HomeMy WebLinkAbout20081744.tiff PRESS CONFERENCE SUMMARY
John Cooke, Weld County Sheriff, stated a series of tornadoes have touched down in various
locations throughout Weld County, including areas such as Gilcrest, the west edge of Greeley, and
Windsor. He stated as the storm continues to develop, officials are trying to determine exactly how many
tornadoes have affected Weld County. He stated there has been extensive damage, and they are trying
to close access to the Town of Windsor for safety purposes. He further stated all area schools and child
care centers are in lock-down; however, there have been no reports of child fatalities, and parents are
being allowed in to pick-up their children. Sheriff Cooke stated the Coroner has confirmed one adult fatality
at the Weld County Missile Park; however, he cannot release the identity because officials are still trying
to contact the next of kin. He stated the tornado which affected west Greeley and Windsor was very wide,
it stayed on the ground as it moved, and it traveled in a northwesterly direction. Sheriff Cooke advised the
public to get to a basement, away from windows, and against a solid wall for protection. He stated he and
his staff have inspected the damage at Windsor, and the Office of Emergency Management has been
working from the Emergency Center to organize command centers, provide shelters, and do damage
assessment. Sheriff Cooke indicated the Weather Service has enacted tornado alerts until 8:00 p.m., and
he advised people to continue listening to their televisions or radios and to heed the warnings and get to
safety, if necessary. He stated officials are continuing to receive reports of more tornadoes, with reports
as far east as the Town of Stoneham.
RECORD OF EMERGENCY MEETING
MINUTES
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
MAY 22, 2008
The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, met in an emergency session in full
conformity with the laws of the State of Colorado at the regular place of meeting in the Weld County
Centennial Center, Greeley, Colorado, on May 22, 2008, at the hour of 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by the Chair and on roll call the following members were
present, constituting a quorum of the members thereof:
Commissioner William H. Jerke, Chair
Commissioner Robert D. Masden, Pro-Tem
Commissioner William F. Garcia
Commissioner David E. Long - EXCUSED (Proxy)
Commissioner Douglas Rademacher - EXCUSED (Proxy)
Also present:
County Attorney, Bruce T. Barker
Acting Clerk to the Board, Esther E. Gesick
Director of Administrative Services, Monica Mika
2008-1744
BC0016
NEW BUSINESS:
CONSIDER DECLARATION OF DISASTER EMERGENCY AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN ANY
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: At the request of Chair Jerke, Commissioner Masden read Resolution
#2008-1351 into the record,declaring a disaster emergency. Commissioner Garcia moved to approve said
Resolution, based on the factual statements presented by Sheriff Cooke, and authorize the Chair to sign
any necessary documents. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Masden, and it carried
unanimously. Chair Jerke clarified Proxy statements were submitted by Commissioners Long and
Rademacher in their absence. Commissioner Masden reiterated the public should listen to television and
radio news reports and seek shelter if directed. He stated his thoughts and prayers are with those who
have been affected or injured and are trying to seek assistance. Commissioner Garcia requested all
citizens to respect the direction of responding public safety officials. In response to members of the press,
Chair Jerke stated this Resolution means Weld County will be applying to both State and Federal agencies
to seek financial assistance to fund the efforts of the Weld County Sheriff and other public safety officials
who are working to deliver the necessary aid and services. Sheriff Cooke added the Governor has already
signed a Disaster Declaration, which allows Weld County to utilize State assets, such as the National
Guard and State equipment,to assist in the clean-up effort. He further stated 200 emergency workers are
already in Windsor helping to secure the town, search for survivors, and assist in any way they can.
Commissioner Masden stated this Resolution also enables the County, affected municipalities, special
districts, and the public/private sectors to apply for federal aid for disaster relief. Roy Rudisill, Office of
Emergency Management, stated there are two command posts in the Town of Windsor, as well as one in
the Town of Gilcrest. He stated the weather reports indicate the potential for more tornadoes and severe
weather still exists, and it is important for the public to understand that they are at risk and need to remain
informed and alert. He further stated a lot of damage has already been done, and it is dangerous to be
out traveling, therefore, he requested the public remain indoors and off the roads, and that they avoid the
Windsor and Gilcrest areas. Mr. Rudisill stated the County has a co-located Emergency Operations
Center(EOC)with the City of Greeley which is staffed with qualified personnel from all over the County,
as well as State Patrol officials, and the Red Cross is also working to assist with shelter needs. He stated
the shelter in the Greeley Recreation Center is open to provide assistance; however, they are still working
to locate shelter locations in Windsor, and they are also assessing the recovery and cleanup aspect
following the storms. He stated Weld County is seeking assistance from other governmental entities, and
some are already offering their resources to help meet the urgent needs of citizens. He further stated a
request has been sent to the State in order to obtain an Emergency Management team to come in and
relieve some of the command staff who have been working around the clock. Responding to members
of the press, Mr. Rudisill stated the Salvation Army has sent emergency responders to assist in the Town
of Windsor by providing blankets and meals. He stated people may also receive assistance at the Greeley
Recreation Center, located at the intersection of 10th Avenue and 7th Street. Sheriff Cooke stated the
shelters are providing cots, food, and water, and currently general traffic will remain restricted into the
Town of Windsor until he receives a full assessment later tonight or tomorrow morning. There being no
further discussion, Chair Jerke closed the emergency session.
Let the minutes reflect that the above and foregoing actions were attested to and respectfully submitted
by the Acting Clerk to the Board.
Minutes, May 22, 2008 2008-1744
Page 2 BC0016
There being no further business, this meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
I ATTEST: G 2:71
, f
±' /'Ilia H. Jerke, Chair
Weld County Clerk to the -r. l \1d(\)
Robert D. ashen, Pro-Tem
r _
BY:/ i �r ► �I ''
eputy Clerk . the board
William F. Garcia
EXCUSED (PROXY)
David E. Long
EXCUSED (PROXY)
Douglas Rademacher
Minutes, May 22, 2008 2008-1744
Page 3 BC0016
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