COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes of the October 2, 1996 Meeting

The Communications Advisory Board Committee was convened in open and public session on October 2, 1996, at 5:30 PM, in the Sarpy County Board Room. The following members or alternates were present: Rolly Yost, Erv Portis, Mark Wayne, S. P. Benson, Guy Tramp, Steve Betts, Travis Mayer, Pat Archibald, Tom Koksal.
Absent: Louie Post, Mark Stoddard, John Strawn.

Sarpy County Commissioners Meyer and Woodle were present.

Notice of the meeting was given in advance by publication in the Bellevue Leader and the Papillion Times. Copies of the Proofs of Publication are on file in the Sarpy County Clerk's Office. All proceedings were taken while the convened meeting was open to the attendance of the public.

Benson moved, seconded by Mayer to approve the minutes of the September 4, 1996 meeting as amended. Motion passed unanimously.

Dan Peterson presented the Director's Report. A packet of memos outlining MDC/ATIA background and status was provided for primary board members. Peterson requested a Technical Working Group be established to address MDC/ATIA issues. Archibald moved to create this subcommittee, seconded by Benson. Mayer suggested including all agencies that might use MDC and ATIA. Motion passed unanimously. Portis appointed Yost, Smith, Archibald, Benson, Betts, Steve Young, Kevin Pokorney and Peterson to the subcommittee; and, requested support from Motorola/Mobilecomm representatives Carl McCormick and Neil Johnson. Peterson provided status of digital upgrade. Previous technical issues appear to be nearly resolved, and expectations are that full digital tests will begin the week of October 7. Peterson asked users to continue to provide feedback on any system irregularities, analog or digital, they may experience. This information is vital for technical investigations to support optimum system operation. Peterson reported four dispatchers are in training and that a previous trainee was terminated after two months for failing to meet required proficiency. The use of trainees and Deputy Mastandrea for call taker duties in the event of critical manning was coordinated with the FOP and no problems were indicated. He reported a lightning strike affected LEC and Courthouse phones and computers last week, causing a need for computer repairs of approximately $4,000. He advised that the Papio-Missouri NRD was informed of the outcome of the last meeting, that we could not support their request for participation on the county 800 MHz net. NRD conveyed to Peterson their desire to support the county through mutual aid. Copies of the Motorola letters for warranty repairs were provided. Peterson thanked the Papillion Volunteer Fire Department and Papillion FOP Lodge # 19 for their donation of a TV to the 911 Center, and their consistent support.

Portis introduced REACT spokesmen Young and Jack Griffey (REACT President), who briefed the group on REACT's history and commitment to public service. Young conveyed support from the previous Communications Director (Bartness) for REACT participation on the county system. A letter to the Board requested participation with one mobile radio. Benson moved to approve access, seconded by Wayne. Discussion followed, and it was determined that a subcommittee should be formed to determine the manner in which REACT would be authorized to participate. Portis appointed Betts, Young, and Peterson to study which talkgroups should be approved, and to provide the results at the next meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Yost reported that the revised Pursuit Policy SOG incorporates all revision suggestions. Portis noted that it complies with LB952. Yost moved, seconded by Wayne, to approve the Pursuit Policy SOG. Motion passed unanimously.

Mayer stated that the HazMat SOG, FD-3, is modified and acceptable to the Fire Department Subcommittee. SOG FD-1 simplifies dispatch procedures. Archibald moved, seconded by Benson, to approve the revised FD-1 and FD-3. Motion passed unanimously.

Wayne presented the Interlocal Agreement Review Subcommittee report. The proposed amendments were described. Wayne moved , seconded by Benson, to not amend the Interlocal Agreement. Discussion followed. Wayne, Portis, Benson, Archibald, Mayer and Tramp all mentioned the advisory nature of the Communications Advisory Board. All reflected ultimate authority resides with the County Commissioners as described in the Interlocal Agreement. The basic thrust of the comments revolved around providing advice concerning operational matters as opposed to those of administrative nature. During the discussion, Mike Dineen thanked the members for considering his participation as a voting member; however, he noted that he would not have requested voting status if the agreement had not been open for other amendment considerations as well. All agreed that Dineen remains welcome to attend all meetings and discuss any concerns he has with the Advisory Board. Motion passed unanimously.

Communications between the Director and the Advisory Board was presented by Mayer. He indicated that any previous problems that may have existed appear to be resolved. Portis said that Peterson has always been available to discuss issues, and encouraged members to contact Peterson if they have any issues or questions. Peterson asked that any member call him any time a question arises. Peterson also described the manner in which information has been disseminated by mail and fax. He will prepare a list of addresses and fax numbers for all members to review to insure currency. Dineen requested that he be included on the mailing list for any information other Board members may receive.

General discussion followed; Koksal asked why dispatch does not answer calls on LaVista primary. Yost said that he had heard the same question from an investigator recently. Peterson reiterated that dispatch monitors Law East and West, Fire East and West, CARE, and LE Info only (Public Works Emergency is monitored continuously). It is essential that the five dispatchers focus their attention on this minimum number of talkgroups to insure responsive action. Betts invited all members to visit dispatch on a Friday or Saturday night. This should help to understand why we need this procedure.

Mayer congratulated Motorola on providing the only technology that could operate from the Hazardous Material incident near the Platte River in Cass County on September 18, 1996. The crosspatch with NSP worked very well.

After determining the agenda for the November 6, 1996 meeting, Benson moved, seconded by Tramp, to adjourn at 7:00 P.M. Motion passed unanimously.

Sarpy County Communications Center Page

Created October 3, 1996