911 Dispatch to Be in Iron County, MI

BESSEMER, MI - by Keri Singleton - Thursday, December 17, 2009 - The Gogebic County 911 Committee meeting, met December 16, 2009, 1:30 PM, in the Basement Conference Room of the Gogebic County Courthouse, Bessemer, Michigan, 49911.

The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Mr. Loeper. A motion was made to approve the agenda that was made and supported with no discussion, and passed unanimously. A motion was made to approve the Minutes from the 09-09 meeting, which was also made and supported, passed unanimously. No citizens wished to address the committee.

911 Report was made via video conference with Paul M. Rogers, public safety consultant. Mr. Rogers said he was asked to look at three options, regarding 911:

1.Keep current coverage through Negaunee.
2.Move dispatch to Iron County, Michigan.
3.Create central 911 within Gogebic County.

Mr. Rogers said that regarding the 911 Telephone Surcharge, everyone he spoke to felt that the amount should be raised to $1.65, what the voters approved, from the current $1.00. The report stated that any of the options would be viable, with the Gogebic Co. option being the most expensive, and the Iron Co. option being the least expensive.

He gave some cost estimates, to show comparisons: Iron County: $87,000 for the first year, not including $22,000 in equipment upgrades that need to be made to include Gogebic County. Negaunee: $136,762.00 for 2010, to raise 10% until 2013, the reason is the State Police had all the counties paying 60% of full costs of dispatching through last year, then to go to 70% the next year, to 80% the next year, to 90% the next year, until they are paying 100% in 2013. Gogebic County: The estimates are based on a system similar to Iron County, with eight part time, and three full time employees, with start up costs: $700,000. The second year, the cost drops to about $400,000, for paying people and maintenance.

Mr. Rogers said that regarding the 911 Telephone Surcharge, everyone he spoke to felt that the amount should be raised to $1.65, what the voters approved, from the current $1.00. However, if the operation will be at Gogebic, the current amount might suffice, while he recommends the higher amount.

Rosalee King, Iron County Board of Commissioners, asked if the 911 money had to be handled and distributed by the State, or can it be done locally? Paul said he believes that the state wants to control the funds.

Mr. Rogers closed by saying he hopes his report is helpful, and it by no means is in great detail, but was to compare options. He thanked the group, and offered himself for additional service, if necessary.

Jim Loeper read an e-mail from Mike Weimeri, not present, basically stating that he wants to stay with Negaunee.

Paul Wallenius, State Police, stressed that officer’s lives are on the line, and the most important thing is for the best coverage, regardless of cost. He said Negaunee is the best they can get, while there is nothing wrong with Iron County.

Sheriff Sanders agreed with Paul, and said if 911 was local, the employees would know the area. He said he would prefer a stand alone 911. Sheriff Sanders said it is important for the areas to stay together as a group.

Mr. Loeper intimated that if he didn’t think Iron County could handle dispatch, he wouldn’t recommend it.

Ironwood City Manager Scott Erickson said that Ironwood is happy with Negaunee, and there is no reason to change. Mr. Loeper said the plan would open late January.

There was a motion to move dispatch services to Iron County that was supported, and open for discussion. Mr. Erickson asked when the plan would be effective, to which Mr. Loeper said it would be effective in January or February, 2010. He recommended, if the motion passed, that Ironwood, Iron County, and members of the 911 Committee get together and discuss any concerns. Loeper said once the plan is open, anybody has 45 days to opt out of the plan.

A roll call vote was taken: motion carried, with Erickson and Wallenius voting no; and voting yes: Finco, Frederickson, Sheriff Sanders, Hazen, Loeper, Giackino, Jacobson, Kangas, Mahler, Peterson, Cestkowski.

Mr. Erickson said he thought 911 would be with Negaunee for another year.

Budget

Claims: Cash on hand 11-30-09: $125,498.65. No questions on claims. A motion was made and accepted to accept.

No one wanted to take a 5-minute break, wanting to finish.

Budget Amended

A settlement with the insurance for the flood in Mr. Loeper’s office, the county receiving $24,625.35, half of which got put in 911, and half of it in emergency management. Mr. Loeper said under supplies and materials, he would need a budget amendment for $12,312.67. A motion was made with support. The motion passed unanimously.

A 2010 budget was presented by Mr. Loeper : Including: Revenue: $313,932. A motion was made to approve the 911 budget to reflect that it is the revised draft dated December 2, 2009, which was supported. Discussion verified that the hiring part time position will be handled at the January meeting. Roll call passed all yes, with one no, and one abstain.

Coordinator Report

Mr. Loeper said there is an issue with the addresses in Palm Location and Palm Location Road. There was a motion to removed tabled item, supported, and passed.

Tabled Item

Jim Loeper told the group he got an e-mail from Brandon Snyder, expressing his desire to be on the Committee. After lengthy discussion, a motion to make a law enforcement seat on the committee failed in a roll call vote.

Report on State 911 Committee

Mr. Loeper said he went downstate and learned that money from the first 911 state coffers, is going to update the 800 system. It has to be done. It benefits fire, police, and such. The upgrade is 25 million, they have to come up with the other 12.5 million. A report, over 300 pages long, from Kimball Associates, basically said that the state should run the 911 system.

Other matters

None

A motion to adjourn was supported.