State Police Will Remain With Negaunee Dispatch

IRONWOOD, MI - by Keri Singleton - Thursday, January 28, 2010 - The 911 Committee met Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at 1:30 PM, in the Ironwood Public Safety Building, downtown Ironwood, Michigan.

The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Jim Loeper and the Agenda was unanimously approved.

A motion to table the Minutes from 12-09-2009 was unanimously approved.

There were no citizens wishing to address the committee.

Election of Officers

Mike Peterson was elected Chairman, Jim Loeper: Vice-Chair, and Julie Ann Giackino: Secretary. Paul Wallenius expressed opposition at the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

Budget

The cash fund balance is $59,233.

Jim Loeper asked permission to begin advertising for a part time 911 worker--20 hours a week. Jim said he is looking for someone with good computer and organizational skills, with starting wage to be $9.52 per hour, with no health insurance offered at this time. A motion was passed by roll call vote to approve, with Mr. Wallenius voting nay.

Topcom Contract

Jim Loeper requested permission to approve the contract for another year, in the amount of $3,200, the same as last year. Topcom updates addresses in the GIS and MSAG systems, to be downloaded to the 911 database. A motion was made and all in favor.

Gogebic County 911 Dispatch

Mr. Loeper asked permission to retain Doug Van Assen, an attorney in Grand Rapids, the 911 attorney for the state, to write their 911 plan. The cost should be about $2,000. Jim explained his interpretation of the 911 law, in that once the resolution goes to the county board, and the resolution is passed, he and the county clerk have to send out a letter to every city, township, and service provider in Gogebic County telling them of their legal right to separate from the plan. The plan has to be open for 45 days, for opt out. Loeper said it is his and Dick Adams’ recommendation that they retain Doug Van Assen. Doug is a private attorney. A motion was made to retain Doug Van Assen, and supported. Roll call vote passed with 3 nays. The plan should be open by May.

Jim Loeper said a lot depends upon Ironwood going with the county or not, stressing that if Ironwood opts out, they will have to write their own plan. Jim said he sent Bob Erspamer, I.P.S.D. Chief, the law, Act 32. He said the sooner they know, the better. Loeper said he hopes Ironwood goes with the County. Paul Wallenius then told Loeper the State Police will be staying with Negaunee. Loeper said he will go to Captain McCormick, and Paul Wallenius said that’s where it came from, to which Loeper said he'd take it further downstate.

EDITOR'S NOTE - The Chronicle received this email message from F/Lt. Paul Wallenius of the Michigan State Police Wakefield Post:

"I have read your article referencing the Michigan State Police and E9-1-1 dispatching service for Gogebic County and feel that clarification of our position is necessary:

The Michigan State Police Wakefield Post does not support leaving Negaunee Regional Dispatch to obtain dispatching services from Iron County Central Dispatch located in Crystal Falls, Michigan.

In our opinion, Negaunee Regional Dispatch is the best dispatching option available for the citizens of Gogebic County. However, if Gogebic County eventually does contract with Iron County Dispatch for dispatching services, the Wakefield Post will utilize those services for emergency dispatching.

The Wakefield Post will continue to be an intricate part of the law enforcement community in providing public safety and service to the citizens of Gogebic County, regardless of the location of dispatching services.

Thank you.

F/Lt. Wallenius, MSP Wakefield"

City Manager Scott Erickson said he believes the City will have a decision by the end of February, beginning of March.

Equipment

The price of the equipment needed is $23,200. The equipment would be Gogebic County’s equipment, so if 911 came back to Gogebic County, they would have radios. A motion was made to approve and supported. Wallenius, Erickson, and Andrew DiGiorgio (for Bob Erspamer, I.P.S.D. Director), voting no.

Negaunee Dispatch

A cell phone 911 call went from Vilas County to Gogebic, to Negaunee, from someone who found an unconscious person. Reportedly, the dispatcher repeatedly questioned the caller about his location. It was a matter of confusion. More information will be found out before more action is taken.

Membership of the Committee

Jim Loeper said he has received numerous comments about the large size of the committee. It was decided to not be dealt with until after the switch to Iron County. If Ironwood stays with Negaunee, they will have to form their own 911 Committee.

Other Matters

It was decided to send Mike Weimeri a plaque and letter to recognize his years of service, and developing 911 in Gogebic County A motion was made and supported.

Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Lawsuit: There has been no word yet.

Next Meeting

In February, to be announced.

Meeting Adjourned