Emergency Service Alliance

[BigFoot]

Franklin County Emergency Service Organizations and local municipalities have been meeting for over a year to help understand the complex issues facing today's first responders. The municipalities have been very open and willing to help. Please take the time to talk to your local political leaders and provide them with constructive input on how emergency services can be improved.

They are listening.

Don Eshleman, Jr. - Secretary/Treasurer

[Administrators]

The June meeting of the Franklin County Emergency Service Alliance is
scheduled to meet on Saturday, June 4th starting at 9 AM at the Franklin
Fire Department.

All are welcome,
Don Eshleman
Secretary/Treasurer

[BigFoot]

Highlights from the June meeting:

The following municipalities and organizations were in attendance: Mercersburg, St. Thomas, Greencastle, Metal, Hamilton, Antrim, Greene, Waynesboro, Fannett, Southampton, Guilford, Chambersburg, Fire Chiefs Association, EMS Council, Fire Police Association, Franklin County

Dave Jamison reported that the Communications Committee met with the Franklin County Commissioners on May 13th. Discussion from the meeting reported that the radio system is being designed for the 450 UHF frequency range, however, specific frequencies can not be announced until granted FCC licensure. Motorola, Macom, Kenwood, and Ericson all offer end user equipment that would be compatible and capable to perform. It was requested that the Committee develop a general specification sheet so that all can spec proper equipment. The County’s timeframe for the project: Award Contracts – 3rd Qtr. 2005, Begin Construction – 4th Qtr. 2005, Complete Construction – by 3rd Qtr. 2006, Begin Migration – 3rd or 4th Qtr. 2006.

Thomas/Little motion: Franklin County Emergency Service Alliance host a UHF radio forum for display of products and services that can be provided. Unanimous Dates to be determined.

Ben Thomas reported that the Recruitment/Retention Committee is on track for October information release on volunteerism, however, only 41% of the departments have responded. No response from Co 2, 2A, 4, 8, 12, 16, 17, 18, & 21. This information is important to allow the Alliance to promote volunteerism throughout the area.

Jerry Flasher reported that the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services have several projects that are at various stages of completion: Wireless 911 Location Project, GIS Mapping Project (County & Regional), 911 System Upgrade, Computer Aided Dispatch Upgrade, and the department is working on several Homeland Security projects and mandates.

Bob Albrecht representing the Fire Chiefs, shared the upcoming Countywide Standard Operation Guidelines that are being reviewed by the FCFCA:
Draft: Probationary/Junior Member identification
Update: Staging Procedures

Doug Bitner of the EMS Council reported that a countywide paper map and atlas progressing. Franklin/Adams are developing an EMS Strike Team with trailers to be delivered and stocked. Prime movers of the trailers are also being provided. These will be temporarily stored at the County warehouse until a permanent location can be secured. EMSOP Grant information is being released.

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2005 at 9:00 AM at the Franklin Fire Company, Chambersburg.

Respectfully submitted,
Don Eshleman
Secretary/Treasurer

[fireengine12]

Ben ought to check his records more carefully, we faxed him our response a few weeks ago.

[Pres 18]

we also faxed our paper to him as soon as we received it.

[Administrators]

This just in from Don:

The October meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 1, 2005 at 9 AM -
Franklin Fire Company in Chambersburg.

[BigFoot]

Highlights from the October meeting.

The Alliance has received our 501(c)3 classification from the IRS.

Reported that the Specifications for Bid for the new radio system has been advertised. Bids due to be opened in late November, the process is on track to meet the agenda listed in the August minutes.

September 15 was the due date for EMSOP grants, most likely there will be a round of mini grants with information available soon.

EMS Council has a $10,000 grant for mapping program, starting process of proofreading.

22 enrolled in the EMT class in Marion

Southcentral Region sent 60-70 EMS staff members to aid in the Katrina effort. Recognized several shortcomings and a need for Memorandums of Understanding which will be addressed at the regional level.

Possible EMT class may be held at the Chambersburg Hospital, possibly starting in January. Experiencing resistance from Harrisburg Community College for additional class opportunities.

