Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutLEPC Minutes December 2 2009Local Emergency Planning Committee Minutes of the Meeting Wednesday, December 2, 2009 Present: Jennifer Rutkowski, Ron Sturmer, Ron Data, John Patcle, Rick DeWitte, Sheriff Govier, Sara Brodt, Steve Braun and Julie Loeffelholz Meeting called to order at 9:05 a.m. A confirmation that we had a quorum was established. Motion by John, Second by Ron D. that we are in compliance with the open meeting law. Motion carried. Motion by Ron S., Second by Rick to approve the agenda as printed. Motion carried. Motion by Jennifer, Second by Rick to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Discussion that minutes and agendas will be emailed out in the future. A sheet for email addresses was passed around. Public Comments: There were no guests or community members present, thus no public comment. Emergency Management Report: One spill to be reported on. Julie provided details regarding an anhydrous ammonia release in the Hazel Green area, due to a faulty relief valve on a tanker truck. Steve showed photos of the scene. Bills were reviewed and tabled until a future meeting. The cost for fire apparatus on scene was thought to be a bit higher than necessary. This lead to a discussion that the Fire Chiefs Association should establish standards for apparatus costs during hazmat incidents. This will be discussed with them at the next Association meeting. A suggested “average” rate could be $150 per hour per truck. Additionally, it was discussed that a justification narrative should accompany a bill requesting reimbursement at a HAZMAT spill. This narrative would explain why the number of trucks and manpower were used at an incident scene. Motion by Sara to begin a process for establishing rates for fire departments, law enforcement, EMS and emergency management when asked to respond to a HAZMAT scene. This process should include input from the Fire Chiefs Association. Second by Keith. Motion carried. Photos were shared of the HAZMAT Technician class that was hosted by our department and Cuba City Fire. There were 28 students who attended. Equipment was brought by SWTC , the Tech Rescue Team, and by the Jo Daviess HAZMAT team to show the students what resources are available. There is hopes of having another class in late winter because there still is an interest and it is a needed class. Discussion followed on the need for hospital staff to train to the hazmat technician level. Photos were shared of the Mass Casualty Trailers. GCEM received a $25,000 grant to complete the three trailers with equipment and generators. The trailers have been re-deployed are now housed in Hazel Green, Platteville and Fennimore. A second incident to report on occurred in Cassville at the municipal swimming pool and Grant Regional received approximately 13 children. The children were exhibiting symptoms of exposure to a chemical, but it could not be identified. Grant Regional requested Lancaster Fire to assist with setting up a decontamination tent. Steve reminded the group that every hospital in Wisconsin has the same tents and equipment. Unfortunately, the hot-water heater was not working that day, but has since been repaired. Old Business: HAZMAT Team: Steve and Ron D discussed the continuing cooperation among departments from both counties with the Jo Daviess-Grant HAZMAT Team. This cooperative effort has worked very well with monthly trainings. A new training calendar is being developed, and there is much interest for participation. Much of the training to date has focused on equipment each group brings to the table and becoming familiar with it and the members. Special Needs Registry: Julie discussed the need to apply again for a grant to help get this program off the ground. The grant was denied last year, but will be applied for again this year with some changes. New Business: Firefighter Rehab: Steve explained the necessity of having firefighter rehab capabilities on the fireground. He talked about the fact that this is the missing piece in keeping all our county firefighters safe at incident scenes. Through a flurry of federal grants, most departments have new air packs, turnout and communications, even new trucks, but we are missing the link in keeping them healthy while working hard on a fire scene. He showed photos of a truck that Hazel Green fire has for sale that could be turned into a regional rehab vehicle. It would contain rehab equipment such as fans, tents, cooling chairs, medical supplies and would arrive at the request of the Incident Commander when the need arises at an incident scene. The rehab truck would support the operations on scene ensuring that firefighters are not physically doing a job they shouldn’t be. Steve outlined the costs. $2,500 for the truck and another $3500 for equipment, and to make some modifications to the truck for a total of $6,000. This money would come from the LEPC’s reserve funding which contains about $30,000. The committee requested that this project be tabled until after the Fire Chief Association meeting so Steve could verify that there was support for the project. He explained that the MABAS Division had already voted in support of the project but the county fire association has not yet discussed it. Discussion followed on whether we wanted to purchase this used truck as a temporary solution or look at something more permanent. Further discussion is slated for the next meeting. Motion to Adjourn by Ron S, Second by Sara. Motion carried. The next LEPC meeting will be held on Thursday, December 10 at 9:00 a.m. in the lower level conference room of the Sheriff’s Department.