Charter

Purpose

The Dane County Communications Interoperability Governance Steering Committee (THE COMMITTEE) is committed to cooperatively addressing the challenge of communication governance, cost sharing and ownership of the soon to be upgraded radio and data infrastructures. This document describes the purpose, authority, outcomes, scope, operating principles, membership, and management by which the Committee will achieve success.

The Committee exists to address the challenges facing interdisciplinary communications governance, cost sharing and ownership across jurisdictions. It was established to create and support a centralized governance process, explore cost sharing opportunities and stimulate ownership based communications planning and implementation capacity for Dane County. The Committee’s goals are:

• To act as oversight to the consultants.
• To aid in gathering input from multiple disciplines and multiple jurisdictions.
• To collect from and provide both direct and in-direct information to multi-disciplines and jurisdictions by keeping them informed of purpose, progress and timelines related to governance, cost sharing and ownership of communications and data infrastructures.

It is necessary for public safety organizations to communicate and share critical voice and/or data information with other jurisdictions in day-to-day operations, natural disasters, emergency response scenarios, and terrorist incidents. Failure to accomplish the mission in each situation can result in the loss of lives and property.

The Committee exists to establish a partnership among the disciplines, public and private entities that need interoperable communications and data access in order to enhance interoperable communications capabilities.

The Committee provides a forum for each jurisdiction or discipline to discuss related public safety communications initiatives that may or may not impact the work of the Committee. This helps ensure individual projects have an opportunity to align with the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP).

Membership

1. The Committee consists of eight voting members. They are charged with the responsibility for representing their entities. If a voting member is unable to attend a committee meeting, an alternate voting member from that entity may be appointed for that meeting. The voting member must notify the Committee chair prior to the meeting that an alternate has been designated.
2. Advisory members are part of the Committee by virtue of the position and ensure that all disciplines may be represented in the Committee. These members would be required to attend Committee meetings and provide feedback to the voting members for decision-making purposes. However, they will not have voting privileges.
3. The Committee may add ad hoc members as necessary. They may sit on the Committee on a temporary basis as needed.
4. The following disciplines are represented on the Committee:
   • Law Enforcement
   • Fire Service
   • Emergency Medical Services
   • Government
   • Public Safety Communications
   • Emergency Management

Authority

1. The Committee has the authority to evaluate both current and emerging or recommended governance, cost sharing, ownership and maintenance issues associated with communications interoperability in Dane County. The Committee will also create a plan working with the consultants for Dane County radio and data governance, cost sharing and ownership, oversee implementation of the plan and develop appropriate policies procedures, and guidelines.
2. All policies, plans, and projects will be submitted to and approved by the Dane County Public Safety Communications Center Board (hereto referred to as “the board”)and the County Executive.
3. The Committee can make recommendations to help direct the costs of maintenance and operation of the new radio and data infrastructure working with the consultants. The Committee will develop models for cost sharing governance, and ownership that promote interoperable communications and follow the Communications Interoperable Continuum as developed by SAFECOM.
4. The Committee should identify additional sources of funding allotted through cross-discipline and cross-jurisdictional coordination.
5. The members of the Committee were selected for their expertise and approved by the Board and the County Executive and given authority to represent their jurisdictions, disciplines, or entity. Although the individuals may come from one particular discipline within a jurisdiction, or entity, they will represent the overall interests of all disciplines in the jurisdictions or entity while serving on the Committee.

Outcomes

1. Conduct an assessment to better understand the current baseline of governance, cost sharing, maintenance and ownership of voice and data communications by all disciplines and jurisdictions within Dane County.
2. Assess options for and recommend a countywide cost-sharing plan in anticipation of the new radio and data infrastructures.
3. Assess options for and recommend a countywide best practices, policies, procedure, and protocols for governance of communications interoperability and incorporate them into existing or new intergovernmental agreements.

Scope

1. To explore options, evaluate, and make recommendations on governance and cost sharing for public safety and public service communications interoperability.
2. Recommend model(s) that ensure individual initiatives are consistent with and improve regional responses both internal and external to Dane County.
3. Ensure that the outcomes are compatible with the State’s Communications Interoperability Plan and strategies.
4. Communicate and coordinate with the various disciplines, public and private partners keeping these entities updated on the Committee’s progress.
5. Work collaboratively with the Board to educate public officials, increase awareness and ensure the success of governance, cost sharing and ownership outcomes.

Operating Principles

1. Recognize and respect each entities’ unique communications needs, and endeavor to address them if they impact our regions’ ability to implement and maintain communications interoperability.
2. Think interdisciplinary.
3. Work towards governance and cost sharing initiatives fit within future goals and strategies associated with regional interoperable communications.
4. Identify matters within the Committee’s control and apply resources toward those matters rather than areas that are not within the Committee’s control.
5. Educate and inform elected officials on the issue of governance, cost sharing and communications interoperability.

The Committee shall function under Robert’s Rules of Order.