County 9-1-1 technology review now under way

Representatives of the area’s 9-1-1 oversight board could soon be asking the Franklin County Board of Supervisors for some financial assistance to upgrade and modernize infrastructure used to coordinate emergency calls and response.

Tyler Blalock, of Meadville-based Rural Rapid Response, gave the panel a heads-up during the supervisors’ Monday, Dec. 6 business meeting in regards to possible future expenditures for the service.

“We’re looking at everything in the 9-1-1 center that might need repair or replacement, and we’re in the process of getting that punch list together for everyone to consider,” Blalock said. “I think you are already in the process of knocking out some of the issues that have been raised in the past.

“The goal is to make certain everything stays up to par and that any concerns are addressed, including things like CAD (computer-aided dispatch), mapping and the phone system in making sure they are up to date.”

While discussing equipment improvements, Franklin County Sheriff Tom Tindle said another concern he has is the need for more closed-circuit cameras inside the courthouse — particularly in the areas outside the chancery, circuit and tax offices.

“I don’t think anyone would disagree that cameras are needed for an added layer of security in the front of the building,” Tindle said.

Blalock said one potential solution could be to move existing cameras from the 9-1-1 work space inside the sheriff’s office that were purchased by the county and move those to the main public entrances to the courthouse. The 9-1-1 board could then look at new cameras that would be installed in the dispatching area to replace units that could be better utilized elsewhere in the building.

Discussion then focused on the number of cameras that would best serve their intended purpose in the courthouse.

District 4 Supervisor Pat Larkin asked whether two cameras would be enough to cover the entrances from Main, Oak and Walnut streets. Tindle said a good start would be to have two cameras — at least — to provide eyes on what is happening in the high-traffic public areas of the building.

“I think it’s about keeping everyone safe,” Blalock said of the need for more cameras. “From a 9-1-1 perspective, it’s about keeping our workers in the building safe and so they have a better feel for what is going on around them.”

Also during the meeting, Franklin County Emergency Management-Homeland Security Agency Director Mark Thornton said plans were being made to conduct a full-scale response exercise on Thursday, Dec. 16.

The event, which will be held in the Leesdale area near the county line, will allow first responders to practice their training and skills in addressing a “real-world” disaster scenario, according to Thornton.

“This is our year to have a full-scale exercise,” Thornton said. “We are in the process of planning the event and want the public to be aware that this is a drill only.”

While most aspects of the exercise will be kept under wraps to properly test county resources, officials confirmed the response will be for a “mass casualty” event that is designed to tax law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical responders and the local hospital in addressing the crisis.
In other action during the session, the Franklin County Board of Supervisors:

• Briefly discussed progress on bridge construction over Middleton Creek and plans to close Burt Jordan Road for box culvert construction.

Board President Jimmie “Bodi” Bass said he doesn’t look for a great deal of action on either project before the start of 2022.

“In regards to the Middleton Creek project, it will be early in the new year and we’re expecting to be notified just as soon as there is a date as to when Burt Jordan work will begin,” Bass said.

Once under way, the Burt Jordan Road project will take six to eight months to complete and will necessitate closure of the thoroughfare.

Local traffic — particularly passenger vehicles — will be redirected onto Sawdust Road and Red Bird Lane as a detour around the construction site.

Those driving 18-wheelers should plan to take Jackson-Liberty Drive as an alternate route when traveling between U.S. Highways 84 and 98 from McCall Creek to Smithdale.

Both Bass and Larkin noted signs will be posted at both ends of Burt Jordan Road warning trucks to not access the area during the project.

• Authorized the payment of $1,634.63 to Walter Beesley in regards to outstanding Justice Court fines in the amount of $6,538.50 collected during November.

Chancery Clerk Jill Jordan Gilbert said Beesley’s effort resulted in more than a $1,000 increase in fine collections when compared with the same month last year.

• Reviewed a revenue and expense report for October that was presented by Franklin County Memorial Hospital in Meadville.

• Approved the payment of a $2,000 bond for Maury Parker, who serves as chancery court reporter, through Insurance and Risk Managers of Brookhaven. The cost of the bond paid by the county was $100.

• Authorized the payment of 2022 membership dues to the National Association of Counties in the amount of $450.

• Went into executive session with board attorneys Bill Halford and Morgan Halford Poore to discuss potential litigation.

The board’s next regular meeting will take place at 9 a.m., Monday, Dec. 20 at the Franklin County Courthouse on Main Street in Meadville.

Officials also reminded the public that the courthouse and all county office will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24 for the Christmas holiday.