CCAgenda_04Jun21_Special - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Recommendation for County Board on 800 MHz Dispatch System • Prepared by Mayor Gehrz Need for Action: On Tuesday, June 22, the Ramsey County Board will decide how many Dispatch/ Communication Centers (PSAP's) will be included in the new 800 MHz system in Ramsey County. They have requested input from all cities and townships to assist them in making this decision. Since our next regularly scheduled city council meeting will be held after the June 22 county board meeting, this special city council meeting was scheduled to enable us to take formal action on a recommendation formulated by Mayor Gehrz and City Administrator Worthington. Basis for Recommendations: Since September, 2003, Mayor Gehrz has been representing 14 suburban cities and townships on the 800 MHz Public Safety Communications System Policy Planning Committee. This committee, composed of elected officials from the county, cities, and school districts, makes recommendations to the County Board on the organization, governance, and financing of a public safety system in Ramsey County. Work groups composed of first responders and dispatchers have been working with technical consultants to plan the system, operating protocols, and training. To assist in gathering information about service options, financing, and governance, Heather Worthington has convened several meetings of suburban City Administrators and City Managers. They have developed recommendations around governance principles and dispatching service needs. • Current status of dispatching centers: There are currently four separate PSAP sites operating in Ramsey County: 1. Saint Paul 2. Ramsey County Sheriff 3. Maplewood 4. White Bear Lake Falcon Heights paid $12,5521ast year to the Ramsey County Sheriffs dispatch as a part of our contract with St. Anthony Police. An additional $10,825 was paid by our taxpayers on their county taxes to be used toward the cost of maintaining a county dispatch system. All taxpayers in Ramsey County help support the cost of a county-wide dispatch system. Cities have the choice of operating their own dispatch centers but must cover the costs for doing so out of their city funds. The dispatch functions in White Bear Lake and Maplewood have been intertwined into a public safety service model that includes non- dispatch related activities. Current positions: As of June 17, Maplewood and White Bear Lake have taken official positions of support for continuing the operation of their independent PSAP's. This is • similar to Hennepin County in which everyone pays toward the cost of maintaining a