Central Vermont Public Safety Authority

Central Vermont Public Safety Authority Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce Building September 15, 2016 Meeting Minutes – Draft Directors present: Michael Smith, representing the City of Barre; Dona Bate and Tom Golonka, representing the City of Montpelier; Doug Hoyt and Alexandra Pastor, at large directors. Directors absent: Martin Prevost, representing the City of Barre; Kim Cheney, at large director Others attending: Joe Aldsworth; Paco Aumand, CVPSA Executive Director; Tim Bombardier; Fred Cummings; David Delcore, Times Argus reporter; Tony Facos; Bob Sager (6:43), Board Treasurer; Azailiah and Zack Tillinghast. The meeting was called to order by Tom at 6:30 The Agenda was approved without objection. A motion to approve the warrants and write checks for items presented was made by Dona, seconded by Alexandra. Motion passed. A motion to approve the minutes of the September 1st meeting as presented was made by Doug, seconded by Dona. Motion passed. Paco gave the Executive Director’s report highlighting the following information: Attended a meeting with Fairpoint Communication about telephone service between the two dispatch centers. They have proposed a managed service cloud based system be purchased that would connect both centers. The rough price estimate for this is $25 per month per devise. There are approximately 91 devices between the two cities. This amounts to a total yearly cost for telephone service of approximately $27,300. This service offers the ability to pick up a phone and take it anywhere that an internet connection exists, which is keeping with our need to provide for redundancy and continuity of business needs. However, last year the Montpelier Police Department invested about $30,000 in the purchase of a new phone system. More talks will be held regarding the future direction of phone service and grant opportunities in the near future. The Raven Bridge components for audio leveling were returned to the company because it did not arrive by the August 31st deadline. We have, however, received another grant from the Department of Public Safety (EMPG grant) to repurchase this equipment. This grant will have a deadline of December 31st, 2016. The application for this grant has been prepared, signatures obtained and the application was submitted. Executed grants were received on 9/13/16. Met with several members of the Barre City Fire Department Union and updated them on the status of the projects of the CVPSA focusing on dispatching. Met with Ty Roland, Fire Chief of the East Montpelier Fire Department, updating him on the status of our dispatching/communication center project. He informed me that costs are big consideration for small towns and they will need advance notice of any future cost increases. He also indicated that he and members of his department would have liked to see a standalone dispatch system that is completely removed from the cities. He understands why this is a costly and complicated option. He wants the CVPSA Board to remember the small towns in the area in their planning and liaison work and, to keep them informed. A motion to accept the EMPG grant to purchase the Raven Audio Bridge radio components was made by Doug, seconded by Alexandra. Motion passed. The Board had a discussion regarding the MOU between the two municipalities to cede authority for dispatch to the Authority and, the operational plan for the dispatch center. The discussion included the resolution language (provided by consultant Paul Gilles); the cost allocation minus revenue brought in; distinction between ceding authoring for dispatch and being a member of the Authority and; the term of the agreement (5 years) with a one year escape clause. The Board had a discussion of the upcoming budgetary cycle and the need for the Authority to be part of the respective municipality’s processes. Also, the Board discussed priorities for future budgets. The Board discussed the upcoming VLCT Town Fair on October 6th. Paco will be a presenter on Public Safety. Without objection the Board approved Michael to be the CVPSA voting member at the Vermont League of Cities and Town’s annual business meeting. The Board wished to discuss issues relating to contracts and personnel. A motion finding that premature general public knowledge of these issues being discussed would clearly place the Authority at a substantial disadvantage should the discussion become public was made by Michael, seconded by Dona. Motion passed. A motion to go into executive session under the provisions of 1 VSA section 313 to discuss contracts and personnel and, to invite: Barre City Director of Public Safety, Tim Bombardier; Montpelier Police Chief, Tony Facos; Barre City Deputy Fire Chief, Joe Aldsworth and; Capital West Supervisor, Fred Cummings was made by Doug, seconded by Alexandra. Motion passed. The Board went into executive session at 7:55pm. A motion to come out of executive session was made by Doug, seconded by Alexandra. Motion passed. The Board came out of executive session at 8:32pm. A motion to adjourn was made by Doug, seconded by Michael. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:32pm. Respectfully submitted by, Michael Smith CVPSA Secretary The Next regularly scheduled meeting of the Central Vermont Public Safety Authority will be held October 6th, 6:30pm at the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce Building.