The Sarpy County Local Emergency Planning Committee was convened in open and public session on 9 January 2002 at 7:30 PM at LaVista Fire Department. The following members or alternates were present according to the sign-in sheet: Pat Archibald, Jeff Book, Rod Buethe, Keith Deiml, Bob DeVriendt, Roger Filter, Gary Fliehmann, Marilyn Gable, Robin Gullie, Jane Hedges, Tom Hanson, Scott Keep, Joe Mastandrea, Carol O’Donnell, Wade Petersen, Maria Reiter, Tim Schram, Matt Wallace, Rich Weber, Dick Williams, and Louie Wilson. Guests were Mr. Jim Lewandowski, Douglas County Local Emergency Planning Committee Chairman.

Advanced notice of the meeting was published in the Bellevue Leader and Papillion Times. Copies of Proof of Publication are on file in the Sarpy County Clerk’s Office. All proceedings were taken while the convened meeting was open to the attendance of the public.

Chairman Fliehmann called the meeting to order and reminded all members to sign in and update their information on the sign-in sheets.

BOARD REPORTS:

Chairman Report: Chairman Fliehmann advised that there were no reportable Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) incidents for the fourth quarter and none for the year. Bellevue HAZMAT Team responded to 46 non-reportable incidents during the year for various types of spills. A Board Meeting was held 8 Jan, and committees were assigned to the offices of Vice Chairman, Coordinator, and Secretary in order to get more people involved and provide continuity among the membership. The Vice Chairman will be responsible for the Program Committee and Response Plan. The Information Coordinator will be responsible for the Exercise, Legislative, and Training Committees. The Secretary will be responsible for Finance and Right-to-Know (Outreach) Committees. Chairman Fliehmann presented and reviewed 7 goals for 2002. They are: (1) Establish guidelines for identifying and responding to reportable HAZMAT incidences and reporting of these incidents. Right now, Coordinator Mastandrea is the only expert on these procedures; if he is out of town and something happens, there should be guidelines; (2) Develop more programs through Outreach including Public Right to Know, Shelter in Place, and more publicity about the LEPC Program; (3) Conduct an Exercise Program during the year. The LEPC Handbook states that the LEPC should be involved in all aspects of exercise development, execution, and critique in coordination with the Emergency Management Office. An exercise testing the plan will be conducted annually for each county; (4) Conduct hearings. The LEPC Bylaws require such hearings or public forums as deemed necessary and desirable and at such times and places as determined by a majority vote of the committee. At least one such public meeting or forum shall be held each year for the purpose of discussing the Response Plan with the public, and receiving and responding to public comments. Chairman Fliehmann plans to schedule at least one hearing this year; (5) Attempt to meet the guidelines of the LEPC Self-Evaluation Checklist. The Checklist is designed to help each committee meet the goals; (6) Keep attendance up with last minute notification like we did last year. This means that 2-3 days before the meeting, members will receive an e-mail or phone call reminder; and 7) Complete an annual update to the LEOP (Response Plan). Chairman Fliehmann then reviewed 2001 accomplishments. These included (1) Completion of LEOP annual update and inclusion of a Terrorism Annex; (2) Receipt of donation from a local business to publish an Emergency Planning article in the Bellevue Leader; (3) Receipt of matching funds from the State from the news article and establishment of a balance in the checking account for future Outreach initiatives; (4) Assisted Offutt AFB with their Air Show Major Accident Response Exercise; (5) Conducted a program for the public at Midlands Hospital on biological and chemical awareness. The program featured 7 speakers and about 60 people attended; (6) Receipt of a donation from an LEPC member for the Outreach Program; (7) Receipt of 1^st place award on website design at the Regional Conference held in Kansas City, 7-9 Sept (congratulations to Coordinator Mastandrea for his tremendous efforts); (8) Published a news article in the Bellevue Leader entitled, "The Plan will Answer Bioattack"; (9) Participated in a FEMA-evaluated exercise of Bellevue’s ability to respond to an incident involving the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Plant. We received an excellent rating from FEMA for that exercise; and (10) Participated in Williams Bros Pipeline tabletop exercise which reviewed procedures for tank and/or pipeline incidents.

Vice Chairman Report: Nothing to report.

