Blake DeRouchey

Key discussions included updates from the Program Manager regarding the distribution of updated Telco and PSAP ALI/DBMS guides, an IP configuration reminder for data center moves, the resolution of issues with DTMF tones statewide, and progress on Chapter 10 administrative rules, with public comments due January 13, 2026. The council addressed outstanding annual forms, noting many submissions were still pending for Service Board Membership and Expenditure Collection. Information was presented on GIS benchmarks for 2026 and the current status of the Travel/Public Education/Training Fund, leading to the approval of an extension for the online learning management system. The Zetron Shared Services update confirmed planning for the data center move testing in January, aiming for completion by April 2026, and announced a User Group Conference for April 22, 2026. The ISICS Board update covered a temporary halt on posting public-facing documents due to a website accessibility review, the success of a recent tri-state communications exercise, and a six-month extension granted for the iMED/REMCDP grant project. The ISICSB annual report draft is due to the legislature by January 1st.

This strategic vision, implemented for 2024-2028, expands the Department's focus to include organizational structure and internal strategic goals, aiming to enhance services and build a more resilient and better-prepared state. Key priorities include establishing dynamic emergency response operations, fostering holistic planning, sustaining disaster recovery and hazard mitigation capabilities, developing critical infrastructure information analysis, implementing technological solutions, and applying Whole Community principles across all departmental aspects.

Key discussions during the meeting included the January operational status, noting the receipt of search charge remittance from carriers and upcoming quarterly payments to 911 service boards. Updates were provided regarding the process for counties to potentially invoice for short calls via memorandum of standing agreements, with 36 counties currently participating. Progress on Executive Order 10 rulemaking was reviewed, noting the notice of intended action and upcoming public comment deadlines and hearings in January. A detailed update on the data center move from CompTECH was presented, outlining the plan to add the Raleigh data center, run live traffic on three centers (including the legacy ones), and eventually decommission the West De Mo center by June 30th. Upcoming milestones included OSP testing, PAP testing with Zetron and other vendors, and subsequent PAP migrations. Circuit vendor delays caused a decision to migrate text traffic concurrently with voice traffic, requiring updates to firewall IPs and ports for non-Zetron vendors. An update on the GIS grant program showed 100% county compliance for accuracy requirements for the second quarter, with $321,000 paid out. A training fund application from Sarrao County for $13,400 for three courses from American Emergency Preparedness was approved. Updates were also provided on the IMAD/REMC DP grant, which has received funding and is targeting a March 28th, 2026, deadline. A cybersecurity advisory concerning Russian activists attempting low-sophistication attacks to gain notoriety and infiltrate systems was issued, stressing the need to reduce operational technology exposure to the public internet and ensure robust authentication.

The meeting covered several key topics, including a program manager report with updates on SF 659 and program financials, the 605-10 Admin Rules Regulatory Analysis, and 2026 GIS information. There was also a Zetron Shared Services monthly status update, a discussion on training funds, an Iowa State Interoperable Communications System Board update, and a CISA update on maintaining cyber vigilance for communication systems. The council also discussed legislative issues and set the next meeting date.

The meeting included updates on Senate File 659, Comp opportunities for PAPS and call handling providers, annual form deadlines, GIS grants, and training fund applications. Zetron provided an update on the Fremont county deployment and the availability of a training portal. Discussions also covered technical advisories, updates on the Iowa statewide interoperable communication systems, and cybersecurity measures. The council discussed legislative issues and heard concerns about Windstream Kinetic Business contracts and billing.