The Milwaukee Post

September 13, 2013 • Milwaukee Post • 3 By DAVE FIDLIN Special to The Post MILWAUKEE – Upgrading to municipal and county radio systems within police and fire agencies remains a topic of discussion for leaders across Milwaukee County. The feasibility of the 19 cities and villages across the county partnering with the county to upgrade systems to digital technology first bubbled to the surface a month ago during a meeting of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Council of Milwaukee County. Mayors, village presidents and County Executive Chris Abele sit on the ICC. Although there is unanimous consent upgrades are necessary, the county and many municipalities have been charting their own courses as they work with different timelines and seek different vendors. The county, for example, has been actively involved in seeking vendors since March as it aims to fully transition radios from analog to digital technology and possibly change the existing footprint of radio towers. Last month, Laurie Panella, deputy chief information officer with the county, said a recommendation on the specific operating system will likely be made this fall so dollar figures can be incorporated into the county's 2014 budget. As ICC members wrangled over the issue – weighing timelines and prospective vendors – the organizational body enlisted the services of the Public Policy Forum, a locally based, nonpartisan research group. Rob Henken, president of the Public Policy Forum, held several meetings in the past month with a handful of officials – including fire and police chiefs – and came before the ICC Monday to present his findings. "I don't think that there's any dispute that there needs to be a new and improved radio system in Milwaukee County," Henken said. Henken said the Public Policy Forum, which has long advocated for intergovernmental arrangements, would be staunchly opposed to having municipalities and the county operate under separate infrastructure as technological upgrades are made. "There would be a redundancy," Henken said. "I think that's the path where we have been headed." 234058152 County, municipalities could join forces with upgraded radio system for police, fire ★ Support Your Local Business ONLY AT Potter's Prior to last month's meeting, Henken said there was little to no communication between the county and municipalities with the upgrades. "I think the two sides, quite frankly, weren't communicating very well," Henken said. "It would be good to see one system in place, but I think there are some issues that still need to be worked out." As with any project, many questions loom, and the two sides might have differing opinions. Operability and cost are two of the largest questions. Based on the conversations he has had with participants, Henken said he believes further discussion is needed to get a full handle of what it would cost to have a countywide system in place. "The good thing is the two sides are now talking with one another," Henken said. Several ICC members, including Cudahy Mayor John Hohenfeldt, lauded Henken for his role in facilitating discussions. "You jumped on this," Hohenfeldt said. "I know we put you under the gun, and it was under a tight time table. But thank you for bringing everyone together." Piggly Wiggly 2201 E. Rawson Ave. • 764-7640 Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm •Sat 7am-9pm •Sun 7am-8pm Every Sunday: Hot Baked Ham & Fresh Baked Rolls. Quantity rights reserved. No sales to dealers. See ALL our ad specials @shopthepig.com! September 12 to September 18 Farmland Deli Fresh! Boneless Pork Chops Butterball Turkey Breast $ 69 2 $ 99 Fresh From Our Oven! English Cut Chuck Roast French Bread $ 99 2 ¢ lb. Dole Head Lettuce Food Club Flour 99¢ 99¢ $ 99 3 lb. Farmland Rozzina Farms 8:30am - Noon 12.45-14.6 oz. Classics by Palermo Pizzas Limit 1 99¢ lb. $ 49 1 Limit 6 Boneless 12-16 oz. Petite Sirloin Fillet RAIN OR SHINE! $ 99 3 • Enjoy a Free Hot Lunch • Relax with Live Music • Shop for the latest in Crafts, Home Goods and Beauty Products • Meet Meadowmere Staff, Residents and Volunteer • Take a Tour of the Campus Starting 7/27 thru October. Looking for crafters & license food vendors. Call Mike at 262-835-2327 lb. Bakery Fresh! Skinner Coffee Cakes $ 99 1 4015 S. Howell Ave US Bank Parking Lot 16 oz. Barilla Pasta Limit 3 79¢ 50 oz. Era Detergent $ 69 Limit 3 2 233447011 Sliced or Shaved Chunks or Sliced Badger Deli Ham 234058160 Sponsored by US Bank & Milwaukee Post Patrick Cudahy Hard Salami Whole Pork Butt Roast Back by Demand 414.744.6370 99¢ Limit 1 Sliced or Chunks September 19 to September 25 Saturday 414.481.2777 loaf 5 lb. Bag 5 lb. Bag Farmers Market 99 California Wisconsin Russet Potatoes Celebrating Our 8th Year lb. Boneless ea. Support your local Farmers 3 lb. Canadian Bacon $ 99 3 lb. $ 99 2 lb.

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