May 26, 2011

Garnett, Kansas

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) met on April 28, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. with the following members present: Jolene Alexander, USDA – FSA; John Alford, EKAE;                       Nate Cunningham, Anderson County EMS/St. Rose; Marvin Grimes, Anderson County Emergency Mgmt; Trent McCown, KDWP; J.D. Mersman, Anderson County Fire/Emergency Mgmt.; Michelle Miller, Anderson County Public Information Officer – Road Dept.;            Glenn Mudd, Beachner Grain; Don Nungesser, Anderson County EMS; Bob Palmer, Lybarger Oil; Freddy Partida, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline; Alan Quaintance, USD # 365; and Kevin Ryan, KDOT.

Absent: Diane Bertone, SEK-Multi-County Health Department; Don Blome, USD #365;        Scot Brownrigg, Anderson County Sheriff; Troy S. Hart, Garnett Fire; James K. Johnson, Anderson County Commissioner; Kristie Kinney, City of Garnett; Jim Manning, KDWP;     Kelly Meyers, KSANG; Leslea Rockers, East Central KS Agency on Aging; Robert Robbins, Anderson County EMS; Christina Rush, Anderson County Hospital; Cheryl Strobel, Apple Bus Co.; Pat Tate, Public Safety; Mike Thweatt, Kansas Highway Patrol; Oscar West, EKAE;    Margo Williams, Anderson County Hospital; and Jessi Zillner, Anderson County Communication Center.

CALL TO ORDER

J.D. Mersman, Committee Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m.

J.D. Mersman thanked the participants, Anderson County Hospital, Beachner Grain and Apple Bus Service for their participation in the exercise last week.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Don Nungesser, seconded by Marvin Grimes to approve the minutes of April 28, 2011. Motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS

Marvin Grimes gave briefing on the May 16, 2011 exercise of the anhydrous tank running into a school bus. He reported it was a good learning experience, both pluses and minuses, for fire, ambulance, hazmat and others.

Bob Palmer served as an evaluator and reported that there seemed to be some lack of communication on radios; the staging area was not utilized; there needed to be more traffic control; and concurred that this was a good learning experience.

John Alford also served as an evaluator and reported that nobody acted serious about this training. He stated that some things were done right and he is looking forward to the next exercise.

More discussion was held concerning the drill exercise and what type of drill to have next time. It was decided that individual facilities might work on an exercise and then pull something together later.

COMMUNICATION AND REPORTS

Marvin Grimes reported on his trip to the tornado scene in Reading, Kansas and how operations were carried out there with command and volunteers. We should think about a volunteer team here with training for an incident like this.

Don Nungesser discussed Joplin, Missouri and their tornado scene and he said nothing happens fast and communication is the key.

Marvin Grimes talked about the County badges and how this works in Kansas on a scene. He reported that it is a way to track people at the scene and the rapid tag system works well. Discussion was also held on what a person should have ready for a scene, such as chargers, water, food, lighting, and batteries. Don Nungesser stated that there is a lot of preparation we need to do with our families and at work. We need to be teaching our children how to survive in a situation.

It was suggested that we have name tags for all LEPC members and have a meeting place here when we have an incident, most likely at the Law Enforcement Center. Marvin Grimes reported on a calling tree and having two (2) to three (3) contact people to make phone calls for man power, equipment, etc. Freddie Partida volunteered to be a contact person. J.D. Mersman will talk to Kristie Kinney to see if she is willing to be a contact person. Michelle Miller volunteered to be the third contact person.

Freddie Partida asked about a storm shelter in Welda. Marvin Grimes said he wants to get with each town in the County to find out if they have a shelter, and if not what do they do.

EKAE will be having an EPA drill this summer. They are not sure when it is, because EPA will determine the date.

J.D. Mersman reported that June 2^nd, there is a fire department hands on operational training in Topeka with the railroad. Next month, the County-wide fire meeting will be in Welda and they will tour Southern Star with Freddie Partida.

The next meeting will be July 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Law Enforcement Center.

There being no further business to come before the committee, a motion was made by

Glenn Mudd, seconded by John Alford to adjourn. Motion passed.

Minutes taken by Michelle Miller.

_____________________________________

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Kristina L. Kinney, Secretary