Minutes of the Board of Director's meeting on September 8th were reviewed. Director Lyscio moved to approve the minutes as presented. Director Newman seconded the motion. The motion was adopted. Vote: 4-0 with Director Merriman abstaining.

Public Comment and Correspondence

Executive Director Nordell advised Board members he had received an email from a former employee asking him to stop providing negative job references for her. Executive Director Nordell claimed he had only been contacted by one potential employer for this former employee and he had told the employer that she was a competent dispatcher. When asked if she could be re-hired by JasCo, Executive Director Nordell said he would not re-hire the former employee. Due to labor laws, no further information was provided. Director Newman also stated he received a call from this former employee and he had advised her to send a written request to the Executive Director and the Board to address the issue. Director Francis suggested that written release be requested from any potential employers looking for a reference on a former employee before providing them any information.

Treasurer Francis presented the financial report for October.

The check for August sales tax was received in the amount of $152,113.05. The check for September sales tax has not been received.

The checkbook balance before payment of bills is $54,153.35. The bills submitted for approval total $60,682.13. After payment of all bills, the checkbook balance will be $5,000.00. The money market account balance is $45,082.42.

Accounts receivable balance is $7,551.30. Receipt of all AR will bring the final checkbook balance to $12,551.30.

Director Newman motioned for payment of al bills. Director Merriman seconded the motion. The motion was adopted. Vote: 5 - 0.

Commmittee Reports

Finance and Budget

There was not a meeting and nothing to report.

Technical Services

On Tuesday, October 13th, 2009, the Technical Services Committee met at the Jasper County 9-1-1 Center, 13870 Dispatch Lane, Carthage, MO, in public session at 5:00pm.

 Attending were: -Board Chairman Stephens, Director Lyscio, Director Francis, and Director Newman. Representing staff were Executive Director Nordell and Administrative Services Manager Chenault.

The meeting was called to order by Board Chairman Stephens at 5:01pm.

Unfinished Business:

Executive Director Nordell asked committee members their opinions about purchasing a new mobile command vehicle. A demo unit from Dodgen Industries had been viewed while Executive Director Nordell and Director Rowland were at the APCO Conference in Las Vegas earlier this year. Options were discussed to purchase the vehicle outright if it could be a budgeted item. The base price for the mobile command vehicle was $151,700. After the representative for Dodgen Industries spoke with her company, they reduced the vehicle even more down to $150,000 including the additional options of a video camera, mast and other niceties. The vehicle is one year old and has 12,000 miles on it. They had a temporary hold on the vehicle until they had an affirmative answer from JasCo on their interest; but now need to know the committee's decision.

 At 5:05pm, Director Merriman arrived at the meeting.

 Director Merriman stated that under any circumstances, a cooperative effort or some other type of method for back-up should be looked into. Chairman Stephens said Jasper County Sheriff Archie Dunn had been interested in obtaining a grant to fund a mobile command vehicle, but had not been successful. The Sheriff's Office had also applied for one of three older Department of Public Safety vehicles and had not been awarded one. The committee discussed the size of the mobile command vehicle and seating for communications officers and the conference room. The vehicle also has whiteboards, a television connection, and a separate entrance for the conference room. Members agreed that a back-up system is needed, but were not certain that a mobile command vehicle was the best answer. Chairman Stephens and Director Francis suggested that we partner with local agencies to find a back-up solution and would rather see a hard lined area rather than a mobile center be used for 9-1-1 back-up.

Director Lyscio stated that after talking with Joplin Police Chief Lane Roberts he believes they would be more willing to look for a back-up solution that would work for JasCo, the City of Joplin and surrounding agencies. Director Newman inquired if the Underground in Carthage would offer an efficient space for a back-up emergency communications. Executive Director Nordell stated that a trailer could be purchased that would have equipment already set up at the Underground and would simply just need to be turned on when it needed to be used. Director Merriman disagreed saying he would prefer the back-up facility be located in an area that was manned 24 hours. He understands the benefit of having a mobile command vehicle but doesn't believe it is worth the money that would need to be invested in it. Director Francis added that if the City of Joplin was able to offer Jasper County Sheriff's Office a dispatch console, they should have available room for JasCo to use as a back-up facility. Director Lyscio does not believe there is room for a back-up at the Joplin Communications Center and suggest that the agencies look for a remote location.

