There was a meeting of the Emergency Management Committee on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at 1 :00 p.m. at the Newington Police Department.

PRESENT: Co-Director Chief Jon D. Tretter, Co-Director Roy Greenleaf, Selectman Representative Jack O'Reilly, Building Inspector Charles Smart and Administrative Assistant Diana St. Laurent.

Chief Tretter called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

Chief Tretter told the members that he obtained an aerial photograph of Newington and the school area to be included with the generator grant request. Along with the photograph another form needed to be submitted to cover the ground breaking for the generator pad.

Jack O'Reilly said that the Selectmen signed the NIMS resolution. Chief Tretter said that he had to fill out five sections of the NIMS requirements covering the school, fire, police, highway department and emergency management. The Chief said the paperwork requires information on when the departments will be NIMS certified. There was discussion that the highway department needs to be certified by a certain date and the Newington School Principal, Helen Rist, is supposed to look into NIMS compliance for the teachers. Charlie Smart said that he has all the standard operating guidelines for all employees, SOPs or SOGs on his computer. The Chief said the highway department needs to be NIMS certified by July 1, 2010. Charlie Smart said that he is NIMS certified and is qualified to oversee the training for the highway department prior to the July date. It was mentioned that the highway department members could also take the on-line NIMS test.

2010 Budget - Chief Greenleaf said that he wanted to include funds to purchase 2 more portable lighting generators. He said that he will get a price to the Chief as soon as possible.

Chief Greenleaf asked if we were still going to proceed with the ham radio and Chief Tretter said that was one thing we did want to purchase. It was discussed that we would try to purchase the base radio and then proceed with the training. Chief Greenleaf said that, if possible, he would like to obtain funding for a mobile ham radio unit to be installed in his emergency vehicle.

There was discussion about purchasing food for the emergency center. It was suggested that we keep some MRE's in stock just as a backup. Charlie Smart said the addition to the town hall probably won't be completed until sometil"1e in the spring. There was discussion about purchasing different size collapsible pet kennels for emergency use and storing them in the new garage.

Selectman O'Reilly asked if there is an exercise being planned. Chief Tretter said that we would probably plan a table top exercise for sometime next month.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the police department.

On a Motion by Charlie Smart and seconded by Chief Tretter, the meeting was adjourned at 1 :35 p.m.

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THE TOWN OF NEWINGTON

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Established 1713

Office of Emergency Management

MINUTES OF MEETING

There was a meeting of the Emergency Management Committee on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Newington Police Department.

PRESENT: Co-Director Chief Jon D. Tretter, Co-Director Roy Greenleaf, Selectman Representative Jack O'Reilly, Building Inspector Charles Smart and Administrative Assistant Diana St. Laurent.

Chief Tretter called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

I

OLD BUSINESS

Chief Tretter told the members that he obtained an aerial photograph of Newington and the school area to be included with the generator grant request. Along with the photograph another form needed to be submitted to cover the ground breaking for the generator pad.

Jack O'Reilly said that the Selectmen signed the NIMS resolution. Chief Tretter said that he had to fill out five sections of the NIMS requirements covering the school, fire, police, highway department and emergency management. The Chief said the paperwork requires information on when the departments will be NIMS certified. There was discussion that the highway department needs to be certified by a certain date and the Newington School Principal, Helen Rist, is supposed to look into NIMS compliance for the teachers. Charlie Smart said that he has all the standard operating guidelines for all employees, SOPs or SOGs on his computer. The Chief said the highway department needs to be NIMS certified by July 1, 2010. Charlie Smart said that he is NIMS certified and is qualified to oversee the training for the highway department prior to the July date. It was mentioned that the highway department members could take the on-line NIMS test.

2010 Budget - Chief Greenleaf said that he wanted to include funds to purchase 2 more portable lighting generators. He said that he will get a price to the Chief as soon as possible. There was discussion about purchasing some pet kennels for emergency use and storing them in the new garage.

