Keeping up with all the requirements, including updating equipment, for E911 services is expensive for counties. That’s why Grant and Harper counties have contracted with Woods County to provide E911 services. A seven-member board oversees the arrangements.

Friday afternoon, the Woods, Grant, Harper County E911 Board met at the Woods County Courthouse in Alva. Grant County Commissioner Max Hess, Grant County ESA Jim Shepherd, Harper County Commissioner Steve Myatt, Clayton Drew of the Buffalo Fire Department and Harper County Sheriff’s Office, Woods County Commissioner Randy McMurphy, Woods County Emergency Management Director Ethan Feidler and Woods County E911 Director Ashley Woodall were present for the meeting as board members. Woods County Clerk Shelley Reed also attended.

After approving the minutes of the November meeting, the board discussed proposed bylaws for their board, which were distributed at the last meeting. Hess recommended that, instead of individual names, the bylaws list board members as one county commissioner from each county and one first responder with the seventh member as director of the Woods County E911. The bylaws state that commissioners from each county make the appointments from their county. Shepherd recommended adding that the incumbent holds the office until a successor has been appointed.

Feidler made the motion to approve the bylaws with changes, seconded by Woodall. The motion passed unanimously.

Then it was time to elect officers for the board. McMurphy, who had been presiding over the meeting, was elected as chairperson. Hess was elected vice-chair. Other offices discussed were secretary and treasurer. The bylaws said a treasurer was optional, but board members decided to combine the two titles, electing Woodall as secretary-treasurer.

Next on the agenda was discussion and possible action regarding radios, pagers and repeaters. Feidler suggested the board consider having a meeting to discuss the needs of the counties before talking to vendors. McMurphy said that sounded good, but what about information on new technology the vendors might provide. That could affect their needs list. Feidler said they would include the Homeland Security representative who would have that information. A regional meeting is planned for April 6.

Board members discussed their concern about Pioneer switching to Verizon in a few months. Several agencies depend on agreements with Pioneer to use their towers for communications antennas or repeaters.

An agenda item for discussion and possible action on an Active 911 agreement was discussed. Feidler’s motion that Woodall put together a form to be signed at the next meeting was approved.

Woodall gave an update on distribution of costs and how she plans to use some emergency services grant money for training. She said 911 Day at the state capitol is Feb. 23.

Board members also discussed current bills in the legislature that could affect E911 including a proposal to raise 911 fees on wireless and VOIP phone services as well as landlines. McMurphy said another bill proposes a reimbursement to rural fire departments if a fire lasts more than one hour. He said E911 services should be added to that.

In discussion of the next meeting, board members agreed that Alva was the most central location for holding meetings. Instead of setting a meeting day, they agreed to hold the next meeting when needed.

A video of the meeting may be viewed at http://www.AlvaReviewCourier.com.