Executive Director Nordell asked about the cost-share of building a back-up center in cooperation with the City of Joplin and potential locations. Committee members agreed that the largest threat for either Center is fire that could damage equipment. Director Merriman agreed that cost sharing between agencies would be the best way to go and that if a tower or repeater was needed in case of an emergency that Jasper County Sheriff's Office has equipment available that can be used. Director Francis asked if the Jasper County Sheriff's Office Airport Drive Sub-center could be considered for a back-up location while Director Merriman claimed that if we have systems installed on portable laptops that any available room should offer the capability of being able to be used as an Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Director Francis asked about the status of JasCo Cad being available for Webb City Police Department and Carl Junction Police Department. Executive Director Nordell said that a stable wireless connection is needed and that necessary bandwidth was not available. PILR Technologies had begun work on the wireless project but did not finish their job. Jasper County Sheriff's Office Information Technology (IT) department is waiting to climb the tower and should be able to fix some of the wireless issues as soon as the weather cooperates. Director Merriman suggested going with a product like Centrix that would keep the CAD server here and turn dispatch terminals at other agencies into "dummy" terminals. Current problems with the wireless connection are loss of connectivity and units having to log back onto the system. Centrix would ensure there was no database corruption and would restore the link once the connection was restored. Director Merriman also explained the difference of internet, intranet, and virtual private network (VPN) and stated they tried to avoid using public internet due to the expensive cost of a T-1 connection and VPN just takes a portion of that connection and encrypts it to establish a point-to-point connection that is secure. PILR just didn't complete the job properly to ensure that the wireless connection was established properly.

Committee members discussed further back-up options. Executive Director Nordell stated that there is a secondary database, phone switch, and DNS server that is kept at Carthage Fire Department and is set up to send information to JasCo across a dedicated fiber. He also stated other options included getting rid of the current mobile command vehicle and have plastic tubs for necessary back-up equipment that could be transported to an area used as an EOC. Currently there is no additional hardware for a phone switch other than what is at JasCo. He explained that the current mobile command vehicle could not be taken to Joplin and used to answer 911 calls because the City of Joplin's Viper system is not compatible with JasCo's MicroDATA phone system. He also stated that while relationships between JasCo and the City of Joplin have improved; he foresees a timeframe of three to five years before a back-up solution with Joplin would be finalized.

At 5:48pm, John Hacker with the Carthage Press arrived.

Members also mentioned that even if a new mobile command vehicle was purchased that additional equipment would need to be purchased to make it a true back-up option such as a radio tower and antenna's. Police mutual aid could also be considered a primary frequency in emergency situations. Director Merriman said that JasCo needs to look at re-creating county-wide dispatch to reach out to all repeaters across the Jasper County and added that JasCo needs to look for a cost effective solution to push forward with a back-up solution now such as a green box to transfer 911 calls to Joplin and then hook phone calls up to their basement to be answered. He also stated there is no reason that a dual T-1 link could not be made between to the two phone systems.

Executive Director Nordell advised committee members that with the current mobile command vehicle being out of date and needing technology updates; he was just looking for another option to provide a back-up solution in the least amount of time. He also stated that the T-1 that was previously in place at the City of Joplin will be connected shortly and that if JasCo were to purchase some PSAP in a boxes, along with the training laptops for CAD, laptops with the telex radio equipment and a portable repeater that JasCo should be able to function as a back-up facility at the City of Joplin

New Business:

Executive Director Nordell stated that Rayfield Communications is a week behind on being able to provide the results from the site survey of Jasper County. Information will be available at the next Board meeting. 

Director Newman moved the meeting be adjourned. Director Lyscio seconded the motion. Vote: 5 - 0. 

The meeting was adjourned at 5:59pm.

Building and Grounds

There was not a meeting and nothing to report.

