Resolution 2009 - 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RESOLUTION 2009 -17 URGING voters to Become Knowledgeable about Proposition E911, November 3, 2009, Ballot Issue Relating to Funding for a Countywide Emergency Communications System Whereas, the Federal Communications Commission has mandated a new broadband spectrum for all public safety frequencies by 2013 that will require the replacement of radio and other equipment by many first responder agencies such as municipal and county police and fire departments and districts; Whereas, the emergency communications systems in St. Louis County are largely based on World War 11 technology and are department-independent systems that do not allow police, fire, EMS, trauma centers, and other responders to easily communicate with each other through compatible radio systems; Whereas, in emergencies the incompatibility of radio systems in St. Louis County makes it difficult for multiple agencies to coordinate their responses leaving victims as well as responders at risk; Whereas, a plan for interoperable, compatible communications among responders in St. Louis County that also coordinates with adjacent counties and the City of St. Louis and that provides updated equipment has been developed; Whereas, the ability to identify the location of a cell phone 911 call in St. Louis County is deficient and the installation of updated, coordinated technology would allow public safety dispatchers to receive the same information as 911 calls initiated from land lines; Whereas, the countrywide siren system in St. Louis County has gaps in coverage, cannot be zoned for localized emergencies, and has no voice capability to warn of severe weather or other public safety threats; Whereas, the voters of St. Louis County are being asked to authorize funding for a compatible countywide emergency communications system that will provide equipment necessary for responders to communicate with each other, enhance cell phone 911 coverage, and make the siren system functional through a November 3, 2009 ballot measure that reads as follows: Proposition E-911: Shall St. Louis County Establish an Emergency Communications System Fund to Establish, Operate and Maintain an Emergency Communication System and for Which St. Louis County Shall Levy a Sales Tax of One-Tenth of One Percent, to be Paid into the Fund for That Purpose? Whereas, an important and basic function of local government is to provide effective services to protect public health, safety, and welfare in the most efficient manner; Whereas, local government officials recognize that emergencies often require mutual aid from multiple jurisdictions and it is a necessity to effectively coordinate timely responses and that local governments in St. Louis must work together to prepare for the types of large scale disasters experienced in recent years like Hurricane Katrina, the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, and terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, DC; Whereas, other counties such as Jefferson County, St. Charles County, others in Missouri, and the City of St. Louis have already authorized funding and are creating countywide systems;