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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019-05-23 special session1 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING, MAY 23, 2019 CALL TO ORDER Councilman Hussey called the May 23, 2019 City Council and County Commission meeting to order at 7:37 A.M. ROLL CALL The following Council Members were present for the roll-call: Present: Fitzwater, Graham, Hensley, Hussey, Schreiber, and Wiseman Absent: Mihalevich, Prather, and Ward Councilman Kemna arrived at 8:01 A.M. The following County Commission Members were present for the roll-call: Present: Bushman, Hoelscher, and Scheperle A quorum was present. UPDATE ON TORNADO AND FLOODING FOR CITY OF JEFFERSON AND COLE COUNTY POLICY MAKERS Fire Chief Matt Schofield presented a map showing the path of destruction from the tornado and provided a brief action plan. Bill Farr, Cole County Emergency Management Director, stated that Missouri Task Force 1 and other counties had sent people to assist. The Emergency Operations Center would remain open with employees working 12-hour shifts. He stated the emergency plans were working well and appreciated people helping. A shelt er would be opening at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and the State would be setting up a volunteer reception center. Lieutenant David Williams stated the affected area was hazardous and law enforcement would be controlling access. The affected area was from Lafayette Street to Madison and from the Missouri River to the 2200 block of Christy Drive. He noted that sirens had been activated at 11:10 p.m. and 11:40 p.m. A shelter had been set up for displaced people and the Red Cross was assisting people. Law enforcement was starting secondary searches and assessing damage. 2 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING, MAY 23, 2019 Matt Morasch, Public Works Director, stated the transit lines would not be running but the busses would be available for people needing transport to a shelter. The river elevation was at an inch or two above 30 feet, and the levee would hold about 30 feet. The levee was anticipated to be exceeded by 1:00 P.M. today and the area had been evacuated. Questions were asked by Councilman Graham, Commissioner Hoelscher , and Councilwoman Wiseman. Lieutenant Williams, Mr. Farr and Mr. Morasch answered questions. Larry Benz, Cole County Public Works Director, stated there had been damage from Eugene to the City of Jefferson with extensive damage on Heritage Highway and the Lake Carmel area. Crews had opened roads and they were working with Three Rivers Cooperative and Ameren. Sheriff John Wheeler encouraged people not to go on roadways if it was not necessary. The County was working with Cole County Fire Protection District checking on residents. Police Chief Schroeder recognized the cities of Fulton and Columbia for offering assistance and stated these types of partnerships are important in these situations. City Administrator Steve Crowell stated that he met with Governor Parson who offered assistance as well as Cole County. There has been good coordination among departments in sharing resources. He noted that Mayor Carrie Tergin was currently meeting with the governor touring and assessing damage. Larry Linthacum, Superintendent of Jefferson City Public Schools, stated that Simonsen Ninth Grade Center was the most damaged of their schools. He noted the state track meet scheduled for tomorrow in the City of Jefferson would not be happening , but they were in communications with the Missouri State High School Athletics Association. Councilman Graham stated that some buildings at Lincoln University had damage; however the President’s home had received major damage. He was thankful there had been no fatalities at this point and noted that everything materialistic can be replaced. Chief Schofield noted there was a chance they would try to get in homes that were located in the affected area if they had significant damage and it appeared there could be someone inside who was not answering. If people could not be present in their home, he asked that they leave some type of notice so personnel did not have to leave a home unsecured. 3 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING, MAY 23, 2019 Chief Schroeder noted the Missouri State Highway Patrol sent their academy class to assist and that the FBI and ATF were also present. He appreciated all of the assistance. Mr. Crowell stated that he appreciated everyone for their work on behalf of the Mayor, City Council, City Staff and citizens. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Fitzwater, seconded by Councilwoman Wiseman, and approved unanimously at 8:05 A.M.