Motion to send a letter to Bucks Community College to encourage their expansion of EMT classes in Franklin County. Passed unanimous.

Agency Reports:
Franklin County Department of Emergency Services:
LEPC is looking to expand its role in public education.
CERT activities and training going well.

Fire Chief’s Association Update:
Addressing issues of Public Safety Training Center. Possibly looking at creating a Board of Directors to oversee operations.
Sidewalks are in, still need sewer hookups.
Staffing Standard went into effect, but was delayed slightly due to Department of Emergency Services dispatch procedures.

EMS Council Update:
Council had a presentation from Stat Medivac on their one call dispatch system for helicopter transport.
Council working on better utilization of EMS transfers. Issues rising, especially during day time hours due to paid staff hired to cover respective areas.

Fire Police Association Update:
Membership issues, only about 75 fire police active members countywide.

Municipal Associations:
Council of Governments will be sponsoring an auction of office equipment auction in the spring.
Annual convention and Countywide Municipal Summit were held. Many municipalities are dealing with growth issues.
Planning Commission to offer training towards joint municipal planning.

Ten (10) representatives in attendance on behalf of 7 municipalities and 2 organizations and 1 guest.

Due to other activities and the holiday season, the next meeting will be held on November 16th at 11 AM at the Chambersburg School District Administrative Office

[BigFoot]

Highlights from the November meeting:

Communications Committee:
*Several fire departments received notice that they received rejection letters for their application for the Federal Fire Grant.

Volunteer Fire/EMS Recruitment & Retention Committee:
Need to establish internal programs prior to going countywide.
EMS recruitment marketing program released and coordinated by PA Department of Health

Fire Chief’s Association Update:
Pursuing creation of Executive Board for Public Safety Training Center.
Training center in final stages of completion.

EMS Council Update:
November 29th there will be an inventory and organization of the regional strike team trailers in York to kickoff the EMS Strike Teams.
Pull vehicle still due to come in.
Mapping company that Council was working with is unable to complete due to business conditions. Council will be looking for alternative companies.
EMT class starting in January in Blue Ridge Summit.
Council reviewed information from Stat Medivac, no recommendation at this time.
EMS transfers is still being discussed, no timeline for changes from current system.

Radio Show – The intent is to have one once decision is made on type of system, waiting on County to complete the bidding process.

Questions raised on the requirement of having an evacuation plan for municipalities with population over 10,000 people. Guidance needed from PEMA on format.

Nomination Committee for 2006 officers appointed:
Dennis Monn, Chair
Frank Hobbs
Doug Bitner

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2006 at 9:00 AM at the Franklin Fire Company in Chambersburg

Don Eshleman
Secretary

[BigFoot]

Red Ribbon Report

There has been a fantastic report put out by the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section of the International Fire Chiefs Association, on Evolution of the Volunteer service as it transends into a paid service.

The appendiums can be extreamly valuable if they are used to assess your department, officers, and provide a guide to the changes many will experience.

The report can be found at www.vcos.org

Good luck,
Don

[Administrators]

Franklin County Emergency Service Alliance
Meeting Minutes – February 4, 2006

President Negley called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM at the Franklin Fire Company with twelve (12) representatives in attendance on behalf of 9 municipalities and 3 organizations and 1 guest.

The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted on a Culbertson/Swailes motion

