10211998 Emergency Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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147 MINUTES OF THE EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS, OCTOBER 21, 1998 PRESENT: Mayor Billy G. Moore Mayor Pro-Tern Joe B. Cox, Jr. Council Members Ed Mihalkanin Jane Hughson * Louis Doiron, Jr. * Earl Moseley, Jr. Rick Hernandez City Manager Larry Gilley Deputy City Manager Laura Huffman City Secretary Janis K. Womack City Attorney Mark Taylor Director of Planning and Dev.Servs.Ron Patterson Fire Chief Dan O'Leary Also Present: Mark Brinkley, David DeKunder, Collette Duran. Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Mayor Moore introduced receiving a report from Staff regarding flood damage and recovery efforts. Mr. Gilley advised the Council San Marcos r~ceived 15-22 inches of rain in a 48-hour period. On Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, 7000 were evacuated from homes because of flooding. A total of 3500 were housed in shelters, which included the Activity Center, San Marcos High School, DeZavala School and SWTSU. Seventy homes were destroyed and 200-700 homes sustained flood damage. Mr. Gilley stated Staff had done a remarkable job dedicating many hours in response and recovery. Mr. Gilley briefed the Council on the following: (1) Public Information - weak spot for San Marcos with no radio station for up-to-date information. KTSW was established as a link for information. KIND Radio provided some incorrect information during the flood but could be considered as a possible future source. Chief O'Leary stated it caused problems of validation with their incorrect information. Mr. Gilley stated the public information aspect was recognized as a weakness, and we will need to work on that. (2) Provide Information - what to do next. The City coordinated with the School and SWTSU. Mr. Hernandez stated information was provided to them indicating the City's willingness to assist them if they wanted assistance. Chief O'Leary stated the School District was advised to close schools on Monday, October 19. Ms. Huffman advised the School District was involved and very cooperative with providing shelter and meals (Mr. Moseley present at this time - 9:15 a.m.). Mr. Gilley stated the City has excellent technology and people resources, and will be in a position to provide excellent historical information. The new radio system was used extensively during the flood with 47,000 transmissions during a 13-hour period. (3) Donations - The City is working with the Red Cross accepting clothing and cash at the Activity Center and Parks and Recreation Office. (4) Clean-Up - this is a major piece in what we need to do now. BFI is setting dumpsters in several neighborhoods and replacing them at least once a day. BFI has dedicated two drivers for this purpose. The City is providing assistance for those needing help getting their refuse to the curb. Mayor Moore has declared a disaster and requested state aid. The Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Transportation assisted the City. Mr. Gilley stated the City's response time was remarkable. Chief O'Leary stated grants for funding are available, but it will not replace all that was lost. Some cash may be provided, and it is important that there be no expectations of citizens receiving complete replacement. Mr. Hernandez stated if the full amount was received, that would be a cap of $13,000.00. Mr. Moseley was interested in local banks being encouraged to set up assistance. Mr. Gilley stated Staff is working on disbursement with the exception of clothes, and it is not yet established how the donations will be distributed. Chief O'Leary stated it may be * Council Member Doiron not present at this meeting. Council Member Moseley present at 9:15 a.m.