LA CROSSE COUNTY

LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC) MEETING

 

January 16, 2008

Administrative Center, Room 3220

9:00 am

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Pat Smith, Keith Butler, Lois Losby, Tom Wright, Vicki Burke, Ron Berg, Phil Niemer, Keith Carlson,  Mike Horstman, Franz Fredricks, Shari Vanderbush, Al Blencoe for Jay Loeffler and Gregg Cleveland.

MEMBERS EXCUSED:

Marc Schultz, Jay Loeffler, and Phil Niemer

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Robert Milliner, Sue Kunz, and Jennifer Shilling

OTHERS PRESENT:

Bob Ritger, Bioterrorism Coordinator for the HRSA Regional 4 Consortia and David Duecker, Office of Justice Assistance

 

CALL TO ORDER

Pat Smith, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:00 am

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion by Gregg Cleveland/Vicki Burke to approve the November 21, 2007 meeting minutes.  Motion carried.

 

 

BYLAWS MEMBERSHIP VOTE

             

Keith read the entry on the minutes that said there were to be 15 members on the LEPC.  Motion by Lois/Gregg to change the bylaws to read 17 members.  Motion Carried.  Also in the Introduction and History – take out Ed Gleason’s name and leave blank.  Motion by Lois/Shari to change and take out Ed Gleason and leave out a specific name.  Motion carried.

 

Membership vote on the portion of people due now for reelection or replacement.  We received no new candidates and no one wanting to leave the Committee.  Motion made by Gregg/Keith Carlson to reappoint the individuals who were up for reelection.  Motion Carried. 

 

HAZMAT TEAM/FLOOD REPORT

 

Gregg gave a brief explanation of Greg Temp and his capacity on the Hazmat Team.  Flood Report:  They were paged out very early in the morning and informed that a train had derailed.  Stoddard FD and Shelby FD were already on scene.  The shipping papers were given before they arrived on scene.  The train was derailed in both Vernon and La Crosse Counties.  The train contained Hydrogen Chloride and other flammables.  No chemicals were leaking out of the cars.  A worst-case scenario was completed as to make a plan on what to do.  Shortly after this a team from Burlington Northern came on site.  A date was selected to move the container, when they went to move it they did discover a leak.  They patched up the leak and moved the car.  The Hazmat team did bill the railroad for the cost.  We need a Communications plan for future events, so you know what to do and what channels you can use.  It would help if the Fire Departments would have a better knowledge of what the EOC is and does.  EOC training on February 14 is planned here in La Crosse.  Keith Carlson said they had sent several bills to the Railroad but the railroad is ignoring these bills.  The LEPC may be able to assist in this matter.  Motion made by Lois/Vicki to have the LEPC send a letter to the railroad with a copy of the bill, asking that the MTU be reimbursed due to the derailment.  Motion carried. 

 

MSRC REPORT

 

Pat reported that they are continuing to move ahead with this.  We are determining what role they can play in the EOC as a coordinator and resource person.  This is the next step.  We are ahead of everybody in the State. 

 

OJA PRESENTATION ON THE PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM – DAVID DUECKER

 

David Duecker gave his presentation on the Public/Private Partnership Grant program. Under the Homeland Security Grant Program, on incorporating government and the private sectors and non-profit groups into emergency planning and working together.  This is based on an “All Hazards” approach and not just on terrorism or other non-natural disasters.  This grant provides seed money.  This is for $25,000 and is non-competitive, one-year performance period grant.  This grant may be used for personnel costs, supplies, travel and other costs. This program will be open on March 1st.  They would encourage going across borders and work with others.  They feel if forming a non-profit and going through this would be a great way to go, then they could accept corporate monies as donations to keep going.

 

PULIC COMMENTS

 

Bob reported that they are revisiting their vulnerability assessment as it has been two years since they did it.   

 

COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS

 

Franz asked about the Mass Casualty Team – the trailer has been ordered and a temporary location has been established to store it and it is moving on.

 

We will be getting a third check for payment on the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and next year we may get enough money to increase our budget.  There may be some opportunities down the road for projects that we can possibly do. 

 

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

Public/Private Partnership Grant Program and our role on this.

 

Fire Department Quarterly report

 

Critical Incident Program