THOMAS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES BOARD

BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING

FEBRUARY 11, 1999

DUNBAR’S BARBECUE

Present: Chairman Josh Herring, Commissioner Jim Miller, Commissioner Earl Harris, Mayor Campbell and Executive Director Bruce Woods

News Media: Mark Brannan, Laura Cassels, and WCTV – Thomasville/Tallahassee

Others Present: Sheriff Carlton Powell and County Manager Mike Stephenson

Mayor Roy Campbell called the strategic planning meeting to order. Bruce Woods began the session with

an introduction of what type of services are provided by current fire, EMS and E-911 departments, where are calls for service located and what staff are assigned to complete current service levels.

After presenting a basic overview of services furnished, Bruce Woods completed a background on the current E-911 communications system and anticipated future capital needs relating to E-911 center. From this presentation the Board discussed:

· The need to ensure that all radio system equipment located in the E-911 center is properly provided emergency power with the buildings emergency generator. Mayor Campbell offered the use of the City’s Information Services Department expertise to help in this matter. County Manager Mike Stephenson will formally institute the request for this task to be completed.

· The CAD software and console needs were reviewed and discussed. The Board supported the need to examine more closely purchasing new CAD software and a new 800 MHZ radio console.

· The E-911 center location was discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of proposed locations were presented to the Board. At this time it was determined that the E-911 center should remain at the present location until a further study can be performed.

After discussion of the E-911 center, the Board took a break from the meeting to have lunch. At this time Chairman Josh Herring arrived.

After lunch the Strategic Planning Session reconvened. Bruce Woods provided to the Board other issues relating to the current service levels. This included:

· In the future to establish minimum fire and EMS staffing requirements.

· Current station locations and in the near future to upgrade stations.

· Replacement of fire apparatus (ladder truck) and rescue vehicles.

· Re-examining the practice of the EMS transports using emergency EMS staff assigned.

The Board directed the Executive Director to collect more data regarding the practice of EMS transports. This includes real costs associated, revenue produced, and opportunities for expanding services and possible alternatives from the current methods.

Bruce Woods then discussed to the Board three different options available to the TCESB for expanding services into fire zone three. After listening to the options, the Board discussed their interest in studying the use of the First Responder services into fire zone three. The Board directed the Executive Director to complete a comprehensive study regarding a “First Responder” program.

Mayor Campbell discussed the need for the Board to establish working committees that will address specific areas involving strategic planning issues. The Board agreed and identified four committees. The committees are:

1. Facilities – Chairman Josh Herring and Commissioner Jim Miller

2. Vehicles/Equipment – Chairman Josh Herring and Mayor Roy Campbell

3. E-911 – Commissioner Earl Williams and Commissioner Jim Miller

4. Staff/Training – Mayor Roy Campbell and Commissioner Earl Williams

Bruce Woods delivered to the Board a proposal from ACCG to complete a strategic master plan for $43,790.00.

At this time Commissioner Jim Miller made a motion to adjourn and Mayor Campbell seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 2:00 PM.

The next scheduled meeting for the TCESB will be held on February 24, 1999 at 4:00 PM in the City Hall Conference Room.