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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-06-131 - 911 Advisory Committee Request for Funds ) c,_> KITCHENER Development & Technical Services ~ Report To: Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Prepared By: Ward(s) Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: Subject: Mayor Zehr and Members of Council August 21, 2006 Tim Beckett, Deputy Fire Chief Tim Beckett, Deputy Fire Chief All Wards August 17, 2006 DTS-06-131 RECOMMENDATION: 911 Advisory Committee Request for Funds "That Council receive this report as information" BACKGROUND: The 911 Advisory Board is made up of volunteers from a number of non-profit organizations and agencies. The time and expenses for the members are covered by their parent organization. Board members include Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Ministry of Health, Bell Canada, OPP, AMO, City of Toronto. The 911 Advisory Board was formed in 1995 as a watchdog of Bell Canada's performance and product delivery during the 911 overhaul. With the changes to the telecommunications industry, the nature of the work and representation and sources of revenue have changed. The Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) formed the Canadian Interconnection Steering Committee to provide industry forum to manage discussions and negotiations impacting 911 deliveries. The Advisory Board provides a leadership role on this committee for 911 needs and expectations of municipalities and emergency services. REPORT: The 911 Advisory Committee is seeking assistance with funding. They have approached each of the 445 municipalities in Ontario including the City of Kitchener, looking for minimum $100 donation to help create some needed operational support. Although not directly affiliated to the 911 Advisory Board, the City of Kitchener has access through the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and through AMO, both of which we hold membership with. The City of Kitchener and the resident's receive service enhancements through the work that the 911 Advisory Board has accomplished. The Board would use this funding to support activities including revising and maintaining the 911 user guide, representation at CRTC, liaison with various affected/ involved governments and the distribution of technical reports/ bulletins regarding 911 systems. The Advisory Board continues to work with stakeholders on various 911 wireless issues and the current Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) 911 services. These issues continue to provide challenges within the Emergency Services community. The City of Kitchener, through the Fire Department budget will support this request in the form of $100. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Payment of $100 from the Fire Department's budget. COMMUNICATIONS: None Tim Beckett Deputy Fire Chief