Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019-05-24 special session1 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, MAY 24, 2019 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Tergin called the May 24, 2019 City Council meeting to order at 4:08 P.M. ROLL CALL The following Council Members were present for the roll-call: Present: Fitzwater, Graham, Hensley, Hussey, Kemna, Ward and Wiseman Absent: Mihalevich, Prather and Schreiber A quorum was present. FLOODING AND TORNADO UPDATE Mayor Tergin read a notice regarding the meeting being held on less than 24 hours’ notice pursuant to RSMo Section 610.020(4) due to the aftermath of the EF-3 tornado of May 22, 2019 and the flooding of the Missouri River which constituted an emergency of the City. Debbie Hendricks with the State Emergency Management Agency was asked by City Administrator Steve Crowell and others to assist with the coordination of volunteers and donations. Ms. Hendricks instructed citizens to call 211 if they want to donate, volunteer, or need help. Fire Chief Matt Schofield reviewed a map of structural assessment. The colors indicated on the map were green (no damage), yellow (damaged), orange (failed) and red (destroyed). 1,167 structures had no damage, 175 structures had been damaged, 17 structures had failed, and 77 structures had been destroyed. The structural assessment was a group effort between Missouri Task Force 1, Jefferson City Fire Department, Ameren, and law enforcement and ambulance personnel. Lieutenant David Williams stated the following partners assisted them and apologized if anyone was forgotten: Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri State Highway Patrol cadets, Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriff Department, Fulton Police Department, Holts Summit Police Department, Capitol Police, Lincoln University Police Department, University of Missouri Police Department, Cole County Sheriff Department, the FBI and ATF, US Marshals, and the Drug Enforcement Agency. He noted the curfew boundary was brought inward from the west to Monroe Street and an announcement would be made tomorrow regarding whether a curfew would be enforced and where. 2 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, MAY 24, 2019 Captain Eric Wilde stated the impacted areas were divided into three zones and he was assessing the safety of roads hourly. Captain Wilde mentioned that the curfews did not pertain to workers and those trying to recover and do work. They wanted to prevent people getting in the way that could prevent emergency workers from doing their job. Matt Morasch, Public Works Director, stated they were dealing with the flood and tornado zone. He explained anyone could take building debris to the landfill for a fee. City residents with proof of residency could take vegetative debris to Twehous Excavating for free. He commented that it was preferable for those in the tornado zone to put vegetative material and building materials and debris on the curb in separate piles for the City to pick up. Britt Smith, Public Works Operation Division Director, stated Ameren had an estimated 90% restoration which may or may not include power restoration to actual structures. He thanked the City of Columbia for providing six trucks and drivers. He noted flooding was taking place in North Jefferson City. The river level was currently at 31.71 feet with a predicted crest of 31.7 feet; however the river had reached that point this morning and continued to rise . He commented that there were no concerns for loss of life but property damage was imminent. Larry Burkhardt, City Building Official, stated 16 Missouri SAVE Coalition volunteers were assessing structures. 375 inspections had been done so far. He explained buildings were tagged with green, yellow, or red placards. Green placards indicated the structure was in good condition, yellow placards indicated the structure needed some work, and red placards indicated the structure was unsafe. Bill Farr, Cole County Emergency Management Director, noted the County was doing the same process as the City. Structural assessment of damaged properties would begin tomorrow. Discussion was held regarding coordination of volunteers and volunteer opportunities with input provided by Mr. Crowell, Ms. Hendricks and Lieutenant Williams. Councilman Hensley provided the phone number and website for the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline to register complaints and provide concerns or questions. Mr. Burkhardt stated structural assessment was 99% complete and he expected it to be completed tomorrow. Mr. Moehlman stated the Missouri Bar and Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers had free legal assistance programs and could review contract documents for people looking to hire contractors. He noted the information had been posted on soci al media and the City’s website. 3 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, MAY 24, 2019 ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Graham seconded by Councilwoman Wiseman, and approved unanimously at 5:35 P.M.