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St. Clair OKs MOU with Sinclair R-13 to use performing arts center as storm shelter
Summary
The board approved a memorandum allowing the Sinclair R-13 high school performing arts center to serve as a storm shelter (not a warming center); the school’s insurance covers facility damage and the shelter can be opened by officers or staff.
The St. Clair Board of Aldermen on Nov. 17 approved a memorandum of understanding with the Sinclair R-13 School District to allow public use of the high school performing arts center as an emergency storm shelter.
Administrator Wilson told the board that the agreement covers only storm events (tornadoes or high-wind emergencies) and is not intended to create a warming center or a general public distribution site for water. The school district has already voted to approve the arrangement and the school’s insurance carrier is aware the facility will be used as a storm shelter.
Wilson said the city’s role would be to open the facility; it can be opened by an officer or city staff (including the emergency manager) or by school staff. He cautioned that during a disaster officers will be busy and the shelter may sometimes be unmanned; he emphasized the school’s insurance covers storm-related damage and other property damage.
The board read Bill 2025-49 by title for first and second reading and voted to adopt it; the bill became Ordinance 2244. The administrator recommended the city advertise the shelter availability in an emergency and incorporate the location into the local emergency plan.