Treasurers Report accepted on a Culbertson/Speicher motion

Committee Reports:
Executive Committee No Report
Communications Committee Oral interviews with Transcor and Motorola were recently held. Each explained how they will solve the radio problems. Kimbal Associates will respond to all questions raised at these meetings in writing. In the future there may need to be a municipal ordinance to require some form of link or repeater style system for radios to work in large commercial structures, this will be handled by the Council of Governments. The systems being designed will be UHF analog systems for all public service channels and digital for law enforcement.Any organization with grant money tied to radio purchase should contact Jerry Flasher at Department of Emergency Services as soon as possible to establish possible extensions.
Volunteer Fire/EMS Recruitment & Retention Committee Steve Lyle – would like to meet and address our group on the EHSF Recruitment Program at a future meeting.Tom Savage – from PSEFI would like to address our group on volunteerism.Look for both at a future opportunity outside of a regular meeting.
EMS Committee Mapping project team is working on other venders, will look at working with the county DES or Planning to combine efforts.Concern rose with duplication and information on streets and roads throughout the county. Any and all approved subdivision information needs to be relayed to Franklin County Department of Emergency Services and your local emergency providers. There has been confusion recently when units were dispatched to areas under development.
Bylaws Committee Bylaws submission by D. Eshleman:Add to Article 2, Section 1: G. One representative or alternate representative from Letterkenny Army Depot.
Funding Committee No Report
General note for all committees: Committee members do not need to be Alliance Members.

Agency Reports:
Franklin County Department of Emergency Services:
· Working on a Reverse 911 project with the South Central Terrorism Taskforce, should be installed by April.
· EMA position has not been filled, Jerry and Gary covering.


Fire Chief’s Association Update:
· Annual reorganizational meeting held with the following representatives appointed:
Dusty Stoner, Bob Albrecht, Sr. (Paul Shannon, Scott Willliamson Alternates)
· Still working on steering committee for Public Safety Center. Still having problems getting the sewer hooked up. Brake will install the lateral and stormwater management when the weather improves.
· The following standards were passed unanimously at the meeting:
· Working Fire Dispatch
· RIT Procedure
· Working on new consolidated box cards, however help is needed from DES. No representative since June of last year has attended, their input is vital.
· Association is looking at recommending adjusting the fail times; however municipalities will have to make the final determination.
· Speicher/Swailes motion to support the Fire Chiefs Association’s recommendation to change the fire fail times from 3 minutes to 5 minutes for final support to be voted upon at the next Alliance meeting. Passed unanimously.

EMS Council Update:
· Multiple projects still in motion.
· Looking at making the fail time more consistent
· February meeting will be the annual reorganizational meeting

Fire Police Association Update:
· No Report

Municipal Associations:
· No Report

Active Business:
Albrecht/Swailes motion to combine the office of Secretary and Treasurer for 2006 election. Passed unanimously

Nomination Committee report:
President – Randy Negley
Vice-President – Ben Thomas, Jr.
Secretary/Treasurer – Don Eshleman, Jr.

No other nomination were made and on a Brake/Speicher motion to close nominations.

Bitner/Speicher motion for Secretary to cast a ballot for nominated officer. Passed unanimously

New Business/Good of Organization:
Secretary working on a free web site and email. New email address for the alliance is [e-mail]

Did not have time to view video from PFESI, loaned to Mercersburg and will be passed around.

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, April 8th, 2006 at 9:00 AM at the Franklin Fire Company in Chambersburg

Meeting adjourned at 11:45 AM.

Attendees:
Artie Speicher, Don Eshleman, Jr., Anna Swailes, Randy Negley, Doug Bitner, Don Culbertson, John Brake, Harold Duffey, Frank Hobbs, Bobby Albrecht, Sr., Jerry Flasher, William Dubbs, John Byers (guest)

Respectfully Submitted,


Donald Eshleman, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer

[BigFoot]

Franklin County Emergency Service Alliance
[e-mail]
Meeting Minutes – April 8, 2006

President Negley called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM at the Franklin Fire Company with fifteen (15) representatives in attendance on behalf of 12 municipalities and 2 organizations.

Committee Reports:
Executive Committee
Received copies of correspondence from the County Commissioners to state and federal representatives and senators. Copies attached.

Communications Committee
County is working on clarification on proposals from engineers. Proposed to have a design company awarded by May 4th. This company will develop the final design and negotiate the price. Through the County’s proposal for the radio system, there will be an opportunity to establish a bulk purchase. A copy of the county equipment list is to be forwarded to Dave Jamison form a subcommittee to develope the bulk purchase process and communicate the procedures.

Bylaws Committee
Bylaw change, add to Article 2, Section 1:
G. One representative or alternate representative from Letterkenny Army Depot.
Albrecht/Duffey motion, passed unanimously

Funding Committee
Committee to be established with the following members, chair to be named later:
Anna Swailes, Harold Duffey, Bobby Albrecht, Sam Cressler

General note for all committees: Committee members do not need to be Alliance Members.

