Minutes 02-11-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Dorosin said some of these critical issues highlighted on page 4 are likely challenges for emergency organizations everywhere, and maybe there are models out there that can be used as best practice examples. He said it would be good to know practices that are already in place. Commissioner Dorosin said there are 5 divisions in the organization, and it seems that the issues identified may be different in some divisions than in others. He said it would be interesting to hear where the priorities lie. Commissioner Dorosin said this is an incredible effort, but this is very much an internally focused document. He said he is curious to know how challenges, like staffing, impact the ability to provide external services or how those services are received. Commissioner Pelissier said she liked the section on the ETHOS, and she feels this should pertain to all County employees. She said it is great to see that the plan is being developed by all staff members and not just the leadership team. Commissioner Pelissier said there is a tendency to complain about communication in most bureaucracies, and she wonders if the communication issues have actually been clearly identified. Jim Groves said mid line supervision and operations managers sometimes do not have clear direction. He said policies are sometimes implemented 4 different ways. He said the goal now is to provide more direction on intent and procedure. Jim Groves said there are two different floors in their facility and there is a perception of the top floor as a “palace.” He said one step being taken to address this is to have a Monday morning meeting to discuss what is happening in all of the divisions. Chair Jacobs referred to Commissioner Dorosin’s question and said there is a comprehensive assessment of the EMS and 911 recommendations. Commissioner McKee said the same “palace” perception was present with the fire department, and he encouraged staff to discuss how this was addressed. Commissioner Gordon asked about page 16 and the issue of hazardous materials traveling though the County. She asked about the use of the term “commodities.” Jim Groves said the Department of Transportation (DOT) marks trucks with one of nine different hazardous material classes. He said the flow study is critical in helping the County prepare for a potential response. Commissioner Gordon asked if these trucks travel only on interstates or also on highways. Jim Groves said these vehicles travel mostly on the interstate. He said most are caught when they are coming or going. He said gathering this information is helpful. Commissioner Gordon referred to the Fire Marshal division goals and objectives. She asked what is being done toward the goal of sustaining strong partnerships. Jim Groves said the fire marshal’s staff is up to three people now. He said these staff members are out at the fires working with the fire marshals, and this allows them to know the origins of the fires. He said staff will also meet with community groups and schools. He said schools are given safety inspections before they open for the year. He said there are also community emergency response teams who are being taught and trained to help within their communities until first responders arrive. Commissioner Gordon asked how staff interfaces with the big fire agencies in North Chatham County. Jim Groves said the best way to interface is by phone or occasional face to face visits. Commissioner Gordon asked if the fire consultations and reviews mentioned earlier are done with North Chatham too. Jim Groves said North Chatham has their own fire marshal to handle fires in Chatham County.