Michigan House Bill 6070 puts all 911 services in smaller communities throughout the State at risk. If the bill is passed, nearly every community in the Upper Peninsula will be forced discontinue enhanced 911 services. It is imperative that citizens contact their legislative representatives to voice their opposition to this bill. For your convenience, email addresses of our State representatives and Senators have been added, highlighted and hyperlinked.

BESSEMER, MI - Friday, September 19, 2008 - The regular monthly meeting of the Gogebic County Enhanced 911 Committee was held at 2:00 PM yesterday in the Basement Conference Room in the Gogebic County Courthouse in Bessemer. Committee members present for the meeting included: Jim Loeper, 911 coordinator; Bob Morin, County Commissioner; Ken Jacobson, Gogebic County Firefighters Representative; Leroy Kangas, Chairman of the County Board; Paul Wallenius, Wakefield Post Commander of the Michigan State Police; Julie Ann Giackino, Gogebic County Administrator & Committee Secretary; Mike Peterson, Bessemer Township Representative; John Suutala, Michigan Township Association Representative;  Ted Finco, President of the Gogebic County Firefighters Training Council;  Mike Hazen, Chief of Police, Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Police; Bob Erspamer, Ironwood Public Safety Department Director; Randy Forstrom, Operations Manager for Beacon Ambulance; and , Gogebic County Sheriff's Deputy. Also attending were: Rachael Paquette, assistant 911 coordinator and Bob Raisanen, Marenisco Township. Representing the media was yours truly.

Approval of the Agenda - The meeting was called to order at 2:00 PM by Jim Loeper. He informed the Committee that Mike Weimeri called him previously and informed him that he would not be able to attend the meeting. The first item of business for the Committee was to approve the agenda. The agenda was unanimously approved without discussion.

Approval of the August 27, 2008 Minutes - Ken Jacobson pointed out a statement in the minutes that may be a bit confusing. According to the minutes, as presented, "Mr. Loeper stated that he received an increase of 21% in January and at the end of June, he received another 9% increase." Jacobson said someone might misunderstand that statement to mean that Loeper got some kind of a pay increase. The statement was referring to a radio circuit line rate increase through AT&T. The statement should have said something like this, "Mr. Loeper stated that the County received a rate increase of 21% from AT&T in January and at the end of June, they received another 9% increase." The minutes were unanimously approved with the noted change.

Citizens Wishing to Address the Committee - There were none.

Budget and Claims - Loeper reported to the Committee that 911 operations currently has a fund balance of $39,191.90. He pointed out that the biggest expenditure in the budget was $7,248.00 for two months service on telephone circuits.

He told the Committee that no revenues were received for the month, however, monies are due to be received in October. When asked how much he expected to receive, Loeper stated he had no idea. He told the Committee that he was concerned because he was told that the October revenues should be 2.7% over the 2007 revenues, but everything he's seen indicates that they will fall short of that figure. He said he will not know what the October revenues will be until he starts receiving the checks. According to Loeper, if the checks are under the rate quoted, he feels there would be little that could be done to make telephone companies to pay the proper amount.

Ken Jacobson wanted a clarification on the revenues. He asked if this year's revenues were supposed to equal last year's overall revenues plus 2.7%. Loeper indicated that Jacobson was correct. Jacobson asked what kind of figures were involved. Loeper stated that revenues should be approximately $168,000.

The Committee unanimously approved the budget report as stated.

AT&T Telephone Rate Increase - Loeper told the Committee that Julie Ann Giackino and he had a telephone conference with Solutions Technologies, the telephone provider for the County through AT&T, and with AT&T itself. According to what was said during the conference call was that AT&T has the right to increase the rates on their telephone circuit lines any time they wished. Loeper indicated that these are old telephone lines being used by the County. Loeper told the Commission that he felt there are basically three options:

1. Continue to Pay AT&T for the Old Lines - Currently the circuit lines from AT&T cost the County $3,648/month, and they can increase at anytime, as AT&T sees fit.
2. Upgrade to a T1 Line - This upgrade would cost $7,800/month.
3. Purchase New Transmitters - This would allow the County to go on the State microwave system, eliminating the month service charges on the telephone transmission lines. According to Loeper, each transmitter costs approximately $20,000, and the County would require five new transmitters to serve it's needs -- or $100,000 total.

