Meeting was called to order by Pres. DeBowey, followed by a round-table introduction of members.

MINUTES

Minutes from the May 5, 1999 special legislative meeting were reviewed. Janelle Pepple made a motion to approve minutes. Jerry Marschke seconded. All were in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT

As of 6-27-99, we have a balance of $4003.27. Gayla Meier made a motion to accept the treasure’s report. Becky Ault seconded. All were in favor.

POLLING OF 911 COORDINATORS

At the 5-5-99 meeting, a motion passed to poll all ND 911 Coordinators to see if they were in agreement of the ND 911 Assoc. acting as liaison with the wireless carriers in development of a statewide plan for E-911 wireless implementation. There was discussion on the possibility of the Assoc. of Counties acting as the liaison. This issue was tabled.

EMD

Derek Hanson gave an update on the copyright problems with MPC (Medical Priorities Consultants Inc.). After gaining an opinion from St. Alexius’s legal counsel, Derek still feels that we (as an Association) are within the agreement guidelines originally set. Even though that is the case, Derek said our best option would be to discontinue using the MPC flip-cards that were purchased by the ND Emergency Health Services Dept. many years ago. He would teach the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) curriculum, which he is currently teaching. Students would be required to bring their own flip-cards from their communication center. Any com centers currently using MPC cards are encouraged to check with the company to make sure that it is within your rights to use the cards outside of the com center for training purposes. Of course, those com centers that only have one set of flip-cards would have to purchase another set, so they would have one set to use in the com center and on set to send with the student (or 1 set for the com center and a pocket guide to send with the student).

Powerphone sent a copy of their EMD cards for Derek’s inspection. He said that although the appearance is not quite as fancy, they are very functional. The cost for 1 Powerephone set is $129 (with no licensure agreements required) compared to MPC’s $465-$500 per set. Derek said he prefers not to push one company over the other, but would train students on whatever type of EMD cards were brought to class.

Becky Ault made a motion that the ND 911 Assoc. support a letter sent MPC, signed by Pres. DeBowey, endorsing the NHTSA Program and stating our intent to have students bring their own flip-cards. Jerry Bergquist seconded the motion. Discussion. Becky Ault moved to amend the motion to include having the ND APCO Pres. sign the letter as well. Motion carried.

All classes are still on hold until we send the letter to MPC and give them time to respond back.

Jerry Bergquist made a motion that a joint letter from the ND 911 Assoc. and ND APCO be sent to all PSAP administrators to explain the future of EMD in ND. Jerry Marschke seconded. Motion amended by Jerry Bergquist that a copy of the letter to MPC also be sent out to members of both associations. Motion carried.

Derek requested that the ND 911 Assoc. pay for a Powerphone EMD flip-card set ($134.95) for his use as an instructor. Janelle Pepple made a motion for the ND 911 Assoc. to pay for a set if St. Alexius doe not. Gary Kostelecky seconded. Discussion. All were in favor.

Dana King made a motion that any cards brought with the students, to be taught by Derek, must meet or exceed NHTSA standards. Gayla Meier seconded. Jerry Bergquist amended motion that the ND Division of Emergency Health Services determine what systems meet or exceed NHTSA standards. All were in favor.

QUESTIONS FOR GOVERNOR SCHAFER

A list of questions was drawn up to fax to the Gov. to assist him in preparation for the meeting with our Assoc.

MISCELLANEOUS

Pres. DeBowey encouraged anyone with e-mail access to get involved in

"e-circles.com". It will help us all stay in touch, especially concerning legislative matters with wireless E-911. If interested, contact Becky Ault.

Meeting adjourned at 4:30.

In summary: (This is a paraphrase due to the fact that it’s impossible to get a straight answer or quote from a politician!)

Gov. Schafer said that he felt that we, as an Assoc., had the right approach in wanting to enhance the 911 system. He was in support of our legislation in the original form, but felt that it had been watered down as it went through the legislative process. He does not support increased taxes with no known dollar figured on the cost of technology. Gov. Schafer also said that he did not feel that the direction of technology is yet known (as in: global positioning or triangulation). He said we need more time to figure out where technology is going and what we want to invest in.

Gov. Schafer pledged his support in developing a wireless E-911 system. He will appoint a committee to study this matter. The committee will have 3 goals:

1. Review current 911 system
2. Create wireless E-911 system
3. Develop a plan for the future

POINTS & QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

-We do not have figures on the number of wireless phones: Gov. Schafer will make a request to the wireless carriers to provide this information.

