Round Table Introductions: (see attached for members in attendance).

Reverse 9-1-1 presentation by Ernest Bergsagel:

Reverse 9-1-1 is a computer dial-up system, which is installed locally and activated by phone, cell phone, radio or computer. It's a fully networkable, and costs approximately $35,000 for a basic system. It has mobilization and hazmat features along with a fax module. Connection with the phone company is either analog or digital. Maintenance fee is 15% of total cost of system, with the first year free.

Minot Anhydrous Ammonia Incident by Fred Debowey:

Fred played tapes of initial 911 calls from the Canadian Pacific Train personnel and went on to describe difficulties involved in dealing with the many demands on emergency services. The nature of the disaster overwhelmed the 911 center and related agencies. The EBS/EAS system did not work as expected; leaving residents uninformed and anxious. The anhydrous vapor reduced visibility to zero and stalled rescue vehicles. People in the disaster zone were frightened and upset that immediate rescue was not possible. One individual lost his life due to a panicked attempt to escape the area.

In spite of the overload, dispatchers and first responders rallied, risking personal injury to carryout their duties. Dispatchers relayed a short instruction set on how to avoid injury from the vapor to those calling 911. They handled up to 400 calls per hour. This experience showed the value of preplanning for any conceivable emergency. In addition, the value of emergency equipment maintenance was made apparent. Recommended upgrades should be done as soon as budgets will allow. Frequent disaster drills and training of emergency personnel is vital to successfully handling disasters of all sizes. Minot is now actively pursuing upgrades to warning sirens, phone systems and other equipment.

Gary thought Phase I testing would be done in January, 2002. However, there is a debate as to which type of trunks to use, CAMA or SS7. Russ Lindblom is negotiating with the parties involved. Once resolved, actual testing should take about two weeks. A large regional database provider, like Intrado, is in the best position to coordinate with wireless companies for furnishing PSAP data requests. The cost to an individual PSAP for this service will be worked out after his system is operational. Information on basic PSAP configuration is required to determine the cost of receiving data. Russ Lindblom will work with individual PSAPs to collect this information.

Meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM (CT).

Gary Kostelecky made motion to adjourn.

State Radio Systems Upgrade by Lyle Gallagher:

Lyle discussed progress in getting North Dakota State Radio converted from an analog radio system to a digital radio system. He is trying to get federal funds to cover the cost of the upgrade. Federal Engineering's proposal is to have 98% of the state radio system accessible with a handheld portable. At this point ND still has a good, functional communications system. The need to go to a digital radio system is not immediate. Any upgrade will depend on available funds and demands of legislation. At this time, it would take $44-50 million to switch North Dakota over from an analog to a digital system. State Radio has sent out a fact sheet regarding digital radios. P-25 digital technology (6.0) is the newest digital system but is not a total replacement. There is no two-tone paging option with a digital radio system and all PSAPs use two-tone paging. It's necessary to keep the analog system to enable pagers. If an agency buys a new radio today it needs to be upgradeable to both digital and then to trunking later on. Lyle is recommending a "slow growth" migration path to a digital system.

Approval of Minutes for Dec. 12, 2001:

Motion made by Becky Ault to approve minutes from the last meeting. Seconded by Tammy Lapp. Motion passed.

Treasurers Report:

Carmen Reed reported a balance of $4,664.36 as of 3/11/02. Motion was made by Fred Debowey. to approve the Treasurers Report. Seconded by Denise Hendrickson. Motion passed.

The Three-Member PSAP Committee still needs to be established. The NDACo has not appointed it’s committee member yet. A vacancy on the committee was created with the loss of Sherwood Monroe. Janelle Pepple is willing to fill this position. Russ reviewed the auditor's survey. All counties have made requests for wireless fee collections. It appears that there are 185,000-190,000 cell phones in ND; 30-40% of the total population. Although it takes the cellular companies time to set up their billing systems, funds are beginning to accumulate at the city/county level. The City of Fargo, West Fargo and Cass County were having difficulty sorting out collection and redistribution of wireless fees. The solution was in separating the jurisdictions based on the zip + four code. Russ sent out a survey in February to determine the ability of a PSAP to receive Phase I and Phase II data. This information will be reviewed with each PSAP Coordinator. A request was received from Qwest to be the System’s Integrator; no cost figures were included with the proposal.

Rick Hessinger reported on FCC rulings:.

