Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
BESSEMER — A resolution to adopt a final 911 Service Plan was approved by a vote of the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners last week.
According to the resolution, the plan will be “pursuant to the Emergency Telephone Service Enabling Act, 1986 PA 32, as amended.”
“Among other provisions, the plan identifies a chosen 911 vendor as the primary public safety answering point for all 911 calls within the boundaries of Gogebic County and recognizes the millage reliance or other funding models if the millage is not in place,” stated an agenda notice from the Board of Commissioners.
The notice also informed that the plan will use Next Generation 911 technology.
According to 911.gov, “Next Generation 911 (commonly referred to as NG911) is a digital, internet protocol (IP)-based system that will replace the analog 911 infrastructure that’s been in place for decades.”
The resolution also explains that “all PSAPs that might serve the county are preparing to transition or have transitioned from landline trunks to internet connections for the delivery of 911 calls to the PSAP. The transition, called NextGen 911, holds the prospect for dramatically increasing the amount of useful information that can be transmitted to the PSAP regarding the emergency or individuals involved in the emergency that precipitated the 911 call.”
PSAPs are public safety answering points.
The resolution lists the following advantages to the plan: a. republishes the plan to reflect prior amendments, so that the entire plan is in one document, not many; b. streamlines the process for updating service supplier and public agency information; and c. obligates service provider to use the IP address and internet provider that the county designates for NextGen911 service.”
The resolution concludes that such action will save money and enhance efficiency.
No public comment occurred during a public hearing directly prior to the Feb. 8 board meeting.
The board also:
—Voted to approve a resolution that names Roshan Mahabir, MD, as Gogebic County’s chief medical examiner, and Donald Higgs, MD, as deputy chief medical examiner to 4-year terms that began on Feb. 1 and will end on Jan. 31, 2026.
—Voted to approve a resolution honoring the 125th anniversary of the Michigan Association of Counties, which represents the state’s 83 counties. The resolution notes that MAC is the state’s oldest association representing local governments.
—Heard Gogebic County Equalization Director Kathy Jo Koval provide a brief report of the 2023 Board of Review course. “We had great reviews,” said Koval. “Everybody’s happy.” Lorenson assured her that the training is appreciated.
—Heard Sheriff Ross Solberg introduce Maggie Matonich as a new full-time corrections officer with the Gogebic County Jail. Solberg said that Matonich had started on Feb. 5 but had worked part-time since June. Board members gave Matonich a warm welcome.
—Voted to deny an offer to provide a letter of support for the Copper Country Habitat for Humanity, which was needed by the next day, on the grounds that board members know nothing about the organization.
All of the meeting’s votes were unanimous with Commissioner George Peterson absent.
The county board’s next regular meeting will be on Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. in the Gogebic County Courthouse.