Developer covers first-year communication system tab

First-year costs for a new villagewide notification system in Round Lake Park will be paid by the developer of a subdivision geared for residents 55 and older.

Round Lake Park officials say the first communitywide test of the Blackboard Connect platform is set for today. Other Lake County towns have similar mass notification systems.

Emergency officials can record, send and track personalized messages to thousands of residents, businesses and local agencies with a single telephone call. In addition, the system is capable of distributing text messages to wireless phones and e-mail to PDAs and devices for the hearing-impaired.

Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko said Saddlebrook Farms agreed to cover Blackboard Connect's $6,500 tab for the first year. Saddlebrook Farms is a sprawling ranch-home project near Peterson Road, targeted to those 55 and older.

"We actually approached them, bringing it up as a joint project," Filenko said Monday.

Messages from the Blackboard Connect system are expected to range from mobilizing emergency response teams to providing information if a boil water is issued for drinking water. Filenko said the system also will come in handy when a missing-person report is filed.

Round Lake Park Mayor Jean McCue said the system will be an important tool for the village.

"Blackboard Connect will play a crucial role in our emergency preparedness and response plans," McCue said, "and will help to ensure that our community remains informed, updated and, most importantly, safe."

Primary home and business telephones will be automatically placed in the system.