911 Main Topic at Board of Alderman Meeting (5-17)

A new 911 system dominated the discussion at Tuesday night's Board of Alderman meeting. (5-17-11) A meeting earlier in the day of the 911 Advisory Board produced information about needs and costs of a replacement for the existing 911 system. The current system is currently under a maintenance contract that will not be renewable due to its age after January 31, 2012. Fire Chief Terry Johnson presented the Aldermen with a recommendation from the 911 Board of a lease option for a new PSAP (Public Safety Access Point) system from AT&T. The option would include a turnkey package including a 5 year renewable lease that covers all repair, maintenance, training and sufficient software and equipment for 2 dispatchers and a supervisor.The AT&T system would cost $12049 per month.
Johnson indicated that the alternative option of a full system replacement would require detailed specifications, a request for bids and bid out process that would have to be approved at the state level by the Ms. Wireless Communication Commission. These requirements could extend the time needed to implement a new system beyond the time frame available.
Frances Ball expressed concern about the cost of the system and how the cost would be shared with the county. Board Attorney Tucker indicated that the City has a contract with the County to provide 911 services and that the county pays for one dispatcher and phone service and that a new system would require possible adjustment of that agreement. Mayor Hill indicated that the information needs to be reviewed, discussions held with the county and clarifications of fund amounts from E911 phone fees in the county before any direct costs can be determined.

In other business, (but not limited to) the Board approved the following:
*accepted the low bid for site grading at the airport in preparation for a new terminal in the future. contingent upon receipt of an FAA grant.
*Accepted the high bid from Thompson Machine for the surplus landfill compactor.
*Rejected all bids for a 1996 Ford Explorer.
*Approved "Report Beam"training for staff
*Approved County Attorney Taylor Tucker to attend -UM-CLE Summer Conference in Biloxi on June 29-30.
*Approved Mike Towne - for instructor III MSFA training
*Approved Detrick Sanders for fitness coordinator training
*Approved Chief Terry Johnson to attend State Fire Chiefs Conference
* Issued aproclamation concerning "Click it or Ticket"
*Accepted the resignation of Marion Ball from the Louisville Housing Authority Commission and approved issuance of a proclamation commending his 44 years of service.