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LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC) Wednesday, November 13, 2024 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 650 Ronald Reagan Drive, Bldg. B Margaret Doss, Chairperson John Ryan, Vice-Chair Suzie Hughes, Secretary A g e n d a Call to Order - Chairperson Welcome / Opening Remarks / New Members August 14, 2024 Meeting Minutes Hurricane Helene Response & Recovery – Commissioner Alison Couch Georgia Power Hurricane Helene Response – Stephen King Other Business / Comments / Announcements / Reminders Adjournment 2025 Meeting Dates February 12, 2025 May 14, 2025 August 13, 2025 November 12, 2025 ---PAGE BREAK--- COLUMBIA COUNTY LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC) MEETING MINUTES August 14, 2024 Chair Margaret Doss called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. and welcomed all in attendance. A quorum was established with 14 members present. Members present at the meeting included Octavious Beard, Bill Botham, Corbin Cooney, Brittany Detchemendy, Corbin Cooney, Ella Gardner, Shawn Granato, Brad Hartman, Suzie Hughes, Chief Wayne Kent, Chief Danny Kuhlmann, Nathan Luke, John Ryan, Connie Smith and Chief Jeremy Wallen. Members absent were Jim Adkins, Roy Clayton, Commissioner Allison Couch, Julianne Hartman, Stephanie Hill, Tim Holloway, Penny Jackson, John Luton, Segun Osemene, John Quagliariello, Hunter Rhodes, Tom Schneider, Capt. Andy Shedd, John Smith and Will Vautrin. Guests present were Briar van Haastrecht (SERVPRO), Todd Cory (SERVPRO) Karin Helton (MRC/DPH) Regina Jefferies (Shepeard Blood), Stephen King (Georgia Power), Lisa Liles (CCSD), Gary Owens (CCSD), Ray Childress (CCSO), Chief David Dickenson (CCFR), Kevin Stokes (HFD), Philip Donahue (GDPS), Brad James (Augusta National), Brian Smith (Southeast Restoration), Jae Kroger (Southeast Restoration) and John Moore (Serenity Behavioral Health Systems). Chief Danny Kuhlmann made a motion to approve the May 8, 2024 meeting minutes as written. Chief Jeremy Wallen seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Election of Officers – Chair Margaret Doss opened the floor nominations for the Executive Committee. Shawn Granato nominated Margaret Doss for Chairperson; John Ryan seconded the nomination; members unanimously approved the appointment. Chief Jeremy Wallen nominated John Ryan for Vice-Chairperson; Chief Danny Kuhlmann seconded the nomination; members unanimously approved the appointment. Margaret Doss nominated Suzie Hughes for Secretary; Connie Smith seconded the nomination; members unanimously approved the appointment. SERVPRO Cleanup & Restoration – Brittany Detchemendy provided an overview of the services SERVPRO provides. A copy of the presentation is made a part of the meeting minutes. Columbia County Fire Rescue Special Operations Update – Chief Danny Kuhlmann provided the following update on CCFR Special Operations Teams. HazMat Team • Applied for GEMA/HS Grant for a Redwave Threat ID System/Meter. The cost of the meter is $106,000 and detects just about everything. (Chemicals, Drugs & Explosives) Notification of grant awards are expected by October 2024. • All radiation meters have been updated and calibrated by GEMA/HS. • Purchased a Grounding and Bonding Kit/System. This system removes static electricity from fuel/chemical containers. • Purchased a product transfer system/kit. (Pump, Syphon Tubes, Drill) This kit allows the transfer of product from a damaged container. • Awaiting approval of MOUs for the HazMat Team to become a deployable State asset. ---PAGE BREAK--- Rope Rescue Team/ Training Division • Purchased a complete set of Rope Rescue Equipment for rope rescue training classes. • Equipment will also be used for the Rope Rescue Team to train with. Swift Water Rescue Team • Met with GEMA/HS and all State Rescue Task Forces in Georgia. • Discussed standardizing the Swift Water Training Program and requirements. • Task Force 3 (CCFR) did stand up for a deployment w/Augusta Fire Department for Hurricane Debby but were not deployed. • CCFR has submitted Swift Water Training Certification program to the Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training for approval. If approved, CCFR can conduct Swift Water Rescue training locally and regionally. Dive Team • Applied for GEMA/HS Grant for of Specialty Dive equipment. If awarded, grant funds will be used to purchase 8 Dry Suits, 8 Full Face Masks with Communications and additional accessories. Notification of grant awards are expected by October 2024. • Basic Dive Certification is still conducted under PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors). However, all advance diving skills are taught through ERDI (Emergency Response Diving International). ERDI is OSHA and NFPA compliant. Columbia County has its own ERDI Instructors. • CCFR now conducts 95% of our own training & certification. • All regulators have had their annual inspection/service completed. • Purchased 6 new 80 cubic foot dive tanks. Team now has dive 40 tanks. • Columbia County has 12 Public Safety Divers and hope to have 6 more by years end. • Awaiting approval of MOUs for the Dive Team to become a deployable State asset. Subcommittee Appointments – A list of subcommittee appointments was provided to members. LEPC members will notify the Executive Subcommittee of their subcommittee choice. Other Business / Comments / Announcements • Shawn Granato updated members on EMA Outreach activities. • Anyone interested in presenting at any future LEPC meetings, please let Margaret Doss, Suzie Hughes, John Ryan or Shawn Granato know. There was no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 10:33 am.