LTRC prepared to make decisions

After months of getting set up, data organized and gathered, the Tornado Long Term Recovery Committee is ready to start making decisions.

Two more people have been hired, Committee Chair Joel Hood announced at the group’s Oct. 13 meeting. Construction Manager Gabe McAnear with M&M Construction will be working with the onsite staff and organizing work crews to make maximums of what they have.

Christian Park was hired as Construction Supervisor, being a liaison between McAnear and the unmet needs committee.

One position is left of a monitor who would be in charge of administration and keeping finance and supplies together. The person would also be in charge of distributing grant monies through work with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). A $1.5 million grant has been applied for through UMCOR for administrative costs, supplies and materials.

Hood said the focus right now for committee members is to get in contact with financial resources such as Foundations of companies that make donations. Between the money to LTRC has raised and the city and county there is roughly about $250,000 locally.

Hood also said there is a possibility of getting some state and government money as well through grants. There is also a need for storage for all the building materials, furniture and other items that will be coming into town for repairs.

“We have a deal with Lowe’s to provide materials for a lower cost,” Hood explained. “We’re talking truckloads of materials, so we need to find a place of at least 1,000 square feet. We also don’t want the furniture that may be stored for a month or so to have rats and other droppings.”

While the committee was meeting, case managers Susan Coley and Sandra Dixon were meeting with Habitat for Humanity officials to see how the committee can work with the organization.

The next full committee meeting is set for Nov. 3 at noon.