Draft of 2011 State Legislation posted

A draft of legislation for the 2011 Legislative Session has been posted on the "Legislation" page.

Messamore retires

Congratulations to Mary Messamore who has retired after 31 years of public safety service to the citizens of Kansas.  Mary retired from Hutchinson/Reno County Emergency Communications on Friday.
Mary served Thomas, Sherman, Butler, and Reno Counties over her lengthy career with positions ranging from part-time dispatcher to 9-1-1 Director.  She was dedicated to APCO and served as Chapter President and most recently, was the Executive Council Representative for the state of Kansas.  KSAPCO wishes Mary the best of luck in the future and much enjoyment in her retirement.

Johnson County photo added

A new photo of Johnson County Emergency Communications Center has been added.  It, along with other PSAP photos can be viewed at http://www.ksapco.net/photos.html. 

Photos of Fall Conference published

Photos of the 2010 Fall Conference have been posted.  All photos are courtesy of Brad Gilges, Executive Committee Person/Member Liaison of the Kansas Chapter.  Photos can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksapco/sets/.

Services for Selma Southard

From Rhonda Birdsong...It is with great sadness that I relay to all of you, the passing of Selma M. Southard, Director of the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center. Director Southard passed away on Friday, November 12, 2010, after a brief illness. Director Southard gave 36 years of service with Douglas County and will be greatly missed within the 9-1-1 community. The link to her obituary follows: http://www2.ljworld.com/obituaries/2010/nov/15/selma-southard/

Visitation: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, from 1700-1900 hours, at Warren-McElwain, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS.

Funeral: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at 1000 hours, at Mustard Seed Church, 700 Wakarusa Dr., Lawrence, KS.

Burial at Oak Hill Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

Please keep the family of Selma Southard in your thoughts and prayers. The employees of the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center are coping with this passing of their Director, and any words of comfort, thoughts, encouragement, and prayers that you or your Center can provide to them would be greatly appreciated.

If anyone should have any questions concerning the above information, please contact: Amanda Reusch, at 785.312.1717.

To leave a condolence, visit http://www.warrenmcelwain.com/obituaryDetail.cfm?idObituary=593&#signguestbook.

Messamore to retire

Mary Messamore, 911 Director for Hutchison/Reno County Emergency Communications, is retiring after 31 years of public safety experience.  A reception in her honor will be held on December 3rd at the Reno County Courthouse.  You can view the flyer at http://www.ksapco.net/files/Messamore_Retirement.pdf.  Congratulations Mary, and best wishes in your retirement.

Pennington to be 2nd VP

Kim Pennington, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, was elected to the 2nd Vice President position at the Fall Conference in Wichita.  The vote was held in conjunction with the business meeting and was taken among members of APCO.  Kim will begin her duties in January when Kathy McGaughey, Garden City Police, assumes the role of Chapter President and Lance Royer, Shawnee County Sheriff's Office advances to 1st Vice President.  Congratulations to Kim and thanks to everyone who was a candidate for the office.

Reno hires experienced 911 chief

By Mary Clarkin - The Hutchinson News - mclarkin@hutchnews.com

Hutchinson and Marion County didn't work out a swap. It just looks that way.
Emergency Communications Director Mary Messamore, overseeing the 911 dispatch center at the Hutchinson-Reno County Law Enforcement Center, will retire in early December and move to Marion, where family members live.
Hutchinson's next emergency communications director - Michele Abbott - will move here from Marion County.