Agency Reports:
Franklin County Department of Emergency Services:
911 Upgrades being made.

Mapping is being reviewed with County Planning to meet with emergency services and municipalities

GIS being developed with Homeland Security funding. GIS Director position has been budgeted by the County

EMA Coordinator job description will become Deputy Emergency Services Director

New 911 Center will need at least 13000 square feet with additional 4000 square feet of storage

Reviewing change in response times, Fire 3 minutes, EMS 5 minutes as endorsed by the Franklin County Fire Chief’s Association. A Duffey – Swales motion recommended adoption of the five minute fire service response failure time and have a public informational campaign on this topic to increase volunteerism. Motion passed unanimously

Fire Chief’s Association Update:
Executive Committee of Fire Chiefs are brainstorming the formation of a Board of Directors for the Public Safety Center.
Driveway easement challenges at Public Safety Training Center
Sewer project to start soon

Budget Status
Duffey/Thomas motion to endorse the concept of the budget of the Fire Chief’s Association and recommend municipalities financially assist and request municipalities be involved in their emergency services. Unanimous approval. Direction was given to give this report at the Spring meeting of the Franklin County Township Officials at Mont Alto Fire Company on May 25th. Also to meet with Franklin County Commissioners requesting the County’s financial contribution on a yearly basis and suggest Commissioner Elliott give a presentation to Township officials on May 25th. It was also suggested that representatives from the County’s boroughs should also be invited.

EMS Council Update:
Working on EMS Communications manual addendums; examples are EMS transfers, re-alert for non patient dispatches, etc.

Municipal Associations:
Spring Convention in May

New Business/Good of Organization:

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 9:00 AM at the Public Safety Training Center south of Chambersburg unless otherwise noted. This meeting will be dedicated to discussing the lack of volunteers vs. growth issues, call volumes, EMS staffing, and emergency services staffing and creation of an EMERGENCY SERVICES STAFFING TASK FORCE.

Attendees:
Don Eshleman, Jr., Anna Swailes, Randy Negley, Doug Bitner, Don Culbertson, Harold Duffey, Frank Hobbs, Bobby Albrecht, Sr., Jerry Flasher, Ben Thomas, Jr., Paul Shannon, Dennis Monn, Sam Cressler, Joshua Meyers, Dave Jamison

Respectfully Submitted,

Donald Eshleman, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer

[Administrators]

Meeting Minutes – August 12, 2006

Vice President Thomas called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM at the Franklin County Public Safety Training Center with fourteen (14) representatives in attendance on behalf of 9 municipalities and 2 organizations.

The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted on a Culbertson/Swailes motion

Treasurers Report accepted on a Swailes/Culbertson motion. Have not received assessment funding from the following: Orrstown

Committee Reports:
Executive Committee No Report
Communications Committee Project kick off meeting with Motorola will be held on Tuesday, August 15 to establish timeline. Working with municipalities and police departments for frequency allocations. Still reviewing and considering several sites for tower locations
Radio Funding Committee Still need approximate number of pagers to complete equipment need list. Committee provided survey information. Committee directed to check on availability of grant writers being used by other government organizations.
Volunteer Fire/EMS Recruitment & Retention Committee Volunteer Summit is being planned for the fall, many conflicts with scheduling and they are looking for a date and location to have the event. Possibly end of October in Chambersburg. · Open to all fire, EMS, municipalities, media, and other government representatives.· Collectively recruit more volunteers· Action plan to continue progress·
Bylaws Committee No Changes
General note for all committees: Committee members do not need to be Alliance Members.

Agency Reports:
Franklin County Department of Emergency Services:
· Interviewing for EMA/Deputy Director position
· GIS Mapping Coordinator starts August 13 – Sarah Goetz
· There are numerous addressing issues and a need for a consistent countywide policy. Inaccurate information has caused dispatch errors. Alliance recommends that DES initiate a standard and present it to Council of Governments and at the Township Supervisors Fall Meeting for support.

