Dundee will purchase new emergency radios

BARRINGTON—Representatives from the village of Dundee and the towns of Starkey and Barrington met, Tuesday, March 29, for a tri-board meeting.
The board members spent the most time talking about the fire department, ambulance, and responding to emergencies. Fire Chief Ray Miller said the department will have to buy new radio equipment for the change over to the ultra high frequency (UHF) by 2013. He explained they will need to replace around 50 portable units as well as radios in nine vehicles.
Dundee Trustee Larry Howell said the department should make the replacements in a three year plan and not buy the equipment all at once. He said the Dundee fire department will use monies left over from the current budget year ending in May to help make the first purchase.
Howell explained each pager costs about $500 apiece. However, he explained that cost drops to $375 apiece when bought in bulk.
The board members then talked about getting residents to put up large, reflective house numbers that emergency vehicles can see from the road. Barrington Supervisor Fred Wright said the town had already talked somewhat about that. He said his concern is getting all residents to put up numbers. Miller explained there are some emergencies where responding drivers can’t find a residence because the numbers are hidden or missing. He added GPS helps, but not all vehicles have a GPS unit.
Assessor Tony DeStephen gave a report on the reevaluations. He said the final notices for assessments will be sent out in about a week. DeStephen said Barrington’s assessments increased about eight percent, Starkey’s seven percent, and Dundee’s four percent.
Dundee Trustee Judy Duquette spoke about changes to the summer youth program due to budget cuts. Mayor Fred Cratsley Jr. said some activities needed to be cut. However, he added Freedom Village has offered use of the bowling alley in Dundee for the same cost paid previously.
The board members also thanked Barrington Highway Superintendent Steve Wheeler and Starkey Highway Superintendent Louis Seeley for sharing services.
Officials said the three boards would meet again when it was needed.