Messamore wasn't part of the team of law enforcement, fire, ambulance and emergency management officials who interviewed job finalists, but she expressed delight with the selection.
About 60 people applied for the job, according to city staff. The other two people interviewed were from Florida.
Abbott will start here Oct. 25, enabling an overlap training period with Messamore.
Abbott started in 1989 as a dispatcher in Marion County, after responding to a help-wanted ad. She rose through the ranks to supervisor and then director. Since 1999, she has been director of emergency communications and also emergency management chief.
Abbott is familiar with the regional 911 backup dispatch center at Hutchinson Community College's campus near Yoder. A 19-county regional homeland security group wanted a backup center, and a grant helped make it possible. Abbott was on the regional council and served as co-manager of the project.
"We just installed that equipment there two weeks before Greensburg happened, and then we activated it and were able to take calls for Greensburg," she said, referring to the May 2007 tornado.
Like Messamore, Abbott has been active on professional boards. Abbott has testified on emergency communications issues before state lawmakers. She is a governing board member with the Kansas Association of Counties, and has twice been president of the Kansas Chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Officials-International Inc.
Marion County's center is fully staffed, but Abbott said the challenge of filling job vacancies is shared by many centers.
"It's a very stressful and demanding job," she said, but added that she also loved the work.
Emergency agencies in Reno County are switching to an 800 megahertz radio system. Marion County does not operate on such a system, but Messamore said Abbott has a "a lot of knowledge" about it.
Moving with Abbott to Reno County will be her 11-year-old son, Chase. Marion County officials are considering options for filling the future vacancy there, including the possibility of dividing duties, Abbott said.

Social at Fall Conference hosted by Voice Products, ATT

The Sunday social at the KSAPCO Fall Conference has been announced and is sponsored by Voice Products and ATT.  For information on the social, visit the conference page at http://www.ksapco.net/Fall10.html.

Special Announcements

In addition to the training classes and activities routinely scheduled at Kansas APCO Conferences, there are always side meetings that are held in conjunction with the event.  I have begun posting "Special Announcements" on the Conference Page at www.ksapco.net.

Panel discussion with Kansas Senators

From Kim Pennington:

Senators Apple and Petersen of the Senate Utilities Committee will be at the fall APCO conference for a panel discussion.  Senator Apple is going to try to recruit other committee members as well.  This would be a good opportunity to get information and to pass information along.  They are scheduled on Tuesday, October 12 from 1500 - 1550 in the Eagle H room.

Questions sought for Roundtable

From Brad Gilges, KSAPCO Chapter Executive Committee-Person: 

At the APCO Conference in Wichita, on Monday, October 11, I will be moderating a topic called “Manager/Director Round Table.”  This class is a round-table discussion designed for directors and managers of 9-1-1 / Communication’s Centers to discuss issues they are having and hopefully sharing solutions found by other directors and managers.  Although any topic can be brought up and discussed that day, I am looking for some topics you would like to see discussed before hand, so we can be sure we hit those topics.  Please send me your topic or question that you want to see discussed by e-mail at:  bgilges@franklincoks.org.  

PSAP update

A new photo has been updated on the PSAP page at the website www.ksapco.net.  A group photo of Hutchinson-Reno County Emergency Communications personnel has been added.  Good looking crew, I might add.  Any PSAP that would like their contact information and a photo added to the website can submit their information to the webmaster. We welcome your submissions!

Duggan announces candidacy

Bill Duggan, Director of Communications for the Andover Police Department has announced his candidacy for Kansas APCOs 2nd Vice President, the election of which will be held at the Fall Conference.  For a biography of Bill, as well as all candidates for office, visit the KSAPCO webpage at http://www.ksapco.net/elections.html.

Bio posted

The career biography of Joanne Angell has been added to the KSAPCO webpage at www.ksapco.net.

Angell to retire

Joanne Angell, 31 year veteran of the Hutchinson/Reno County Emergency Communications Department is retiring, effective September 11.  A reception will be held on September 8 from 1400-1600 hours in the Reno Room at the Reno County Courthouse.  If you are unable to attend, congratulatory cards can be sent to Joanne Angell, HRCEC, 210 West 1st, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Congratulations Joanne!  Best wishes in your retirement and thank you for your service!

Amber Alert training to be held in Wichita

KLETC is sponsoring a class on Amber Alerts on October 19th in Wichita. See the "Conferences/Training" page at the KSAPCO website for more information. www.ksapco.net.

LEGISLATIVE ALERT!

A Legislative Alert has been issued for federal legislation that will affect the public safety radio spectrum and could potentially eliminate public safety access to frequencies below 512mHz. To learn more about this issue and what you can do to help, visit http://www.ksapco.net/legislation.html.

National Emergency Communications Plan

The National Emergency Communications Plan is celebrating its 2nd Anniversary and has new goals for the upcoming year. Learn more by clicking the link at the bottom of the homepage at www.ksapco.net.