Personnel and Policy

On Tuesday, October 6th, 2009, the Personnel and Policy Committee met at the Jasper County 9-1-1 Center, 13870 Dispatch Lane, Carthage, MO, in public session at 1:00pm.

Attending were: -Board Chairman Stephens, Director Lyscio, Director Merriman, Director Newman, Director Francis, and Director Rowland. Representing staff were Executive Director Nordell and Administrative Services Manager Chenault.

The meeting was called to order by Board Chairman Stephens at 1:00pm.

New Business:

Jasper County Sheriff Archie Dunn addressed the committee to propose hiring his own employees to provide dispatch services for the Sheriff's Office, but rather than create a new workspace for his employees; allow them to work at an available console in the JasCo facility. Joplin Police Department had previously contacted the Sheriff claiming that they had available space to offer his dispatchers as well as a reduced price on radio equipment; however, the Sheriff would rather utilize JasCo for the services. He stated he had originally contracted dispatch with JasCo due to a budget constraint, but would now like to maintain some control over his communications. Benefits included reducing costs of wages and benefits by no longer requiring four JasCo personnel to man the Jasper County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) console, the Sheriff's office not having to purchase additional software and equipment to be utilized at a different facility, and good publicity due to joint cooperation.

Wages for seven dispatchers have been included in the Sheriff's Office proposed 2010 budget that would allow for a dispatch supervisor, assistant supervisor, and five dispatchers. Director Merriman supported the proposal stating that by placing JCSO employees in the positions we already have filled with JasCo employees would reduce the amount JasCo pays out for wages and employee benefits on those employees. Executive Director Nordell assured Director Francis that there would be a designated console for JCSO dispatch and that the only time they would potentially be moved would be during maintenance at that specific station.

 Sheriff Dunn also mentioned that by having a law enforcement official filling the seat of the JCSO dispatch, authority could be given to that individual to take care of certain calls by phone or provide advice to the public without having to relay information to a road patrolman. Executive Director Nordell explained that more time may be required of the JCSO dispatcher if they would be handling calls and dispatching at the same time where currently members of the JasCo staff assist with call-taking. Director Newman suggested that two consoles be available for times of higher call volume and protocols designed to help out during those times. Director Merriman also stated that a supervisor could be scheduled during busier times.

Executive Director Nordell inquired about liability issues with a different agency working within the JasCo facility and 911 calls being transferred within the facility rather than to the outside agency. Director Lyscio wanted to make sure there would not being any problems with combined response events that would require a deputy, fire department and ambulance to respond. Executive Director Nordell stated that it would be handled the same as it currently is with transfer agencies and JasCo would work in collaborations with the law enforcement agency to obtain priority medical information.

Director Merriman would like to see the JCSO dispatcher at the JasCo facility and stated that by providing this option it would prevent negative publicity and improve the relationship with JCSO. Director Newman claimed that by providing the facility, equipment and technology for the JCSO dispatch, the Sheriff is saving money and his only expense would be personnel. JasCo may be left with no other option than to let some employees go to financially accommodate this request and he questioned if the Sheriff would be willing to hire JasCo personnel that are already trained in most aspects. Sheriff Dunn stated that would definitely be considered.

Sheriff Dunn said that he would like his dispatch supervisor to be a commissioned law enforcement officer, but it will not necessarily be required for the other employees.

Director Rowland stated that he understands Sheriff Dunn wanting to have control over his own dispatchers, but does not think those employees need to be inside the JasCo building. He believes that when JasCo took over JCSO dispatch that it created a heavy burden on the Center and that quality of service has suffered due to the number of non-emergency calls answered for JCSO. He was also concerned with the lack of operational authority over JCSO employees. Director Newman added that both agencies employees would have to work together for the proposal to work and that additional training and policies will be required to address any concerns.

Director Francis claimed that since JasCo handles the 911 calls for the county and JCSO responds to a majority of those calls that the citizens of Jasper County would rather have JCSO dispatch at JasCo. Sheriff Dunn added that dispatch centers across the nation allow different agencies to be inside their Centers and that with the possibility of Missouri legislature passing a bill that would consolidate Public Safety Answering Points PSAP's) and dispatch center, that it would only improve JasCo's chances of not being affected by the bill.

