Muskego and County Meet Across the Table to Discuss 911, But are Still Miles Apart

The City of Muskego has been eager to take on its own wireless 911 calls placed within the city since the common council gave law enforcement the authority to do so in April of 2011.

However, the County has refused to relinquish the cellular access from the towers, stating that its communications center (WCCC) is able to provide quality service to Muskego and the other municipalities in Waukesha County. The difference in opinion has led to somewhat strained relations, and has forced the city to file a complaint with the FCC.

Wednesday night's Public Service Committee Meeting brought both sides together to clarify their positions, perhaps to see if there was any way to make progress or come to some agreement.

However, it became clear that it was going to be up to the FCC to say who was right, as neither side was willing to compromise.

Richard Tuma, Director of Emergency Preparedness with the County, expressed concern over Muskego's desire to handle its own wireless 911 calls as it will likely also have to handle calls from outside the city.

"Cellular transmissions are not an exact science," Tuma said. "The cell site in New Berlin for example can get calls from Green Bay. I have concerns that there will be a negative impact on other communities, because their calls may come to you, and you will have to again transfer them to us."

However, Police Chief Paul Geiszler, who has been an outspoken opponent of the County's position, answered Tuma, saying, "what makes you think we'd transfer these calls to WCCC? We would be forwarding them to their own municipality."

Tuma also stated that he felt there was no delay on the calls currently, as the city has been maintaining. "During this time, our dispatchers are taking information so when the call comes to Muskego, you already have that."

Speaking with Tuma after the meeting, he did agree that the WCCC is unable to 'tone out' to emergency responders and patrols as Muskego is not dispatched from WCCC.  Chief Geiszler has used this point in pushing for an independent public safety answering point (PSAP).

John Wisniewski, IT Director for the city, also said that his data from T-Mobile, which is the only carrier that has granted access to its cellular trunks, indicated a transfer rate of only 5.7 percent, or 6 calls out of 105 since June.

Country Supervisor Dan Draeger (23rd District) also was present, and he voiced his concern over whether the city had the legal right to take over its own calls.

"I'm glad the city wants to provide better services to its residents," he told the committee. "In my mind, it's not clear who has authorized jurisdiction.  The legislation as its written isn't clear and I don't know that it's lawful for the city to take its own 911 calls."

Tuma also argued that the County was given the authority by the county board in 2003 to be the primary PSAP for its residents.

Alderman Tracy Snead, who chairs the committee, had asked the question 'what is your hesitancy' at the beginning of the meeting, and revisited it throughout, but it was Dan Trawicki, County Sheriff, who seemed to voice what was at the heart of the matter.

"There is a fear that other PSAPs will follow if Muskego is successful, and I think in this case it's better to have shared services. I respect that you want to provide the best service to your residents, but if each city handles their own calls, I can foresee all of these calls having to be transferred," Trawicki said.

"I have to look at the bigger picture, and I really don't care what the County Executive's opinion is on this issue.  But from a law enforcement perspective, this approach is myopic, it's not progressive law enforcement to have each city having their own 911 dispatch," he argued.

Alderman Kert Harenda asked Draeger if, as a county supervisor who represents residents of Muskego, there was any way that the board could look into issues of authority and jurisdiction while a ruling from the FCC is pending. Snead agreed, saying that she felt that everyone was basically 'digging in' and she hoped there was some progress to be made.

Wisniewski said that a decision from the FCC would be a lengthy process that could take months. In the meantime, the city is asking the County to agree to take their overflow calls should the FCC rule in their favor. Chief Geiszler had mentioned earlier that they had talked with Franklin to assist as the County had not been willing to negotiate.

John Wisniewski, IT Director for the city ha