Karen A Rielly

Key discussions centered on the proposed governance group to control dispatch fees assessed to agencies not currently paying the Department of Public Safety, including contentious discussion regarding the mechanism for setting this fee structure. The board also addressed the FY2026 Shelburne PSAP reimbursement request, specifically considering an exception for a narrowly missed performance metric (primary catchment area answer rate of 89.75%) and debating methods for calculation, such as averaging rates or rounding metrics. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved the updated Strategic Plan, noting revisions related to QAQC specialist hiring, records information management roles, staffing challenge language updates, and changes resulting from the restructuring of the Vermont Universal Service Fund. The session concluded with an Open Meeting Law refresher and a brief update on contract negotiations. New business involved researching a proposed bill (S306) that seeks to classify dispatchers as "first responders" for workers' compensation purposes and a discussion about draft legislative language requiring service providers to notify the 911 Board of planned transitions from copper to fiber services.

Key discussions included an update on the Saint Albans PSAP regarding its staffing status and plans to expand to 24/7 coverage for rollover calls. The Board reviewed the VSUF Revenue Report, which indicated an estimated $80K shortfall. Updates on submitted exception and reasonable accommodation requests for returning to the office were noted. Extensive discussion occurred regarding the PSCTF System Design Concept & Recommendations, focusing on potential implementation authority, board composition, funding sustainability, and service charge determination. The Board also addressed the FY26 Shelburne PSAP reimbursement exception request, postponing a decision pending further research and a meeting with local PSAPs. Updates to the E911 Strategic Plan were summarized and unanimously approved. The Board reviewed new legislation (s.306) proposing PTSD workers' compensation benefits for dispatchers and discussed draft language requiring service providers to notify the Board of planned transitions from legacy copper to fiber service.

The meeting included Public Safety Communications Task Force (PSCTF) updates, Saint Albans PSAP Update, VSUF Revenue Report, Tariff Study/FCC Order, 988 Triage Protocol Implementation Status, and Records Information Management Project. The Board entered Executive Session for discussions concerning Back Up Call Handling RFP contract negotiations and specific personnel impacts resulting from the Return to Office Standard.

The meeting included discussions and updates on several key areas. The Public Safety Communications Task Force provided updates on its working groups, including preliminary recommendations on technology, shared systems, and policy operations. Governance model considerations were discussed, focusing on the structure of a future governance entity for the public safety communication system. The Saint Albans update addressed the resumption of 911 call taking, while the Vermont Universal Service Fund revenue report highlighted potential revenue shortfalls. Updates were also provided on the tariff study, 988 triage protocol implementation, and records information management. The meeting went into executive session to discuss contractual issues and personnel matters.

The meeting included an executive session regarding a lawsuit. The board discussed the implementation of the FCC order on NG911 services, including the delivery of calls via SIP and sending location with the call, and the potential costs associated with these phases. They also discussed revisions to the MOU with peace apps, particularly concerning minimum staffing requirements and procedures for PCAP blackouts. Additionally, the board addressed preparations for weather events, the backup call handling RFP, and 988/911 interactions, including a triage protocol and concerns about EMS notifications in certain situations. Updates were provided on the Records Information Management policy and the Public Safety Communications Task Force.