By Bob Belcher

Navarro County Commissioners on Monday authorized an inter-local agreement with the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council to receive a mobile medical unit valued at about $750,000.

The six-trailer unit, consisting of two triage/treatment buildings and a mobile command unit, plus mobile electric generators to power the facility. It is intended to be used by emergency personnel for disasters, evacuations such as those seen during hurricanes, providing health screenings at evacuation shelters, or any other event that may require “on the spot” facilities.

“This unit will be an exceptional asset for the county, with a number of different functions it can provide for us,” said Eric R. Meyers Jr., county emergency management coordinator.

Hank Hufham with the Regional Advisory Council told commissioners the unit was being placed in Navarro County because of its proximity to evacuation routes, and because of its level of preparedness in dealing with disasters through the Office of Emergency Management. It also includes mobile satellite phone and video conferencing capability should the county decide to use it. The units were designed to be able to operate as part of “Desert Storm” and are fully-field compatible, he said.

Each unit is modular in portable sections for easy transport, layout, and stand up. They are equipped with integrated flooring, plus inflator units which deliver and maintain optimal air pressure, integrated HVAC and interior lighting, and are capable of “negative pressure” for biological response support.

Hufham explained the unit’s uses include triage sites; shelter, reception, and evacuation hubs; alternative care sites; heat stress shelter; medical special needs shelter; and as a quarantine or isolation shelter.

The units are designed to help local hospitals throughout north Texas be able to handle “surge” conditions, such as those that could occur during a major evacuation or pandemic outbreak, Hufham said. Supplies for the unit are provided by the council, and are shipped as needed by the local units within a couple of hours, Hufham explained.

“I saw one of these units at a conference in San Antonio. It’s impressive,” said H.M. Davenport Jr., county judge in remarks made over the weekend. “And we can use it for what we need, not just in connection with disasters.” One such use is a county-wide health fair being planned for fall, Davenport said.

“This speaks well of ... our emergency management department,” said Kit Herrington, Precinct 1 commissioner, who presided at Monday’s meeting in Davenport’s absence. “We’ve got as good an operation as anyone in the state,” Herrington added. Davenport is at an emergency management conference.

“There is a reason besides just location that we have this,” added James Olsen, Precinct 4 commissioner. “I think Eric and his ‘bunch’ is a gigantic reason that we’re getting this here ... we’re serious in Navarro County about emergency management.”



P&Z actions approved

Replats for William and Karen Spae and Pineco, Inc. for lots in Francisco Bay Phase 1 were approved, and a replat of lots in the Shores of Richland Chambers Phase 1 was approved for James and Jane Booher.



Bridge bids to be sought

Commissioners approved advertising for bids for a new bridge on SECR 2230 in Precinct 3. David “Butch” Warren said building the bridge would be a better move than replacing a culvert that could wash out again.



Additional fire trucks to be funded

The RC/287 and Navarro Volunteer Fire Departments requested each department be funded for an additional response truck. The county typically funds each department $150 per truck, up to three trucks, monthly. Both RC/287 and Navarro will now receive funding for three trucks.



Tax collections presented

The monthly tax report from the office of Russell P. Hudson was approved. Hudson’s office reported current year tax collections of 94.3 percent.



Equipment use approved

Commissioners approved an agreement with the City of Corsicana for the use of a piece of road equipment. The work is being done in Precinct 2.



Jail dental contract renewed

At the request of Sheriff Les Cotten, commissioners approved the renewal of a contract with Dentrust Dental to provide dental services to inmates in the Navarro County Jail. Cotten explained that no “cosmetic” work was done, only caring for immediate dental health needs of inmates.



New IT employee introduced

The county’s new information technology administrator, Tommy Pryor, was introduced at Monday’s meeting. Pryor fills the position left vacant after the retirement of Rick Saunders earlier this year.

—————

Click here to e-mail Bob Belcher.

Click here to Soundoff on this story.