Fire Chief’s Association Update:
· Not enough participation to provide quorum
· Working on Board of Directors for Public Safety Center, need input on individuals from Path Valley and southeast areas.

EMS Council Update:
· No Report

Fire Police Association Update:
· No Report

Municipal Associations:
· Township Supervisors Association Fall Meeting scheduled for September 28, Mont Alto FD

Active Business:
· Growth legislation bill introduced with a Public Hearing on August 22nd in Chambersburg

New Business/Good of Organization:

Myers/Carbaugh motion that EMS transfers will only be utilized by department requesting, using Quick Response Service (QRS) and mutual aid for coverage. Passed unanimously.

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2006 at 9:00 AM at the Public Safety Training Center south of Chambersburg unless otherwise noted.

Attendees:
Don Eshleman, Jr., Anna Swailes, Don Culbertson, Ben Thomas, Jr., Sam Cressler, Dusty Stoner, Artie Speicher, Joshua Meyers, Jerry Flasher, Bryan Stevenson, Paul Shannon, Gary Summers, William Dubbs, Dale Carbaugh

Respectfully Submitted,

Donald Eshleman, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer

[Administrators]

Has anyone heard from Bigfoot lately? ;D

[BigFoot]

Franklin County Emergency Service Alliance
[e-mail]
Meeting Minutes – October 7, 2006

President Negley called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM at the Franklin County Public Safety Training Center with fifteen (15) representatives in attendance on behalf of 10 municipalities and 3 organizations, 3 guests.

The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted on a Thomas/Swailes motion

Treasurers Report accepted on a Duffey/Monn motion. Have not received assessment funding from the following: Orrstown

Committee Reports:
Communications Committee Weekly project meetings held at DES, currently on track and schedule. FCC holding up several issues. A new 911/EOC is being designed; however there is no current plan for relocation of the centers. Municipal leaders are requesting a strong timeline in order to ensure proper budgeting to guarantee an efficient transition.

Cressler/Swales motion for the Alliance Executive Board to send letter to County Commissioners to provide timeline for radio project and relocation to municipalities and organizations. Unanimous

Radio Funding Committee Summary of radio needs produced, over 2300 radios will be needed. Discussion on lack of a timeline for budget and grant needs.

Volunteer Fire/EMS Recruitment & Retention Committee Volunteer Summit is being planed to include various speakers, overviews, and leadership offerings. A firm date has not been established due to many calendars are already filled till yearend. Looking at hosting this event early next year.

General note for all committees: Committee members do not need to be Alliance Members.

Agency Reports:
Franklin County Department of Emergency Services:
• Fully staffed Administration
• Susan Dutko – EMC/Assistant Director
• Sarah Goetz – GIS Mapping Coordinator
• Bobbie Jo Burkett – Operations and Training
• Setting up a Pandemic Taskforce later this year
• Recommended establishing a system for house numbering. Sam Cressler and Harold Duffey agreed to work with Bryan Stevenson for countywide system.

Fire Chief’s Association Update:
• Working on Board of Directors for Public Safety Center, should be established by yearend.
• Issues with duplication of services and training have caused some classes to be canceled.
• Budget for Public Safety Center will be sent to each municipality with costs.
• Center driveway issue being held up by legal councils.

EMS Council Update:
• State grant for mapping has been extended.
• Need more participation with the EMS Taskforce

Active Business:
• Municipalities need to keep abreast of issues with their contractual departments. Primarily in reference to potential changes in dispatch procedures.
• Thomas/Meyers motion to re-endorse the motion that passed in April for possible resolution by yearend.
From April 8 Minutes:
Reviewing change in response times, Fire 3 minutes, EMS 5 minutes as endorsed by the Franklin County Fire Chief’s Association. A Duffey – Swales motion recommended adoption of the five minute fire service response failure time and have a public informational campaign on this topic to increase volunteerism. Motion passed unanimously

New Business/Good of Organization:
• Continued lack of attendance at EMS Council and Fire Chiefs Association has limited their effectiveness. Municipalities should encourage their contractual organization to attend.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at approximately 10:00 AM at the Chambersburg Area School District Board Room. This will follow the Council of Governments meeting, time approximate.

