When the mayor, or the mayor's successor, determines that a local emergency exists, the mayor, or the mayor's successor, will make a declaration to that effect, and within 24 hours, call a special meeting of city council to ratify the declaration of emergency. City council's ratification of the declaration of emergency will be by ordinance or resolution.
A. A declaration of local emergency can be made to:
1. Implement specific temporary local measures which may be taken to protect life, property, or the environment.
2. Request assistance from the county or state, to include requesting a declaration of a "state of emergency" made by the governor.
3. Request the governor ask for a presidential "declaration of a major disaster or emergency," which would initiate actions necessary for local governments and individuals to receive federal disaster assistance.
B. The declaration by the mayor, or the mayor's successor, of a local emergency must state the following:
1. The nature of the emergency;
2. Location or geographic area affected;
3. Description of emergency conditions or threat;
4. Description of damage or potential damage, if any; and
5. Specific measures to be taken to protect lives and properties.
C. If a declaration is made to request assistance, in addition to the statements required in subsection
B of this section, the declaration must include:
1. Resources committed and actions initiated by the city to stabilize the situation;
2. A statement requesting the governor consider the city an "emergency area," declare a state of emergency, and, if warranted, request a presidential declaration; and
3. The type of assistance and resources required.
D. In addition to the requirements of subsections
B and
C of this section, the ratification by the city council of a local emergency must:
1. State the duration of time for the declaration of the state of emergency; and
2. Approve or modify specific emergency measures recommended by the mayor, or the mayor's successor, for the duration of the emergency period set forth in the declaration.
E. The declaration of a local emergency, as ratified by city council, must limit the duration of the state of emergency to the period of time during which the conditions giving rise to the declaration exist or are likely to remain in existence.
(Ord. 10-03 §1; Ord. 19-01 §1)