LEPC
Meeting Minutes
May 7, 2008
Present: David Kramer, BFPD; Jay Baker, Id BHS; Fred Heywood EOP Contractor; Brad Lowther, Hall Mt.Fire Dept.; John Youngwirth, BFFD; Kevin Greenleaf, Kootenai Tribe; Bob Graham, B.C. Emergency Services; Alan Hamilton BFFD/BVA; Regina Sherman, BVA; Ken English, Moyie Springs Fire Dept. Cynthia Taggart, Panhandle Health District; Rich Stephens, B.C Sheriff; John Moss CCVFD; Jock Johnson, PVFD Anthony Compton, ARES/RACES; Barry Coleman, LDS Church.
Dave Kramer: brought the meeting to order today as Chairman Tony Rohrwasser was unable to attend. The committee received word that Joe Messenbrink, long time resident and Mayor of Moyie Springs passed away this morning. Dave introduced Fred Heywood, EOP contractor.
Fred explained his role in updating the Boundary County Emergency Operations Plan. It was agreed that Fred will draft the basic plan, that will meet the needs of Boundary County as well as be compliant with NIMS. The plan has not been updated since 2004 and it is necessary to do it at this time. This will be an ongoing process and input from committee members is needed, any thoughts or ideas please contact Fred Heywood directly or David Kramer at City Hall.
Cynthia Taggart: from Panhandle Health District: Presented information the services the Health District has. It’s mission is to protect the health of the public and to keep people well. They provide various services from vaccinations of young children to septic tank permits. This summer they will be focused on West Nile Virus, although there have been no reported cases in our area, Panhandle Health is preparing for it, nonetheless. Cynthia says prevention is key, and now is the time to get rid of standing water, or if you need to have water out empty it every 3 days. Also insect repellents containing DEET and Picaridin are of good use.
Roundtable:
Bob Graham: Doesn’t think that either the Moyie or the Kootenai Rivers will hit flood stage this year, although there maybe field flooding and some bank damage.
Skywarn: weather spotter training will be held May 22, 2008 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Committee members are encouraged to attend this informative training.
David Kramer: Emergency Alert system, this along with the Amber Alert can only be activated by the Sheriff’s office or Emergency Management, A Safety Advisory can be issued and reach more of the public in a timely fashion.
Barry Coleman: The LDS church will hold a BBQ and tabletop exercise on communication on June 14th. 2008.
Naples Fire Department: will have an open house June 10th 2-7 PM
Tony Compton: ARES Conference, June 28th 11AM -6PM, at the slab at the Fairgrounds unless other wise announced.
Rich Stephens: BCSO, Explained problems dispatch has been having with feedback and said that the cause is, antennas interfering with each other, they are working to fixing the problem.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:05 a.m.
Minutes submitted by J. Jeske BFPD
Next meeting: June 4, 2008