Emergency calls reviewed, 911 hires employees

During the regular meeting of the Daviess County Central 9-1-1 Board held Feb. 24, Supervisor Dana Carder reported on two 9-1-1 calls that had been brought up at the January meeting. A board member had stated that the calls were dispatched with no EMS and no first responder sent.

Mrs. Carter advised that EMS and first responders had indeed been dispatched to an accident south of Gallatin. Regarding the second call, the caller advised that an ambulance was not needed. It was only when the deputy arrived at the scene that he requested an ambulance to have the individual checked out. Since the deputy was an EMT, was on scene, and had requested only an ambulance, first responders were not notified. Mrs. Carder advised the calls had been handled properly.

The treasurer’s report was presented and accepted with bills of $14,286.09, revenue of $17,555.74 and a bank balance of $81,923.04.

Mrs. Carder advised that employees had begun signing up for the retirement plan. The renewal contract for the employee health insurance was also presented and signed. She presented the projected maintenance costs for a new radio system.

In board member comments, Mark Richards brought up the possibility of Lake Viking Fire getting AVL systems in their fire trucks in the future. He then inquired if it was permitted for officers to answer the phones and radios in the dispatch center. Mrs. Carder advised that, if the dispatcher as busy on another call and needed their assistance with an additional phone call or radio traffic, it was not only permitted, it would be greatly appreciated. Mr. Richards also brought up the possibility of the 9-1-1 office having an information/educational booth at the area festivals this summer. John Sullenger advised that the insurance policy renewal had been received and the premium had been paid.

Present at the Feb. 24 meeting were Larry Belshe, John Sullenger, Misse Tolen, Daniel Skinner and Mark Richards. Absent were Troy Souders and Gene Walker. Also present were dispatcher Jones and supervisor Carder.

Mrs. Carder presented a job application for part-time employment during the board’s regular meeting held March 31. After discussion, the board hired Kerri Lee-Sterneker at $7.75 per hour with six month probationary period., a 50 cent raise after 90 days, and 50 cents after an additional 90 days, with progress reports to the board at each raise date.

The treasurer’s report was presented with bills of $8,285.40, revenue of $25,122.09 and a bank balance of $83,649.97 presented.

Mrs. Carter advised that the meeting time will change to 8 p.m. for the next meeting. She also advised she had received notice that the life insurance carrier for the employees had changed and the board accepted the change. Mrs. Carder advised the monitor for the mapper computer had gone out. She had found a 19 inch flat panel monitor at I-Tech for $499 and one from Quill for $409. The board agreed to purchase the one from Quill.

Mrs. Carder then presented the auditor’s preliminary exit recommendations which the board discussed. The final exit report will be done at a later date.

During board member comments, Walker questioned if the $1 salary differential for employees working the 12-8 shift seemed satisfactory, which it appears to be at this time. Belshe commented that he had notified the government office to remind landowners to notify the 9-1-1 office when there is going to be a controlled burn.

The Daviess County Central 9-1-1 Board held its regular meeting on March 31. Present were Belshe, Sinner, Souders, Richards and Walker. Absent were Sullenger and Tolen. Also present were dispatcher Jones and supervisor Carder.