Attendees:
Don Eshleman, Jr., Anna Swailes, Ben Thomas, Jr., Sam Cressler, Artie Speicher, Joshua Meyers, Jerry Flasher, Bryan Stevenson, Harold Duffey, Dennis Monn, Frank Hobbs, Bobie Jo Burkett, John Brake, Susan Dutko, Randy Negley, Ken North, Sarah Goetz, Doug Bitner

Respectfully Submitted,
Donald Eshleman, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer

[BigFoot]

Franklin County Emergency Services Alliance
[e-mail]
Meeting Minutes – November 15, 2006

President Negley called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. at the Chambersburg Area School District Administrative Building with 17 representatives in attendance on behalf of 14 municipalities, the EMS Council, and the Fire Chief’s Association.

Committee Reports:
Radio Funding The Committee met with a representative of Motorola. Since we are an IRS 501 C3 organization we are eligible for bulk purchasing. Franklin County is checking to facilitate this. Franklin Co. employee Scott Finley may author a grant application. A grant meeting will soon be scheduled to further discuss. Discussion was again held concerning the need to meet with County Commissioners regarding the radio project and external communications. Mr. Flasher has e-mailed County Administrator John Hart for such a meeting. It was suggested that a monthly radio system project update be e-mailed or otherwise distributed to Alliance members and emergency services providers.
Volunteer Fire / EMS Recruitment & Retention A date is being finalized for a Volunteer Summit in January / February, 2007 at the Chambersburg Recreation Center. A Saturday morning will be utilized with an inclement weather date reserved if needed.

General note: Committee members do not need to be Alliance members.

Agency Reports:
Franklin Co. Dept. of Emergency Services (Bryan Stevenson): A new northern County communications tower is set to go. A south tower meeting with Federal authorities was postponed and will be re-scheduled. The County is searching another proposed site in the “Blue Mountain Tunnel” area as well as several locations in the north-eastern part of the County for another site.

Active Business:
Sam Cressler, Bryan Stevenson, and Phil Tarquino (Franklin Co. Planning) recently met on two occasions to discuss the need for a county-wide property address numbering system. There are several systems that are presently used that are not compatible. The Franklin County Planning Office is to author a proposed policy that should follow one standard. This item shall appear on future agendas as active business.

Ken North discussed a need to follow-up on emergency dispatch fail times as was agreed to in April, 2007 by the Alliance. The Fire Chiefs need to take this information, via an explanation paper, to each municipality and ask for adoption of a resolution endorsing five (5) minute fail times.

Ken also reported that a proposed Training Center Board recently met that was very productive. The goal is for such a Board to run the business of the Training Center. Another goal would be for seven members as they are now searching for volunteers, one from northern Franklin County, the other from southern Franklin County to serve. They will meet again in January, 2007.

New Business:
Discussion was held regarding a Chambersburg Fire-Police Officer recently injured while directing traffic in Mercersburg. Worker’s Compensation and Mutual Aid documents were mentioned that the County Fire-Police Association is researching. A sample Resolution should be authored and sent to municipalities that house fire / EMS stations. The Pa. Fire Service Institute may be able to offer guidance.

President Negley appointed the Nominating Committee to seek 2007 officers: Denny Monn, Chairman; Frank Hobbs; Doug Bitner

A Culbertson / Brake motion approved the 2007 Budget and Municipal Assessments.

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2007 @ 0900 at the Training Center. The meeting adjourned at 11:32 A.M.

Attendees: Anna Swailes, Sam Cressler, Don Culbertson, Harold Duffey, John Brake, Artie Speicher, Glenn Shetter, Samuel Swanger, Frank Hobbs, Frank Stearn, John D. Byers, Douglas Bitner, Bryan Stevenson, Ken North, William Dubbs, Randy Negley, and Ben Thomas, Jr.

Respectfully submitted,
By: Ben Thomas, Jr.
Acting Secretary