Chris Harper

Key discussion topics included communications, unfinished business, and new business items. New business covered upcoming ICS-300 & 400 trainings, the status of the Mitigation Planning document submission to FEMA, a discussion regarding an April 1st fire incident focusing on drone operation restrictions, thermal imaging benefits, and FAA requirements for drone deployments, and emphasizing CodeRED alert sign-ups on the county website. The committee also reviewed ESF2 Communications and discussed scheduling a Flood Plane Meeting with FEMA representatives in May.

The meeting included a review and approval of the previous meeting's minutes from October 17, 2024. New business focused on upcoming training sessions, including Operational Support Training and a Public Health Sheltering Workshop, emphasizing shelter plans over operations. Discussions also covered mitigation planning and ideas for an exercise/tabletop simulation centered on a reunification plan. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) 4, 9, and 10, resulting in updates to the supporting agencies list for each, such as adding the Forestry Agency and Kansas Fire Marshall to ESF 4, adding Robson Funeral Home and specific coalitions/schools to ESF 9, and adding specific schools to ESF 10 for transport and evacuation notifications.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the April 17, 2025 meeting. Unfinished business included an update on Mitigation Planning, noting that Region C & D plans were approved by FEMA and resolutions are pending approval by the involved cities and schools, with the Deerfield School having passed theirs on July 14, 2025. Flood Planning is moving forward to public hearings. New business introduced the new SW Kansas Forestry Representative and discussions regarding the use of drones during wildfires. The committee reviewed the Pulsara patient tracking system and discussed reviewing ESF 2 (Communications), specifically regarding the UHF to VHF conversion and adding GMRS, with Schools and the Hospital designated as Supporting Agencies.

The 2025 Kansas Region C Local Hazard Mitigation Plan focuses on mitigating risks from natural, human-caused, and technological hazards. Key areas of focus include hazard identification, risk assessment, capability assessment, and mitigation strategies. The plan aims to reduce future impacts of hazards, including deaths and injuries, property damage, and disruption to local economies, and to reduce public and private funds spent on recovery.

Discussion topics included communications, unfinished business, and new business items. New business involved a VA grant application for rapid rehousing, election of officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary), approval of by-laws, storm shelters (FEMA grant application), siren functionality and maintenance, and ID badges. The next meeting date was set for January 18, 2024.