Public comments to be used in evaluation of ice-storm response

Springfield and Greene County residents are invited to comment on local government and nonprofit agencies’ emergency response and recovery actions during the storm, according to a city news release. The Disaster Response Action Committee is reviewing the actions of the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, Springfield Public Works, City Utilities of Springfield, Springfield Public Schools and area nonprofit organizations related to the storm.

Three meetings are scheduled:

• 10:30 a.m.–noon, May 19, at Hickory Hills School Cafeteria, 3429 E. Trafficway;

• 4:30–6:30 p.m., May 22, at The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave.; and

• 4:30–6:30 p.m., June 6, at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway.

The sessions will include an informal open house period, with committee members and local government staff members available for one-on-one conversations; and a public comment session, when residents may address the committee. At this Saturday’s meeting, members of the public will be given three minutes to address the committee; the committee may ask follow-up questions but is not expected to provide specific answers, according to the release.

Other ways for commenting on the ice-storm response include filling out a survey at www.springfieldmogov.org, e-mailing the committee at DRAC@ci.springfield.mo.us, or mailing comments to the committee, PO Box 8368, Springfield, MO, 65801, attn: Public Information Department.

The committee – formed May 4 to review ice-storm response – will recognize successes and recommend improvements in a final report, expected to be filed by July.