December 8 2022 Board Meeting
/
Department Of 911 Communications
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 185
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
Telephone (910) 798-6915
Fax (910) 798-6925
hdowns@nhcgov.com
Hope Downs
Director
Memorandum
To:
Public Safety Communications Center Policy Board Members
From:
Hope Downs, Director
Subject:
December 8, 2022
Date:
February 13, 2023
A Public Safety Communications Center Policy Board meeting was held on Thursday December 8, 2022 at 10:00 am at 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina.
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Steve Mason Jason Bishop
Sam Profitt Charles Blankenship
Steven Still Alan Griffin
Jerry Brewer
Matt Davis
Gia Long
David Squires
Participants
Hope Downs, NHC 911 Karen Benton, NHC 911
John Heysel, NHC 911 Andrew Langley, NHC 911
Pam Graham, NHC 911 Keisha Leonardo, NHC 911
Shenique Brown, NHC 911 Peggy Wilson, NHC 911
Dawn Williams, NHC 911 Austin Allgood, NHC 911
Zak Whicker, NHC EM Gia Long, NHC IT
Mike Gomes, City of Wilm IT Joseph Knox, MCA
Jason Bishop, WBPD
The meeting was called to order at 10:12 am.
Chairman Mason asked if everyone had a chance to review the summary from August 11, 2022 meeting and asked if there were any questions, comments, or corrections. Sam Profitt made a
motion and Matt Davis seconded. Motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chairman Mason asked if there was any old business to discuss. Hope Downs talked about the Strategic Planning between all Public Safety agencies that was held on November 30, 2022 about
growth and planning for the center. There are two supervisors on each squad; one for training and one for ops. Training has been a struggle but all the staff have pulled through.
The center staffing has become stable with employees; more new hires coming in the next couple of months. We will begin transitioning dispatch to two pathways with a supervisor overseeing
one pathway per shift.
The center staff will be doing ride alongs to improve service and relationships.
Future strategy planning input meetings will be held with staff and community members.
County Strategy department is collaborating with 911 to assist with structuring our 5 year plan that will be incorporated into the county vision.
Our targets for Law, Fire & EMS is attaining 90% for call processing on high priority calls.
Chairman Mason asked if any items of concern or assistance could be brought before the Board to give info and backup support to needs of the center. Hope stated, yes they would do that.
Matt Davis asked if concerns are being handled by Hope or Karen; Karen will work with supervisors and tweak route concerns and encourage communication; whether it is a squad issue or
a telecommunicator issue and work towards a resolution. Karen will be working a staggered schedule to work with all staff, not just day shifts.
Matt was glad of the info shared about one month ago of communications and radio equipment.
Zak Whicker is working to consolidate plans, after-action and future strategy. The asset list helps with our strategy. He would like a contact from each agency who can assist with sharing
info between the agencies; meeting goal is quarterly.
Chairman Mason asked if there was an update on funds (surcharge). Hope stated she doesn’t have that but will by the next meeting. They are very specific of what they pay for; example
the Freedom App, 911 Surcharge may pay for 50% and the other 50% was paid out of IT funds (County). Maintenance for Purvis is done the same; we send invoices and statements of work
to the State 911 Board to see which portions of the invoices are surcharge eligible.
Karen Benton mentioned there may be opportunities for our agencies to become NC 911 Board members to participate in the future and use of funds changes.
Chairman Mason asked when we were moving to the new building. Hope stated they were waiting on construction supplies and would have a rough timeline sometime next week.
NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Mason asked if there were items to add for new business; no one had any.
OTHER ITEMS AND REPORTS
9-1-1 Center
Chairman Mason asked if there were any other items not discussed above. Hope and Karen said they had covered everything.
Chairman Mason asked if anyone had any other items or questions; no one had any.
IT
Chairman Mason asked if there were any updates from IT. Gia Long stated that they did not at this time.
Chairman Mason asked if there were any other items; there were none.
Chairman Mason adjourned the meeting.
Meeting adjourned 11:23 am