Emergency 911 tower relocation sparks safety concerns

In a recent government meeting, commissioners addressed critical issues surrounding the relocation of the E911 tower for the courthouse, highlighting ongoing challenges with the current communication infrastructure. Carrie Scott from the Rodney County 911 service reported significant problems with the existing Cradlepoint router, which is being used as a temporary solution due to failures in the microwave system. Scott emphasized that the router is not designed for long-term use, leading to communication failures that could jeopardize public safety.

The discussion revealed that dispatchers are experiencing difficulties transmitting messages, as the network becomes bogged down, requiring them to press and hold keys to communicate effectively. This situation has prompted concerns about the reliability of emergency services, with Scott noting that the microwave system, which is intended for such operations, needs to be reinstated promptly.

Commissioners also discussed the potential relocation of the tower, which has been complicated by warranty issues with the roofing contractor. There was a consensus that moving the tower back to its original position could incur additional costs, but the safety implications of the current setup were deemed too significant to ignore.

The board considered pursuing legal action against the contractor for non-performance, with one commissioner suggesting that immediate action be taken to resolve the safety concerns while also seeking recourse for the issues faced. The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the communication infrastructure to ensure the safety and efficiency of emergency services in the region.