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Council hears storm response updates, FEMA assistance guidance and police grant plans
Summary
Public Works and public-safety leaders told the council about heavy June storms that caused yard flooding, outlined FEMA assistance procedures and described a pending federal grant for a 3D crash-scene scanner; councilors also discussed draft e-bike rules and enforcement challenges.
Town department heads used the June 23 council meeting to brief elected officials on an active storm-response effort and public-safety initiatives.
Gabe Hernandez of Public Works told the council the town has seen "probably over 12 inches of rain this month," prompting residents to report yard flooding and prompting crews to respond to multiple sites. Hernandez said crews completed work at Accrington, where crews discovered a pipe not shown on town maps; staff anticipate a change order that will reduce the contract price because they tied into existing infrastructure.
Fire Chief Shane Adams praised first responders for their storm work and described in-house training: the town began an EMT class taught locally that will finish in August, with several volunteer firefighters participating. Adams also said the department conducts community outreach at the farmers market and will staff the kid-oriented firefighter challenge at FreedomFest.
Police Chief Steve Flores described staffing and technology plans: a newly hired officer is progressing through evaluations and the department applied for a federal grant to purchase a 3D scanner to document crash and crime scenes. "We applied for a federal grant for a 3D scanner ... the device itself is like $80,000," Flores said; the application has passed initial steps and a decision is expected by October.
Council members and the chief discussed a town e-bike ordinance in development. Flores said enforcement is complicated by gaps in state law and urged education alongside enforcement, suggesting a phased approach that starts with outreach or classes for operators. Council members cited recent local crashes and injuries while urging a combination of registration, education and enforcement to increase safety.
Next steps: Public Works will continue stormwater responses and deliver any necessary change-order documentation to the council; the police department will report back on the grant outcome and proposed e-bike ordinance language when available.