Chief Greenleaf asked if we were still going to proceed with the ham radio and Chief Tretter said that was one thing we did want to purchase. It was discussed that we would try to purchase the base radio and then proceed with the training. Chief Greenleaf said that, if possible, he would like to obtain funding for a mobile ham radio unit to be installed in his emergency vehicle.

There was discussion about purchasing food for the emergency center. It was suggested that we keep some MRE's in stock just as a back up. Charlie Smart said the addition to the town hall probably won't be completed until sometime in the spring. There was discussion about purchasing different size collapsible pet kennels for emergency use and storing them in the new garage.

Selectman O'Reilly asked if there is an exercise being planned. Chief Tretter said that we would probably plan a table top exercise for sometime next month.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the police department.

On a Motion by Charlie Smart and seconded by Chief Tretter, the meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.     

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                                                               THE TOWN OF NEWINGTON

                     NEW HAMPSHIRE

                                                                      Established 1713

                                                           Office of Emergency Management

                                                                  MINUTES OF MEETING

There was a meeting of the Emergency Management Committee on Thursday, September 10, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Newington Police Department.

PRESENT: OEM Director Chief Jon Tretter, Selectman Jack O'Reilly, Fire Chief Roy Greenleaf, Building Inspector Charlie Smart.

Guest Speakers: Pete Corbett from Exeter Hospital and the Eastern Rockingham County ARES Group and Sullivan Scott from Timberlane and the Eastern Rockingham County ARES Group.

I

CALL TO ORDER

Chief Tretter called the meeting to order at 1:09 p.m.

II

MINUTES OF MEETING

On a MOTION by Jack O'Reilly and seconded by Charlie Smart, the committee members voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the August 13, 2009, meeting as written.

Chief Tretter had the guest speakers introduce themselves. Chief Tretter asked Mr. Corbett and Mr. Scott to explain what the benefits would be to having ham radio access at the OEM Center.

Mr. Scott and Mr. Corbett both described the ham radio systems extensively and the benefits should a crisis arise locally or state-wide. It was pointed out that should all other methods of communication fail, the ham radio system is a good back up system. Mr. Scott pointed out that many other emergency responders are looking into installing ham radio equipment should a crisis exist and back-up communication is needed. Mr. Scott also made the point that should a crisis arise, most emergency personnel are tied up with emergency situations and unable to "man" the radio system, and that's when the amateur ham radio operators can be contacted to assist. Mr. Corbett stated that the ham radio system does not replace the existing systems that emergency personnel now have, but it is a good back-up system should there be an infra-structure problem. Charlie Smart said that the ice storm of last winter prompted his interest in the ham radio back-up system since Newington periodically lost radio communications and phone service. Mr. Corbett stated that you have to be licensed to operate the ham radio system. Chief Tretter asked if the OEM needs to apply for a license, and Mr. Corbett said that the center would not need a license, but each operator has to complete a course and be officially licensed. Chief Greenleaf asked about the use of a ham radio in a mobile unit and he was told it is possible to set up a mobile system. It was suggested that an update-survey of the police department antenna be done prior to installing any ham radio equipment.

There was discussion about training and licensing for individuals and what the cost of the training would be. Mr. Corbett said that the only charge is the cost of the materials for the students. Mr. Scott said that there is no charge for any of their services and they would be glad to conduct a training session in the near future. Chief Tretter and Selectman O'Reilly said that they will be looking into funding for the equipment through the 2010 Emergency Management Budget. Mr. Scott suggested that we also look into grants from Homeland Security.

The next meeting of the OEM Committee is scheduled for October 15^th at 1:00 p.m. at the police department.

On a MOTION by Charlie Smart and seconded by Selectman O'Reilly, the meeting was adjourned.

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                                        THE TOWN OF NEWINGTON

                                               NEW HAMPSHIRE

                                             MINUTES OF MEETING

There was a meeting of the Emergency Management Committee on Thursday, August 13, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Newington Police Department.

