Minutes – Local Emergency Planning Committee
June 18, 2003 – 9:00 a.m. KPB Assembly Room Borough Building, Soldotna, AK
Introductions took place.
Doug Newbould, Kenai NWR Annette Hakkinen, ARC
Steve Horn, CIRCAC David Squires, Seward FD
Jan Melvin, Seward FD Sue Hecks, City of Seldovia
Bob Painter, Homer FD Betty Glick, KPB Assembly
Rick Warren, Agrium KNO Tracy Manolakis, Tesoro
Jeff Tucker, CES Billy Harris, Public
David Gibbs, KPB OEM Mike Tauriainen, Public
Barb Beeman, UAA MAPTS Bill Nelson, Moose Horn Amateur Radio Club (ARES)
Victoria Askin, CISPRI Dan Gregory, Nikiski FD
Kim Wannamaker, Kenai PD Andrew Jackson, CPGH
Rick Warren, Agrium Shirley Gifford, Soldotna PD
Mike Tilly, Kenai FD Mary Jane Hanley, SOA Public Health
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Gregory motioned and Tucker seconded to approve the agenda. There were none opposed.
MINUTES
Glick noted that there was an omission under Membership. Bowman had seconded Gifford’s motion and the minutes will be changed to reflect this. Glick motioned and Beeman seconded to approve the minutes as amended. There were none opposed.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
“Caring For The Kenai” Presentation
Newbould stated that the “Caring For The Kenai” program now includes disaster preparedness and the new motto is "What can I DO, CREATE, or INVENT to better care for the environment on the Kenai Peninsula, or to IMPROVE the area's preparedness for a natural disaster?" Newbould and Wannamaker presented a certificate, and a check for $250 from APOC, to Travis Schoendaller for his food storage idea.
KPB Emergency Manager’s Report
Gibbs said that the radios have been installed in the command vehicle and the frequency lineups will be programmed. The vehicle should be available next week. He stressed that the radio installations were temporary so that they can be moved when needs are assessed.
A grant has been received for $27,000 to update the Emergency Response Plan. A consultant to update the plan has been contacted. Gibbs will be asking for LEPC members to review the plan once updated.
A grant request for approximately $5.7 million has been submitted. The grant would be used to install a new Borough-wide radio communication system that would be compatible with the Alaska Mobile Land Radio project, upgrade the dispatch facilities at Kenai, Seward and Homer, and purchase decontamination equipment for the hospitals.
Closing out projects for the last two disasters has been ongoing. A strategic communications plan to address 911 issues will be pursued. ICS training with Borough personnel was conducted and additional ICS training will be offered in all of the zones. An Evacuation Field Operation Guide has been printed.
Public Information Program
It was discussed and agreed that although the two programs that were held were not well attended it was a good program and everyone did a good job. Different means of advertising could be looked at. It was suggested that the program be presented at regular meetings of existing organizations. Harris appointed Tilly and Tucker to a committee to move forward and oversee the program.
Gibbs said he and Ron Wilhoit did a presentation in Anchor Point. The Anchor Point Senior Center has received a grant for assistance with sheltering people. They have designated people to check on others in the event of an emergency and are interested in the CERT program.
Harris suggested presenting the program to all of the Chambers of Commerce on the Peninsula.
Harris stated that the Ninilchik Fair is coming up and volunteers are needed to man the LEPC booth.
Budget
Harris said that FY03 funds have been expended with the exception of approximately $300. Additional giveaway items for public education were purchased.
OTHER BUSINESS
Emergency Operations Plan Review
Harris reiterated that Gibbs will be asking LEPC members to review the plan.
Appointment of Screening Committee – CERT Coordinator
Harris has appointed a committee to select a CERT Coordinator consisting of himself, Gibbs, Linda Tannehill and Helen Donahue. There is grant money, and KPB funds to hire a coordinator. The committee will meet July 2nd. The goal is to eventually have a full time coordinator.
Membership
Jonathan Pedersen has resigned and left the state. Evy Gebhardt has left the United Way and resigned. Harris said he would like to see Hanley take over Gebhardt’s position. Painter motioned and Beeman seconded to replace the United Way position with SOA Public Health. There were none opposed.
Lois Johnson and Mike Munger have resigned. Tucker motioned and Hecks seconded to appoint Andrew Jackson to Johnson’s position. There were none opposed. Tucker motioned and Newbould seconded to appoint Steve Horn to Munger’s position. There were none opposed.
Harris stated that Gebhardt has gone to work for the Peninsula Clarion and he may approach her regarding filling the media position. Gifford said she had talked to Lori Evans with the Clarion and although Evans resigned from the LEPC she would be happy to print information that the LEPC provides.
Darell Jelsma has retired and resigned. Tauriainen motioned and Hakkinen seconded to appoint Gary Foster to Jelsma’s position. There were none opposed.
Annual Election
Beeman nominated and Hecks seconded to appoint Harris as Chair. Tauriainen moved that the nominations be closed. Harris was elected with none opposed.
Askin nominated and Gifford seconded to appoint Beeman as Vice-Chair. Painter moved that the nominations be closed. Beeman was elected with none opposed.
Tilly stated that there is a faith-based group that is getting started in Kenai. It is currently creating bylaws and goals and objectives which would include post disaster recovery. He and Gregory attended their meeting the previous week and thinks it will be a viable group once they get organized.
Harris asked Tilly to monitor their progress.
Painter stated that Tesoro asked if the City of Homer would authorize receiving a bulk shipment of sulfur. The only past problem with sulfur is the spill that occurred in Ninilchik in 1997.
Gifford is retiring and will resign from the LEPC. She stated that she has really enjoyed working with the committee for the past six years and appreciated the work that everyone’s done.
Newbould thanked Wannamaker for the APOA’s contribution to the Caring For The Kenai program.
NEXT MEETING DATES
The Executive Committee will meet September 2nd. The Full Committee will meet September 17th.
ADJOURNMENT
Tauriainen motioned and Hakkinen seconded to adjourn. There were none opposed and the meeting was adjourned at 9:50.