Union County Emergency Management director Jim Franklin presented a draft of the county's updated multi-hazard mitigation plan to Union County Commissioners at their May 20 meeting.

Franklin informed commissioners he just received a final draft and is currently reviewing it. If Franklin accepts the draft, he will send it on to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. If IDHS approves the draft, it will be sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for final approval.

Franklin explained multi-hazard mitigation plans have primarily addressed natural hazards. In this latest plan, man-made threats have been addressed, including cyberattacks, active aggressor, radiological event or supply chain disruptions. The revision was funded by a grant that will reimburse $19,000 of costs with the requirement of a $6,486 local match. 

In the revision of the multi-hazard mitigation plan, Frankin noticed the county's travel advisory ordinance only addresses winter weather events: snow and ice. Franklin referenced Wayne County's ordinance, which covers issues such as flooding, high winds and tornadoes. Union County Commissioner Tim Williams asked if that updated ordinance would allow the county to address localized emergencies such as high water in a dry ford, of which there are four in the county. Franklin replied that would be considered flooding and presented examples of past emergencies, including flooding off of Clifton Road.

“Right now the travel advisory only states winter weather, and it's rather simple as you see. I don't know if we need to go into as much detail as Wayne County, that'd be up to you guys, but we need to at least include all types of road hazards,” said Franklin.

Williams asked if just those four fords are flooded, would the county issue an warning. Franklin replied a travel advisory can be issued for any specific area it is needed. Williams noted with winter weather, it is always a county-wide condition. Franklin noted even under the current ordinance, an advisory could be issues for just a specific area.

Commissioner Howard Curry made a motion to ask county legal counsel Jim Williams to review the county's current travel advisory and consider expanding it. Commissioners voted to approve.

Also discussed:
- Curry inquired with local auctioneers about the potential to sell off the county highway department's old Gradall excavator and the coroner's old Chevrolet Suburban. Abernathy Auction offered to include the vehicles in a sale in June; commissioners agreed to consign the vehicles with Abernathy.