MEETING MINUTES

Sept. 13, 2012

Courthouse, Waupaca

Chair Esch called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.

Present: Roger Holman, John Porrey, Dick Koeppen, Eric Halverson, Robert Cloud, Annette Ziebell, Sue Weir, Andy Carlin, Al Kraeger, Gail Yest, Bryant Esch, Nick Cluppert, and Greg Blonde.

Esch gave the open meeting statement.

Motion by Porrey, seconded by Kraeger to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Motion by Halverson, seconded by Ziebell to approve the June 14, 2012 minutes. Motion carried.

Esch opened the meeting for public comment. There was none.

Committee Member Reports

Carlin updated the Committee on the “Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study” which was recently completed. Carlin stated the study verified what is flowing through our County and the potential hazards. Carlin stated that the study will be used to plan for responding to spills.

Carlin reported on the Mitigation planning work that is being done. Carlin stated the process will allow the identification of possible hazards and the steps needed to address them. When the plan is completed the County and Municipalities may qualify for FEMA funding to mitigate the hazard.

Yest updated the Committee on HHRS response to the H3N2B flu (swine flu) with cases (150) occurring at fairs across the state. The Waupaca County Fair appears to have been OK.

Yest reported on the Vaccines for Children program. In the past the program has been given to all children, but under federal law those with insurance must be charged. Yest stated this is going to create a lot of issues in providing the program.

Kraeger thanked all those responsible for helping to make the statue of Jerry Mork possible. Kraeger noted that Sgt. Heschke is leaving for another job, which will lead to the reorganization of the Communication Center. Kraeger also noted that Jackie Olsen is retiring after 31 years and this position will need to be filled. Kraeger reported that complaints have exploded and the Dept. is working on how to address them

Kraeger and Carlin updated the Committee on the tower project, noting that the Scandinavia tower is up and running.

Carlin reported the new regional director is Steve Fenske, and a Hazmat contract has been signed for another year with Portage County.

Blonde provided further information on the Swine Flu and the impacts on swine, how it’s identified, and the issue of the flu being transmitted from humans to swine. Blonde shared information on a recent farm fatality.

Ziebell reported that after completing the Haz Flow Study for Churney, a spill occurred at their distribution center. Ziebell explained what occurred with the spill and noted the excellent response by all.

Cloud reported that the newspaper world continues to evolve.

Halverson reported that they are completing an annual training focusing on meter use. Halverson noted that other HazMat activities have been covered by Carlin and Ziebell.

Koeppen updated the Committee on the County budget process, compensation plan, and finishing up his year as President of the WCA. Committee members thanked Koeppen for taking the time to represent Waupaca County and doing a really great job.

Porrey reported on the roll-over accident involving one of his ambulances. Porrey stated the ambulance crew and responder did an excellent job. Porrey stated they are doing a drunk driving exercise for the Weyauwega/Fremont High School on Sept. 26. The purpose of the exercise is to demonstrate to High School students the dangers of drinking and driving.

Cluppert reported the special cots are in and now they are looking for a trailer, updated on the Red Cross shelter, and training on Oct. 18-including operation of the Red Cross dealing with mental health services.

Holman reported the PTF is offering a reduced fee for disposal of appliances the first 2 weeks in October, discussed the permanent medication collection program, and the tour of the Foundry and beneficial re-use of foundry sand occurring today by the County Conservationist and Conservation Techs.

Esch reported that the Waupaca Foundry has been under new ownership for 3 months and so far the rollover has been good. Esch explained the sand mix resin, noting that the Foundry is interested in getting good quality sand from a good company. Esch explained how the world of sand has changed with the demand for foundry sand.

The next meeting was set for Dec. 13 at 7:00 a.m.

Motion by Halverson, seconded by Porrey to adjourn. Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Submitted by,

Roger G. Holman

Secretary