Information Coordinator: Coordinator Mastandrea provided details on the FY02 Assistance to Firefighter’s Grant Program Workshop sponsored by FEMA, Universities of Missouri and Kansas Rescue Training Institute, and the University of Kansas Fire Training Service. The purpose of the workshop is to explain the grant program and answer questions. Two identical workshops will be held at Blue River Community College in Independence, MO on Thursday, 24 January. Up to 2 people per fire department and interested state personnel from MO, KS, NE, and IA may attend. There is no charge for these workshops and reservations are not required. Interested fire protection personnel should see Chairman Fliehmann at the end of the meeting for more information. Coordinator Mastandrea re-emphasized holding a public hearing on the LEOP once a year. The LEOP annual updates will be held in the March time frame each year to remain on cycle with the State. Plan is to send each agency a letter requesting updates, revising the plan based on the updates, submitting the revised plan to the State for printing, and sending the revised plan back out to the respective agencies. Coordinator Mastandrea also suggested making this an agenda item. That way, any changes that need to be made can be presented and public comment solicited during the meeting. Coordinator Mastandrea reported that the new Tier II information is starting to come in. Last month, he attended the International HAZMAT Spills Conference in Baltimore where a beta version of the new CAMEO/MARPLOT/ALOHA software was previewed. A lot of improvements were made, but it will be several months before there is a product that can be used.

In the future, because of the terrorist climate, the program may not be available form the Internet like in the past. The EPA and possibly the State may require approval of requests to obtain the program. During the Spills Conference, a 22-minute videotape entitled, "What are LEPCs and What Do They Do" was also previewed. The EPA plans to send a copy of the videotape to every LEPC in the country. The LEPCs should contact their respective cable offices to run it and include contact information at the end of the tape. Coordinator Mastandrea stated that we have not received the tape yet, but when we do, the Outreach Committee will be contacted to meet with the cable company and arrange showing the tape. Chairman Fliehmann made reference to the DOJ Terrorism Grant Program. Coordinator Mastandrea mentioned that the money that was awarded was over $400K and was actually money from FY99. As background information, the State Terrorism Task Force had to create a State Plan for DOJ approval. Based on a needs assessment, money and/or equipment would be provided. Matt Wallace was in Lincoln yesterday finding out about the grant and provided the following information:

Back in ’99, Congress, through the DOJ, approved funding for the States to establish domestic preparedness plans. The grant that Bellevue received was from ’99 funding and divided among 8 agencies that received grant funding. Determination was based upon population centers and the I-80 corridor. The cities awarded funding included Bellevue, Beatrice, Norfolk, North Platte, Scottsbluff, and the East County Emergency Management Agency. Each agency received $67K of equipment from a list compiled by the State Emergency Response Team (state patrol/fire marshals) which decided what each agency should maintain. Bellevue will receive $67K worth of equipment from that list. If there is something on the list that we already have, we can subtract that item and apply the dollar amount to something else on the list. As a result, Bellevue’s equipment inventory will be very robust because we have a majority of equipment items on the list already. For example, when they say one each air system with cascade, Bellevue currently has 5 air systems with cascade. So, we can subtract that out, take the dollar amount, and put it towards some other equipment. We’ll probably get some protective suits and we’re heavy on detection equipment. Six of the items are actually detection equipment like Photoionization Detectors and Pesticide Detectors. Because some of the equipment is considered expendable, each agency will be responsible for re-supply The grant program is a 4-yr program and consists of funds set aside between 1999 and 2002. Next year, the program will provide funding for another 8 agencies. In the third or fourth year of the program, Bellevue may be eligible to apply again and will plan to do so. In order to apply for the grant, the agency must file an MOU with the State agreeing to maintain at least that level of equipment. That way, should the Governor declare an emergency, the equipment lists will be used to call out agencies with required equipment to serve as mini-response teams for the area. Secretary Reiter asked whether each agency would be responsible for equipment replacement once end of service life is reached. Matt Wallace stated that each district will have ownership of the equipment and will have to replace it once expended, but that shouldn’t be a problem. Matt Wallace also pointed out that the grant funding applies to equipment only, and does not include training. There is another DOJ funding program available to States for training. We’re sending people to Pueblo for technician-level training and there’s another class in Grand Island in September. This same class was offered last year, but didn’t get filled. We may try to get the training moved to our area. We have a better pool of potential students and may have a better chance of filling the class if it is held here. Vice Chair DeVriendt questioned whether Bellevue would become backup to Omaha for the I-80 corridor? Matt Wallace stated that there really isn’t a primary or backup for I-80.

