Minutes – Local Emergency Planning Committee
September 17, 2003 – 9:00 a.m. Kenai River Center Soldotna, AK
Present:
Bob Painter, Homer FD Gary Foster, Lynden Transport
Barb Beeman, MAPTS Violet VinZant, USDF
Andrew Jackson, CPGH Jeff Tucker, CES
Tracy Manolakis, TesoroMary Jane Hanley, SOA Public Health
Susan Hecks, City of Seldovia Chuck Bartolini, AST
Becky Hutchinson, Public David Gibbs, KPB OEM
Chuck Kopp, Kenai PD Annette Hakkinen, ARC
Victoria Askin, CISPRI Billy Harris, Public
Bonnie Hanson, KPB OEM
Introductions took place.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Painter motioned and Tucker seconded to approve the minutes of June 18, 2003. There were none opposed.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Hecks motioned and Hakkinen seconded to approve the agenda. There were none opposed.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
KPB Emergency Manager’s Report
Gibbs stated he will be taking the Mobile Command Vehicle to Seward. Installation of equipment in the vehicle is nearing completion.
Pinkston Enterprises has been contracted to update the emergency response plan. Additional sections will be added relating to WMD i.e. mass casualty, public health and biological issues. Gibbs would like the LEPC to take an active role in reviewing the plan once it is written.
The OEM has received $20,000 to write an all-hazard mitigation plan. Another $30,000 is expected. An RFP has been submitted.
A Homeland Security Grant request was submitted for approximately $5.7 million for communications upgrades borough-wide and decon equipment for the hospitals.
Gibbs would like to purchase some conexes to store basic supplies such as cots, blankets and sandbags in different parts of the Peninsula. The funding can possibly come out of the CERT grant.
A Fall Flood Workshop will be held on October 9th. An Avalanche Hazard Recognition Workshop will be held on December 6th at Soldotna High School.
Ninilchik Fair
Harris said the fair went well with the exception of lack of help from the LEPC. A lot of information was given out and a PowerPoint presentation ran continually that had pictures from last year’s flooding as well as other disasters.
Budget
The LEPC budget has been reduced by the state. Gibbs will be going to Fairbanks for the LEPCA/SERC Meetings. If anyone has any thoughts on the budget cuts he can present them to the SERC Finance Committee.
Gibbs asked if the LEPC wished to seek a seat on the LEPCA. After further discussion Hecks motioned and Beeman seconded to seek a seat. There were none opposed.
Tucker motioned that the LEPC fully support the SERC as all hazard and oppose disbandment or any change in the future. Hecks seconded. There were none opposed.
Kopp motioned and Askin seconded that a resolution be written opposing the reduction of funding. There were none opposed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Appointment of Emergency Operations Plan Review Committee
A committee will be appointed to review the emergency operations plan.
Appointment of CERT Coordinator Screening Committee
A committee was appointed to include Hanley, Jackson, Gibbs, Harris and Beeman. The committee will review employment applications and hire a CERT Coordinator and oversee the program.
Emergency response supplies have been purchased such as hard hats, vests, etc.
Harris appointed Beeman and Manolakis to an Education Committee to determine training needs and what would make the LEPC a more effective body.
Membership
Manolakis will serve as the primary from Tesoro with Steve Hoogland as the alternate.
Harris suggested that Hutchinson be moved into Linda Tannehill’s now vacant position. Hecks motioned and Askin seconded to accept Hutchinson as a primary member. There were none opposed.
Beeman motioned and Askin seconded to accept Rodney Douglas’ application as a replacement for Ryan Deines. There were none opposed.
Presentation by Chair – LEPC Objectives and Goals
Harris offered his position as Chair if anyone one else is interested. Hecks felt Harris was doing an excellent job and motioned to retain him as Chair. Painter seconded. There were none opposed.
Harris was disappointed that only three people showed up to work at the Ninilchik Fair.
Harris presented the Mission Statement:
The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Emergency Planning Committee is to prepare emergency response plans for all hazards, whether natural or manmade, occurring in the community; and to establish procedures for receiving and processing requests from the public for information generated by SARA Title III reporting requirements.
Harris stated that the public needs to understand that there will be an incident that will impact them. If an earthquake like 1964 were to happen the entire Peninsula would be impacted.
Education is critical. It was suggested to visit private organizations such as healthcare facilities, and schools.
Harris would like to see three clear objectives that could be accomplished by the end of next year.
VinZant suggested a program for the schools to have kids make up emergency kits to include candles, matches, first aid, water, etc.
Harris asked everyone to think about possible objectives for the next meeting.
NEXT MEETING DATE
Tuesday, December 2nd in KPB Assembly Chambers (no December Executive Committee Meeting).
ADJOURNMENT
Jackson motioned and Beeman seconded to adjourn. There being no objection the meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m.