STORM AND INCIDENT READINESS AD HOC COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 5:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

City Hall Council Chamber

604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, 77571

Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the La Porte Storm and incident readiness to be held on October 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, for the purpose of considering the following agenda items. All agenda items are subject to action.

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

2.

CITIZEN COMMENT

(Generally limited to five minutes per person; in accordance with state law, the time may be reduced if there is a high number of speakers or other considerations.)

3.

Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve the minutes of the September 24, 2024, meeting.

4.

Committee Charge, Discussion, and Possible Action

Purpose:  The City of La Porte is establishing an ad hoc committee to assess and enhance the City’s preparedness for storms and other significant incidents. This committee will focus on identifying strategies to protect residents, infrastructure, and resources to ensure the City maintains a strong preparedness posture to plan for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Objectives:
The committee will review the following topics with the intent to make suggestions for improvements, implementation and/or modernization.
•    Emergency Preparedness Planning
o    Review and make recommendations to update the City’s response plans.
o    Identify potential hazards and conduct risk assessments to preparedness measures.

•    Public Communication and Education
o    Review existing public awareness campaigns for pre-incident readiness such as evacuation routes, shelter locations, and emergency procedures.
o    Review the utilization of social media and other communications platforms for real-time updates pre, during and post incident.
o    Review engagement with local small businesses to ensure resilience after incidents. 

•    Resource Allocation and Logistics
o    Review readiness for deployment of emergency supplies and equipment with the purpose of optimizing logistics for efficiency.
o    Review mutual aid agreements with neighboring cities and regions to enhance resource availability.

•    Vulnerable Population Support
o    Review plans for vulnerable groups, including seniors, assisted care facilities and home bound individuals.
o    Review outreach programs to ensure these populations are informed and prepared for storms and other incidents.
o    Review any city partnerships with community organizations that provide targeted assistance to vulnerable populations.

•    Evacuation and Shelter Planning
o    Review existing facilities for possible use as cooling stations and/or distribution sites pre and post event and ensure these sites are equipped to handle displaced residents.
o    Review/develop transportation plans for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and disabled, to ensure their safety during evacuations.

•    First Responder Coordination
o    Review training and drills for police, fire, and EMS.
o    Review communication and coordination protocols among first responders.
o    Review any rapid deployment strategies for emergency services to ensure swift and effective responses.

•    Financial Planning and Insurance
o    Review budget for emergency preparedness and recovery efforts, ensuring financial resources are available when needed.
o    Review existing plans to access federal and state disaster relief funds pre/post event.

•    Post-Event Recovery and Assessment
o    Review established procedures for debris removal and damage assessment following an incident.
o    Conduct evaluations of the City’s response to incidents, identifying lessons learned and areas for improvement.

•    Technology and Innovation
o    Review the existence or possibility to utilize data and predictive modeling to anticipate storm impacts and inform preparedness measures.
o    Review existing and new technologies, including AI and GIS systems, to enhance emergency management capabilities.
o    Review existing Emergency Operations Center (EOC) technology and capabilities. 

5.

ADJOURN

 

If, during the course of the meeting and discussion of any items covered by this notice, Storm and Incident Readiness Ad Hoc Committee determines that a closed or executive session of the Committee is required, then such closed meeting will be held as authorized by Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, Section 551.071 consultation with counsel on legal matters; Section 551.072 - deliberation regarding purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property; Section 551.073 - deliberation regarding a prospective gift; Section 551.074 - personnel matters regarding the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; Section 551.076 - implementation of security personnel or devices; Section 551.087 - deliberation regarding economic development negotiation; Section 551.089 - deliberation regarding security devices or security audits, and/or other matters as authorized under the Texas Government Code. If a closed or executive session is held in accordance with the Texas Government Code as set out above, the Committee will reconvene in open session in order to take action, if necessary, on the items addressed during executive session.

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids or services are requested to contact the City Secretary's Office (281-470-5019), three working days prior to the meeting for appropriate arrangements.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code Sec. 551.127, on a regular, non-emergency basis, members may attend and participate in the meeting remotely by video conference. Should that occur, a quorum of the members will be physically present at the location noted above on this agenda.

CERTIFICATE

I, Lee Woodward, City Secretary, do hereby certify that a copy of the October 22, 2024, Storm and Incident Readiness Ad Hoc Committee agenda was posted on the City Hall bulletin board, a place convenient and readily accessible to the general public at all times, and to the City's website, www.LaPorteTX.gov, in compliance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code.

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