024 by Border Order Number 24-0235. The property at 4491 Bixler Road in Byron, CA is being outfitted and staffed as the Byron Wildland Fire Center for the upcoming fire season. This approximately 50-acre site is in a remote area of the County and is currently being staffed four days a week from 8am-5pm.
Since the District commenced operations at the site, there have been multiple break-ins and theft incidents, resulting in one arrest. With valuable equipment and vehicles stored on-site, the District is concerned about ongoing theft.
To address these concerns, the District urgently requests the immediate installation of two solar-powered security tower units to monitor the property and enhance security at this remote location. This temporary measure will provide security while a permanent security system is installed.
The solar-powered security tower units are equipped with multiple cameras for motion monitoring and "talk down" features that allow Stealth Monitoring, Inc. to notify trespassers that authorities have been alerted and are en route. Furthermore, this agreement includes a provision for mutual indemnification between Stealth Monitoring, Inc. and the County.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If not approved, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District will not be able to implement security at the Fire Center prior to it being staffed in April for the upcoming fire season.