The Local Emergency Planning Committee will discuss the purchase of a drone with Chemical Emergency Preparedness Funds (CEPF) at its quarterly meeting today (Nov. 6) in the meeting room at Subway.
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The drone would be used to assess chemical spills, damage during natural disasters, other hazardous accidents, and also for search operations. The unmanned aerial system can fly over a scene and record what it sees safely and efficiently. Otherwise, emergency response team members have to enter an area wearing a HAZMAT suit.
In January of this year, the committee discussed the possibility of purchasing a drone, rather than using Eagle View Pictometry, which takes photos for the county for property views, mapping, etc.
In May, the committee learned that the Missouri Emergency Response Commission agreed to the purchase of drones with CEPF. The purpose of CEPF funding is to prevent chemical accidents and to handle hazardous materials emergencies. The committee set aside $2,500 received from CEPF funding for equipment and training for the drone. A drone that will meet the basic needs for Local Emergency Planning (LEPC) costs between $1,100 and $1,900.
The committee formed a subcommittee to oversee drone policies and usage. The subcommittee is made up of David Cox, David Roll, Mark Richards, and Gary Alexander.
Discussion was held about the Federal Aviation Administration rules about flying over roads, football games, etc. Drones are to be utilized by an authorized pilot, used only for emergency response, and used within jurisdiction. Drones will be used outside of jurisdiction only by trained personnel with permission per policy. Insurance coverage was discussed.
In other business to be taken up at the quarterly meeting, David Roll is continuing to work on a Local Emergency Operations Plan and has met with several stakeholders to complete specific sections, most recently with the county health department. The final draft will be presented at the Nov. 6 meeting.
Highlights of the three meetings held so far by the LEPC include:
JANUARY: Discussion about what trailers are available in the area and who could be a shelter. The extra empty building at the Pattonsburg jail was discussed as being a shelter after an ice storm forced people to seek shelter while stranded on I-35 highway, and this building was used.
MAY: Forty-two people came to the weather spotter class presented by the National Weather Service held in Gallatin in April. Another class is set in Daviess County in 2020 either in Pattonsburg or Jamesport. A weather policy committee formed, consisting of David Roll, Mike Booth, Mark Richards and Kerri Sterneker.
Mitigation money just recently released could be used for a shelter at the proposed community center at the Industrial Park being built by Access II.
David Roll will be attending a volunteer symposium at Lake of the Ozarks in October.
JULY: Sarah Atkins presented information and steps to take to become a storm ready county and/or city. She outlined the StormReady Recognition Guidelines that depend on county population and the steps to take to become storm ready. Discussion was held about becoming StormReady but no decision was made.
A suggestion was made to hand out VOAD/COAD applications at the various festivals. The VOAD acronym is Volunteer Organization Assisting in Disasters. The COAD acronym is Community Organization Assisting in Disasters. Roy and Ashley Bontrager agreed to represent VOAD/COAD and will attend training and the volunteer symposium in October through Show Me Partnerships.
Ralph Dishong with American Red Cross discussed the four hardest hit counties around the Missouri River including St. Joseph and Carrollton. Volunteers in Daviess County did assist Red Cross during recovery. Dishong commented it was great to see help from Daviess and Caldwell.
Jessica Atkins reported Access II is considering a community/fitness center on their property that could also serve as a disaster shelter. They are looking for a grant or possibly money to assist with building this facility. It would include a community room as well as a gym with six showers and bathrooms. They have been to other county entities and have done presentations for possible funding. Lance Rains, as well as David Roll, will meet with her and her director to discuss emergency funding grants available.
The treasurer’s report for January: $9261.36; May $9,263.65; and July: $9,163.66.
Those in attendance during the three above meetings: Wayne Uthe, Daviess County Commissioner; Sgt. Robert Mazur, Daviess County Sheriff Department; James Ruse, Daviess County Presiding Commissioner; David Cox, Daviess County Commissioner; Ronetta Burton, Coffey Fire District; David Roll, EMD; Rev. Robert Nelson, Ministerial Alliance; Alan Fender, Jamesport Fire and Rescue; John Hobbs, Jamesport Fire and Rescue; Bill Brinton, Region H Hazmat; Vernard Covert, KAW Fire Chief; Michael Booth, SEMA; Cheryl Alexander, Daviess County Health Department; Mark Morey, City of Gallatin; Lance Rains, Gallatin City Administrator; Mark Richards, Gallatin Police Chief; Roger Barker, PWSD# 3; Sarah Atkins, National Weather Service, guest; Kerri Sterneker, Daviess County 911; Michael Anderson, Latter Day Saints Church; Ralph Dishong, American Red Cross; Jessica Adkins, Marketing Director Access II.