Latest FCC order on narrowbanding

From Jason Moses, Interoperable Communications Coordinator, KS Adjutant General's Department ----The latest FCC order regarding narrowbanding has been placed on the KSAPCO Website. In summary, the order stipulates the following: 1) The end date for manufacture/import of 25 kHz capable radios is extended from 1/1/2011 to 1/1/2013.
2) Changes or modifications to existing 25 kHz licenses will not be granted after 1/1/2011 as originally planned
3) NEW products cannot be type accepted with a 25 kHz mode after 1/1/2011.
4) Date for completion of the 12.5 kHz migration remains 1/1/2013.
Essentially, the FCC is allowing existing 25 kHz licensees to maintain 25 kHz systems until 2013 but they do not want any expansion or enhancement of those networks unless they narrowband.
Review the entire order at www.ksapco.net.

Attention Vendors!

Are you interested in participating in the Fall Conference or supporting the Kansas Chapter of APCO? Information is now available on the conference page at http://www.ksapco.net/Fall10.html.

Election of Officers

Candidates for election at the Fall Conference have been moved to the "Elections" page to make room on the Conference Page for more conference information. You can review candidates and their bios at http://www.ksapco.net/elections.html.

Class list updated

The list of classes being offered at the Fall Conference has been updated. Visit the KSAPCO website at www.ksapco.net.

Register now for the Fall Conference!

The Registration Form for the Fall Conference is now available on the KSAPCO Website at www.ksapco.net. Register early!!!

Register on-line for KSAPCO Block rooms

The Hyatt-Regency in Wichita has established a webpage where you can book APCO Block rooms for the upcoming Kansas APCO Fall Conference. The link can be found on the Fall Conference page at www.ksapco.net.

Talent Contest registration

A registration form to enter the APCO's Got Talent! contest at the Fall Conference has been posted on the homepage and Fall Conference page at the KSAPCO Website, www.ksapco.net.

APCO's Got Bloopers

Fall Conference hosts Sedgwick County Emergency Communications is planning on creating a DVD titled "APCO's Got Bloopers" for the fall conference. If you have telephone or radio bloopers you would like to share, send them to: Kim Pennington, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, 714 N. Main, Wichita, 67203, or email them to kpenning@sedgwick.gov.

Candidates for APCO Board of Officers

So far, two candidates have thrown their name in their hat for the position of 2nd Vice President, the election for which will be held at the Fall Conference. To view a short bio of the candidates, go to http://www.ksapco.net/Fall10.html where you can also begin previewing information about the Fall Conference.
Information about the responsibilities of officers and how to apply for candidacy can be found on the KSAPCO website.

Candidate bios

Any candidate who has already submitted their application for the Board of Officers is welcome to submit a photo and bio to the ksapco.net webmaster for publication on the ksapco website. Send your information to bjtracy@co.sumner.ks.us.

Board of Officers election

Each year at the Fall Conference, elections for the Board of Officers is held. For information on the Board positions, their responsibilities, and a Declaration of Candidacy, go to the KSAPCO webpage at http://www.ksapco.net/elections.html.

Fall Conference page established

While the Fall Conference is still in the planning stages, a webpage has been established to provide you with details. Check out the conference at www.ksapco.net, and check back often for updates.

Fall Conference to include Talent Contest

Fall Conference hosts Sedgwick County Emergency Communications are planning an "APCO's Got Talent" contest to see which APCO Members have the greatest talent. See the flyer on the home page at http://www.ksapco.net/ for more information and to begin planning your entry!

Final 9-1-1 legislation for this session

From Michele Abbott: House & Senate Utilities Committees signed a conference committee report to continue for 1 year funding for 911 – a $.75 fee for hardwire & $.50 for wireless phones. The report prohibits use of fees for radios & requires additional PSAP reporting to gain more info on funding needs. Both chambers adopted the report & it heads for signature. KAC will return next year to work with LKM & the telecoms to conclude 911.

April newsletter available

The April 2010 edition of the Member and Chapter Services Newsletter is now available. Access it from the front page of www.ksapco.net under "APCO INTERNATIONAL".

