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Meeting of 10 October 2006 The meeting was opened at 10:00 by PCDC president Buz Harvey. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. In attendance were Buz Harvey, Tammy Snodgrass, Joe Counsil, Paul Rueff, Rick Williams, Rick Walls, Chuck Pederson, Russ Caton, Jodi Waltman, David Duncan, Linda Hanrahan, Susan Rostad, Cheryl Taylor, Dave Westenberg, Edna Bridges, David Hoffman. Chuck Pederson suggested that Jeannie Miles come to our meeting to present information about avian flu. She is an employee of the Federal Dept. of Health & Human Services, and works at the USGS facility. Jeannie stressed the importance of planning and preparation for individuals, employers, and employees in the event of a major flu epidemic, or more seriously a pandemic. In the event of a pandemic, there would likely be social and economic disruption. A large number of employees would not be able to work due to illness to themselves, or the need to care for immediate family members. This could lead to difficulty for businesses to provide their products and services, which could lead to shortages of supplies and disruption of public utilities and services. There also will be limited supplies of flu vaccine. Jodi Waltman mentioned the need for about 10 clerical/general volunteers per professional medical staff person during such a widespread event. Thanks to Jeannie for coming to our meeting to deliver her presentation. Jeannie's PowerPoint presentation will be sent to Joe for posting on the web page. Concerning the Medical Reserve Corps, Jodi would like to organize several exercises per year to train volunteers and build the capability of the MRC to respond to situations such as a pandemic. The occasional flu clinics offered by the Dept. of Health are good opportunities to train volunteers. Tammy Snodgrass reported that SEMA tells us that the Citizen Corps grant budget needs rework and final approval by SEMA. We were earlier told that it was approved. We were also notified that budget rework will be required for our CERT grant proposal. Paul Reuff reported about the tornado and subsequent emergency response and cleanup efforts by several agencies and volunteer groups. Paul wrote a summary article which was published in The Rolla Daily News. There were five homes which were destroyed, and 150 homes which were damaged, along with several businesses. Americorps and several other organizations sent volunteers into the area to help clear damaged trees and debris. Paul also reported on the efforts of the Homeland Security Oversight Committee which will serve as the grant review tool for SEMA/DHS grants. There was a recent meeting in Jefferson City to discuss the establishment of these committees per Highway-Patrol troop district. Work is continuing to establish a statewide volunteer card identification system. Work is also continuing on several scenarios and models for disaster response. Paul is working to assemble a catalog of resources which would be needed in and after disasters (organizational resources, available facilities, and supplies). Paul is in need of information and offers of help. There will be another meeting Thursday, 2:00 PM at MRPC in St. James. Joe mentioned the need for volunteers or nominations for the next slate of PCDC officers. An election needs to be held in December so that new officers will be able to take office in January. The following were nominated: President - Buz Harvey; Vice President - Joe Counsil; Secretary - none; Treasurer - Edna Bridges. The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted, |