Director Newman suggested that JasCo could benefit from cost-sharing for technology upgrades and maintenance. Director Francis also stated that with JCSO and JasCo working unified on grants that it would improve the chances of obtaining funding. Director Merriman added that JCSO has applied for a grant to improve their radio system that could be used to assist with funding for radio improvements at JasCo and that there is also the opportunity to apply for the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Grant offered by JCSO to local agencies. Director Newman agreed that both sides could benefit financially with the cost-sharing and availability of grant funding. JasCo could potentially save money on personnel by alleviating them from JCSO dispatch duties while JCSO would save money on equipment and technology utilizing JasCo's facility. Director Merriman included that Jasper County tax payers may not be supportive of duplicating efforts by spending more money to purchase new equipment and technology for JCSO when it is already in place and available at JasCo.

Chairman Stephens mentioned that during their last conversation with the lobbyist that JasCo get as many agencies involved with the Center to improve the likelihood of staying in business. Director Francis affirmed that Jasper County citizens pay for the 911 Center and that JCSO answers a majority of those calls; unfortunately, if JasCo was not able to maintain JCSO dispatch it would reflect negatively on the Center. Chairman Stephens stated that it is a huge benefit by having JCSO dispatchers in the JasCo center where both personnel can interact with each other and have access to information. Tax revenue is also leveling off with outgoing costs continuously increasing and JasCo needs to look for ways for the Center to thrive in the future.

Director Francis inquired why some agencies are being charged for dispatch services and others are not. Director Rowland explained that agencies are not charged for emergency calls. Executive Director Nordell stated that the original creation of the tax was based on a response from agencies who wanted dispatch services. Since JCSO was not part of JasCo initially, their fees were based on the number of non-emergency calls answered by the Center. Director Francis furthered the conversation by asking why fire departments were not charged for their non-emergency calls. Director Rowland stated it was the decision of the Board to offer non-emergency calls at no charge to agencies serving a population of 5,000 or less to assist smaller agencies from having to answer and respond to their own calls.

Director Newman and Director Merriman both agreed that the best thing to do right now for the Board would be to accept Sheriff Dunn's proposal and move forward with a unified stance. Director Lyscio stated that he understands both points of view. Personnel changes at JCSO and new Board members bring new ideas and suggestions and as long as JasCo has the available room and can come to an agreement on operational authority at JasCo; he would consider the proposal. Chairman Stephens advised that JCSO employees currently work for the Jasper County Drug Task Force (DTF) under Joplin Police Department. Those employees still answer to JCSO but it is coordinated with the Manager of DTF. Director Lyscio and Director Rowland reiterated that Executive Director Nordell still needs to have the ability to handle conflicts inside the JasCo facility. They suggested a Memorandum of Understanding MOU) be drafted to outline procedural and personnel issues and then have the Board vote on whether or not to accept the proposal. Executive Director Nordell was directed to draft the MOU and then provide a copy to JCSO to review and make any changes. Once the MOU is completed it will presented in its entirety to the Board.

Sheriff Dunn explained that he would only like to maintain control over his dispatchers and has no interest in trying to have any control over JasCo.

Executive Director Nordell advised members that JasCo was in the process of starting a training class the end of October, but is now hesitant due to the potential changes and lack of positions. He also asked if the class should be postponed until JCSO had dispatchers hired that could attend the training at the same time or if JCSO would consider hiring some of JasCo's current employees or an applicant that is currently being considered for training. Director Rowland stated that before a finalized decision can be made, the ground rules need to be completed. Chairman Stephens stated that with the budget year not starting until January 1st that it would be a few months before they would have personnel ready to enter training. The first step for JCSO would be to decide on a supervisor and begin working on a training program and dispatch policies. Director Lyscio added that JCSO dispatchers should have to go through the same pre-training that JasCo employees have completed.