Hutchnews.com: Dispatcher recognized for role in rescue

By Mary Clarkin - The Hutchinson News - mclarkin@hutchnews.com Heather Farney, an emergency services dispatcher in the Hutchinson/Reno County dispatch center, took a 911 call at 8:01 p.m. Aug. 29, 2009, that was prompted by terror but eventually brought two happy endings. Through Farney’s persistent efforts, rescuers found a 9-year-old boy stranded alone in a disabled boat on Cheney Reservoir that summer night. And last month, Farney won the 2009 Telecommunicator of the Year award from the Kansas chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, for her role in the rescue.
Farney was chosen for the top honor out of 11 nominations from across the state. Mary Messamore, director of the Hutchinson/Reno County dispatch center, noted it was the second consecutive year a dispatcher from this center captured the Telecommunicator of the Year award in Kansas. Gary Forbes picked up the honor last year. “We had a complete blind call. He didn’t know what the lake was,” said Farney during a break in her overnight shift in the dispatch center. Several adults had left the boat to try to get help, and the boy, frightened, had called for help on a cell phone, but there was no sophisticated technology to zero in on the location. Farney suggested he sound the horn and turn on the boat’s light, but he couldn’t find the switch, according to the association’s award presentation highlighting Farney’s actions. He was very frantic, Farney recalled. He had no life jacket and was very afraid of the water. Meanwhile, the growing darkness was a concern. “No, you’re not going to die,” Farney said she reassured him. A single mother raising four young children, Farney could imagine him as one of her own. At one point, the boy found another cell phone in the boat and called 911. That call transferred off a tower and was answered in Sedgwick County. “I was telling him on the other phone, tell him (in Sedgwick County) to transfer you,” Farney said. The second cell phone brought more data to help emergency personnel locate the boat. A full complement of rescuers were summoned – the Department of Wildlife and Parks, law enforcement, firefighters, an ambulance team, and even a helicopter. It was a huge coordinated effort, Farney recalled. “They had to use spotlights to find him. It was pitch black,” Farney said. She continued to talk to the boy until he was rescued. “This was a time-consuming and high-tension call,” the association’s presentation noted. “With a great deal of patience, understanding, and creativity – she was there,” it said.Messamore said Farney was the second dispatcher she hired, with Farney taking the job in spring 2006. “Always had an interest in it,” Farney said of the job of dispatcher. Surprisingly, she noted, the call on Aug. 29 was the second one she had taken in two weeks from a youngster seeking help and unable to identify the body of water. The prior case involved a family of 13, and the boy spoke because he knew English, she said.Farney never met the 9-year-old boy who called from Cheney Reservoir, although, she would like such a meeting. “He’s my hero. He just did an outstanding job,” she said.

Videos posted

Some conference videos have been posted on the website at www.ksapco.net. A link on the front page takes you to the spring conference page.

2009 Telecommunicator of the Year

Congratulations to Heather Farney, Kansas' 2009 Telecommunicator of the Year! See the presentation on the Kansas APCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/TCOY.html.

Spring Conference photos posted

Photos of the Spring Conference have been posted to the website at www.ksapco.net. Thanks to Brad Gilges for taking and forwarding the pics to the webmaster.

KCJIS Conference information

Information about the 2010 KCJIS Conference in Hutchinson has been added to the Conferences & Training page at www.ksapco.net.

Conference photos coming soon

Photos of the Spring 2010 KSAPCO Conference will be published soon. Check back to www.ksapco.net for updates.

Conference Schedule Posted

The final schedule for the Spring Conference has been posted on the Kansas APCO Website at www.ksapco.net. Hope to see you there!

FCC Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunications Week

From Stan Blanchard: Washington, D.C. – In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, Jamie Barnett, Chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) today recognized the important role that 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers across the country serve in protecting the safety of life and property and the Nation’s homeland security.

“I would like to thank and honor the tens of thousands of 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers across the country who dedicate their time and energy to serving their communities,” Chief Barnett said. “These public safety representatives are there for the American public when needed most in our lives – to answer 9-1-1 calls and ensure that 9-1-1 callers receive professional and timely assistance and quickly get the help they need. These are heroes like Jesse Lynn Avery of Cripple Creek, Colorado, whom I met at the E9-1-1 Institute Awards dinner this year, where she was presented the Call Taker/Dispatcher of the Year Award. Jesse Lynn Avery, and so many dedicated citizens like her, save lives and help people every day. I am proud that the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International and the National Emergency Number Association call upon all Americans to recognize the thousands of dedicated professionals that make up these organizations and serve the public in difficult and stressful situations every hour of every day. National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is thus a great opportunity for me to personally express my gratitude.”