Coordinator Mastandrea told the membership that if they were wondering why DOJ is finally releasing FY99 money, the reason is that the State had to file a terrorism plan before the funding could be released. The plan had to be approved by DOJ, and it has been approved by DOJ. So expect additional monies to come sooner.

Secretary Report: The LEPC officers and Committee Chairs held a Board Meeting on 8 January and Secretary Reiter reviewed the information from that meeting. Ehrling Berquist issued an update to the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Plan, and that update is being published. This year’s Open House and Air Show will feature the Blue Angels. As in years past with major attractions, we are anticipating very heavy crowds. The Air Show Major Accident Response Exercise is tentatively scheduled for 13 Aug and we’ll solicit community participation for that exercise. Since it’s a Tuesday, there may not be much community participation. Secretary Reiter mentioned trying to move the date to a weekend. Committee reports were reviewed briefly. For Fiscal, the Chairman and Information Coordinator plan to attend the SERC meeting on 15 January. For Legislative, the funding bill is not expected to be resubmitted because of cutbacks. Some outreach initiatives and training opportunities were discussed. Coordinator Mastandrea offered to conduct a 24-hr training class on the new CAMEO program. He needs a minimum of 3 to hold a class, and will work to meet responder interest. Chairman Fliehmann asked for a motion to approve the 12 September meeting minutes. Steve Young moved, seconded by Scott Keep, to approve the minutes. All approved, none opposed. Motion passed unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Exercise: Coordinator Mastandrea mentioned that we participated in the NDMS exercise last year and it resulted in some changes to the plan. Offutt published the plan in late September and extended an invitation to participate in the NDMS exercise again this year. The Omaha/Council Bluffs Sub Area Contingency Plan Functional Exercise, originally scheduled for 8 November, has been postponed indefinitely. The EPA is pre-occupied with anthrax, so we’re expecting a diminished role on their part in the planning of the exercise. Coordinator Mastandrea told the membership that we’re going to have to do this locally, so we’ll look at when it can be rescheduled and plan on executing this year. As Secretary Reiter mentioned, the Blue Angels are scheduled to appear at Offutt 23-25 August and the base plans to hold their Major Accident Response Exercise Tuesday, 13 August. As the Chairman mentioned, we participated in the FEMA-evaluated Radiological Emergency Plan and received very good comments back from FEMA. A final exercise report is due at the end of the month.

Financial: Coordinator Mastandrea presented the report. Last year, the SERC had some draft fiscal regulations and held public hearings. The Attorney General’s office requested the SERC do some additional work on them. The SERC made some changes, got them approved by the Attorney General, and at the meeting next week, they’ll determine a public hearing schedule for them. Usually, the SERC holds one out West and one East. The regulations basically require that any monies raised be used for the purposes of the LEPC, like outreach and training, and not something else.

Legislative: Coordinator Mastandrea mentioned the SERC meeting on Tuesday, 15 January, 1:00 pm at the Lincoln Airport Best Western. Because of the State’s fiscal situation, we don’t expect them to re-introduce the LEPC funding bill we’ve introduced for the last few years. What that means is that our LEPC is going to have to hold it’s own and try to raise any money locally.

Outreach: Chairman Fliehmann mentioned trying to sponsor a booth at the county fair and handing out LEPC information. He will check into a reduced-rate table. Coordinator Mastandrea thought a counter would run $100 outdoors and $75 indoors. Pamphlets and videos were distributed at the Nebraska School Board Association Conference in November. The Chairman asked if the members were aware of any of the schools asking for assistance or if anyone attended. No one heard from any schools that wanted to do additional planning; Coordinator Mastandrea attended the conference to help man the booth. Chairman Fliehmann and Coordinator Mastandrea mentioned the 22-minute national video, "What are LEPCs and What Do They Do?" Coordinator Mastandrea expects the video shortly, and spoke with the Bellevue Information Coordinator for Cable TV who doesn’t see a problem getting the video on the scheduled programming. Steve Young, Outreach CommitteeChairman, had nothing additional to report.