PRESENT: Chief Jon Tretter, Director of OEM, Fire Chief Roy Greenleaf, Building Inspector Charlie Smart, Selectman Jack O'Reilly, State OEM Representative Cindy Richards, and Administrative Assistant Diana St. Laurent.

Chief Tretter called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m.

I

MINUTES OF MEETING

On a MOTION by Selectman Jack O'Reilly and seconded by Chief Tretter, the Committee members voted to accept the minutes from the July 9, 2009, meeting as written.

II

OLD BUSINESS

A. Ham Radio Info - Charlie Smart provided copies of the proposal for providing ham radio equipment for Exeter and Portsmouth Hospitals so the committee could get a look at what would be involved in getting ham radio equipment for the OEM Center in Newington. There was discussion about whether there would be a need for a new antenna and Charlie Smart said that could be determined when there is a site evaluation. Charlie Smart said the certified ham operators are willing to attend the next OEM meeting to answer questions and set up training and that right now they are working with Portsmouth and Exeter Hospitals and their equipment needs. Cindy Richards said she believes there are federal grants available for installing the equipment in hospitals around the country. Charlie Smart pointed out the stores listed which carry the ham radio equipment. Chief Tretter and Charlie Smart agreed that the equipment is not very expensive. Charlie Smart said that there are at least 6 or 8 people willing to be trained as ham operators. Chief Greenleaf said that some of his firemen are willing to be certified and asked how long the course is. Charlie Smart told Chief Greenleaf that the course is 12 hours. Charlie Smart told Chief Tretter that Peter Corbett, Chris Sloane and Sullivan Scott are willing to come to one of our meetings and arrange training. Chief Tretter asked Charlie Smart if he would contact the men and arrange for them to be present at our next meeting.

B. Generator for School - Charlie Smart said that the elementary school has a 400 amp service and would need a larger generator than at the fire department. Charlie said that Narto Maldini will be giving him an updated quote soon. The Chief asked if the amount estimated for the generator was $35,000 and Charlie Smart said that he believes that will just about cover the cost. Selectman O'Reilly said that he has been in contact with the business manager for the school and he was told that the school has some money left from the school bond for matching funds toward the generator. Selectman O'Reilly said the only two things they asked for is that we coordinate the work, which we are, and that they get to pick the location. Selectmen O'Reilly said they will sending a letter. Selectman O'Reilly said that the school will then be used as a back-up emergency shelter.

Chief Tretter said that to complete the paperwork for the grant he will need an estimate from Maldini and the generator clearly fits into the federal authorized equipment. Selectman O'Reilly asked Cindy Richards if there would be a problem with the fact that the SAU owns the building. Cindy Richards suggested that the Town do a letter to the School Board letting them know that the generator belongs to the town and if the school is no longer used for an emergency shelter, the generator would be removed. Ms. Richards said she would look into the matter further to see if there are any other issues that need to be addressed. There was discussion about the possible location of the generator and Chief Greenleaf said there is already a cement pad down near the dumpsters, but it was never used. Selectman O'Reilly said that the school business manager asked that the generator be enclosed by a fence to keep the kids from climbing on it, and Charlie Smart said that would not be a problem.

There was discussion about obtaining more cots for the emergency shelter. Chief Tretter said that he would contact Mike Sullivan at the Air National Guard to see if they have cots available for use in an emergency. Chief Greenleaf requested that funding for generators with emergency lighting be put in the 2010 OEM budget.

There was no new OEM business.

The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.

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                                                               THE TOWN OF NEWINGTON

                                                           Office of Emergency Management

                                                                   MINUTES OF MEETING

There was a meeting of the Emergency Management Committee on Thursday, July 9, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Newington Police Department.

PRESENT: Police Chief Jon D. Tretter, Fire Chief Roy Greenleaf, Building Inspector Charlie Smart, Selectman Jack O'Reilly, State OEM Representative Cindy Richards, and Administrative Assistant Diana St. Laurent.