Chairman Stephens also asked about attrition and Executive Director Nordell explained that it had been expressed to him by some JasCo employees that they would resign if JCSO were to hire their own employees for dispatch and that there is always attrition in training classes. Director Lyscio stated that JasCo should go ahead and fill the current vacancies to keep moving forward until a decision has been made.

Director Merriman asked that action be taken for Executive Director Nordell to begin a MOU and then turn the MOU over to JCSO for review. The finished product can be presented to the Board at a later meeting.

Director Rowland suggested that it be brought back to a Personnel and Policy Committee Meeting so it can be discussed again before a final decision is made.

Chairman Stephens noted that he would like to see the MOU completed by the November Board meeting.

 A Personnel and Policy Committee Meeting was set for Tuesday, November 3rd at 1:00pm.

 Director Rowland moved the meeting be adjourned. Director Newman seconded the motion. Vote: 6 - 0.

 The meeting was adjourned at 2:15pm.

Public Relations

There was no meeting and nothing to report.

Executive Director's Report

Monett Heat and Air completed the HVAC installation and a Mitsubishi engineer certified the system and it has been turned over to JasCo.

There were two activations on the Reverse 911 system. One was a non-emergency notification of water lines being shut down in Neck City for maintenance. The other was a message for the citizens of Sarcoxie to disregard the storm sirens that would not turn off due to a lightning strike that damaged their power box. Unfortunately, this occurred while there was inclement weather in the area, but no threat of tornados. There have been two successful Sarcoxie storm siren test activations during October.

Emergency Management is having a tabletop scenario on October 28th. Reverse 911 activation was requested, however after a cone was drawn over the affected areas, it was determined there were no residences in that proximity. Instead a list of LEPC contacts was set-up in the system to verify appropriate notification.

At the last Fire Chief's meeting, area Chief's asked that the Board approve eliminating all the flood warning notifications that are paged to their departments. Director Newman motioned to discontinue providing page notifications to Fire Departments for flood warnings. Director Francis seconded the motion. The motion was adopted. Vote: 5 - 0. Director Newman asked to bring up unfinished business about the weapon prohibition policy.

Director Newman motioned to allow commissioned law enforcement officers to carry their weapons into the communications room. Director Merriman seconded the motion. Vote: 4 - 1 with a negative vote from Director Lyscio. The motion lacked the sufficient votes necessary according to Board Policies 10/17/01 Edition, subtitle Rules for Conducting Board Business and Meetings, section b. that states motions that seek to limit or close debate; preventing the introduction of a motion and rescinding or modifying any previously adopted action of the Board shall require a 2/3rd vote of the membership or five votes.

Storm damage caused antenna and mast repairs at Fire Central for the Carthage Repeater and the tower at JasCo. Fire East had had issues with the Quick Talk battery back-up that kept notifying that power was going off and on at the site. Executive Director Nordell responded to the site and noticed there was a white van parked on the property. He made contact with a technician from SBA who we currently lease the property from, who stated that after going through past contracts they determined that we needed to place a separate electric meter on the equipment to track electricity usage. SBA had not contacted JasCo prior to going to the site because they claimed the equipment at Fire East still has RCS Communications sticker on them and they are no longer open. SBA will now be charging JasCo for electricity usage.

AT&T will be installing a new phone circuit that will provide internet, increase redundancy and provide administrative phone lines at Carthage Fire Department and will also result in a $5,000 annual savings. A technical interview was conducted that started the progress of making a schedule for implementation. AT&T did state that it would begin within the next 60-90 days.

A Region D 9-1-1 Director's meeting was held on September 23rd where it was reported formally that R.D. Porter, the State 9-1-1 Coordinator, had been re-assigned along with some additional staff. Agency grant requests were lost in the transfer and Region D is still trying to get the information organized.

At 6:55pm, John Hacker with Carthage Press left the meeting.

After a review of Language Line charges, it was determined that Carthage Police Department has had excessive use of the consultation service due to a possible misunderstanding of the service being used for in-house interrogations. Executive Director Nordell will be arranging a meeting with the Carthage Police Chief.