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week was designated by the U.S. Congress annually as the second week of April and is intended to honor and recognize the leadership, dedication and commitment of local 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers across the nation and to also increase public awareness of the importance of 9-1-1 services and the integral role they serve in emergencies.

For more information about 9-1-1 services, including consumer information on communicating during emergencies and using 9-1-1 services, please visit: http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/services/911-services/consumer.html.

National Public Safety Organizations and Wireless Industry Support "National 9-1-1 Education Month"

Washington, D.C., -- A coalition of national public safety organizations and the wireless industry are calling upon local leaders, public safety officials and elected officials to promote 9-1-1 education in communities around the country. The month of April was first recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2008 as National 9-1-1 Education Month. The "Coalition for 9-1-1 Education" is urging local events such as school outreach, street fairs featuring first responders and their equipment, and distribution of 9-1-1 educational materials throughout the month of April.

The Coalition is an alliance of national organizations dedicated to advancing public safety communications and the wireless industry who have joined together to advance 9-1-1 education. The organizations are the:

E9-1-1 Institute;
National Emergency Number Association (NENA);
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International
National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA);
CTIA - The Wireless Association®;
911 Industry Alliance; and
9-1-1 For Kids®;

A national kick-off event in Washington, DC will occur on April 9, 2010. The 9-1-1 Block Party will be sponsored by the Office of Unified Communications at the Ferebee-Hope Community School in the District of Columbia.

"Effective 9-1-1 education is critical at all ages. We encourage you to join us in our efforts to promote education throughout the month of April," stated Gregory Rohde, Executive Director of the E9-1-1 Institute. "Arrange a school visit to your local PSAP, ask representatives from your local PSAP to visit your school, hold a street fair or block party, offer to go to your child or grandchild's class and read about 9-1-1. WE ALL NEED TO GET INVOLVED!""We can never do enough to educate the public about 9-1-1. The commitment of this impressive coalition of public safety and industry to dedicate time and effort to advance 9-1-1 education will help save lives and will produce a significant return on whatever effort is made, stated Michael Amarosa, E9-1-1 Institute Board Chairman. "In addition to school-based activities, there could be conferences and training events for parents, teachers, care-givers that bring together the public safety community and industry leaders in a common effort."

"In today's ever changing communications landscape, we cannot underestimate the importance of better educating the public and managing public expectations about the 9-1-1 system. We are pleased to join all of these groups in support of increased 9-1-1 education efforts," said NENA President Craig Whittington.

"In today's technically oriented culture, education is the link between our communities and first responders. NASNA, as a part of our mission, looks forward to working in each of the states to develop the materials and presentations that will bring our leaders, responders and citizens together through education," said Richard Taylor, President of NASNA.

"APCO members are on the front lines of emergency calls every day," said Richard Mirgon, APCO President. "Our nation's 9-1-1 telecommunicators are challenged daily and an educated 9-1-1 calling public makes their job easier and ensures positive outcomes for all parties involved. We think this is a tremendous idea and we are very pleased to be a part of it," said Mr. Mirgon.

"We are chartered to educate children on how to summon Public Safety services. This month will underscore that need and highlight the activities to accomplish that end. It will also emphasize the overall effort to educate our entire Nation in this vital task, properly calling 911. We are pleased and honored to be a part of this undertaking," said Elise Kim, the Executive Director of 911 for Kids.
"Modernizing 9-1-1 is the key to an overall informed emergency system," said Paul Fahey, Executive Director of the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance.

"Every day, more than 291,000 9-1-1 calls are made using a wireless device and that number continues to grow every year. Our industry supports the 9-1-1 education month because it's important that people of all ages know what to do in the event of an emergency. We believe knowledge is key to saving lives and recognize our industry's important role in helping the public safety community reach those who need help," said Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association®.

