Emergency Services Commission Meeting

April 13, 2022

Virtual via Zoom

 

 

Chairman Carmen called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m., with the following members virtually present:

Chairman Fred Carmen,

Vice Chair Patrick Davis,

Roy P. Gilmore.

 

Also attending:

 

Chief Jim Codespote – Laurel Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Rich Takacs – Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad

Vice President Mike Skidmore -- Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad

Deputy Chief Mark Plazinski – Laurel Police Department

Major John Hamilton Jr. --  Laurel Police Department

Danny Selby – Fire Marshal and Permit Services

Christina L. Cornwell – City of Laurel - Emergency Manager

Laura Christoplos – Administrative Assistant

 

 

 

Staff Reports:

 

Christina L. Cornwell, Emergency Management:

Ms. Cornwell reminded everyone that Financial Disclosure Statements are due by the end of the month.

Laurel’s Community Rating is Class 7. Prince George’s County is a Class 5.

Steve Allen has retired from the City of Laurel and Danny Selby has replaced him as head of FMPS.

The Patuxent River Study should be out in 4-8 weeks.

The City was awarded a $25,000 Emergency Services Grant which needs to be spent by the end of the fiscal year (June 30). Chrissy will send out the applications by this Friday. The Commission decided to have a May meeting to go over the  applications for the funds.

Ms. Cornwell suggested that once these funds are allocated the Commission look at some goals and objectives for 2022-2023 to make sure that they are meeting these deadlines going forward.

ARPA money is funneled through OEM.

 

Danny Selby Fire Marshal and Permit Services:

FMPS is very busy with permit services. Three big projects are Laurel Overlook, Patuxent Greens and Westside.

 

Deputy Chief Mark Plazinski Laurel Police Department:

Updated the Commission on recent police activity.Car rally problems were discussed.

Hiring is an ongoing process. Laurel has a edge over other local departments since officers in Laurel can get training in a variety of different departments.

LPD has been doing lots of community engagement work and coordination with local churches.

The Citizen Academy is kicking off next week.

 

Department of Public Works:

Not in attendance.

 

Chief Jim Codespote, Laurel Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD):

LVFD is continuing to work closely with Laurel Rescue Company 49 and sharing staffing. There was discussion about how that was not always the case.

LVFD had EMS Surge Plan funds from the City.

LVFD really appreciate the work that LPD does. LVFD runs quite a few calls for injuries from domestics, and LPD secures the scene so that they feel safe.

Welcome Danny. LVFD has been doing some preplanning with Evolution and Emerson Apartment complexes. They might need some help from the Fire Marshall’s office on some markings LVFD wants them to do. Captain Cox had sent an email to FMPS abut some of the things that were seen there. LVFD would like to meet with FMPS about these concerns

Like everyone else, there are problems finding volunteers. There are some new members, but while they are moving through the process LVFD is still struggling.

Fourth of July and Main Street Festival activities are being planned.

 

Deputy Chief Rich Takacs Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad (LVRS):

LPD has been sourcing video footage from LVRS lately.

LVRS has just completed using the City Surge funds to augment and provide additional ambulance coverage.

LVRS obtained City funds to start a volunteer paramedic program which has been initiated. There are 3 applicants so far.

Restrictions that limited new applicants to LVRS have been lifted and there are a number of new members in the mill.

Water assets will be out for the Fourth of July. They were out for the Riverwalk cleanup and the Laurel Lakes cleanup.

 

Chairman Carmen opened and closed the General Public hearing at 8:01 p.m. with no one wishing to speak.

 

The next meeting was scheduled for May 11 at 7 PM to discuss appropriations for public safety agencies. After that meetings will be every other month for the rest of the year.

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, on a motion by Chairman Carmen, seconded by Vice Chair Davis the meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

 

                                                                                                 

 

 

_________________________                                                    May 5, 2022

Laura Christoplos Administrative Assistant II