Lyon County now has two memorandums of understanding in place to handle donations and related information in cases of disasters.
As part of the County Commission’s action session Thursday, Lyon County Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell presented the idea for the county to partner with the Emporia Community Foundation and the United Way of the Flint Hills. Fell says this has been part of recent conversations through the county’s Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Fell says the basic premise is to give residents information about where to safely donate. He also says Lyon County has established relationships with both entities, so it made sense to have them as part of this new venture. Fell says the county’s disaster recovery manager, or a county commissioner, will work with a long-term recovery team — with the United Way and Community Foundation already serving as members — and unmet needs team to determine how best to use any disaster donations.
In many cases, Emporia Community Foundation needs a minimum dollar amount. However, CEO Linda Kehres-Schmidt says that is not the case with this MOU.
Separately, commissioners approved a $20,000 allocation to Ignite Emporia, finalizing a five-year, $100,000 funding stream. Ignite Director Michelle Margeson was grateful for the funding.
The allocation comes as Ignite Emporia is waiting for a visit and final approval from the Office of State Fire Marshal to open Little Lyons Childcare, perhaps as soon as next month, and it comes as Ignite and the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce continue early work on the Kretsinger housing development near the David Traylor Zoo. Chamber President Jeanine McKenna says easement decisions could happen within the next month or so, but actual construction may have to wait until next year.
County commissioners also had executive sessions for non-elected personnel and legal matters.
