07-21-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--July 21, 2003 2623 12. DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES, Homeland security appropriations Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, and Greg McDonald, Emergency Manager, were present to discuss homeland security grants which are being made available to state and local governments. An ad-hoc committee consisting of local law enforcement officials and emergency responders has been meeting to discuss prioritizing homeland security shortcomings, and the major concern is that various public safety agencies are unable to communicate with each other by radio because they operate on different channels and freq uencies. Fargo/Cass County Government is expected to receive up to $2.5 million, and the City of Fargo is writing a grant for a minimum of another $2.5 million to be earmarked for the radio conversion project. Mr. Vanyo said $5 million for a radio system seems astronomical; however, Mr. McDonald said this amount would include towers and pagers needed to cover the entire county. Mr. Vanyo asked what would happen if only half of the anticipated money is awarded, and Mrs. Johnson said the remaining share would be proportioned according to the Metropolitan Council of Governments formula and each political subdivision would need to make up the difference. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the allocation of 2003 Homeland Security Funds, designated for FargolCass County, to be used for the purchase of a new radio system that would allow for complete radio interoperability for all public safety agencies; and that Cass County endorses the grant application by the City of Fargo to obtain additional funding for this project under the COPS grant program. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 13. RESOLUTION #2003-7, Disaster declaration Greg McDonald asked the board to declare an emergency for damages to electrical transmission lines, electrical poles and electrical tower structures from high winds and thunderstorm systems on June 24 and 25, 2003. Mr. Wagner was concerned that only two of the four area power companies would receive reimbursement for damages; however, Mr. McDonald said that determination is based upon their status as a profit or non-profit corporation. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to adopt Resolution #2003-7, as follows, and authorize the chairman to sign a Declaration of Emergency due to the summer storms on June 24 and 25, 2003. The motion carried on roll call vote with three of four commissioners present voting "Aye" and Mr. Wagner opposing. Resolution #2003-7 Declaration of Emergency Cass County WHEREAS, electrical companies in Cass County have suffered damage to electrical transmission lines, poles, and electrical tower structures from high winds with speeds in excess of 100 MPH attributed to downburst winds/thunderstorm systems on June 24 and 25,2003; and