Minutes - March 2005 - Eastern Madera County Emergency Preparedness Committee

The March meeting of the Madera County Emergency Preparedness Committee was called to order at 7:30 AM on March 10, 2005 at the Sierra Telephone conference room by co chairs, Ed Guzman and Dave Wolin.

An attendee list was circulated. In attendance was:

Dave Wolin - AUSA

Ed Guzman - Sierra Ambulance

Rhonda Catherina - CMC Oakhurst

Janet Stanovich - Madera County S.O.

Sandy Hale - Oakhurst Chamber

Shirley Finneman - Madera Co. Health Dept.

Dick Rekart - ARES / MARC

Jerry Thompson - RACES

Barry Thorn - Madera County OES

Chris Dragoo - Oakhurst CMC

Ed Guzman announced a new plan of action; to restructure the committee and refocus goals.

It was agreed to develop a new roster; invite former attendees and new potential participants from the community to attend meetings. Our importance to the area is that no other group does what we do; bringing together the private sector and public agencies to plan for emergency scenarios.

Future contacts will be made by e-mail; announcing meetings and agendas.

New business to be considered included discussion of development of a mission statement. A sample was read, discussed and voted on for adoption. It was agreed that it could be edited or amended as required in the future.

The mission statement is as follows:

"The mission of the Eastern Madera County Emergency Preparedness Committee is to facilitate communication and develop relationships between the organizations, agencies and persons involved in the preparation and response to a community emergency. As a part of that mission, we will work to disseminate necessary preparatory information to the public at large"

A proposal was made to move to a larger facility, with provisions for refreshments. Ed Guzman offered the use of the Sierra Ambulance meeting room. A motion was made, seconded and unopposed.

A proposal was made to approach the Sierra Star and provide a monthly column about emergency preparedness. Also a proposal was made to develop a community information packet for the public as well as developing a website containing similar information. Dave Wolin and Sandy Hale will research and report at the next meeting.

Barry Thorn provided information regarding developing a community emergency preparedness awareness fair. After discussion, an independent committee consisting of Dave Wolin, Sandy Hale, Janet Stanovich and Shirley Finneman will meet during the month and report at the next meeting.

Other topics discussed were MOU's with local businesses, liaison with the Red Cross, development of a database of local people with specific job skills.

Barry Thorn volunteered to produce a form for volunteers to use to sign up for participation with the committee.

Sandy Hale volunteered to duplicate the Eastern Madera County Emergency Plan of 2000 as well as the 1996 resource list; to use as templates in development of a current resource list.

Other reports included:

RACES / MARC - June amateur radio field day and participation in the CDF May exercise at Hensley Lake.

Public Health - Upcoming training plans. Public outreach again this year to distribute west nile information.

Red Cross - Mass Casualty and CPR classes scheduled in Fresno. Register online at www.fresnomaderaredcross.org or call 559. 455-1000. New satellite office planned in Oakhurst. March is Red Cross Awareness Month.

County OES - Tabletop excercise planned in Madera revolving around Friant Dam overflow, downstream S.J. River flooding, March 28th. Contact Barry Thorn for details.

CMC - CDF Hazmat awareness training March 21st. Tabletop exercise scheduled for April 23rd, based in Madera. Contact Chris Dragoo for details.

Prior to the next meeting, an e-mail will be sent to all committee members, former members and prospective invitees, with an agenda and directions. The next meeting will be Thursday, April 14th, 7:30 AM at Sierra Ambulance Service, 40755 Winding Way.