Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09-26-2022911 COMMUNICATIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE September 26, 2022 At a Regular Meeting of the 911 Communications Oversight Committee on Tuesday, September 26, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., in the Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 300 South 5th Street the following Committee members were present: Commissioner Carol Gault, and Dr. Irvin Smith and Kevin Kauffeld. Kevin Kauffeld presided as Chairperson. Commissioner Eddie Jones arrived at 1:36 p.m. Mr. Jewel Jones was absent. City Clerk Lindsay Parish took the minutes of the meeting. MINUTES Commissioner Carol Gault offered motion, seconded by Dr. Irvin Smith to adopt the minutes for August 22, 2022, and September 13, 2022. All in favor. UPDATE ON RFP PROCESS Chair Kauffeld asked Deputy Judge Steve Doolittle to give an update on the RFP process. Deputy Judge Doolittle reported that he and City Manager Jordan have met twice to review the RFP. He gave a high-level overview of what requirements are included in the RFP related to the system, towers, coverage, and portable radios. They have marked up the draft RFP and intend to schedule a time to talk with Federal Engineering about their questions. The document does not yet include general instructions to bidders. Generally, Deputy Judge Doolittle feels that the RFP is well done. Vendors will be held responsible by proving through testing that they are meeting the minimum requirements of the system. Commissioner Eddie Jones asked what, if anything, is included in the RFP that would allow for future growth into additional counties? Deputy Judge Doolittle responded that the RFP has built in some growth potential, however it appears the RFP is envisioning this specifically for McCracken County, and not for other counties to come onboard. GOVERNANCE DISCUSSION Chair Kauffeld asked Stacey Blankenship to give an overview of potential governance options for 911. For all models, the agency must be able to meet the definition of a “Criminal Justice Agency” in order to have access to the LINK/NCIC terminals. In McCracken County, there are only three agencies that meet that definition (Paducah Police Department, McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, and the McCracken County Attorney’s Office). She shared that the unique thing about this type of agency, is that unlike other agencies, usually some sort of statutory authority exists to allow the agency to tax and issue bonds. There is no provision that allows this type of agency to generate its own funds, so it must rely on City & County for fund collection. Ms. Blankenship discussed 3 different types of Government Structures – In-House Model, JSA Model, and Hybrid Model. 911 COMMUNICATIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE September 26, 2022 In-House Model – This is the model currently utilized by the City of Paducah. It is funded by the City of Paducah and approved by the Kentucky State Police. Both the water meter fee and a parcel fee could be utilized in the funding of this model. The City of Paducah and/or McCracken County could implement a parcel fee on property owned in their respective jurisdictions. With respect to the water meter fee, the City and County could impose water meter fees to raise revenue. Additionally, she has researched whether the City could enact an ordinance imposing a fee on all water meters, regardless of their location in the County and has found nothing that would prohibit that action. JSA Model – The City and County could not implement a model exactly like JSA because JSA is a self-funding agency with the ability to issue bonds and charge fees. Additionally, JSA does not have a requirement for its business to be managed by an outside agency. Hybrid Model – The hybrid model is similar to what used to be in place. It is structured similar to JSA, without the ability to raise its own funds and manage the entire organization. Ms. Blankenship previously provided a draft contract that the City and County to review. Since that time, she has modified some of the language to include the Criminal Justice Agency requirement. Ms. Blankenship shared that the previous agency had some issues stemming from the Board had a oversight and input in the day-to-day operation of 911. Funding would not be an issue in the Hybrid Model as the City could implement a fee on all water usage customers regardless if they are in the City or County. Pension or retirement will not be affected if the Hybrid Model was utilized. Employees could stay on the City’s retirement fund, until such time the Joint Agency begins participation in CERS. At that time the employee could decide if they wanted to go under Joint Agency retirement or stay on the City’s retirement. Commissioner Eddie Jones asked whether the Committee agreed that a hybrid model is desired. He said that the user group could be set up to make recommendations to the board. Commissioner Carol Gault asked if the users group meets currently. Assistant Chief Anthony Copeland said that he reaches out to them on a regular basis and that they typically meet quarterly. The committee discussed management control in order to be compliant with KSP requirements. In a hybrid model the joint agency would need to enter into an agreement with the County Attorney, the McCracken County Sherriff or the Paducah Police Chief for management. Dr. Irvin Smith asked about appointing the Chief of Police or County Sherriff to the board with one of them always serving as chairperson with managing control. Would this option satisfy the KSP requirements? Potentially the board could be composed of the Police Chief, Sherriff, County Fire Representative, and a citizen appointed jointly by the Mayor and Judge Executive or the Medical Director from the ambulance service. Commissioner Eddie Jones mentioned that they need base pay of 911 employees in order to make funding recommendations. 911 COMMUNICATIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE September 26, 2022 Chair terms and board member compensation were discussed. Chair Kauffeld will reach out to Mr. Jewel Jones to give an overview of the discussion. OTHER 911 DISCUSSION Commissioner Eddie Jones inquired if the Committee needed to have additional conversations with the ambulance service about upgrading. Dr. Irvin Smith let the Committee know that the ambulance service is operating on VHF frequency so they can communicate with other regional areas. If they are required to upgrade to a 800 radio system, then they would have to have two (2) radios per ambulance. Currently, they have capability to communicate with VHF and 800 MHz systems. ADJOURN Commissioner Eddie Jones offered motion, seconded by Dr. Irvin Smith, to adjourn the meeting. All in favor. TIME ADJOURNED: 2:22 p.m. ADOPTED: October 24, 2022