Osage Beach discusses operating storm sirens for Lake of the Ozarks State Park; state to fund activation

Chief Davis briefed the board on a request from the State Emergency Management Agency for the city to control and activate storm sirens at several Lake of the Ozarks State Park campgrounds. He said the proposed arrangement would use the city’s radio‑driven Rapid Warning activation system tied to National Weather Service polygons and would be funded by the state.

“Right now, none of the state parks in Missouri, with the exception of one or two up in the Saint Louis area, have storm sirens to warn their campers and visitors,” Chief Davis said. He told the board the state initially reached out to Camden County but that local emergency management does not operate storm sirens; the city is the closest municipality and the state requested the city handle activations.

Board members asked whether the MOU would transfer maintenance responsibility or long‑term cost to the city. Chief Davis said the city’s role would be activation only: the state would fund the sirens and the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) would cover purchase and operation; the city would not assume maintenance or repair responsibilities under the proposed arrangement.

Council members asked follow‑up questions about future costs and whether nearby municipalities have similar systems. Chief Davis reiterated that activation would be handled by the Rapid Warning system and that additional agreements and an MOU would be brought back to the board as needed.

No action was taken beyond direction to explore MOUs and report back with potential agreements.