October 7, 2009
In attendance:
Cecil Garza Border Patrol, Wesley Portrey South Boundary Fire, Ken Baker Ambulane, Pat Warkentin Bonners Ferry Fire Chief, Jock Johnson Paradise Valley Fire Chief, Stephen Boorman Bonners Ferry City Administrator, Ken English Moyie Fire Chief, Rich Stephens Bo. Co. Chief Deputy, Letha Lockhart Red Cross, Emma Fields Red Cross, Alan Hamilton BF Fire and Ambulance, Alanna Garrett Kootenai Regional Dist. Creston, Col. Bill Shawver IBHS, Jay Baker IDBHS, Barry Coleman LDS & Translator Board, Anthony Compton ARES, Bob Graham Bo. Co. Emergency Mangement, Brad Lowther Hall Mtn. Fire Chief, Susan Bowman Valence Communications, DeAnna Galbrith Bo. Community Hospital, Tina Wilson Bo. Community Hospital, Dave Kramer Bo. Co. Emergency Management
Meeting was called to order by Dave Kramer at 0800.
Col. Bill Shawver, the Head of Idaho Dept. of Homeland Security was introduced and he gave an overview of his department. He also informed us that the State would try to provide resources if H1N1 taxed the local resources, then the County could declare a Disaster and the State would try and assist however they can. He also talked about the upcoming grant funds, and how we may see a decrease in the next couple years over the funds that we have currently been receiving. He thanked the volunteers that provide the services to our community. It was noted that Col. Shawver was also in town to present a check to Boundary County for over $200,000 for Operation Stonegarden a law enforcement grant to help improve Northern Border Security by working with the Border Patrol and other local agencies. The Sheriff’s Office will be in charge of the grant.
DeAnna Galbrith and Tina Wilson discussed the H1N1 status. Currently the hospital has received 100 doses of the live vaccine (nasal spray). The hospital will be able to provide shots for H1N1 to medical and law enforcement at no cost, other first responders like fire will need to obtain their shots through Panhandle Health District when they become available. Currently the five Northern Counties do a weekly conference call, and it is important for first responders to notify the local Health District if they see a significant number of employees that are sick, this will help us keep track of available resources for the northern counties, and to see if there is a pattern starting to develop with sickness in our community. Tina also touched on the media information that they have been putting out to make the public aware of H1N1 and precautions that they can take to lessen the chance of getting it.
Dave Kramer reported on the recent Rail Car class that was held at South Boundary Fire. It was a good class, but several people that had signed up failed to show up for the class, this took spots away from others that would have liked to attend. Bob Kesson has completed our County resource list, it will be up to the Agencies and First Responders to keep their list up to date. He also gave a review of the upcoming training and exercise plan for Boundary County, we are looking at two table top exercises in the spring both haz- mat, with the second one involving Bonner County in the exercise. Dave also discussed the potential of getting broadband to the Sheriffs Office and possibly a couple other local locations like the fire hall and City hall.
Round Table discussion:
Rich Stephens- County has received grant funds to move E911 forward more.
Jock Johnson-Paradise Valley is hosting a propane class Nov. 21 &22
Wes Portrey-South Boundary Fire has received a grant for the Falls Creek Fire Station
DeAnna Galbrith- Hospital received a grant for a repeater
Bob Graham-gave an update report on the 2008 grant funds. The County has $48,806.48, but out of that 25% must be used by law enforcement, and 25% must be used in Planning. The Sheriffs Office may need to use some of the funds for Antenna setups. The bottom line is that about $17,000 may be available for equipment purchases.
Barry Coleman-Oct. 17th he is sponsoring a class on handling radio traffic at the Sndpt. LDS ward
Jay Baker- mentioned the Tribal Emergency Mangement Conference that was being held in CDA.
Emma Fields-Reminder that Red Cross needs to be contacted at 800-853-2570 whenever there is a house fire, this will get them started to be able to help the families that are involved.
Rich Stephens-With some recent thefts it is a good reminder to review your security and not leave keys in emergency vehicles etc.
Allana Garrett-Creston BC will be hosting a “managing walk-in volunteers workshop on Oct. 17th in the basement of City Hall. She needs the names of anyone planning on attending for lunch purposes.
Stephen Boorman-gave a report on the work that the City is doing next to City Hall
Meeting adjourned at 0900