Alabama Chapter of NENA
Huntsville, Alabama
July 27, 2000

President Dick Pierce called the meeting to order.  Mr. Brad Smith gave the invocation.

The Chairman of the Madison County Commission as well as the Huntsville-Madison Chairman of the Board welcomed the membership.  New members were welcomed and guests were introduced.

The minutes from the April 2000 meeting were presented for approval.  Mr. Roger Wilson, of Walker County, made motion to approve the minutes as submitted.  Mr. Donnie Smith of, Chambers County seconded the motion.  All members were in favor and the minutes were unanimously approved as submitted.

Mr. Roger Humphrey, Treasurer, presented the financial report for approval.  Mr. Bill Brodeur of Etowah County made a motion to approve as submitted.  Mr. Seth Phelps of Baldwin County seconded the motion.  The motion passed without opposition.

Mr. Art Faulkner, Past-President and Chair of the Nominating Committee called for all nominations from the floor.  It was presented that the Vice-President positions were open for nomination:  Past-President, Huntsville LATA, and Montgomery LATA.  The position for President was also open.  The following people had been nominated via media (email, letter, etc) or were nominated from the floor:  Mr. Bill Brodeur (Past President opening), Mr. Richard Holt (Huntsville LATA), Mr. Donnie Smith (Montgomery LATA), Ms. Anita Feltman (Montgomery LATA) and Ms. Pat Hall (Montgomery LATA).  As there was no opposition for the Past President Vice President position or the Huntsville LATA, Mr. Brodeur and Mr. Holt were acknowledged as the incoming officers.  Other nominees were asked to present evidence of their Board’s approval for office.

The office of President received the following nominations:  Mr. Ernie Blair (Huntsville-Madison County) and Sharon Thomas  (St. Clair County).  Each nominee was again asked for a letter of approval from his or her Board.

All nominees will be placed on a ballot for the upcoming vote and will be installed into office at the October 2000 meeting.

Mr. Seth Phelps reported that a bill had passed that allowed agencies to contract for private dispatch.  Mr. Art Faulkner commented that while this had passed due to change in the original language of the Bill, he was disappointed in the ambiguous attititude displayed by most members.  The wording in the Bill was amended due a couple of large cities and that if legislation was to serve large and small alike, it was necessary to have the support of everyone to proceed.

Mr. Richard Holt, of the Minimum Standards Committee, again stated that they needed response on the questionnaire that had previously been sent out.  He reported that the Committee had reviewed several training options in order to allow everyone to “meet” minimum standards, including web-based options.

Ms. Kelli Brasher, of the Database Committee reported as asked at the April Meeting on the problems to be met for Wireless Database concerns.  A small presentation was made regarding these considerations including solutions available, interpretation of Phase I compliance, ESN Establishment for Wireless, and considerations for Wireless “addressing”.

Mr. Seth Phelps also brought up the problem that had arisen for people with TCI equipment.  Problems for the owners of this equipment have come from what appears to be a violation by wireless carriers of the North American Numbering Plan.  TCI had a representative present who assured everyone that this problem was being given priority.

Mr. Art Faulkner reported for the Task Force.  He stated that the Statewide Database Project was still being worked on.  He referenced the need for more involvement in order to significantly decrease the cost factor.

Mr. Max Armstrong reported for the Wireless Committee.  He stated that there had been no significant changes.  Mr. Phelps reported that budgeting was an issue due to the wide difference in the monthly Wireless submissions.  Mr. Faulkner stated that the difference occurred due to the different billing, collection and submission of the various wireless carriers.  Mr. Faulkner reported that at this time approximately seven other states had Wireless Boards.  He also reported that in some areas, Phase II was a possibility by March 01, 2001.  The report that at least 37% of the PSAPs were being provided Phase I at this time.  Mr. Roger Wilson reported that some areas still had not asked for Phase I service.

Ms. Kelli Brasher reported that the 2000 Gulf Coast Conference was well under way.  She asked that people volunteer for specific duties rather than just “offer” to help. 

Mr. Brad Smith reported that he had resigned as Director of Escambia County.  He reported that he would continue to stay involved in the organization.

Mr. Roger Wilson reported that the Public Awareness campaign was underway.  Mr. Ernie Blair of Huntsville-Madison County reported that their program “Is your Number Up?” had been very successful.

Ms. Pat Hall of Dothan, reported that the Montgomery LATA had met in July had had been well represented.

President Pierce discussed the National NENA Conference.  He felt that this one was of the better conferences that he had attended.  Mr. Ray Preston of BellSouth Business thanked Jo Tranter for the great looking design on the Alabama “Conference” shirt worn by the Alabama members at the National Conference.  He also stated that the Housing Bureau did a great job.

Mr. Roger Wilson discussed ordering two “Redi Fox” costumes.  The costumes would be “housed” in separate ends of the State in order that they be available to the membership.  Cost of the costumes was determined to be approximately $2,000.00 each.  Mr. Seth Phelps made a motion to purchase the costumes with Mr. Roger Humphrey seconding the motion.  There was no further discussion.  A vote was held.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Roger Wilson discussed the fact that he was having a problem with a CLEC who was not submitting the 9-1-1 surcharges.  He stated that he was considering filing a complaint with the PSC.  Mr. Ray Preston stated that which CLEC’s are operating in the ECD should be contained with the audit that was sent out by BellSouth in December.  Mr. Wilson asked again that anyone who had a contact with Espire aka ACSI please forward that information.

Mr. Bill Brodeur recommended that Mr. Max Armstrong be reappointed the CMRS Board.  After discussion, Mr. Brodeur formed this as a motion.  Mr. Seth Phelps seconded the motion.  Discussion was held and Mr. Armstrong agreed to this position.  The vote to reappoint Mr. Armstrong to this Board was unanimous.

Mr. Art Faulkner recognized Mr. Roger Humphrey as the outgoing Vice-President for the Huntsville LATA as well as his contribution as Treasurer of the Chapter.

The meeting was adjourned.