Under "old" business, Roger Hager asked David Breeding whether or not he had the documents and lists of equipment requested at the Dec. 21 meeting.
At the December meeting the committee examined complaints received in regards to the usage of EMA vehicles, EMA expenditures and procedures, and questions regarding the active status of EMA volunteers, specifically Randy Bullen and David Breeding.
During the December meeting Bullen and Breeding defended their usage of the vehicles and why they were purchased. The issues of resignations arose specifically because of the allegations of misuse.
At that time the committee passed motions that required written procedures governing the vehicles and fuel usage for the vehicles to resolve any questions of misuse. The committee also resolved to allow the person(s) on call to drive the vehicle(s) and keep them with them.
The committee also asked at that time for other documentation such as a mission statement, SOP, equipment inventory, etc. to be submitted at the Jan. 3 meeting.
In response to this request and Hager's current question, Breeding officially submitted everything the committee requested including the mission statement, job descriptions, list of EM equipment that was in house (Bullen may also submit a list), and training policies and procedures. He also pointed out once again, that all of '03 and '04 expenditures/allocations were on the budget detailed worksheet for their respective time periods.
He and Bullen stressed that their may be some funds remaining on those budgets due to some items being purchased for less than expected and a cancelled purchase that Hospital personnel decided not to go forward on.
It was also noted that the requested "SOP" was on computer in the EMA office.
Although the issue of resignations was not discussed in the meeting and nothing has been confirmed, it appeared (from other discussions and assignments) that David Breeding and Randy Bullen planned to continue in their positions.
At this point, Hager opened the meeting for new business, which was discussion of '05 expenditures.
At the December meeting, each department was to consider what, if anything, their department would like to acquire. Hager said, "everyone should have brought their list of four items with them," as instructed.
Breeding explained that the '05 procurement would be done with a regional approach, For instance, instead of having 4 or 8 of the same item per County, the government was asking the counties to consider how to limit their requests for large equipment to one unit per county. Breeding noted that they had forgotten to include agriculture at the last meeting but needed to consider Disaster Animal Response Teams. He said veterinarians, etc will also be notified and allowed to participate in the process. He further reminded everyone that the items requested could not be equipment used in everyday operations.
Breeding also entered changes to the timeline: Prioritized list for the county must be submitted by Jan. 7; Council Meeting on Jan. 13, and Council Meeting on Jan. 17. He stressed that at the Jan. 13, meeting he would have to defend their request, so he would need help in describing and defining each project on the list.
Hager asked each department's representative to present their list, and it was apparent from fire department's lists that the needs for each were similar and each had been thoughtful in listing their items. For example, Speedwell requested only one item, an air compressor that would be used for refilling breathing apparatuses. Although an expensive item (approx. $15,000), Speedwell said they would be happy if they could just get the Cascade System (air compressor) with the bottles that go with it. Their department and EMA felt it would be necessary if a HAZMAT event occurred. North Claiborne was also conscientious, asking for only a large generator that could be transported. The justification for this item centered around power outage situations that would require generating emergency power for shelters. Transport would be needed to move the generator to the affected areas to set up the shelter.
When it came time for the Rescue Squad to report, it was pointed out that the Squad had received only $3,000 in grant money for the last three years. They stressed their need for a truck, a "prime mover." The justification used was a need in cases like the recent discovery of a body in the
County that had to be transported to Knoxville for autopsy. In situations like this, he needs a truck that opens similar to an ambulance, etc. In fact, a trailer could also be used to transport items like the air compressor and generator mentioned by the other departments to the scene of an event.
Other items from various fire departments included turnout gear (always a given), training, equipment for "Heavy Rescue" (Randy said, "think 911 and digging" to define heavy rescue and noted that no one is trained for it), SCVAS, chain saws, 911 call center software, training, and possibly making the request for two Air Compressor (Cascade Systems) instead of one, so one could be placed at each end of the county.
The EMTs also presented their list and asked how can EMA justify these items?
Randy Bullen answered this question by saying that "if two 'critical care' units were designated and stay in the county, the equipment would be available for a HAZMAT event."
He also pointed out that items like fire hydrants would benefit everyone, but fire hydrants were denied last time.
Not many of the law enforcement agencies were present; however, their probable needs were discussed.
Breeding and Bullen explained that some items could qualify or be obtained through other funding or surpluses; however, the list of five projects would definitely be '05 expenditures.
The group compiled and voted to accept the following five projects:
1.) Truck for Rescue Squad (Countywide)
2.) Mobile Cascade System (air compressors/Countywide)
3.) E-911 Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD/countywide 911 used in ALL emergencies)
4.) EMS- 12 Defibrillator/Monitor Series
5.) Tactical Entry Vests (SWAT)
David Breeding will work with the necessary committee members to do the justification and email the list in by Jan. 7. Roger Hager said he would also work directly with Breeding on preparing the justification.
Other items discussed were: the completion of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, a new FEMA grant that must be applied for by Jan. 31, presenting NNMS to the Claiborne County Commission for approval, the availability of a FEMA online class called, Instant Management, and the new Regional Director, Bob Swade's upcoming arrival.
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