Local Emergency Planning Committee annual meeting, continue to look for affordable drone; new plan drafted

The annual meeting of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is set for 12 noon on Jan. 29, at Dockery Park in Gallatin. The agenda includes an update on the purchase of a drone using Chemical Emergency Preparedness Funds; nominations for officers; and upcoming training.
David Roll reported he had been looking at a cost-effective drone during the meeting of the Local Emergency Planning Committee held in November 2019. The drone he looked at had an infrared camera and was very expensive. He can look at an option for a detachable camera; however, they can also be $3,000-4,000.
It was noted that drone classes were being offered for free for Region H by the Platte County Sheriff’s Department. You could get a FAA license with this class.
Jerry Rahm offered to be a back-up drone operator.
Roll reported on a volunteer symposium he attended with Community Organization Active in Disaster members, Roy and Ashley Bontrager.
Mark Morey, Gallatin City Maintenance Supervisor, reported the Jamesport generator is running. It just needs batteries and an oil change. A motion carried for LEPC to pay for this. The other generator that does not run was discussed and a motion carried to put it up for auction.
Roll reported the county Local Emergency Operations Plan was drafted and ready to be viewed.
Current by-laws were discussed, and the need to update and present them at the annual meeting in January.
Caldwell County offered a Community Emergency Response Team training to anyone who was interested.
MU Extension has a pilot program available in Daviess County for Missouri Youth Preparedness Initiative. This teaches youth ages 13-19 about preparedness. A parent must sign off on the program. New Missouri Emergency Response Commission director is Mike Harris. He reported on a workshop in Hamilton regarding a severe weather event.
Mental Health First Aid program was presented at the First Christian Church in Gallatin in November by Preferred Family Healthcare.
Ralph Dishong reminded everyone that Red Cross still has smoke alarms available for those in need. Sheltering was discussed.
Cheryl Alexander, Daviess County Health Department, reported the health department had seen one case of the flu, but had given many flu shots.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the November 2019 meeting of LEPC. Those in attendance at the November meeting were Jim Ruse, Daviess County Presiding Commissioner; David Cox, Daviess County Commissioner; Wayne Uthe, Daviess County Commissioner; Jerry Rahm, Guest; Alan Fender, Jamesport Fire and Rescue; Doug Hamilton, Gallatin Fire District; Daniel L. Wilson, Gallatin Fire/DC EMS; Ralph Dishong American Red Cross; Michael Booth, SEMA; Pat O’Conner, KAW FPD; Rev. Robert A. Nelson, Ministerial Alliance; Lance Rains, Gallatin City Administrator; David Roll, EMA and LEPC Chairperson; Cheryl Alexander, Daviess County Health Department Administrator and LEPC Secretary.