-Has someone been appointed to the study committee? No. Gov. Schafer will work with us if the Assoc. has any suggestions. Claire Carlson, from the Gov.’s Office, will be the Gov.’s representative on this committee. He is responsible to oversee the project and discover what we should invest in as a state.

-When will the committee be appointed? The Gov. made a commitment to have members appointed by the end of July.

-Point was made that at some point wireline revenues may diminish as cellular revenues increase, leading to a decrease in 911 enhancement dollars.

-What is the Gov.’s stance on PSAP consolidation? Gov. Schafer stated he has no stance on consolidation because he has no background to base a decision. Although he doesn't have any answers, he said he would like to work to help develop a plan for wireless E-911, not necessarily to include consolidation.

-Was there a lot of opposition to the bill? Most of the opposition (approx. 30%) came from national and local wireless providers. The other 70% were opinions in favor of the bill.

-Lyle Gallagher asked the Gov. to formally recognize the late Keith Seaver for his contributions to ND in mapping and GPS. Yes, the Gov. will do this.

Wade Enget, Mountrail County State’s Attorney, requested further explanation from the Attorney General’s Office on the release of 911 database information. The return opinion is enclosed. Mr. Enget developed two types of waivers, one for release of information to the telephone companies and one for release of information to the users themselves (in the event they forget their address). A copy of both is enclosed.

A letter from Carmen was read by Pres. DeBowey stating that she would like to resign for personal reasons. Carmen’s resignation was accepted. Pres. DeBowey nominated Gary Kostelecky for the position of Vice President. Other nominations were called for. None were given. Jerry Marschke moved that nomination cease and a unanimous ballot be cast in support of Gary Kostelecky as our new VP. Tom Sorrenson seconded. All were in favor. A BIG THANKS TO CARMEN FOR ALL OF HER HARD WORK AND DEDICATION! GO MOMMY, GO!

Jerry Bergquist made a motion that the ND 911 Assoc. members who will be participating on the Gov. Committee, be reimbursed for mileage and meals. Ken Halvorson seconded. Discussion. All were in favor.

The Legislative Committee that is currently co-chaired by Pete Eggimann and Jerry Bergquist will stay intact to work in conjunction with the Gov.’s Committee.

Fred Marquardt made a motion the ND 911 Assoc. endorse 3 positions from our Assoc. to be on the Gov.’s Committee: a representative from a large PSAP, a representative from a small PSAP, and a representative from State Radio. Ken Halvorson seconded. Discussion. All were in favor.

Tom Sorrenson recommended that we make a suggestion to the Gov. concerning what organizations (and the number of participants from each organ.) be represented on the Gov.’s Committee. Tom’s suggestions were:

3-ND 911 Assoc.

1-Wireless Carriers

1-Wireline Carriers

1-Association of Counties

1-League of Cites

Pres. DeBowey suggested that a ND 911 Assoc. member meet with Gov. Schafer first and foremost. Pete Eggimann made a motion that Pres. DeBowey, or his appointee, meet with the Gov.’s Office to define the committee’s purpose and appointees. Carmen Reed seconded. All were in favor.

Gary Kostelecky – We need to start working on wireless E-911 public service announcements.

Janelle Pepple – The Assoc. sent flowers in memory of Keith Seaver. Cellular One’s representative , RaeAnn Kelsch (Carol Lindsey’s replacement), pledged her support with the public service announcements.

Rick Hessinger – Rick would like to see a plaque dedicated to Keith Seaver from the Peace Officer’s Assoc., the ND 911 Assoc., and ND APCO, to put on his tombstone.

Jerry Bergquist – Duane Schaff, 911 Coordinator from Bowman County, also recently passed away. Jerry would like to see something done in recognition of his work with 911.

Janelle Morgan - Due to lack of student enrollment in the 911 Public Safety Telecommunications Program, the Advisory Board has voted to remove the screening process in hopes of keeping the program going. Janelle will send a more detailed update soon.

Rick Hessinger – July 20 & 21 are the dates of the next APCO conference.

Janelle Morgan made a motion to adjourn. Rick Hessinger seconded. ALL IN FAVOR!

Respectfully Submitted,

Janelle Morgan, Secretary