PRESENT: Chair: Ryan. Members: Carsky, Kaplowitz, Mosiello, Swanson, and Wishnie. Staff: Emilia Vita.

A quorum was present at 9:20 a.m. and Mr. Ryan called the meeting to order.

Mrs. Swanson has received reports from the Valhalla and Hawthorne Fire Districts regarding the fire protection and emergency medical services they provide to the Grasslands reservation. These reports were requested by Legislators Ryan and Swanson at their May 12^th meeting with officials from the two fire districts. The reports contain financial data and information about the special equipment carried by each fire district for Grasslands purposes. Copies of these reports will be distributed to the members and a copy has been forwarded to the Administration.

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the minutes of May 18^th were approved as amended by a vote of 6-0.

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the minutes of May 26^th were approved by a vote of 6-0.

Mr. Ryan mentioned that radio communications is of critical importance to fire and emergency services. Communications is a major issue for "60 Control", ODES, and the fire service and EMS associations. This Committee has determined that communications warrants special attention and the PSCJ Sub-Committee on Communications, chaired by Legislator Wishnie, will look at the major communications issues facing the providers of fire and emergency service.

Mr. Ryan asked the members for suggestions and ideas for the agenda and work product of the sub-committee.

He said he feels it is the responsibility of the PSCJ Committee to define the major communications issues and to specifically identify the problems and complaints of those who respond to fire and emergency calls.

Discussing the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system operated by the County’s Fire Coordinator at "60 Control," Mr. Ryan said he is concerned that such an important system does not work. Since the beginning of the year, we have waited for the problems with the system’s computer software to be resolved by the vendor. The problems continue and Mr. Ryan said the County has waited long enough for the vendor to rectify the situation. He expects to publicly make his views known on this subject shortly.

Mrs. Swanson mentioned that no one except this Committee has expressed any concern with the CAD system and its problems. She noted this has been an issue for several years. She always hears the system is up and working fine when actually it is not.

Mr. Wishnie offered a clarification stating that CAD works except for the "rip and run" part of the system which does not operate as it should. There are other shortcomings such as the relatively small amount of data that has been input into the system. Mr. Wishnie said the biggest problem for local firehouses is receiving call information over the radio instead of on the "rip and run" sheet. The information sheet is necessary to complete and maintain documentation of daily calls.

Mr. Kaplowitz asked at what point should the Committee act on this problem.

Mr. Ryan has been in contact with the County’s Information Officer Norman Jacknis and said he was not sure how the Administration would handle this problem.

An opinion was expressed that the Committee needs to assist the Administration make the best decision possible.

On another matter, Mr. Wishnie asked if an opinion on emergency medical dispatch services, requested by the previous chair of the Committee, had been received. Mr. Ryan said he had not received a response.

Mr. Wishnie asked if the Chair would request an opinion as there is a liability issue involved.

Mrs. Swanson agreed that local agencies need to know their responsibilities and what procedures to follow when emergency calls are received. She also mentioned that each local agency has a Rolodex containing procedures to follow in an emergency, but is not being put to use.

Mrs. Swanson said another matter is the insufficient number of radio frequencies and the difficulty of communication among the various districts.

In response to Mrs. Swanson, Mr. Wishnie said the County has asked the FCC for more than the 4 to 5 channels that have been allocated.

Mrs. Carsky said this Committee should be notified when the Administration holds capital budget meetings on public safety programs and we should be present at the next fire service meeting. Mr. Wishnie said the next meeting is scheduled for June 15^th at 10 a.m., but that date and time may be changed as Legislators are to attend a breakfast meeting with the District Attorney that morning.

Another matter for this Committee to review is the old jail. According to Mr. Wishnie, when the new jail was built, it was built having secure locations for inmates and employees. The old jail continues to deteriorate and the facility utilizes fewer employees. He said the County should consider building a new facility.

Members asked about the number of inmates housed in the old jail. Mrs. Carsky suggested the Committee obtain an analysis of the amount saved due to the construction of the new jail. Mr. Ryan said he would schedule jail officials to meet with the Committee in the near future.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.