Chief Tretter called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

Chief Tretter asked for the status of all the important generators in town. Charlie Smart said that since they replaced the gas valve on the Town Hall generator, the generator starts when it is supposed to. Charlie Smart told the Chief that it is anticipated that the new generator at the fire department will be hooked by the middle of next week. Chief Greenleaf asked if the school would be getting a new generator so it could be used as a back-up emergency shelter. Selectman O'Reilly said that he doubted the school would budget for a generator. Selectman O'Reilly said that they had talked about the school being used as a shelter, but the budget committee would not approve the funds. Cindy Richards said that it may be possible to get a 50-50 grant for a generator to be used at a "back-up" emergency shelter since they recently changed the criteria for the grants. Cindy Richards said she would verify the availability of funds for a second generator for the school as a secondary shelter. Cindy said there are some pre-requisites such as the town's contingency plan and hazardous mitigation plan being up to date and also the web-based NIMS requirements. Cindy said the town does not need to be fully compliant, but it is used as an assessment tool and you need to be in the process of becoming 100 compliant and the paperwork needs to be attached to the application. Cindy said she will look into the matter and e-mail the application to Chief Tretter.

Chief Greenleaf asked Cindy if there are grants available for emergency lighting packages. Cindy told the Chief to go on line and check the authorized equipment list for emergency equipment. Cindy said she would check into the lighting packages attached to a generator.

Chief Tretter said that he purchased a double-door cabinet for emergency food items and it is temporarily stored in the sally port at the police department.

Chief Tretter asked Charlie Smart if he got a price on purchasing a ham radio for the OEM center. Charlie Smart told the Chief that you can purchase a radio from $149 to a couple of thousand dollars. Charlie Smart asked Cindy Richards if there is a grant available to purchase a ham radio, and she said she would look into it. Charlie Smart said that when Charlie Corbette, the contact at Port City Radio, returns from vacation, he will coordinate with him a time to hold a training class for ham radio licensing.

Chief Tretter said that he will be in contact with Chief Greenleaf to work on a table-top exercise for this September, which will activate the EOC upstairs.

Cindy Richards said that there will be a shelter workshop for managers on July 29, 2009, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Portsmouth. Chief Tretter, Chief Greenleaf and Selectman O'Reilly said they would be interested in attending.

The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

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Office of Emergency Management

MINUTES OF MEETING

There was a meeting of the Emergency Management Committee of Thursday, June 11, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Newington Police Department.

PRESENT: Co-Director Jon Tretter, Co-Director Roy Greenleaf, Selectman Jack O'Reilly, Building Inspector Charlie Smart and Adm. Assistant Diana St. Laurent.

Chief Tretter called the meeting to order at 1:04 p.m.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

On a MOTION by Selectman O'Reilly and seconded by Chief Tretter, the members voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the May 14, 2009, meeting.

Chief Tretter said he reviewed the emergency response plan for Great Bay Services and signed it.

Charlie Smart told the members that he received his ham radio license which is good for 10 years. Charlie Smart once again reiterated the fact that during the 2008 ice storm the only method of communication was the ham radio operators. There was a brief discussion about requesting funding in the 2010 emergency management budget for a ham radio and portable lighting for emergency use. Chief Greenleaf suggested looking into purchasing 2 more lighting packages and generators. Chief Greenleaf said that the new generator for the fire department has been received and they are waiting for a new generator pad before it can be installed. Charlie Smart said he will speak with Grey Construction to get an estimate for a shelter/roof for the new generator.

Chief Tretter said that the generator at the Town Hall appears to be running fine. Chief Greenleaf asked about the maintenance agreement on the generators and Chief Tretter told him that the contracts provide maintenance on all three generators twice a year.

Chief Tretter said that he has updated the emergency phone list and will look into updating the information on the CD ROM for the 2006 Emergency Operations Plan.