The City of Joplin has their new CAD program,OSSI, installed at their facility. They are now in the process of doing some programming on their phone switch and working to get the previous T-1 connection between the City of Joplin and JasCo that allows extension to extension transfers, back in operation.

Executive Director Nordell advised Board members he had checked pricing on a utility building that would store the lawn mower, fuel and other items away from their current location in the generator shed. A 12x20 building with an overhead garage door was quoted as $2452.00 and included wood construction with vinyl siding and a shingled roof. There would be an additional $65.00 for the materials to be delivered along with the cost of providing a floor of either cinderblocks or concrete. Prices are being compared for the least expensive option. Location of the building was also discussed.

Director Lyscio moved to approve the purchase of the storage building and to research the cost of a cinderblock floor versus a concrete floor. Director Merriman seconded the motion. The motion was adopted. Vote: 4 - 1.

Issues are being resolved as best as they can with the dual dispatching arrangement for Duquesne Police Department. Units are now logging on with both JasCo and the City of Joplin to eliminate any confusion. Executive Director Nordell stated he has not been made aware of any other problems.

On September 14th, Executive Director Nordell attended a Duquesne City Council meeting. He stated that he spoke with City Council members to clear up the perception that JasCo is ran by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office. City Council members claimed that a negative past dealings with the Sheriff's Office and radio problems influenced the decision to use the City of Joplin for a majority of their dispatching services. Currently, JasCo takes calls for Duquesne Police Department and dispatches the call to the officer and then the officer switches to Joplin frequency. There was a brief discussion regarding release of responsibility and agreements between law enforcement agencies for direct dispatch or call transfer.

Board members further discussed the weapon prohibition policy and reasons why it should and should not be allowed.

Executive Director Nordell advised Board members that he has the final Business Plan draft completed for their review.

Unfinished Business

New Business

Executive Director Nordell presented Board members with a 2010 draft budget and a new account coding system. Major expenses included upcoming election fees and systems maintenance fees. Personnel expenses such as the typically approved 3.5% annual COLA increase and rising health insurance costs were mentioned. A new trunk circuit from AT&T will be installed shortly that will save approximately $19,000.00 annually.

Board members also discussed the Jasper County Sheriff's Office fees and how possible changes will affect the budget for JasCo. Director Francis suggested that the total currently being charged be pro-rated on a month to month basis. Board members agreed that the Jasper County Sheriff's Office memorandum of understanding be ready by November 3rd for a meeting with the Sheriff. A Budget and Finance Committee meeting will follow.

Director Merriman stated that JasCo should look into a cost share for implementing Net Motion Wireless Cards for mobile data terminals before finalizing the budget.

Executive Director Nordell added that a question had been posed by the Fire Departments asking if Jasper County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies that are no longer using the Data Radio system would be willing to provide the equipment to agencies without Data Radio.

At 7:50, Director Newman left the meeting.

Board members stated that further discussion would be needed with those agencies that have the equipment, but they didnt see any reason why the equipment could not be temporarily assigned or donated to those agencies.

There was a brief discussion over when a computer aided dispatch (CAD) upgrade might be done and suggested vendors. Director Merriman suggested that JasCo view a demo of the Cody CAD system. Executive Director Nordell stated that a CAD upgrade to a different system would require a large undertaking such as re-training and re-tooling and that he would definitely need staff familiar with the needs of the comm. room view the demonstration. Director Merriman also stated that he believes the system would be beneficial for customer agencies and could result in a cooperative effort to obtain funding for the CAD upgrade through grants.

Director Lyscio motioned to approve the current 1/10 of 1 cent sales tax rate as it stands. Director Merriman seconded the motion. The motion was adopted. Vote: 4 - 0.

A Personnel and Policy Committee Meeting was set for November 3rd at 1:00p.m.

A Budget and Finance Committee Meeting was set for November 3rd at 2:00p.m.

The next Board Meeting was scheduled for November 10th at 6:00p.m.

Director Merriman moved the meeting be adjourned. Director Francis seconded the motion. Vote: 4 - 0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02p.m.