Loeper suggested that the local townships and cities might be able to assist in the installation of such a system. He also suggested that Homeland Security money may be available. He pointed out that, like anything else, the repeaters wear out, and will eventually need to be replaced.

Mike Peterson asked if there was a way to purchase the microwave transmitters in stages. Since Ironwood's repeater currently works, for example, could it be replaced at a later time. Loeper indicated that all five would need to be purchased together.

Peterson pointed out that the $100,000 microwave system would pay for itself in three years, however, considering $40,000 is spent each year to AT&T for their antiquated lines. He also indicated that it is impossible to budget for AT&T's lines considering they can raise their fees whenever the urge hits them.

Ken Jacobson asked for more information on the existing AT&T lines being used. Loeper indicated that the lines are old analog lines. Jacobson asked if Charter could be used since they are fiber optic and digital. Loeper told Jacobson that Charter didn't offer those services.

Coordinator's Report - Loeper told the Commission that he has nothing to report regarding the appeal of the Michigan Public Service Commission's rate decision. A hearing in Lansing is expected to occur sometime in October, Loeper said, however no date has yet been set.

911 Law HB6070 - According to Loeper, the Michigan Speaker of the House told the chairman of the Energy and Technology Committee, 42nd District Representative Frank Accavitti, Jr., frankaccavitti@house.mi.gov to push House Bill 6070. Loeper told the Committee that he believes this bill would basically cripple 911 statewide. It would eliminate the Counties' rights and it would put all future decision in the hands of the Michigan Public Services Commission.

The bill was introduced by 96th District Representative Jeff Mayes, jeffmayes@house.mi.gov. Coincidentally, the 96th District is a stone's throw from Saginaw, Michigan, AT&T's Michigan headquarters.

Loeper pointed out that there will be a meeting to consider the legislation on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, in Lansing. Loeper said he was scheduled to be in Detroit for training on the 24th, however he will cancel his training to attend the meeting. He said he will attempt to address the Energy & Technology Committee regarding the bill, however, that isn't always possible. The chairman, Frank Accavitti, Jr., frankaccavitti@house.mi.gov , is the only one that can make the decision to allow comments.

Loeper told the Committee that he has contacted 110th District Representative Mike Lahti, mikelahti@house.mi.gov , and he urges everybody to contact both Lahti and 38th District State Senator Mike Prusi, senMPrusi@senate.mi.gov regarding this issue.

Loeper indicated that a letter has been mailed out from the Michigan Communications Directors Association (MCDA) to each of the legislators;  to all of the Committee members; and to all of the Representatives throughout the State expressing opposition to HB6070.

To read more about House Bill 6070, read [RELATED ARTICLE]. 

911 Authority - Jim Loeper announced at yesterday's meeting that thirteen counties have now signed up with the Authority. Those counties are: Alger; Baraga; Chippewa; Delta; Dickinson; Gogebic; Houghton; Iron; Keweenaw; Luce; Marquette; Ontonagon; and Schoolcraft. Mackinaw and Menomonee Counties are the only counties that haven't signed on to date. Loeper indicated that Mackinaw plans on signing, however.

The Authority was formed to unite the Upper Peninsula Counties regarding 911 issues. Having the majority of Counties represented by one Authority gives the U.P. a stronger, unified voice downstate.

According to an email Loeper shared with the Committee. Joseph W. Van Oosterhout, manager of the Marquette County Central Dispatch in Negaunee, stated he would like the "first official action of the Authority to be a press release in strong opposition to House Bill 6070 and/or any other attempts by special interest groups (such as the phone company lobbyists) to wrest control of 911 from County Boards to hand off to State departments and commissions." He went on to say, "911 is a partner with LOCAL police, fire, EMS, and other public safety agencies to provide to our citizens in need." 

