MOORPARK SAYS IT'S READY FOR POTENTIAL Y2K PROBLEMS.

Byline: Paul O'Donoghue Staff Writer

With the countdown to the year 2000, the city's computers, software, emergency devices and most other systems are prepared for potential Y2K problems, city officials said.

A report to the City Council this week, which comes after the Ventura County grand jury earlier this year said Moorpark was not as prepared as others for the computer bug, now gives most of the city systems - except some spreadsheets and databases - a clean bill of health.

``It's in excellent shape,'' said Donald Reynolds, administrative services manager and the city's point man on the issue. ``We want to assure people we are prepared and we are here if they have any questions or need directions.''

In a report to the City Council, Reynolds said:

All the city's computers and software are Y2K compliant.

Computer chips used in city irrigation, security, heating and air-conditioning systems do not depend on the year to function properly.

The city's emergency generator was serviced in July and four additional, portable generators are available in the event of a grid shutdown.

City traffic signals and street lights were assessed and will not be affected by the year change, so long as a power source remains available.

The city's water suppliers, including the Metropolitan Water District and Calleguas Water District and Ventura County Waterworks, have confirmed their computer systems are Y2K compliant and that they have contingency plans in place.

The city's energy supplier, Southern California Edison, completed its Y2K readiness plan in July and is developing contingency plans.

The phone company, Pacific Bell, has completed all upgrades to its computers and networks.

The city has received guarantees from vendors that their computers and systems are Y2K compliant.

The city has received confirmation that state Department of Transportation staffers will be at the emergency operation center Dec. 31 to assist with any local state highway problems.

Plus, Reynolds said the city has trained some of its staff members in emergency preparedness, including a trial run Sept. 9 in operating radios at the city's emergency operations center in City Hall with county personnel, in a simulated emergency.

And the city's Disaster Assistance Response Team will be beefed up to 55 members in October, when 15 new volunteers trained in search and rescue and first aid are expected to join the group, Reynolds said.

Moorpark contracts with the Sheriff Department for policing services, and the East County facility will become an emergency operations center Dec. 31 if needed, he said.

``The county sheriff in particular is confident their systems will be ready,'' said Reynolds.

However, some issues remain outstanding.

Reynolds said some older spreadsheets need to be converted to the new software, and staff members will make those decisions on a case-by-case basis. He said that some older databases also will need to be converted, which is expected to happen within the next month.

In addition, the city's aging phone system, although Y2K compliant, will be replaced in November with a $50,000 digital system, said Reynolds.