Shorewood inks pacts with emergency response agencies
By Clare Walters For The Herald-News August 15, 2012 8:14AM
Updated: September 18, 2012 6:10AM
SHOREWOOD — Village officials expect two new agreements to help prepare and protect the village and its citizens in emergencies.
The village board Tuesday unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding for a shelter plan with the American Red Cross and adopted a resolution for a mutual aid agreement with the Greater Will County Emergency Services Mutual Aid Association.
Police Chief Aaron Klima said the village was approached by the Red Cross and asked to work with the organization to establish a plan for opening emergency shelters when needed in an emergency or disaster situation.
“They will assist us and we will assist them in operating shelter,” he said.
“This is a good arrangement for the village. We’ll get all the assets they’ll be able to provide us.”
Since the village does not have any buildings with shower facilities that can be used as long-term emergency shelters, Klima said participation in the Red Cross’ network would provide residents with access to shelter facilities nearby.
The Red Cross has trailers positioned throughout the Chicagoland area that allows the organization to have a shelter open and running to assist citizens within six hours of any calamity, he said.
The trailers have enough supplies to aid 150 people for 72 hours.
Membership in the Greater Will County Emergency Services Mutual Aid Association also is expected to be mutually beneficial for Shorewood and the association.
The membership will allow for the sharing of resources in the event of an emergency and allow local emergency management professionals to attend various trainings and events hosted by member agencies, Klima said.
In other business, the village board unanimously approved the annual Police Pension Report, which is required by law and outlines the pension’s benefits, funding and allowable investments.
Village Finance Director Sue Berg said the pension fund is “going right” with $8.3 million in assets. Four members currently are drawing pensions.
Trustee Gary Fitzgerald said the village has never missed a payment to the pension fund.
