Alabama Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association
March 9, 1999

 Call to Order and Welcome:

The special meeting for review of the CMRS Board Recommendations was held this date at the BellSouth A.O.C. The meeting was called to order by President Russ Bowers. Mr. Mack McClinton, Manager Birmingham BellSouth welcomed the attendees.

President Bowers welcomed everyone and referred the opening discussion to Mr. Max Armstrong, CMRS Board Member. Mr. Armstrong proceeded to explain that the first draft of the recommended CMRS rules had been distributed. Mr. Armstrong stated that the CMRS Board attorney had heavily influenced the rules while staying as close as possible to the existing law. Mr. Armstrong stated that the most simple distribution formula appeared to be at the state level. Mr. Armstrong asked for suggestions due to previous concerns by some districts.

Mr. Roger Wilson, Walker County 9-1-1, addressed the members as to distribution at the state level, indicating that there appeared to be nothing in the law, which would prohibit the CMRS Board from administering the funds at a state level. He suggested that each ECD provide the CMRS Board a letter granting "authority" to distribute funds not exceeding the current cost recovery funds available. Mr. Wilson stated that the distribution could be based on the same formula currently used for disbursement of the Wireless Funds.

Mr. Richard Holt, Limestone County 9-1-1, stated that it was not cost effective to handle this at an ECD level and agreed that distribution should be handled at a state level.

Mr. Bill Raines, of Powertel stated that billing at an ECD level would be a nightmare and considering the large start up cost involved in "turning up" Phase I, it would be more cost efficient for the carriers to handle distribution at a state level.

Mr. Art Faulkner, representing Mr. Lee Helms of the CMRS Board, stated that the proposed rules were not meant to complicate the process but there were problems within the existing law. The law does not specify, but the interpretation is that the distribution should be based on the existing cost recovery basis. There does not appear to be anything in the laws prohibiting the ECD from authorizing (in writing) the CMRS Board to handle this at a state level. Mr. Faulkner explained that the current law stated that the CMRS Board has to go before the legislature in 2000 with a report as to the progress made. The CMRS Board will review the recommendations and incorporate the changes into the proposed rules/recommendations. Mr. Faulkner also stated that under the current Wire (9-1-1) law, an ECD was limited to thirty-six months of collection of funds. After thirty-six months, 9-1-1 service must be implemented or collections would cease. There is no such limitation under the current Wireless Law. Mr. Armstrong responded that this type of amendment would require a change in the current Wireless Law and would have to be added in the 2000 report.

Mr. Art Faulkner made a motion to amend the CMRS rules as submitted to "allow an ECD to authorize the CMRS Board to administer wireless Phase I distribution at a state level, not to exceed actual cost recovery funds available. It is agreed that the actual cost recovery funds collection is to be administered based on the population percentage formula s previously established for disbursement of Wireless Funds". Mr. Roger Wilson seconded the motion. President Bowers called for discussion. As there was no discussion, President Bowers called for the vote. All members present were in favor and the vote was unanimous. (copy of recommendation attached.)

Mr. Art Faulkner made the motion to amend Sec 225-1-3-.05 paragraph (c) to read…"Upon acceptance of the plan and the associated cost structure by the ECD, the ECD shall be responsible for submitting a plan for cost recovery to the Board to include wireless carriers that operate within the particular ECD. The Board shall not give final approval for payment of cost recovery until the ECD has submitted a cost recovery plan that includes CMRS providers operating within the ECD." Mr. Faulkner proposed the word "all" would be removed. Mr. Ray Preston, BellSouth seconded the motion. President Bowers opened the floor for discussion.

Discussion was held regarding: The request for service, a six month window for establishing Phase I service, Carriers meeting with ECD’s for approval of their plan. This plan would go to the CMRS Board for final approval.

President Bowers called for the vote on the above motion. All members present were in favor of the motion as presented. The vote was unanimous. (copy of recommendation attached.)

Mr. Bill Raines, of Powertel stated that dealing with the CMRS Board would not mean that their relationship with the ECD would be excluded. GTE (carrier also present) stated that a contract would not be necessary for their agreement regarding cost recovery and Phase I compliance, but they would like a letter from the ECD asking for their service. Mr. Faulkner suggested one contract with the CMRS Board that would be for each carrier for the state at large.

There was more discussion regarding typographical errors and possible changes due to the above mentioned motions.

Mr. Richard Holt reported for the good of the organization, that a meeting would be held in Decatur, Alabama on March 23, 1999. The meeting would consist of one-hour segments in which each of their local Wireless providers would review their solutions.

Mr. Art Faulkner reported that for those interested, there would be a CMRS Board meeting on March 18, 1999 at the State E.O.C. Mr. Faulkner also expressed concern that everyone did not have access to the Internet. As faxes were no longer being sent, several people were being "left out" when it came to special notices or meeting. He stated that there was an attempt would be made to set up a broadcast fax at the E.O.C.

Mr. Roger Wilson asked Mr. Max Armstrong if there would soon be some explanations of collections distributed with the Wireless check and would there be a "set date" for distribution. Mr. Armstrong confirmed that this was being reviewed and would be included in the near future.

Meeting was adjourned.
 

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