Conroe Courier - News
Montgomery gets ready for next emergency
By Brad Meyer
MONTGOMERY – Hurricane Ike will cost the city of Montgomery around $100,000 for overtime pay and repairs to roads and utility systems, city officials estimate.
While they are generally pleased with the city’s response to the challenges of the hurricane and its aftermath, officials and City Council members laid the groundwork for better emergency preparation during a regular meeting Tuesday night.
Power generators, communications and access to fuel are three things council members agreed would have helped local government operate more efficiently during the week following the storm.
“Like most of the county, we were caught short,” City Administrator Brant Gary said. “There was considerable property damage done to homes and businesses, but no serious injuries or loss of life.”
Overtime salaries, road damage from water and heavy machinery and damage to the city’s water and sewer system will cost the city an estimated $100,000, Gary said.
Without power, phones and fuel, however, city officials were challenged to address the needs of residents, and council members discussed ways the community could better prepare for future emergencies.
Increased coordination with Montgomery County officials is essential, Gary said. No distribution of food, ice and water from the Federal Emergency Management Agency was established in Montgomery until Mayor Travis Mabry contacted Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador to create a point of distribution site at Montgomery Junior High School.
“The response from our police, public works and city staff was exceptional,” he said. “But we need to coordinate better with the county’s Emergency Operations Center.”
City officials also want to acquire additional power generators either through purchase or a special on-demand lease agreement. Providing power for City Hall, sewer lift stations and other services is essential, officials said.
Rather than rely on retail fuel outlets, city officials are considering acquiring the city’s own gas and diesel fuel tanks. Mabry said an independent, gravity-fed fuel depot would ensure availability of fuel in the face of limited power and be a more cost-efficient way to operate city vehicles and equipment in an ongoing basis.
Because many telephone landlines were taken down by Ike and cell phone service was spotty at best, Gary said, officials hope to encourage a citizen-initiated block captain program to facilitate neighborhood communication. Gary also discussed interest in a reverse 9-1-1 system to notify residents of impending emergencies and provide information on municipal directives. Gateway signage along Texas 105 and Texas 149 is also being considered.
Gary announced the Historic Montgomery Business Association is accepting applications from residents who need help to repair, restore or replace property damaged during Hurricane Ike.
“In addition to the federal and county support, it’s good to see a local initiative available to help local residents in need,” Gary said.
For more information on the HMBA assistance program, visit www.hmba.biz or call (936) 597-5004.
What’s next?
The next regular meeting of the Montgomery City Council will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Montgomery City Hall, located at 101 Old Plantersville Rd.
While they are generally pleased with the city’s response to the challenges of the hurricane and its aftermath, officials and City Council members laid the groundwork for better emergency preparation during a regular meeting Tuesday night.
Power generators, communications and access to fuel are three things council members agreed would have helped local government operate more efficiently during the week following the storm.
“Like most of the county, we were caught short,” City Administrator Brant Gary said. “There was considerable property damage done to homes and businesses, but no serious injuries or loss of life.”
Overtime salaries, road damage from water and heavy machinery and damage to the city’s water and sewer system will cost the city an estimated $100,000, Gary said.
Without power, phones and fuel, however, city officials were challenged to address the needs of residents, and council members discussed ways the community could better prepare for future emergencies.
Increased coordination with Montgomery County officials is essential, Gary said. No distribution of food, ice and water from the Federal Emergency Management Agency was established in Montgomery until Mayor Travis Mabry contacted Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador to create a point of distribution site at Montgomery Junior High School.
“The response from our police, public works and city staff was exceptional,” he said. “But we need to coordinate better with the county’s Emergency Operations Center.”
City officials also want to acquire additional power generators either through purchase or a special on-demand lease agreement. Providing power for City Hall, sewer lift stations and other services is essential, officials said.
Rather than rely on retail fuel outlets, city officials are considering acquiring the city’s own gas and diesel fuel tanks. Mabry said an independent, gravity-fed fuel depot would ensure availability of fuel in the face of limited power and be a more cost-efficient way to operate city vehicles and equipment in an ongoing basis.
Because many telephone landlines were taken down by Ike and cell phone service was spotty at best, Gary said, officials hope to encourage a citizen-initiated block captain program to facilitate neighborhood communication. Gary also discussed interest in a reverse 9-1-1 system to notify residents of impending emergencies and provide information on municipal directives. Gateway signage along Texas 105 and Texas 149 is also being considered.
Gary announced the Historic Montgomery Business Association is accepting applications from residents who need help to repair, restore or replace property damaged during Hurricane Ike.
“In addition to the federal and county support, it’s good to see a local initiative available to help local residents in need,” Gary said.
For more information on the HMBA assistance program, visit www.hmba.biz or call (936) 597-5004.
What’s next?
The next regular meeting of the Montgomery City Council will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Montgomery City Hall, located at 101 Old Plantersville Rd.
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