1. King County, WA issue - A wireless carrier incurs cost up to the 911 tandem...costs from the 911 tandem (excluding the tandem) to the PSAP are the PSAP’s responsibility.
2. "Phantom Fanny" cell phone calls (911 calls made by person sitting on their phone and the phone dials 911) must be checked. Certain states are trying to change this ruling to alleviate the need to send law enforcement to investigate. Rick discussed HB1409. Although State Radio is in charge of maintenance of these guidelines they are looking for direction from the 911 Association to link this to the Legislative Committee. A motion was made by Jerry Bergquist; seconded by Fred Debowey, to have the Legislative Committee be designated as the group to review HB1409 and make recommendations for the ND 911 Association. Motion passed.

Legislative Committee Update:

• Fred Debowey urged the committee to begin work on new legislation as soon as possible. Terry Volk and Allen Morken volunteered to serve on the committee.
• Fred Debowey has a concern regarding disbursement of 911 wireless funds by address instead of by county. He suggested that legislation may be needed to require cellular companies to disburse funds by zip +four.
• PBX switch networks in regard to 911 call location was discussed. Currently, 911 calls from a PBX switch only locate the building's address. There is pressure to mandate separation of PBX system calls down to individual phone number locations.
• The law regarding 911 recordings may have to be amended to prevent unrestricted use of 911 call tapes.
• A Federal Bio-Terrorism Grant could bring in $6 million to the state of North Dakota. Training of dispatchers should fall into the parameters of this grant. Rick Hessinger recommended we monitor this program and take advantage of any funding that applies.

Training Committee Report: The Committee has held discussions with Tim Wiedrich (State Health Department) about implementing a North Dakota EMD Program using our own set of cards. The Health Department is solidly behind the idea. Vickie Bereth (EMD Instuctor) has agreed to review these cards to ensure they comply with ND standards. Training with our own EMD materials would be much less costly for PSAPs. The printing costs will be approximately $15/Card Set. PSAP’s will not be required to switch cards. In North Dakota, taking the State EMD course with any of the approved card sets legally enables a person to give EMD instructions. If a PSAP decides to go with these new cards, dispatchers do not have to retake the full EMD course. Taking the required refresher courses will maintain certification. Using the ND State EMD cards is strictly voluntary. A sample set of the proposed cards is available from Denise Hendrickson. Coordinators reviewing these EMD Cards should relay any comments to Denise within 30 days.

This is free training for dispatchers and officers. If you plan on going you will need to register with Tammy Lapp APCO Secretary/Treasurer.

Tim played a video tape regarding FAQ on HB1409. A copy of the tape will be sent to all ambulance agencies and 911 Coordinators. When a person calls 911 or a 7 digit number for help and the dispatcher determines it is an emergency, the dispatcher is required by law to dispatch the closest available Emergency Medical Service. Patient care concerns or slow response times are the responsibility of the Health Department and should be reported accordingly. Quick Response units have to be licensed and meet certain standards. It is not mandatory for PSAPs to report changes in EMS boundaries to the Health Department.

Terry Volk gave an update. There is no cost to the Association for maintaining the website. A fee to list vendors was discussed. No decision was made. Janelle Pepple thanked Terry for his excellent work on the website (nd911.homestead.com).

Jerry Bergquist suggested the Association add a Member-at-Large to the Board. Jerry Bergquist made a motion to table discussion for now. Rick Hessinger seconded this motion. Motion passed.

The State DOT is taking down the "1-800 #," and " *2121 #," signs throughout the state. DOT will also be taking down the "7233" for weather information signs and replacing them with "511" for weather information signs. "511" is a national weather number. Also a changed on ND drivers’ license, it is now "911" for emergencies instead of the 1-800 number.

Becky Ault shared information regarding signing within a county. Maintenance is not a problem.

Jerry Bergquist handed out an article on an ad for a 911 cell phone. This phone is not activated but can dial 911. PSAPs will receive no call back number on these phones.

Jerry Bergquist, along with Kathy Coleman, the new administrator for Fargo, Cass County, Clay County and Moorhead, will be talking to members of the American Heart Association on March 17, 2002.

No changes for last year. This year will be continued review.

No comments.

Schedule next meeting:

Next meeting will be in June in Dickinson. Exact dates will be announced after the meeting arrangements are confirmed.

Motion to adjourn was made by Fred Debowey. Brent Nelson seconded this motion. Meeting adjourned at 12:30PM(CT).

Carmen Reed/Secretary-Treasurer