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confirmation that the ORC does not apply to Lakewood on the matter ofPSAPs. She continued to <br /> note that half of the dispatchers in her union were Gold Star recipients,public honors given to <br /> high performing dispatchers, and asked that discussions on moving Dispatch to CVD be stopped. <br /> Her union has communicated with CVD dispatchers who shared that no union is allowed there, <br /> and people that try to organize are punished by being put on the worst shifts and busiest radios. <br /> She detailed other low quality working conditions at CVD. She concluded noting that the stress <br /> over the matter could've been avoided with simple conversations and research. <br /> Chair Baker thanked Ms. Roda for educating the committee on the issue and for proactively <br /> reaching out to the county regarding its 911 plan and provisions in the ORC. <br /> Vice President Kepple asked Ms. Roda whether she felt any need for more technology in the <br /> dispatch center. Ms. Roda expressed satisfaction with the current system and asked that upgrades <br /> such as new carpeting or furniture be considered for the facility. <br /> Ron Bunner, LPD union president,provided remarks reiterating how important the local <br /> dispatchers, adding that the city should not be doing anything to drive away employees in this <br /> job market. He also shared that CVD gave the administration a contract to sign to switch the <br /> dispatch service over to that organization. <br /> Mayor George responded stating that CVD sent a draft contract from an attorney she never met, <br /> and that her administration never discussed or negotiated entering into a contract with CVD. Mr. <br /> Bunner shared that he received the copy of the contract through an alternate route, despite there <br /> being an open public records request on the matter. Mayor George reiterated a desire to keep <br /> dispatch within the city. <br /> Chair Baker noted that Nick Sambula, LFD union president,provided a written letter in support <br /> of dispatch staying in Lakewood and speaking against regionalization. <br /> Chief Kaucheck shared a desire to keep dispatch local, and added that the option of <br /> regionalization was only explored in the event the county or state forced a change. <br /> Chair Baker inquired why CVD was explored, as opposed to a Westshore focused consolidation <br /> with Lakewood as the hub. Chief Kaucheck cited a large upfront cost and challenges in getting <br /> other agencies to join. <br /> Chief Dunphy noted that there had been discussions in the county fire chief's association about <br /> regionalization, and that Lakewood's exploration of it was to only stay ahead of the curve if it <br /> was forced. <br /> Councilmember Shachner asked the chief if the exploratory nature that they described was how it <br /> was presented to the members in dispatch. Mayor George indicated that at the time she thought <br /> the decision was clear that it was for the best, however she acknowledged that it was not the best <br /> decision and took ownership of it. <br /> Councilmember Bullock asked if Lakewood entertained proposals from any other dispatch <br /> centers besides CVD. Chief Kaucheck stated that all the other Westshore mayors were looking at <br /> 3 <br />