05/16/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

EMERGENCY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 16, 1998 Chief Bennett presented a map of the damaged areas. Generally the storm followed 2nd Avenue and crossed I35W near the prison. There was major damage in the Behm's Century Farm development. Many areas are without power due to fallen trees. Chief Pecchia explained that his personnel helped with the security by assigning roaming patrols. He also split his personnel with one group stationed north of135W and the other south of I35W. The patrols will continue until all the damaged areas are secured. Chief Pecchia said that security issues will be on-going. He noted that the Public Works Department had most roads cleaned before the end of the evening. This part of the emergency program worked better and faster than what was practiced during the emergency plan exercises. Public Works now has to deal with cleaning up the ditches and boulevards. Already, residents with major tree damage are hauling the debris to the boulevards. The City Council will be responsible for directing staff on how to handle this matter. Chief Pecchia noted that NSP has indicated that they hope to have electrical power restored to at least 95% of the area within 24 hours. They are having problems with the main electrical feeders into Lino Lakes. Chief Pecchia explained that now safety becomes the main issue for persons helping to clean up the area. These persons are, for the most part, unqualified to do this type of work. This can lead to injuries. Sunrise Park sustained major damage and crews working in this area will be faced with safety issues. Chief Pecchia explained the plan for getting information to the media and answering telephone calls from residents. The telephone at city hall will be answered by one person who will be instructed to give the same information to each caller. The information will be prepared and given to the telephone operator. A press release will be prepared for the media and Mr. Tesch is here to put the information on the cable TV. Chief Pecchia noted that the clean up crew is stretched and he is looking for some private contractors to load and haul debris for the long term. A policy will be prepared for the residents in the storm area which will include instructions to place debris on the boulevard. They will be given a deadline to complete this operation. Once the area is cleaned, the crews will not go back and the residents will have to remove the debris themselves. A dump site must be identified and an evaluation of the situation must be completed. An estimate of the clean up costs will be prepared in about two (2) weeks. Mr. Ahrens explained that the Public Works Department is ready to begin the tree removal work. All utility systems are operating, some manual controls at the well sites are being used. All lift stations except the two (2) in the most affected areas are working. Maintenance crews are shuffling between the two (2) affected lift stations with a portable generator. All utility situations are under control. Cleaning up the streets is the first goal of the Public Works Department. Mr. Ahrens is looking for a private contractor with a "clam" truck. This vehicle has a "jaw" that can pick up trees that are blocking roadways. PAGE 2