Labette County was proclaimed as a state of local disaster at Monday’s county commission meeting.
Labette County Emergency Coordinator Jim Cook told the commission that more rains were in the forecast which would bring re-occuring flooding to the area. “Any serious winds can uproot trees and utility poles,” he said. “If this resolution is already in place, for instance, utility companies can move forward immediately and fix the problem,” Cook said.
The rains on April 25 and 26 started the problems in the area. “We are staying ahead of the game based on the exceptional rainfall and flooding,” Cook said.
Four other counties have declared disasters last week including Cherokee County.
The resolution #2009-10A and proclamation states that the Board of County Commissioners finds that certain conditions have caused, or eminently threaten to cause widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property in disaster proportion in Labette County. The resolution will remain in effect for a period of seven days unless terminated earlier or renewed by consent of the governing body.
IN OTHER ACTION at Monday’s meeting:
• A letter was received from Day & Zimmerman (at Army Ammunition Plant) of an intent to lay off employees with permanent elimination of positions and employees in the Labette County facility. It could affect up to 100 people. The last day of work is June 25.
• Jeanette Houston, R.N., asked questions concerning preventative measures in juveniles. She was doing a school paper and works at the OSU Medical Center in Tulsa, Okla.
• Dale Goedeke, Noxious Weed Supervisor, was given approval on bid specs presented on April 24. It will now be sent out to all local and surrounding vendors. Jim Cook will work with the department head to fax out the information to the vendors. The deadline for bids is May 15 at 5 p.m., to the County Clerk’s office. Bids will be opened at the May 18 meeting.