2008-09-22 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of La Porte City Council

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,egular Meeting, Emergency Meeting and Public Hearing September 22, 2008 Page 9 ~ The main focus throughout this time has been "utilities". ~ The water system maintained throughout the storm, but three water plants are down at this time ~ Eight out of the forty-one lift stations within the city are still not operational. ~ Garbage pickup has been on its regular schedule since last Monday. ~ 7000 cubic yards of brush has been removed and they will begin removing construction and demolition debris and other appliances destroyed in the storm. Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs reported: ~ Eighty persons were evacuated from the city by bus and fifteen by ambulance, and they are in process of retuming at this time. He is working on paperwork for reimbursements from FEMA. ~ He is working on changes required to insure that the website continues to function during severe storms. ~ Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Bayshore Baptist Church. He continues to work on housing issues for those who have been displaced. ~ Reported that priority restoration list isn't being used by CenterPoint, and that 40% of citizens within the city are still without power. ~ He is looking for assistance for the Ministerial Alliance to help with a DRC (Disaster Relief Center) if needed. ~ They supported five (5) other cities in their disaster relief efforts. ~ Received a great amount of help and support from industry. EMS Chief Ray Nolen reported: ~ EMS Staff worked twelve hour shifts while assisting with the coordination the evacuation of nursing homes and bed ridden patients from residents, done with State provided ambulances. ~ Assisted in the rescue of two individuals with minor injuries on South Broadway then transported to Baker Junior High school where a temporary medical holding facility was set up. ~ Vaccinated 50 employees for tetinus. ~ Ran a total of 117 calls from Thursday before the storm until Sunday night September 21. ~ Submitted a health advisory to the Bayshore Sun. Director of Parks and Recreation Stephen Barr reported: ~ Recreational staff has two buildings operational at this time. ~ Reported building damage at the following locations: Evelyn Kennedy Center, Sylvan Beach Pavilion, Senior Building. ~ All events scheduled through November 2008 at the Sylvan Beach Pavilion have been cancelled and will receive refunds. ~ Mayor noted that Harris County is doing assessments on the damages at the Pavilion. ~ Special Programs Center will open after mold is removed.