The Union County 911 Emergency Center received approval last night from the Morganfield City Council to move forward applying for a CMRS Grant.
As previously reported by WMSK News last week, Union County Fiscal Court unanimously agreed for Union County 911 Services to partner with Henderson and Crittenden Counties to apply for the CMRS Grant, but in order to apply for the grant the county and City of Morganfield need to sign a contract that they would split the cost of $135,000 to purchase the equipment, if the loan was denied.
As reported last week, the county has already been awarded a $50,000 grant, but Union County Emergency Management Director Vernon Martin told council that some of the equipment needed by the 911 Emergency Services not eligible through the CMRS grant could be purchased by using grant money.
Union County 911 Supervisor Director Mark Doepel also stated to councilmen the current outdated CAD system is problematic.
Councilmen unanimously approved to split the total cost with Union County Fiscal Court for the 911 system update.
Following the CMSR grant approval, Doepel also introduced four newly hired 911 telecommunicators to councilmen.
In other business, councilmen heard an update on the design and specifications on the proposed Police Department project from Frank Eiter of Integrated Building Services in Morganfield. Eiter discussed the entrance and exits to the building as well as the floor plans, adding that now it’s a matter of cost.
Mayor Dickie Berry also announced he had received letter from Governor Beshear that the city had received a $50,000 walking trail grant, as reported by WMSK News last week. The mayor and City Administrator Gary Vetter said the money would go for improvements.
Councilmen also approved the Halloween Trick or Treat hours from 3:00 to 6:00 on Saturday night, October 31st; the 2016 monthly schedule of city council meetings; and, the amended resolution authorizing the City of Morganfield Fire Department to seek grant funding for the purpose of enhancing the capabilities of the fire department technical rescue team.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will fall on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, so a special called meeting will possibly be held on Thursday afternoon, November 19th at 5:00.