Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves Lions' Club MOA for emergency sheltering after Civic Center issues; legal and logistics questions raised
Summary
The Commission voted to approve a memorandum of agreement with the Lions' Club of Moriarty to serve as a primary emergency shelter for winter storms and evacuations, while raising questions about liability, volunteer staffing and food safety that staff will monitor.
Emergency Management Director Samantha O'Dell presented a Memorandum of Agreement with the Lions' Club of Moriarty to provide primary emergency sheltering when needed (for example during I‑40 closures or local evacuations). O'Dell said the Lions' Club "has offered to take on the sheltering and assist us with that again" and that volunteers could provide food and staffing; the County would use its shelter trailer and supplies to equip the site.
Commissioners pressed O'Dell on logistical and liability issues, including snow‑removal of the parking area, volunteer availability, medical coverage and safe food preparation for large groups. Vice Chair Kevin McCall said liability and youth safety were concerns; County Attorney Mike Garcia said the county cannot completely contract away tort liability but observed "I don't really see a lot of likely liability in this particular instance." Commissioners approved the MOA unanimously and asked staff to coordinate operational details and confirm volunteer food‑safety practices and insurance/indemnity terms.
