May 8, 2008

The Ava Board of Aldermen held a special emergency meeting Monday evening and authorized Mayor Leon Harris to execute and sign an agreement with American Public Power Association and Missouri Public Utility Alliance Utility Mutual Aid Program. The program makes available to the City of Ava a network of Missouri municipalities that agree to provide aid and assistance during a crisis situation. In other words, "member municipalities will help the City of Ava following a crisis" and in turn, "Ava commits to help other members". Of course, the pact isn't that simple, but nonetheless, the thrust of the agreement is fellow members support and provide help to one another as needed. However, according to city officials, if the Ava area is faced with a widespread crisis and the City is included in the turmoil, city services would not be expected to assist other areas, as their help would be needed here in Ava. Mutual aid membership offers help with electrical systems and power outages, and also water treatment plants and sewer issues. Approximately 110 municipalities belong to the program. Membership may also help facilitate assistance from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).