Chief Tretter asked Chief Greenleaf if he has been able to pick up the food locker at the Navy Yard. Chief Greenleaf said that he has not had a chance to do so, but will try to take care of it soon. There was discussion about purchasing ten more cots for the OEM and food products for the locker. Chief Tretter asked Charlie Smart to get a quote for purchasing the ham radio equipment. Charlie Smart said that the ham radio license takes 12 hours of class instruction and then a written test and it would be nice if there were some town residents who are qualified or would volunteer to get the license.

Chief Tretter asked the members to consider what type of exercise they want to conduct this fall, either in September or October.

On a MOTION by Charlie Smart and seconded by Jack O'Reilly, the members voted unanimously to adjourn at 1:35 p.m.

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                                      Office of Emergency Management

MINUTES OF MEETING

There was a meeting of the Emergency Management Committee on May 14, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Newington Police Department.

PRESENT: Co-Director Jon Tretter (Police Chief), Co-Director Roy Greenleaf (Fire Chief), Selectman Jack O'Reilly, Building Inspector Charlie Smart, State OEM Representative Cindy Richards, and Administrative Assistant Diana St. Laurent.

Chief Tretter called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

On a MOTION by Chief Greenleaf and seconded by Selectman O'Reilly, the Committee voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the OEM Meeting on April 9, 2009, with changes previously recommended by Selectman O'Reilly.

Chief Tretter told the members that Chief Greenleaf has located a food locker for our use to be picked up at the Portsmouth Ship yard. Chief Tretter told Cindy Richards that during the ice storm it was the first time Newington had used the emergency shelter. With so many communities state-wide needing assistance, it was not possible to obtain help from the Red Cross and most of the restaurants and stores in town had run out of food supplies. Ms. Richards told the Committee that several communities utilized their school food supplies and cafeterias and she believed the towns were reimbursed by FEMA for up to 75% of their expenses. There was discussion about difficulty getting help from the Red Cross and Ms. Richards said she believed that the Red Cross did go around to various shelters and offer food supplies. It was determined that possibly the Red Cross was unaware of the emergency shelter in Newington. Ms. Richards said that if the Town contacts the State EOC when the shelter is open in an emergency, then the EOC would notify the Red Cross. Ms. Richards said that the EOC website has a listing of all open shelters so support will be available at the various locations. Charlie Smart said that he has been attending several Public Works/Mutual Aid meetings and the ice storm brought out the realization that several problems exist when an emergency affects the entire state and neighboring states. Ms. Richards said that she heard there may be some meetings with the Public Works mutual aid program and we have a contact at our agency that works with them and I can bring this to his attention. Charlie Smart told Ms. Richards that the Chairman is Alan Cote from Derry.

There was discussion about picking up the food locker and where to store it.     Chief Tretter said that he wants to have the food locker stocked before hurricane season. Chief Tretter told the Committee that the Town has purchased 3 emergency shelter signs. There was discussion about providing shelter for animals in the new garage being built at the police department and possibly purchasing some kennels to have on hand.

Chief Tretter said that he went to a meeting at Pease and they were inquiring if any town was willing to organize an exercise. Chief Tretter asked the Committee if they were interested in volunteering for a major exercise such as a plane crash. Chief Greenleaf stated that there is no funding in OEM budget for 2009 for an exercise. Ms. Richards said that Homeland Security has 100% funding for exercises of that type with guidelines that need to be followed and evaluations that need to be done. Chief Tretter asked if the exercise has to involve a terrorist attack and Ms. Richards said she believes that is the case but that is changing. Ms. Richards recommended that if we have an exercise that we should hire an outside evaluator to do the paperwork and the final evaluation. Chief Tretter said that we should contemplate having a training exercise.

Charlie Smart asked Chief Tretter if there are any ham radio operators in town. Chief Tretter said he did not know and Charlie Smart said that he would find out. Charlie Smart said that the group is having a lot of individuals become licensed as ham operators in case there is another state- wide problem like the ice storm of 2008. Charlie Smart asked if we would consider putting a ham antenna at the police department. Charlie Smart will look into this matter further.

