Sheriff John DeGeorge pointed out the benefits of subscribing to a CodeRed Emergency Public Notification System at the county board’s October 8 meeting. He acknowledged that the county had first subscribed to a CodeRed system when Daryl Jensen was sheriff. At some point the sheriff’s office stopped using it and the subscription was not renewed in 2018.
DeGeorge said paying for the warning system with 911 funds is a smart and legitimate way to use these funds. An annual subscription with OnSolve, LLC will cost $6,672 and the additional CodeRed Weather Warning subscription fee will be $1,350.
Weather warnings will be unlimited and will go to all those who have signed up. Residents will be able sign up for the service by going to the website and entering a phone number. Warnings can go to a land line or a cell phone. For example, road closures due to a blizzard will be sent out immediately. Warnings of a dangerous person or active shooter will also go out immediately. Text messages will be unlimited and voice notifications will be limited to 3,500 units which DeGeorge feels will be sufficient for the county.
It was discussed how to best notify the public about the availability of the service. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman suggested putting a notice in utility bills.
DeGeorge noted that IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System) is a separate service (example, Amber Alert). He said we are the only county in southeast Minnesota that doesn’t use this service. In order to use this service the county must subscribe to a CodeRed type system.
Commissioner Mitch Lentz asked who will be responsible. DeGeorge explained that he and Emergency Management Director Don Kullot will be. He maintained it is important that you understand the value of this service. Lentz said the service should not be allowed to go away again. The purchase of a subscription to the system was approved unanimously.
Other business in brief
•A request for retirement under the Early Retirement Incentive Program was approved for Mike Frauenkron, feedlot officer, effective May 28, 2020, after nearly 20 years of service to the county. Chairman Duane Bakke maintained we will continue to need a feedlot officer. Commissioner Randy Dahl stated Frauenkron has been doing a good job. Frauenkron’s retirement was approved with thanks.
•The board approved offering a vision plan to employees. It will be 100% paid for by employees who elect to buy this insurance.
•Approval was given for a Foster Care Transportation Agreement between the county and Rushford-Peterson Public Schools. The agreement is the same as agreements the county has with Fillmore Central and Kingsland Schools. Chatfield has a similar agreement with Olmsted County.
•Vickerman reported that the county is working on a new website. She noted there is a need to incorporate ADA compliance for users with disabilities.
Leave a Reply