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City Manager Frank Frazier discussed a few of the key bullet points of the October 14 Henderson City Council meeting on WIZS’ Town Talk last week, including:
Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations Plan
Brian Short, director of the Henderson-Vance Emergency Operations Center, is currently working with local law enforcement and fire personnel to update the emergency operations plan in light of recent enhancements to 911 and GPS tracking.
In August, H-V Emergency Operations upgraded to a new telecommunications system known as “Next Generation 911,” allowing for faster digital communication between the public, participating 911 centers and emergency personnel.
In addition to faster call processing, Short said in a previous interview with WIZS that the Next Generation infrastructure will eventually allow for video chats with callers, improved 911 texting speed and faster identification of GPS coordinates.
While faster GPS identification will save precious time in an emergency, Frazier said the City and County are working together on updating addresses in the system and discussing ways to better physically identify properties.
“We aren’t looking at changing anyone’s address,” explained Frazier. “We have some residents that currently do not physically present their address in a location that fire, police or other emergency services can quickly identify.”
Frazier said street numbers posted on mailboxes or the front of homes can save time in an emergency situation and will be a topic of discussion for the City moving forward.
Enforcing Minimum Housing Codes
With the recent hiring of an additional full-time code enforcer, Frazier said the City is beginning to ramp up enforcement of dwellings not meeting minimum housing standards.
Demolition of two dwellings – 302 Harriett Street and 726 College Street – were approved at the October City Council meeting. According to Frazier, the owners of the properties requested and were granted 60 days to bring the units up to code before demolition begins.
For additional information on building codes, please visit the City of Henderson’s code compliance site (click here).
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Following a scheduled public hearing with no one speaking in favor of or in opposition to updates to a local flood ordinance, the City Council approved proposed amendments.
Changes to the ordinance mirror recommendations made by the State of NC, and will keep Henderson eligible for assistance if a qualifying situation occurs.
While the rules and regulations for what qualifies for FEMA assistance and grants after a flood remain “very restrictive,” Frazier said improved mapping completed after the destruction of Hurricane Floyd in 1999 makes it easier to determine if your home or business is located in a flood zone.
“Henderson is primarily at the top of the ridge and we don’t have as many flood plain areas as other communities,” Frazier said. “We do have better mapping now and, with minor revisions to the flood ordinance, we are in much better shape than we were years ago to handle this responsibility.”
Purchase of Bulletproof Vests for the Henderson Police Department
The Henderson Police Department will soon be receiving new bulletproof vests thanks to approximately $8,000 in budgeted federal money.
“Bulletproof vests have an expiration date and have to be replaced,” said Frazier. We are sticking to the guidelines to keep our officers safe and equipped with the best.”
To hear Frazier’s Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click here. Frazier’s segment begins at the 15:00 mark. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.