Carla Anderson, Deputy Executive Director stated, "The National Kick-Off event in Washington, DC will occur on April 9, 2010. The 9-1-1 Block Party will be sponsored by the Office of Unified Communications at the Ferebee-Hope Community School in the District of Columbia Public Schools." Anderson stated, "E-mail us. Share your events, plans and stories with us. We'd like to share them on our website."

For additional information contact us at contactus@e911institute.org or visit us at www.e911institute.org.

KAC offers webinars

From KSAPCO President Beth Leach: The National Association of Counties, through support by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Communications is offering a series of FREE webinars on interoperable communications. The first webinar is Tuesday, April 13. Signing up for this series entitles you to participate in all four or in individual webinars as you choose. Please share the registration information with others who you think would be interested in participating so they can sign up, too. Not all the same people have to attend the same webinar. You can register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/636022690.Following are the dates and topics for the four webinars. All webinars will be held from 2:00-3:30 pm EST.
April 13: Interoperable Communications Governance and the SAFECOM Continuum. Provides an introduction to Interoperable Communications for Elected and Senior Leaders. This is helpful for anyone, particularly decision-makers, to understand the big picture and to obtain a good overview of Interoperable Communications today.
April 27: Developing Advanced Governance Structure Including Regional Governance Models. Governance defines how interoperable communications will work by, through, and with agencies within counties and with neighboring cities, towns, other counties, and states. This session will look at expanding governance structures for regional (multi-jurisdiction) applications.
May 18: Model Practices Engaged by Counties and Cities for Interoperable Communications. Hear from counties that have had successes with interoperable communications in various areas: governance, operating procedures, funding, and migrating to using newer digital technologies.
May 25: Grants and Funding for Interoperable Communications. Learn about the funding cycles and availability of support for interoperable communications from the federal and state level. County examples will also be provided on successful funding efforts.

More info posted on HB2582

More information on HB2582 has been posted on the legislative page at www.ksapco.net, along with contact information for House and Senate Conference Committee Members. It is important that we contact these legislators with our views.

Senate Sub for HB2582

The latest version of the emergency communications bill being debated in legislature has been posted to the KSAPCO website. The bill is now called "Senate Sub for HB2582". I've posted a copy of the original bill, along with the Senate Journal for 3/24/10. The Senate amended the bill yesterday and passed it by a vote of 40 to 0. I'll allow the experts to comment and where it goes from here. You can read about the amendments in the Senate Journal.

SB48 Update

From Legislative Chair Michele Abbott: KAC Legislative Update


The Senate Utilities Committee passed out SB 48 relating to 911 fees today, nearly six weeks after its hearing in the committee. An amendment was proposed today by Roger Reitz to raise the fee back to $.55 -- the Senate Committee had previously dropped the fee to $.50. Also added back in was collection of fees on prepaid phones at the point of retail, another provision that was previously deleted by the Senate Committee. The Senate Committee had in earlier weeks narrowed the uses for which the fee can be used, but today added a provision allowing the 911 Coordinating Council to authorize expenditures not otherwise allowed for PSAPs in counties with populations less than 10,000 -- this was intended to address concerns of hardship in small counties.
KAC remains concerned about provisions creating new state positions, and the elimination of the KAC and LKM as the Local Collection Point Administrator. The Senate bill creates a state coordinator and a state administrator and pays these positions from the state 911 grant funds. The bill allows the KAC and LKM to remain the LCPA until April 1, 2011, only four months after the new fee and distribution go into effect January 1, 2011. Thus, a new LCPA will need to be up and running and able to handle the 911 distribution next April; otherwise, distributions to PSAPs will be delayed. The bill continues the "911 Coordinating Council" which also appeared in the House bill. A complete summary and comparison of both the Senate and House bills will be forthcoming.

Updates on Senate Bill 48

KSAPCO Legislative Committee Chairperson Michelle Abbott has provided an update on the status of Senate Bill 48 as well as spreadsheets that show monetary differences between the bill that passed in the House and the bill being proposed by the Senate. All information is available on the Legislative page at http://www.ksapco.net/legislation.html. Surf the page for "Update on SB48 - March 11, 2010".

