Emergency management and CDC outline plans to formalize COAD for storms and recovery

Emergency Management Director Tom Dunn and Executive Director Thomas described steps to formalize a Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) to coordinate volunteer groups, faith-based organizations and private vendors in storm response and long-term recovery.

Dunn said informal coordination began in 2024 and that the group now plans bylaws, policies and a membership structure so it can seek grant funding and operate as a formal entity. "We started just probably back in 2024," he said, describing how the group worked informally to help residents with tree removal and other immediate needs.

Thomas and Dunn outlined a three-layer approach to resources: member organizations to serve as the first line of response, private-sector partners (vendors and rental companies) to fill gaps, and grant/donation funds as a third layer. Thomas said one faith-based member has pledged to fund the removal cost of two trees (about $20,000) if needed.

Board members pressed for clarity on legal structure and accountability. One member asked whether the town or the nonprofit would have instant responsibility for response; Dunn and Thomas said the COAD would be an independent nonprofit with the town serving in a supporting role and that the COAD will have a seat in the town's emergency operations center for coordination.

The board discussed pre-positioning equipment, formal agreements with local tree vendors and the home-repair program as potential partners. Thomas said proposed bylaws will be sent to legal for review in early December.

Ending: The board supported formalizing the COAD and asked staff to circulate proposed bylaws and vendor partnership ideas for legal review and later approval.