Chief Greenleaf said that the swine flu outbreak warning has been reduced to approximately a level 1 or 2. Chief Greenleaf discussed the difficulty of getting certification and kits from the State during the flu problem in 2005-06. Chief Greenleaf said he was unable to get the number of N-95 masks he ordered.

Both Chief Greenleaf and Charlie Smart said it was a very frustrating situation.

Chief Tretter said he will add the emergency shelter rules to the Emergency Management manual and also include a sample sign-in sheet for the emergency shelter.

On a MOTION by Chief Greenleaf and seconded by Charlie Smart, the Committee voted unanimously to adjourn at 1:45p.m.

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Office Of Emergency Management

    MINUTES OF MEETING

There was a meeting of the Emergency Management Committee on April 9, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Newington Police Department.

PRESENT: Chief Jon D. Tretter, Chief Roy Greenleaf, Selectmen Representation Jack O'Reilly, and Building Inspector Charles Smart. The Newington Elementary School principal did not attend.

Chief Tretter told the members that he has scheduled regular meetings for the second Thursday each month at 1:00 p.m. at the police department and that there is a table-top exercise tentatively scheduled for September 10, 2009. Chief Tretter stated that the meeting agenda has been posted in two locations in Town. Chief Tretter asked for suggestions for the exercise in September and Chief Greenleaf suggested doing an actual hostage scenario at the school and then doing a table-top exercise in February. Chief Tretter said that he would get in touch with Principal Rist to discuss the exercise with her.

Chief Tretter asked about the purchase of new generators. Chief Greenleaf said that 2 new Honda EP-2500 generators have been purchased. Chief Greenleaf said that Inspector Smart was involved in the purchase and the generators should be sufficient to assist home owners in an emergency situation. Chief Greenleaf said that the town now has 4 generators for emergency use. Chief Tretter asked if the generators are loaned on a "first come first served" basis, and Chief Greenleaf said yes. Chief Greenleaf said that the fire department has 5 pumps which can be used to pump out flooding cellars. Chief Greenleaf said that with the generators he will be able to free up his man power. The firemen can hook up the generators and go to the next problem, but with the pumps, the firemen need to stay and monitor the pumps.

Selectmen O'Reilly asked if the town has a trailer to carry the emergency equipment and Chief Greenleaf said that the fire department has a trailer to transport and store equipment. Chief Tretter asked if we are all set on generators and Chief Greenleaf said yes, but that he would like to consider purchasing one more next year. Inspector Smart suggested that at some point the town might want to consider purchasing a trailer mounted generator. Inspector Smart recommended a maintenance protocol be developed for the generators and Chief Greenleaf said that he has a fireman who is in charge of maintenance on the equipment.

Inspector Smart told the member to check on the NH Recovery Project website for information on the stimulus funds available and also the LGC has information on their website. Inspector Smart said he was looking into the possibility of getting money for the Mott Pond project.

Chief Tretter stated that he got some good information for emergency shelters from the Red Cross. Chief Greenleaf said that we need signage designating the town hall as an emergency shelter. Chief Tretter said that he has information on a website and requested that Chief Greenleaf look into it. Chief Tretter read a section of the Red Cross information that said they do not make provisions for animals during an emergency. However, the Federal government could refuse grant money if there are no provisions for animals. Selectman O'Reilly asked if the Red Cross makes provisions for service animals for disabled persons and Chief Tretter said yes, they do. There was discussion that the new police garage will be available for use as an animal shelter in emergency situations. Chief Tretter asked the committee to review the list of food items and their shelf life he gave them and come up with a list of food items to be stored in case of an emergency. Chief Tretter pointed out that if Newington were to have an emergency unique to Newington, there would be plenty of help available. However, in a state-wide emergency, such as the ice storm of 2008, the emergency services are not available. Chief Tretter said that we need to prepare for an emergency such as the ice storm and have 3-4 days supply of food for approximately 30 to 50 residents and once a year the food would need to be rotated. Inspector Smart said that there is going to be a small addition put on the town hall for storage and there would be room to put a cabinet to store emergency food supplies. Inspector Smart suggested that the town look into purchasing a new, larger microwave for the town hall.

