HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-11 Government Operations Committee Minutes • GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
MINUTES
May li, 2004
Councilors Present: Richard Greene, Peter D'Errico, Anne Allen
Staff Present: Bob Farrar, Chief Winslow, Peter Arno, Mr. Millard, Mr. Cheverie,
Ron Gastia
Others Present: BHS Staff— Mr. Smith, Brad Newman — U.M. Student, BHS
Students, UM Faculty, UM Graduate Students, Media
The meeting convened at 5:05 p.m.
1. Presentation of Emergency Response GIS Mapping Project
• Mr. Smith discussed that his students in the Bangor High School's Senior Seminar
class, in conjunction with graduate students from the University of Maine have
been working with the Police and Fire Departments to develop computer
generated maps designed to enhance Bangor's emergency response to a variety
of critical incidents. He noted that these maps would aid in homeland security
efforts. Smith said that the students were committed to this project, spending
countless hours of their own time plotting locations with a GPS. Councilor
Greene asked for the students to stand and congratulated them with a round of
applause.
Bonnie Case, a student in the Senior Seminar class, talked about the data
collection at various shelters, the use of a GPS to map locations and the need to
return to these locations to confirm the correct plotting. Kristen Farrar presented
and explained the GPS. She discussed the learning process required to use the
GPS. Farrar then described the process of plotting and recording the locations.
Caroline Larson discussed how the students compiled their information into a
pamphlet of the emergency shelters in Bangor. Brad Newman discussed how
the group had meet with Assistant Chief Cheverie and Assistant Chief Arno to
directly assist the Fire and Police departments with their responses to
emergencies. Newman said that the group came up with five themes that
include a list of emergency shelters, a map of hazardous�facilities throughout the
city, a map of schools, a map of adult care facilities and a map that depicts
� potential national strategic drug stockpile locations throughout the city.
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Newman said that the City can use ail of the data that the students have
produced with their own GIS software that is available on the Internet in a free
download. Newman demonstrated how the software could assist the Fire and
Police departments. He also described how the Red Cross couid utilize the data
to assist in a disaster and the use of emergency shelters. The data could be very
useful during a situation where mutuai aid was utilized, as in the use of
inoculation sites.
D'Errico wanted to know if it was possible to have every property plotted into the
system. Newman said that it is possible, however it would be a huge
undertaking.
Newman presented to Deputy Chief Arno and Assistant Chief Cheverie a copy of
the emergency response map and copies of spatial data that students have
produced.
The Committee suggested that the students receive a proclamation for their
efforts.
2. Terrorism Mitigation Equipment— Funding Update �
Chief Winslow noted that approximately one year ago, the Police Department
received $437,000 from the Department of Homeland Security's State Homeland
Security Grant Program. He said that the Police Department had purchased
certain authorized equipment, but the Department would like to reprioritize other
intended purchases. Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) along with
the bomb squad approved the purchase of a bomb robot, a self-contained bomb
disposal trailer, and protective suits, totaling $165,000. Winslow said that they
had saved money buy retrofitting a trailer to accept"dirty bombs" rather than
purchasing a new one. Winslow discussed three vehicles that are currently in
use by the Police Department that need to be replaced. He would like to buy
one vehicle that can accommodate the bomb squad and the special response
team, a 25-foot heavy-duty van at approximately $140,000, and a trailer to carry
the bomb robot. Winslow said that he would like the Committee to approve this
proposed change.
The Committee approved the recommendation to purchase the van and trailer.
3. Demonstration of Police Department Bomb Robot
Green said that the Police Department recently acquired a remote control robot,
which can assist the department when dealing with highly dangerous situations, �
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� including suspected bombs. The robot was obtained using Department of
Homeland Security grant funds. Chief Winslow introduced Deputy Chief Peter
Arno, Sgt. Tom Reagan who is trained in the Andros Model F6A Robot, Lt. Ron
Gastia, OfFicer Steve Jordan who is trained in the robot, Officer Eric Tourtillotte,
and Lt. ]eff Millard who is the commander of the day crew and the tactical team.
Sgt. Reagan described the training in the use of the robot. He said that the
robot could access dangerous situations without putting an officer at risk. The
robot has the capabilities of taking pictures. Officer Jordan demonstrated the
robot, which weighs 3501bs when fully loaded, and has a lifting capacity of 15
Ibs. with its arms fully extended, 45 Ibs. with arms half way, and 80 Ibs. with
arms in close. The robot is capable of turning doorknobs, opening car doors,
and retrieving an officer that is down. Reagan said that the robot has remote x-
ray capabilities, night vision and spotlights. The robot could be ready to be on
scene in 15 minutes.
Winslow said that the biggest advantage to this piece of equipment is that they
can send the robot into areas that might be dangerous without putting an officer
at risk. Winslow noted that the Fire Department might be able to use the robot
for emergency situations.
� The Committee thanked the Department for the informative demonstration.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
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