Local Emergency Planning Committee Minutes for Meeting of February 11, 2009

Present: Kevin Christensen, Burke Nelson, Randy Wilde, Janet Bass, Jim Hess, Lee Perry, Daniel Freeman, Kathy Conrad, Susan Thompson, Linda Bourne, Kimberly Giles James Grover, Rich VanDyke, Peggy Mecham, Ray Strong, Delos Everton, Mark Crane, Jerry Peterson, Greg Martz, Michael Nelsen, Dee Isaacson, Richard Moseley

Previous Mtg Minutes Approved:

Kevin Christensen opened the meeting asking Delos Everton about Laron Woods.

Delos said Laron’s health has spiraled with two recent strokes and the doctors are concerned about a possible aneurism. The entire Committee wishes Laron well.

Kevin spoke about the mandate to digitally record our LEPC meetings. Since we can’t purchase a digital recorder using LEPC grant money, there is the possibility of using a private grant or having one donated by one of our county’s corporations.

Kevin asked everyone to check out the LEPC website to see if there are any links or improvements needed.

There is a state website on the horizon where groups can post meetings to be held. It is currently being pushed through legislation.

Our LEPC email distribution list was passed around the room so email addresses could be updated and old contacts crossed off.

Kevin spoke about inviting more of our companies in the county to our LEPC meetings, especially the Tier II corporations. Burke Nelson will be drafting a letter to send out.

The African Killer Bee issue was discussed since it had been in the news. Randy Wilde said the Health Dept is surprised the bees are doing so well in Southern Utah and does not think they will venture north. Richard Moseley said the ports of entry in our state are watching this closely and the African Bees are not good honey producers. Our risk in Northern Utah is low and recently the African Bee has been cross breeding with the Italian Bee, becoming a weaker species.

State:

Kimberly Giles handed out the most recent fact sheet and noted that the EMPG grant needs to be in by Monday, which is a holiday. The 4th Annual Top of Utah Ready Your Business Workshop and Conference will be April 30th at the Ogden Marriott. The Hazardous Materials Operations by UFRA will be July 9-15th in Cedar City and Richard Moseley noted that the HazMat Conference will not be in May this year. It will be held at the Provo Marriott Hotel and Convention Center August 11-13th, more info to come. Kimberly said that the NIMS 400 will have to be done this year. Jim Hess said he may have a few slots left for that class and he will also be holding an IS300 class in April/May for Tremonton Fire and Police, but all are welcome.

Health Department:

Randy Wilde said the Health Dept responded on a recent diesel spill in Brigham City. Also callouts will now be billed for time spent cleaning up. Kevin said there will be a meeting on ChemPak (antidote for nerve agent) on 18th of Feb, where they will come up with a plan on its use and distribution. Kevin also noted that 400 people have died from 5N1 virus (bird to human), but there are no reported human to human transfers.

Homeland Security:

Kevin Potter was excused for ongoing training at POST. Nothing to report.

HazMat Team:

Greg said we will now be able to pay the responders to train. The letters written seemed to help and the Commissioners listened. There is more in the HazMat budget this year. There is a HazMat Team Meeting on Feb 23rd. Randy said more drills are planned this year and May 20th will be a drill at Hill AFB. Kimberly noted that the National Guard Civil Support Team will come out and work with groups on their HazMat training.

Kathy showed the group the Haz-Whopper brochure for training and Burke said if you check with Bridgerland in Logan, they sometimes give the same training.

Greg Martz said he has 10 new firefighters testing on Wildland Fires. Also he is still working on the fuel brake and seeding projects.

Kevin Christensen asked Dan Freeman about doing a possible exercise with Wal-Mart Distribution Center. Dan said Corinne Fire told him April was good and he will have more info on this later. Kevin asked about having one of our LEPC meetings at WDC and Dan said he can work on that, we just need to pick a month.

Kevin reminded the group that spring is around the corner and asked about preparations for snow runoff, such as availability of sandbags and sand. Randy said Garland has been working on sheltering and Kimberly reminded everyone that Special Needs and Pets are requirements now.

Kevin noted that biological weaponry is still a heavy concern in the United States and to continue planning and coordination to keep Box Elder County safe. Also don’t stop your pandemic planning or ready your business planning.

Next Meeting The next LEPC Meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2009 at 9am at the Sheriff’s Office EOC room.

Adjourned:

1005 hours with the Road Committee meeting immediately after.