Central Dispatch Committee -  Loeper told the Committee that a Resolution has been drafted that protects Gogebic County in the event that funding to pay for Negaunee 911 is no longer available or insufficient enough to pay for the dispatching. A new contract needs to be signed by October 1, 2008, or the County would be forced to pay month-to-month for the dispatch services at an inflated rate.

According to a September 9th email Loeper received from Pamela Matelski, Communications Section Manager, Michigan State Police, of East Lansing, MI:

As discussed earlier today, the new Memorandum of Understanding for contracted services goes into effect on October 1, 2008, and covers the period from October 1, 2008 through September 20, 2009. Payment would be due bi-annually on February 1, and August 1, 2009. By entering into this agreement, the Michigan State Police (MSP) agrees to continue a proportional subsidy of dispatch expenses (60% for FY 2009), as detailed in the Attachment A - Schedule of Dispatch Fees. Also as discussed, the MOU contains a 30 day termination agreement with or without cause by either party.

If Gogebic County determines not to enter into contracted services with MSP prior to October 1, 2008, two options are available. MSP will continue to provide dispatch services in the interim at an unsubsidized rate, or $198,00 per year. This amount would be prorated for the period for the period of time MSP continues to provide dispatch services. If Gogebic County determines to discontinue 911 services through MSP on or before October 1, 2008, the county would be required to notify MSP in writing or services will continue at the unsubsidized rate. Alternative arrangements for delivery of enhanced 911 services would be required in order for the county to remain eligible for the collection of the 911 surcharge under PA32.

According to the drafted Resolution:

Be it resolved, that the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners approves the attached Memorandum of Understanding, effective as of October 1, 2008, provided that notice is hereby given to the MSP of Gogebic County's termination of the MOU in the event that the  Act expires in February of 2009 or if the operational surcharge authorized by the State of Michigan under the Act is insufficient to pay for the Services as outlined in the MOU.

The Resolution has not yet been passed by the Gogebic County Board of Commissioner, but it is expected to be approved at their next regular meeting.

The Committee voted unanimously to sign the Contract contingent on the approval of the Contract; the Resolution, and the Memorandum of Understanding. Prior to the vote there was discussion between the members regarding other options in the future.

Other Matters - Jim Loeper expressed his concern about projected revenues and the future of 911 in Gogebic County. He said he hoped that HB5892 gathers support. This bill, sponsored primarily by John Espinoza, and supported by Rick Jones, Gino Polidori, Lee Gonzales, Dudley Spade, Terry Brown, John Stahl, Paul Condino, Alma Smith, Rebekah Warren, and Richard Hammel, would essentially turn the clock back, and return 911 services to where they were before the MPSC started regulating fees. The bill would repeal section 717 of MCL 484.717 effective December 31, 2013.

Loeper said he feels the writing's ultimately on the wall, the goal of the State is to make local communities completely responsible for the cost of 911 dispatching.  He said, ultimately, this will become a millage issue. He told the Commission that he has been discussing the possibility of a combined 911/Jail Improvement millage with Larry Sanders.

Should this become a millage issue, there are too many variables at this time to determine what kind of millage would be required to continue to provide quality 911 services county-wide. According to Leroy Kangas, Chairman of the County Board, 1 mil in Gogebic County generates just over $400,000 annually.

Mike Peterson expressed his displeasure with the State of Michigan mentioning that the still omit the U.P. from many official State maps.

Fed up with the seemingly mindless legislation constantly coming out of Lansing, John Suutala jokingly suggested, "I think we should close the bridge off and put up a big fence!"

Ken Jacobson suggested charging $300 admittance to enter the U.P. from downstate.

Loeper said, "It's not a surcharge, it's not a millage, it's a toll!"

Jacobson injected "$300 to come in and a $400 to get out!"

Next Meeting - After a brief barrage of one-liners by the members of the Committee, John Loeper said the date and time of the next meeting will be announced.

Adjournment - A motion was made to adjourn; it was seconded and unanimously approved by the Committee.