For the purpose of providing fire protection and rescue to private and public property within the City, there is established a Department of Public Safety.
(Ord. 90-05; Ord. 97-06, 1997; Ord. 09-19 § 4, 2009; Ord. 24-04(S) § 4, 2024)
The Department of Public Safety shall consist of five divisions, each with a designated officer in charge, and officers. Each division's officer in charge has the authority to appoint any officers deemed necessary and qualified. All public safety divisions shall be compatible with all lateral agencies in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. All officers and members shall be paid on call at an hourly rate that the Public Safety Director and the City Council establish.
A firefighter who is elected or appointed as a Houston City Councilmember must comply with the requirements of HMC § 2.04.050(A)(1).
(Ord. 82-S-1 § 3(1), 1982; Ord. 89-14, 1989; Ord. 09-19 § 4, 2009; Ord. 24-04(S) § 4, 2024; Ord. 24-07, 2024)
A.
Appointment. The Public Safety Director shall be appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by the City Council, and serves at the pleasure of the Council.
B.
Operation and Duties.
2.
The Public Safety Director shall:
a.
Appoint, supervise, and command the personnel of all public safety divisions;
b.
Develop and maintain operational policies, procedures, and training of the public safety divisions;
c.
Advise and provide assistance to the City Council;
d.
Identify and seek grant opportunities;
e.
Report activities of all public safety divisions monthly to the City Council;
f.
Coordinate all mutual aid agreements with partner agencies, and ensure interoperability of all public safety divisions;
g.
Perform other duties as directed by the Mayor and City Council, and other duties as required by law;
h.
Assist Houston citizens establish and coordinate Community Neighborhood Watch Program with Alaska State Troopers.
(Ord. 24-04(S) § 4, 2024)
A.
Appointment. The Fire Chief shall be appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by the City Council, and serves at the pleasure of the Council.
B.
Operation and Duties.
1.
The operation of the Fire Department shall be under the direction and command of the Fire Chief.
2.
The Fire Chief shall:
a.
Appoint, supervise and command the personnel of the Fire Department;
b.
Develop and maintain operational policies, procedures and training of the Fire Department;
c.
Investigate the origin and causes of fires as necessary and issue citations in accordance with Alaska State Statutes and Houston Municipal Code;
d.
Advise and provide assistance to the City Council;
e.
Have custody of, and all maintenance responsibilities for, all fire equipment, supplies, materials, buildings and grounds assigned to the Fire Department;
f.
Maintain records of the Fire Department operations;
g.
Identify and seek grant opportunities;
h.
Report activities of the Fire Department monthly to the City Council;
i.
Perform other emergency service duties as directed by the Mayor and City Council, and other duties as required by law.
(Ord. 86-01, 1986; Ord. 97-06, 1997; Ord. 09-19 § 4, 2009; Ord. 09-28 § 4, 2010; Ord. 20-02 § 5, 2020)
The Fire Department shall establish rules, procedures and operating guidelines governing the operations of the department. These rules and procedures shall be consistent with accepted standards governing other local fire departments. All responders shall act in the best interest of the City.
(Ord. 82-S-1 § 3(3), 1982; Ord. 89-14, 1989; Ord. 97-06, 1997; Ord. 09-19 § 4, 2009; Ord. 17-13 § 5, 2017)
Repealed by Ord. 20-02.
(Ord. 82-S-1 § 3(4), 1982; Ord. 97-06, 1997; Ord. 09-19 § 4, 2009)