Plans: Coordinator Mastandrea reported that he would send a letter to each agency requesting any updates/changes to the LEOP, incorporate those changes, and get the plan published and back out to the membership.

Training: Dan Peterson was unable to attend, so Coordinator Mastandrea provided the report. The final draft for the FY02 training calendar from NEMA is on their website, www.nebema.org. Coordinator Mastandrea instructed the members how to access the calendar by scrolling down on the left side of the home page and clicking on training. It’s more current than the printed version we were sent. Coordinator Mastandrea mentioned the State LEPC Conference in North Platte, 22-24 March. He will attend on behalf of the SERC Outreach Committee and Secretary Reiter will attend on behalf of the LEPC. Coordinator Mastandrea requested everyone pick up a copy of the draft annual report because it’s slightly different from the mailed version. At the bottom, last item where it says FEMA-evaluated Radiological Response Plan, we forgot to add the Williams Pipeline Exercise on 11 Nov. The SERC requires an annual plan for us to remain an active LEPC, and according to the Bylaws, we have to vote on any report that we send them. Chairman Fliehmann asked for a motion to accept the report. Matt Wallace moved, seconded by Steve Young, to accept the report. All approved, none opposed. Motion passed unanimously. Coordinator Mastandrea also reported that changes to the membership were finalized at the last SERC meeting. Dick Williams replaced John Vana, Jane Hedges replaced Nancy Noda, and Keith Deiml, whose name inadvertently dropped off , was reinstated.

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS:

(1) Elections: Chairman Fliehmann opened the meeting for election of officers to serve during 2002. Chairman Fliehmann reported that a nominating committee made up of the Board of Officers made the following nominations:

Chairman – Gary Fliehmann

Vice Chairman – Councilman Tim Schram

Information Coordinator – Joe Mastandrea

Secretary – Maria Reiter

Chairman Fliehmann asked for other nominations from the floor for anyone wanting to run for any office. No nominations from the floor were made. For Gary Fliehmann as Chairman, Matt Wallace moved, seconded by Steve Young. All were in favor and none opposed. For Councilman Tim Schram as Vice Chairman, Matt Wallace moved, seconded by Steve Young. All were in favor and none opposed. For Joe Mastandrea as Information Coordinator, Matt Wallace moved, seconded by Jane Hedges. All were in favor and none opposed. For Maria Reiter as Secretary, Matt Wallace moved, seconded by Steve Young. All were in favor and none opposed.

(2) Vice Chairman DeVriendt, Offutt AFB Readiness Flight Chief, and SSgt Steve Gottula provided an excellent presentation on chemical and biological warfare. Bob DeVriendt informed the membership that the presentation was an overview on biological and chemical activities. The Omaha Fire Department requested a similar update about 2 months ago. For military personnel stationed at Offutt, chemical and biological warfare has been taught for many years. For the local community, this is something new, especially since 9/11 and the events that took place immediately afterwards. The presentation opened by examining some of the various threats to the U.S. Attachment 1 contains a complete transcript of the presentation.

(3) Jane Hedges provided information on the Omaha Metropolitan Medical Response System (OMMRS). Chairman Fliehmann asked Jane if Midlands Hospital would be willing to host the next LEPC meeting 13 March, display their decon set-up, and talk about their program. Jane mentioned that she would look into it and get back to Chairman Fliehmann.

(4) Jim Lewandowski, Chairman, Douglas County LEPC, introduced himself, provided an overview of his direction for the Douglas County LEPC, and thanked Sarpy County LEPC for an excellent meeting, the opportunity to share ideas, and benchmark some practices.

Adjournment: Date of the next meeting is 13 March. Jane Hedges will look into whether Midlands Hospital can host this meeting. Chairman Fliehmann thanked LaVista Fire Department for hosting the meeting and for their excellent facility and refreshments. With no further business, Chairman Fliehmann asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Matt Wallace and seconded by Steve Young. Motion carried.

Submitted by

MARIA REITER

Secretary

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Created March 5, 2002