The third update on recovery efforts related to the Oct. 20 tornado was given to the City Council Monday by City and Network of Community Ministries staff.
The City has issued more than 400 expedited permits to storm-affected residents and businesses for remodeling/rebuilding and other related needs, with permit fees waived. Construction work in the tornado-affected neighborhoods is expected to continue for several more months. In the interim, the City has provided residents with property maintenance expectations, is developing a “how-to” tree planting brochure for residents who lost trees and is hosting two tree planting workshops Feb. 29, weather permitting.
Network, in cooperation with the City and numerous churches and helping agencies, served 395 children and 610 adults with food, clothing, counseling and/or assistance finding housing, and is still serving 50 tornado-affected individuals and families. More than 360 people stepped up to volunteer in disaster recovery efforts through Network and several have stayed on to join Network’s weekly volunteer staff.
After the update, the City Council approved a resolution that terminates the local disaster declaration that had been put in place to expedite the procurement of state and federal manpower/equipment. The resolution will not affect the outcome of the City’s application for FEMA reimbursement, which the City is still awaiting.
