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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-2026 Meeting Minutes LEPC Person County Department of Emergency Services Office of Emergency Management 216 West Barden Street Roxboro, NC 27574 Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Meeting Minutes 23 FEB 2026 – 1600 – EDC Conference Room Staff Present: Thom Schwalenberg Members Present: Elected Official Kyle Puryear Law Enforcement David Hess First Responder Kenneth Torain Emergency Management Shawn Bradsher Health Josh Holland Broadcast/Communications Media Kim Strickland Print Media Kelly Snow Emergency Medical Services Heather Chandler Transportation Jason Watson Community Group Jason Torian Facility Owner/Operator Tony Creson Rescue Squad Aron Lapin Facility Owner/Operator #2 Beth Townsend Guests: W. Brent Fisher – NCEM, Bryan Eatmon, Person County EDC Welcome, Call to Order, Introductions Meeting was called to order by Division Chief Bradsher at 4 p.m. in the Person County Economic Development Conference Room. There was a brief time of introduction by committee members, staff and guest. Adjustment to Agenda – Comments & Approval of Minutes Division Chief Chandler shared an update on plans for the World Record CPR Day on February 25, 2026. Planned public sites include Bethel Hill Charter School, Roxboro Community School (Middle School), Person Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Community College, Furniture Mart, Person County Office Building, Courthouse Square, Uptown Mobile Unit (visiting uptown stores), Golden Corral, Senior Center, Lowe’s and Walmart. Beth Townsend made the motion to approve the minutes from the December 15, 2025, meeting. Aron Lapin seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. 1. LEPC Reauthorization Status – NCEM Approval Director Schwalenberg shared an update from NCEM. The Reauthorization Status from the December meeting needs to be dated and signed. There was a question to the Bylaws about Public Access Procedures (Appendix A, Section 3) so the language needs to be reviewed. Another question about Request Response Procedures needs clarification. 2. TIER 2 Reporting Director Schwalenberg reported that 42 Tier 2 companies reported last year. As of February 23, 2026, 23 companies have reported. The deadline in March 1, 2026. 3. Emergency Response Plan Feedback Chief Hess provided feedback but no other comments have been received. Director Schwalenberg requested any additional comments be sent to him by March 15. 4. Annual Public Notification Process This process must be completed by the end of March, 2026. 5. January Winter Storm AAR Review Director Schwalenberg shared an overview of the After Action Review from the January 2026 Winer Storm. This was the first Emergency Operations Center standup in five years and the first Shelter Operations since 2014. Jason Torian asked about the coordination of Emergency Management with faith-based organizations during the incident and considered that an opportunity for improvement for the next event. Chief Torain explained to the committee how the fire department buildings and staffing protocols are equipped for events such as the storm but they are not staffed or built to house the public during a storm due to equipment storage and call-out needs. 6. Incidents Director Schwalenberg shared an overview of several incidents that occurred in the first two months of the year: a. 29 JAN – Sulfur Dioxide Release occurred at Duke Energy when an equipment malfunction released sulfur dioxide, there was no public threat. b. 15 FEB – Conveyor Belt Fire at Duke Energy but it was not a significant incident. An After Action Review was completed and the biggest issue identified was public safety access balanced with security protocols. c. 16 FEB – Diesel Fuel Leak – MVC occurred when a tractor trailer jackknifed, dumping 80 gallons of diesel fuel on the road. There were no waterway impacts and CEFFO Fire & Rescue handled the incident appropriately. 7. Industry Updates a. Voltage Open House: This will not be large storage of hazmat but a large lithium battery set-up (not stored), which will be significant for public safety b. Duke Energy Combined Cycle Units Groundbreaking: This was a successful event, ground clearing, 200+ blasts scheduled, 1,400 employees once construction begins c. Boise Cascade: Building is for sale. d. Moriah Energy Center: No significant update. e. Western Sewer Expansion: Previous incident, weekly updates on project, OSHA report still pending f. Other: None 8. Training a. NCEM Area 6 Meeting – 12 FEB – ESF-2 CONOPS and Capabilities: Focused on communications b. Hazard Vulnerability Assessment Training – 23 FEB: NCEMS Required Training c. NCEM Conference 16-18 MAR: Division Chief Bradsher and Director Schwalenberg plan to attend d. Agricultural HAZMAT Course – Northampton County – 24 MAR 1900-2100: Engaging Agriculture partners and first responder community. If there is a large interest, we can work with Cooperative Extension to bring training to Person County. e. CAMEO and ALOHA: Questions about local fire departments interested in program f. Alternative Fueled Vehicles Course: Director Schwalenberg is trying to get this course in Person County. g. Other: None 9. Future Meetings a. May 18, 2026 b. August 17, 2026 c. November 16, 2026 10. Person County Office of Emergency Management Updates Director Schwalenberg shared praise for CEFFO Fire & Rescue for their response to the diesel leak after MVC. 11. North Carolina Office of Emergency Management Updates Brent Fisher shared several updates and responded to topics raised during other portions of the meeting: a. Spring conference b. FY25 EMPG grants (there is a lawsuit on previous grants which provided new MOUs – 3 years) c. Keep your quotes updated, this helps secure project d. PACE planning – can use everyday e. NCEM can offer training on effective After Action Review process. f. Be careful with transportation from assisted living facilities. They should have their own transportation plans during significant events. g. There is Damage Assessment training available. h. Make sure you are documenting all expenses. i. The State has a Debris Monitoring and Removal contract that any county can enter. j. If someone is required to register with the State, what do we do when they show up at a sheltering facility during an incident? 12. Comments from Committee Members No additional comments other than Division Chief Chandler at beginning of meeting. 13. Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 4:58 p.m.