Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
BOS-03-09-2004
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES MARCH 9, 2004 MEMORIAL HALL Present: Victor D. Del Vecchio, Chairman; John 1. Connolly, Clerk; William T. Friel, Town Executive Secretary; and Matthew A. Romero, Administrative Secretary. Location - Salah Room, Memorial Hall Chairman Del Vecchio called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. Norfolk County Dispatch Update - Thomas J. Ronayne III, Fire Chief Chief Ronayne introduced the steering committee for the Norfolk County Regional Dispatch Center and gave the history of the concept behind the regional dispatch. He noted in particular that almost everywhere in the country emergency dispatch was run on a county basis. He explained the proposed organizational structure, the makeup of the regional dispatch steering committee and their purpose, including their mission statement. The presenters listed the advantages of regional dispatch including reduction in response time and standardized radio communications, and listed the services that would be included in the regional dispatch center. Each member community would individually review their own system, and not every community would have to join, but some membership dues would be requested. Moreover, the consultants evaluating the region had agreed that Norfolk Country would be ready for such a system, and that it should be designed to expand over time. The location would be, as previously discussed, at the Massachusetts Hospital School. The funding model would be based upon three criteria: population, net assessment, and usage, each counting for one-third. By utilizing three criteria, it would help to balance out the expenses and distribute the funding evenly amongst the communities. Integration of new member communities was being worked on in abstract terms, but there were ideas in place to mitigate the so-called "free rider syndrome." Chief Ronayne reminded the Board that there was an article in the upcoming Annual Town Meeting to decide whether or not the Town should belong to the Regional Dispatch Center, and if it passed would constitute one more step in the process. However, they would still have to negotiate with the union. Mr. William McDonald asked on behalf of the firefighters how time would be saved on responses. He was informed that the regional dispatch would be able to receive calls to 911 prior to local police passing the calls onward as was presently done. Mr. McDonald also asked where the savings would come since there would be no drop in manpower according to the proposed plan. The Chief replied that since the Town would be contracting county employees for dispatching, it would allow one more firefighter to be made available for tasks, and would free up a position that would have to be paid overtime. They explained that they were not trying to take authority away from local communities, but merely trying to increase the level of services. I:\Matt\80S Meetings 2004\80S Meeting Minutes 2004\80S Minutes - 03-09-2004.doc