Conference Page updates

An initial listing of class offerings at the Spring2010 Conference has been added to the website. You can surf the listing at http://www.ksapco.net/spg10.html. Remember, April 5 is the cutoff date for the APCO Block of rooms at the conference hotel, so make your reservations soon! Not only is there a great conference being planned, but the 2009 Kansas Telecommunicator of the Year will be announced and recognized!

Registration open for Spring Conference

The registration form for the Kansas APCO Spring Conference has now been posted on the conference page at http://www.ksapco.net/spg10.html. Be sure to book your lodging early to take advantage of the APCO Block Rate.

KAC Update

The KAC Legislative Update for February 4th has been posted. Not only is there a brief discussion regarding SB48, but also information about a bill to re-organize Kansas Government. The video can be watched here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDFYCgdZY08&feature=player_embedded.

Hearing on SB48 announced

Legislative Chairperson Michelle Abbbott reports that the hearing set for SB 48 tomorrow will be replaced with an overview of the bill provided by Legislative Research. The actual hearing on the bill, when testimony will be received,will begin on Wed, Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m., and carry over to Thurs, Feb 11 at 1:30 p.m. if they run out of time. The hearing will be before the Senate Utilities Committee. Committee members include Pat Apple-Louisburg - Chair, Ty Masterson - Andover, Marci Francisco-Lawrence, Mark Taddiken-Clifton, Roger P Reitz-Manhattan, Karin S. Brownlee-Olathe, Mike Petersen-Wichita - Vice Chair, Carolyn McGinn-Sedgwick, Terry Bruce-Hutchinson, Jay Scott Emler-Lindsborg, and Janis K Lee-Kensington.

Conference Page update

New information has been added to the Spring 2010 Conference Page at www.ksapco.net. Lodging information has been made available...make your reservations early to ensure you get a room at the APCO Block rate.

Legislative Updates

Updates on SB48/HB2423 have been posted to the legislation page at http://www.ksapco.net/. The bill passed the House on February 3 by a vote of 106-15.

Reminder of TCOY nomination deadline

Just a reminder...nominations for the 2009 Kansas Telecommunicator of the Year will soon be due! Nomination packets will be accepted to February 15. Do you have someone in your agency who is exceptional and performed above and beyond last year? Consider nominating them. Forms can be found on the Kansas APCO website at www.ksapco.net.

NTW information added to website

National Telecommunicators Week is April 11-17, 2010. A link to a resource website offering promotional ideas, sample proclamations, and sample press releases has been added to KSAPCO's homepage at www.ksapco.net.

Information on HB2423

Kansas House Bill 2423 (replaced Senate Bill 48) pertains to the application of a 55 cent phone tax on all landline, wireless, and VoIP accounts that have access to 9-1-1. Information on HB2423 has been added to the Kansas APCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/legislation.html.

2009 Telecommunicator of the Year Nominations

The packet for Telecommunicator of the Year award has been placed on the Kansas APCO web page, http://www.ksapco.net/TCOY.html. Please review the past year for your center looking for those people that go above and beyond, whether on one incident or their performance all year. Nominees do NOT have to be members of APCO. The deadline is February 15th, so don't wait too long!! If you have any questions please contact Kathy McGaughey at kmcgaughey@garden-city.org.

Connect with Kansas APCO

You can now connect with Kansas APCO using Facebook and Twitter. In fact, you can stay abreast of Kansas APCO News through direct email subscription, RSS Feed, or through your Facebook and Twitter accounts. Visit http://www.ksapco.net/ and look for the "Connect to Us" information at the bottom of the page.

Easterly receives Chapter Life Membership

As one of his last official duties as President of the Kansas Chapter, James A. Reed corrected an oversight from 2006 by presenting Kenny Easterly with the Chapter Life Membership. Kenny is a former Chapter President of Kansas APCO and served many years as the Chapter Committee Person. Congratulations Kenny!

2010 Membership Form

The membership form for 2010 has been posted on the website. We'd love to have you join APCO.

Website changes

The website has been updated to include a new look, in addition to addition of the 2010 Board of Officers, new resource information, and other revisions. Don't forget to send your agency news to the webmaster, as well as agency information if you'd like your agency to be listed on the PSAPs & Dispatch Centers page.