|
MABAS Communications Committee DRAFT Meeting Minutes July 18, 2005 |
|
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. at the DuComm Communications Center. Present were committee members Paul Maplethorpe, Round Lake; Bill Bouma, Mt. Pleasant; Steve Rauter, Lisle-Woodridge; Gregg Riddle, IFCA; and Dennis Higgins, Livingston County. Mike Moos, OSFM, joined via speakerphone.
II. Approve Prior Meeting Minutes
Mr. Riddle moved to approve the May 16, 2005 meeting minutes as submitted. Second by D/C Rauter. All AYES; motion carried.
III. IAFC Top Priority
Chief Maplethorpe reported on the discussion held at the MABAS Executive Board meeting in Springfield on June 9th. The Communications Committee was directed to draft a response to the IAFC document to be signed by the presidents of MABAS and the Illinois Fire Chiefs. As a result, the following topics were considered important for inclusion in the response:
MABAS representation on the IAFC Communications Committee. MABAS participation in the revision to the Top Priority document. Identify that MABAS represents a broad spectrum of the Midwest’s fire service. Inclusion of the following topics in the revised document: L-Tac, V-Tac, U-Tac and NIPSPAC Channels State Interoperability Executive Committee NIMS/ICS/UCS Factual Errors in the document. Regional and National Interoperability Plans The concept of using “Net Control” for channel use management during large incidents. Question why SAFECOM isn’t included in the document. Identifying the lowest common denominator to get the most fire service participation.
Chief Maplethorpe will draft the document for review by the Committee. D/C Rauter agreed to study the Top Priority document and compile the factual errors in the report.
IV. EMnet - Other Fire Service Uses
Mr. Moos reported that the current plan is for the OSFM to provide an EMnet terminal for each fire department in Illinois using ITTF funds. A survey was recently dispatched to all fire departments in Illinois to learn the level of interest in EMnet and receiving a desktop computer. To date, 382 surveys have been returned. 83.77% have internet access. Only 73.2% desire a computer system and just 60.94% want EMnet. Of the 60.94% that want EMnet, 83% want the OSFM to also purchase the EMnet computer.
Mr. Moos also reported that the OSFM may have funding available to cover the cost of monthly operation expenses for EMnet. The following benefits of EMnet were identified: · Dissemination of sensitive Homeland Security information. · Prioritized alerts. · Training calendars and information. · Daily/weekly training and safety bulletins. · MABAS bulletins and messages. · Informational messages. · MABAS statewide response dispatches. · Pharmaceutical Distribution
D/C Rauter questioned the possible duplication of efforts between the OSFM, IEMA and other ITTF initiatives. Multiple EMnet terminals may be planned for the same location. Mr. Moos agreed that coordination is necessary to insure that duplication of terminals won’t occur.
Chief Maplethorpe questioned if the OSFM considered uplink capabilities for each MABAS Division dispatch center. This would allow MABAS dispatch centers to forward information to their departments and utilize EMnet for dispatching resources under the statewide plan. Mr. Moos was in favor of this idea, with the MABAS Divisions paying for the difference.
Mr. Riddle questioned the status of PSAP installations and pricing for a two-way installation. Mr. Moos deferred the PSAP question to Mr. Mefferd and the file with pricing information was not readily available.
Mr. Moos reported that Red Center and Orland dispatch will have two-way capability. Mr. Riddle concurred that all MABAS dispatch centers should have two-way capability.
D/C Rauter indicated that the sky is the limit for potential uses of EMnet. It was agreed that policies and procedures should be developed to coordinate the statewide and regional dissemination of information.
V. Frequency Uses - Training
Chief Maplethorpe reported on an e-mail received from Lt. Chris Lienhardt of the Antioch Fire Department who is also a RED Center dispatcher. Mr. Lienhardt questioned the practice of using RED Fireground for training activities. Chief Maplethorpe also mentioned a growing trend to use RED as an administrative or talk-around channel. A discussion ensued concerning the use of RED Fireground and using WHITE and BLUE fireground for training activities.
Chief Bouma reported that problems exist in Wisconsin with the use of WHITE and BLUE. These frequencies are already in use in certain areas for dispatch and operations.
Mr. Riddle suggested using the narrowband frequencies whenever possible. He felt that RED should be avoided. Use of narrowband frequencies first and WHITE and BLUE is narrowband are not available.
D/C Rauter suggested the use of Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) spectrum for training.
The consensus of the committee was that RED Fireground should be restricted to actual emergency events and that a recommended practice be developed to address this situation. Chief Maplethorpe agreed to draft a recommended practice document.
VI. Old Business
A. MERCI Base Station Project
No report.
B. VHF Interoperability Radios
Chief Maplethorpe reported for Chief Dato that the VHF Interoperability Radio Project has moved forward and the radio equipment ordered.
C. Rock Island County
Chief Maplethorpe reported that the five departments using IFERN for dispatch have been licensed on the new frequency. The conversion process is advancing slowly.
D. Gibson Area Ambulance
Mr. Higgins reported that 155.415 is the frequency that Gibson Ambulance prefers for relocating off of 154.295. Chief Maplethorpe indicated that concurrence may be necessary for this frequency. Mr. Higgins also agreed to have Gibson Ambulance monitor 155.985 as recommended by IMSA.
E. Southwest Central Dispatch
Chief Maplethorpe reported that the rules inquiry sent to the FCC was returned, with instructions to contact APCO with public safety interference issues.
F. LEADS
No report.
VII. New Business
D/C Rauter questioned the timeframe for conversion to narrowband operation for IFERN and RED, WHITE & BLUE Fireground frequencies. The Committee discussed the magnitude of this conversion issue. Several options were briefly considered. Legacy systems are the biggest drawback at this time.
VIII. Information for the Good of the Committee
Mr. Riddle questioned how to get additional MABAS information to PSAP’s. He encouraged participation by MABAS Dispatch Center representatives at MABAS Division meetings.
Chief Maplethorpe reported that Joe Galvin left Motorola.
Chief Maplethorpe reported on questions directed to him concerning MABAS rules regarding local dispatch paging protocols.
Mr. Riddle questioned programming of CTCSS tones on fireground channels. Chief Maplethorpe responded that no firm date for CTCSS on wideband fireground channels was ever discussed. Departments are encouraged however to program the transmit portion of the CTCSS when reprogramming is done for IFERN. Additional notices about the January 1, 2006 deadline for IFERN CTCSS will be distributed.
Mr. Higgins questioned status of statewide drills scheduled for the week of October 21st. No information is readily available. Mr. Riddle reported that same week is the APCO/NENA Conference in Springfield.
Mr. Riddle reported that APCO is hosting NIMS training for telecommunicators on September 12 and 13. Cost is $109 per person.
IX. Adjournment
Chief Bouma moved to adjourn the meeting. Second by D/C Rauter. All AYES; the meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
The next meeting for the MABAS Communications Committee is scheduled for Monday, August 15, 2005 at 1000 hours. The location of the meeting will be at the DuComm Communications Center in Glendale Heights. Please mark your calendars.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Maplethorpe
Co-Chair |