Montpelier Bridge: Red Cross Agreement Approved for Senior Center Emergency Shelter
Montpelier residents can now rest assured knowing that in times of crisis, they have a designated emergency shelter right in their own backyard. The Montpelier City Council, during its regular meeting on Dec. 11, unanimously approved the authorization for City Manager Bill Fraser to sign an agreement with the American National Red Cross to use the Montpelier Senior Activity Center at 58 Barre Street as an emergency shelter.
Essential Relief Services Provided
According to the lease agreement documents available on the city’s website, the Red Cross will not only provide shelter but also manage the facility, store supplies, and oversee food service operations in case of an emergency. A Red Cross coordinator will work closely with the facility manager to assess conditions and inventory before taking over food services during a disaster. This includes meal planning, feeding schedules for emergency workers and shelter occupants, as well as post-occupancy inventory checks.
Additional Support and Services
In addition to food services, the Red Cross will provide custodial services for cleaning and sanitation, coordinate security and law enforcement, handle signage and publicity, and manage any media inquiries during the event. The organization will also cover any expenses incurred during their watch and carry $1,000,000 in general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
Local Response and Feedback
Assistant City Manager Kelly Murphy highlighted that the Red Cross will not pay to use the Senior Activity Center but will provide essential management services. The decision to use this location was based on its suitability and location out of the flood plain, ensuring accessibility during emergencies. Mayor Jack McCullough emphasized the importance of having a local shelter, citing feedback from residents who expressed concerns about having to travel to Barre during emergencies.
Attendee Steve Whitaker raised concerns about preempting emergency plans by other city commissions and questioned the urgency of signing the agreement before the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience could implement their plan. However, City Manager Fraser emphasized the need for immediate action, especially given the flood watch issued by the National Weather Service for Dec. 11 and 12.
In a unanimous decision, the city council approved the agreement, ensuring that Montpelier residents have a reliable and accessible emergency shelter close to home in times of need.
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