The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2009, at 1:00 p.m.

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Office of Emergency Management

MINUTES OF MEETING

There was a meeting of the Emergency Management members on December 19, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.

PRESENT: Co-Director Chief Jon Tretter, Co-Director Chief Roy Greenleaf, Selectman Jack O'Reilly, Building Inspector Charles Smart, Town Administrative Assistant Beatrice Marconi, and Administrative Assistant Diana St. Laurent.

CALL TO ORDER: Chief Tretter called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss problems encountered while the emergency center was activated during the ice storm of 2008 and to discuss possible solutions to those problems.

Charlie Smart said that Portsmouth was surprised to learn that the Town of Newington has an emergency center and it was the general consensus of the members that the Town could not rely on the Red Cross during an emergency. Chief Greenleaf said that he has phone numbers for the Red Cross where the town could obtain more cots during an emergency if needed. Charlie Smart asked Chief Greenleaf how many generators are available at the Fire Department. Chief Greenleaf said that there are 3 generators. Selectman O'Reilly asked the Chief if the 3 generators were sufficient during the storm, and Chief Greenleaf said no. Chief Greenleaf said that he received a complaint from a town resident when he told him there were no more generators available. There was discussion about the town purchasing 2 or 3 more generators. Chief Greenleaf said that he would look into prices for2-3 more generators. Selectman O'Reilly said he would bring the matter up at town meeting and ask for a vote to add the funds to the 2009 OEM budget.

Chief Tretter asked Bea Marconi what problems were encountered at the shelter and if she has any suggestions to improve the running of the shelter. Ms Marconi said this was her first time running a shelter and one of the main problems was lack of food. Most of the restaurants in town ran out of food and were unable to help. She suggested it would be a good idea to have a supply of food on hand for these types of emergencies. Ms. Marconi also asked Chief Tretter if the grant from FEMA will cover the costs of the food purchased during the ice storm The Chief said that he has submitted some preliminary figures to FEMA and there is a possibility that more funds could be added to the final submission. Chief Greenleaf suggested that the town procure some military rations for the shelter since they have a long shelf life. Ms. Marconi said that there is a need to alert the residents that there is an emergency center at the Town Hall. Ms. Marconi suggested including information in the next mail out of the town newsletter. Ms. Marconi said that there is a need to have volunteers help out at the center, perhaps someone to man the telephones and someone to help with food, etc. Ms. Marconi said that the issue of animals at the shelter needs to be addressed, locating the cable hook-up for the television in a convenient place, and signage to alert residents about the shelter. Chief Tretter said that he will look into getting some guidelines that lay out some rules and regulations for emergency shelters. The Chief said he is pretty sure the vast majority of shelters do not accept pets. The Chief said that residents will have to make other arrangements for their pets. The Chief said he will check with other shelters to see what they do for food supplies.

Ms. Marconi said that there was a problem with the heating system over the ice storm weekend and Building Inspector Smart said that Brullotte is working on the system. It was also mentioned that the emergency generator had to be started manually on Friday morning and Chief Tretter said that he is in touch with Scherbon and they will be working to repair the generator. There was discussion about having the blankets cleaned and re- sealed in plastic again. Chief Tretter said that he would talk with the Cleary's representative about taking the blankets for cleaning. Chief Greenleaf said that he has some small strobes that can be made available to residents. Charlie Smart suggested that information about the strobes be put in the newsletter.

Ms. Marconi also stated that there needs to be criteria for closing the emergency center. Chief Greenleaf said that he has some material on generator safety he will make available.

The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

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