HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 19_Resolution in Support of improved 911 system_2005.11.15A RESOLUTION OF THE OWASSO CITY COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF
TECHNOLGICAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EMERGENCY 911
SYSTEM.
WHEREAS, In 1989, the citizens of Owasso voted to assess a fee in addition to their
base rate for land line telephone service in order to provide Emergency 911 services; and,
WHEREAS, the current Emergency 911 system responds to emergency calls for police,
Ere and emergency medical assistance by providing the name and location of the Emergency 911
caller; and
WHEREAS, when the Emergency 911 system was established, wireless telephones were
not commonly used. Today, more consumers are seeking wireless options as opposed to land
line telephone services and, as a result, Emergency 911 could in essence become ineffective;
and,
WHEREAS, statewide, about one-half of the emergency calls received by Emergency
911 public safety agencies originate from a wireless phone. Wireless Emergency 911 calls do
not provide enhanced information identifying the caller's name and location, nor is the
technology in place to ensure the emergency call routes to the correct public service answering
point; and,
WHEREAS, unless an Emergency 911 wireless caller can identify their location to the
dispatcher, the police, fire or emergency medical assistance will be delayed, thereby creating a
unsafe environment for all citizens; and,
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission has ordered wireless telephone
companies to provide location information when an Emergency 911 call is received, however,
the local public safety agencies do not have the technology necessary to receive, translate, and
display the enhanced information, so that assistance can be dispatched to the wireless caller's
location; and,
WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Legislature has approved legislation calling for a county-
wide vote for a 50 cent fee per month on wireless telephones to pay for enhanced wireless
Emergency 911 equipment and services; and,
WHEREAS, December 13, 2005 has been established as the date for the county-wide
election; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Owasso recognizes the importance of this proposition for the
continuation of enhanced Emergency 911 services to its citizens.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA, THAT,
The Owasso City Council supports the addition of a 50 cent fee per month on wireless telephone
service in order to maintain the integrity of the Emergency 911 system.
ATTEST:
Sherry Bisho, City Clerk
Adopted this I Z) day of
The City of Owa:sso7,,aho
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