Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Oct 16, 2012) — The Valley City Commission met in Special Session Wednesday morning (Oct 17, 2012) at 8-a.m., at City Hall to discuss the Barnes County’s 9-1-1 decision. to take over the 9-1-1 department. All City Commissioners were present.

Earlier this week, the Barnes County Commission voted 3-2

to allow 9-11 dispatcher now employed by Valley City to become Barnes County employees, effective January 1, 2013.

The ratio agreement for costs was 1- Barnes County, 2-Valley City,3 9-1-1 funding.

Under the county’s plan Barnes County Emergency Services Director, Kim Franklin is the temporary 9-1-1 Coordinator.

A 9-1-1 Administrator will be added, January 1, 2013.

County Commission President Cindy Schwehr, Rodger Berntson and Eldred Knutson vote in favor of the 9-1-1 employees transfer back to the county. Commissioner’s Jon Froehlich and Phil Leitner voted against the motion.

At Wednesday’s Valley City Commission meeting, City Administrator David Schelhoph said he attended the Barnes County Commission meeting, along with Police Chief Fred Thompson and Lt. McDonald.

 

Schelkoph said they tried to persuade the county to phase in the program over a year, and added that the 9-1-1 department should remain under city control.

 

Schelkoph noted three points to the city’s postion.

 

  • the cost for the change will mean more expenses for the city and county.

 

  • Current 9-1-1 staff, could leave due to the change.

 

  • Police Chief Fred Thompson has experience in leading a 9-1-1 department.

 

 

Mayor Werkhoven said the issue needs to move forward and fears the possibility of the 9-1-1 staff being ‘political pawns.’

 

City Commissioner Magnuson had questions about early morning staffing of 9-1-1.

 

Police Chief Thompson question why the dispatcher should handle calls that may better be responded to, by police officers, or other proper authorities.

 

Commissioner Pedersen suggested 9-1-1 staff be part of crafting the changes.

Dispatcher, and the present 9-1-1- Coordinator, Andrea Suhr said the consensus of the 9-1-1 staff is to stay at the present location, for operations.

She said the policy and procedures manual for 9-1-1 needs updating.

She said the policy and procedures manual for 9-1-1 needs updating regardless of which political subdivision is running the department.

She said the policies are currently under review by the 9-1-1 Department.

She added the current 9-1-1 staff is taking a “wait and see,” stance as to future developments.

She said the present equipment is in need of replacement.

Mayor Werkhoven says the police chief is working with 9-1-1 staff on resolving various issues.

 Chief Thompson said moving the 9-1-1 dispatch area to the back room will not add to expenses.

 

City Commissioner Pedersen said he prefers the 9-1-1 department be under city oversight.

 

Mayor Werkhoven said the city needs to take an official stance, on the issue, with the city’s thoughts.

City Commissioner Magnuson said he wants to see a plan outlined from Barnes County, concerning costs, and transition.

 

City Administrator Schelkoph said the two main issues are, planning for transition of 9-1-1 to Barnes County, and the city employee transfer to the county.

 

The Valley City Commission on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Nielson voting “no” passed a Resolution, to present to the Barnes County Commission.

The Resolution says the city agrees with the proposed Barnes County Commission cost-share ratio, it requests a timeline for the transfer of city 9-1-1 employees to Barnes County, a plan of action is requested from the county for daily 9-1-1 operations, a county reasoning for the take over of 9-1-1 operations, and, for the county to address cost increases.

The meeting was shown live on CSi cable 68, followed by replays.