I, Mike Dunleavy, Governor of the State of Alaska, under the authority of Article III, Sections 1 and 24 of the Alaska Constitution, and in accordance with AS 44.19.145(c), herein revoke Administrative Orders 298, 317, and 318. Administrative Order 320 preserves the membership and provisions of AO 318 while further defining the 9-1-1 and Dispatch Consolidation Working Group’s (“Working Group”) duties and responsibilities, and to direct that another report be issued December 1, 2020.
Background
In an emergency, whether a natural disaster or life-threatening event, state public safety agencies must be able to communicate with persons affected and with first responders immediately, efficiently, and reliably. That communication capability must extend to all parts of the state. The State must employ a coordinated and comprehensive approach that leverages resources and expertise found within government bodies and the first responder community.
Purpose
The 9-1-1 and Dispatch Consolidation Working Group will review and provide recommendations to the Governor on related statewide and regional emergency communications efforts, and develop recommendations for public safety communications policy regarding 9-1-1 and Dispatch Consolidation. The work of the 9-1-1 and Dispatch Consolidation Working Group will be similar to, but not redundant of, the Alaska State Emergency Response Commission (AS 26.23.071). This order does not affect the work of the Alaska State Emergency Response Commission.
Membership
All members are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Governor. The Working Group will consist of ten voting members, and two ex officio members as detailed below:
- The Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety or designee.
- One rural emergency services provider.
- One representative of the Alaska Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, the National Emergency Number Association, or a similar organization of public safety communications professionals.
- The Statewide 9-1-1 Coordinator or designee.
- Three Mayors representing a Municipality, Borough, or City.
- One Dispatch Manager from a Borough or Municipal Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
- The Executive Director, Alaska Telecom Association, or designee.
- One CEO/GM or designee of a rural telecom provider.
- One CEO/GM or Senior Executive of a statewide telecom provider.
- One nonvoting member, serving ex officio, who is a member of the Alaska Senate appointed by the Senate President.
- One nonvoting member, serving ex officio, who is a member of the Alaska House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Working Group shall make recommendations to the Governor by December 1, 2020 related to the following:
- Emergency Services Dispatch: integration and consolidation of technology, information systems, and data; and,
- Improved 9-1-1 service capability; and,
- Technology and information systems to improve Geographic Information System utilization for 9-1-1 service areas.
Administrative Support
The Working Group is assigned to the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) for administrative support. There is established an Executive Officer to represent the DCCED. The Executive Officer shall facilitate the meetings of the Working Group, provide administrative, policy, and technical support to the Working Group, and shall be responsible to deliver the final report and recommendations to the Governor on behalf of the Working Group.
General Provisions
Working Group members receive no compensation or other remuneration from the State as members of the Working Group. Members of the Working Group who are not state or federal employees are entitled to per diem and travel expenses in the same manner permitted for members of state boards and commissions. Per diem and travel expenses for members of the Working Group who are a representative of a state or federal agency are the responsibility of that agency.
The Working Group, from among its membership, shall select a Chair and Vice Chair.
The Working Group may create advisory-only subcommittees.
The Working Group will meet monthly, at a minimum. Additional meetings may be called by the Chair or a majority of the voting members. The Working Group and its subcommittees will use teleconferencing and other electronic means, to the extent practicable, in order to gain maximum public participation at minimum cost.
At times and locations to be determined by the Chair, the Working Group may convene public meetings to present information and receive comments.
A majority of the members of the Working Group constitutes a quorum for conducting business.
Meetings of the Working Group, or any subcommittees thereof, shall be conducted, and notice of meetings provided, in accordance with AS 44.62.310 and 44.62.319 (Open Meetings Act).
Records of the Working Group, and all subcommittees, are subject to inspection, copying, and distribution as public records under AS 40.25.110 – 40.25.220.
This order does not affect the work of the Alaska State Emergency Response Commission (AS 26.23.071).
Duration
This Order takes effect immediately. This Working Group will sunset on December 1, 2020.
Dated this 4th day of September, 2020.
/s/Mike Dunleavy
Governor
