Swampscott board to resume dispatch talks

SWAMPSCOTT – Dispatching emergency services personnel is a topic that will be discussed again this week at the Board of Selectmen meeting.The police department currently handles its own dispatch and Lynn Fire Department has been dispatching Swampscott Fire since 1994.Town officials have been working for almost five years on an agreement to enter into a long-term contract with the proposed Essex County Regional Dispatch for emergency dispatch services, which would include fire and police.Initially 19 communities were prepared to sign on to the regional 911 service but approximately 50 percent have pulled out.In May 2009, Town Meeting members voted to allow the selectmen to enter into an intergovernmental contract for regional dispatch services for a period of up to 10 years.But the last few months, several selectmen have said they are not convinced Essex County Regional Dispatch is the way to go and asked Town Administrator Andrew Maylor to come up with some other options including regionalization with neighboring communities.Selectman Matthew Strauss said he would prefer to hammer out an agreement with a local community as opposed to the proposed Middleton project.?I am hopeful Andrew will come back with a recommendation to pursue a more local relationship for regional dispatch,” Strauss said. “It makes more sense to explore that before buying into Essex County Regional Dispatch.”Strauss pointed out Nahant handles the Are You Okay program, which places daily automated calls to Swampscott seniors to check on their well being. He added the town has a purchasing agreement in place with Salem and has a long term relationship with Lynn Fire Dispatch.?We already have good working relationships with several area communities,” Strauss said. “Hopefully this is the direction we’re moving in.”Selectman Robert Mazow, who was a selectmen when negotiations were going on with Essex County Regional Dispatch, said he believes Swampscott is moving toward a regional dispatch but he’s unsure what form it would take.?I want what is in the best interest of town,” Mazow said. “I believe a regional dispatch center makes the most economic sense for the town. Andrew (Maylor) has been doing his homework, gathering intelligence, speaking with other communities and will be reporting back to us.”Selectman David Van Dam, said he agrees it is important to look at other options.?Safety first then cost savings,” Van Dam said. “I think regionalization can save the town money, but public safety is the most important thing. Middleton is one option but I want to see other options before making a decision.”Selectman Jill Sullivan declined to weigh in on any possible option for 911 dispatch without hearing Maylor’s presentation.?I think it is important to conduct the business of the people in public with an open mind,” she said.