City Council considering $1 million E-911 upgrade
After addressing a digital upgrade to the city’s E-911 system in December, the Madison City Council decided to table the decision to further evaluate the advantages versus of the cost of the nearly $1 million technological advancement.
The council once again listened to a proposal of the system by E-911 Center Executive director Ernie Blair on Monday night, and once again postponed the decision for a later day under the advice of City Attorney Kelly Butler, as Mayor Paul Finley and Executive Assistant to the Mayor Taylor Edge were absent due to a business trip in Montgomery.
Butler also advised the council to wait until the County Commission and Huntsville makes a decision or to consult with members of those municipalities’ governing bodies.
The current proposal by E-911 is to raise residential monthly fees nearly 150 percent, up $1.18 from 82 cents to $2 and businesses 50 cents from$2.25 to $2.75.
Blair said the upgrade is much needed because the current system is outdated, and much of Madison is actually covered by Huntsville, and Huntsville’s system has not been upgraded since it was installed in 1994.
“The current system is vulnerable,” Blair said. “(The new system) is much better than what you have.”
Both Madison Police Chief Larry Muncey and Fire Chief Ralph Cobb endorsed the new system, which will integrate all E-911 systems in the county, although each will still maintain different channels.
“Right now, everyone’s on a different system and it’s a mess,” Muncey said. “This is going to be better for our officers. The system we’re proposing is light years ahead of what we have now.”
Muncey touted one of the best features of the new system, which is a “man down” button that can be activated and identified through GPS technology when an officer is unable to call for help.
Cobb also said the new system will better protect his firefighters and the public.
“I feel like we’re convinced we’re going to a superior system,” Cobb said.
Council representative Larry Vannoy said he felt like the system was needed, but the nearly $1 million price tag may be too much.
“It’s a good idea, but where are going to come up with $1 million?” Vannoy asked. “That’s the issue.”
In other council actions:
—Representative Tim Holcombe announced the council will be accepting City School Board nominations through April 8 to replace Sue Helms, who has served the system since its inception and the county for more than 17 years.
Finalists will be narrowed down the week of April 11 and interviews of those finalists will be April 19-20.
The council is expected to vote on Helms’ replacement April 25, and the new member’s term will begin June 1.
—The police department donated to used 1999 and 2000 Crown Victorias, respectively, to the Madison County Commission, specifically Commissioner Dale Strong.
Strong recently donated two brand new Victorias to the department at the last council meeting.
“I thought it was a fair trade: he gives us two new ones and we give him two old ones,” Muncey said jokingly.
—The council unanimously approved a resolution to accept two snowplows from County Commissioner Faye Dyer.
When the blizzard hit in January, the city only had one snow plow.
—Muncey announced a ribbon-cutting to unveil the new police department addition will be held April 28 at 3:30 p.m.
—Announced applications for the Industrial Board Place 3 are currently being accepted. The term expires Nov. 22, 2012.
—Set a public hearing for April 11 to vote to amend Chapter 6 of the building code.
—Awarded a bid to Brooks and Son Construction for $92,500 for the Joe Phillips sidewalk project.
—Awarded a bid to Angelo Iafrate Construction Co. for $207,940 to replace the Gillespie Road bridge west of Wall Triana Highway.
The bridge is expected to be three lanes with sidewalks, and should take two months to complete.
