Redding Municipal Code Ch. 9.12 Emergency Organization and Functions

The declared purpose of this chapter is to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within the city in the event of an emergency, the direction of the emergency organization and the coordination functions of this city with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations and affected private persons on the local, regional, statewide or national level.

(Ord. 2179 § 1 (part), 1997)

The emergency organization of the city shall be developed and administered in accordance with the criteria established for the Standardized Emergency Management System, as published by the State of California in Title 19, California Code of Regulations, incorporated herein by this reference, and in accordance with the criteria established for the National Incident Management System, as established by federal statute, regulation and policy.

(Ord. 2375 § 1, 2006: Ord. 2179 § 1 (part), 1997)

A. There is created the office of emergency services. The city manager shall be the director of emergency services.

B. The assistant city manager shall be the assistant director of emergency services.

C. The director and assistant director are empowered to:

1. Request the city council to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency if the city council is in session, or to issue such proclamation if the city council is not in session. Such proclamation shall be ratified by the city council within seven days or it shall have no further force or effect. The city council shall review, at least every fourteen days until such emergency is terminated, the need for continuing the local emergency and shall proclaim the termination of such local emergency at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant;

2. Request that the Governor proclaim a state of emergency when the resources of the area or region are inadequate to cope with the emergency;

3. Control and direct the efforts of the city for the accomplishment of the purpose of this chapter;

4. Direct coordination and cooperation of services provided by staff of the city and resolve questions of authority and responsibility that may arise;

5. Represent the city in all dealings with public or private agencies on matters pertaining to emergencies covered by this chapter;

6. Develop and maintain current the emergency plan specified in Section 9.12.050.

D. The position of emergency services coordinator is created and shall have the responsibility for carrying out the day-to-day activities associated with this chapter. The emergency services coordinator shall be appointed by the director.

(Ord. 2179 § 1 (part), 1997)

In the event of the proclamation of an emergency at the city, operational area, state or national level, the director is empowered to:

A. Make and issue rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by such emergency. Such rules and regulations shall be confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the city council;

B. Obtain vital supplies, equipment and such other properties found lacking and needed for the protection of life and property and to bind the city for the fair value thereof;

C. Require emergency services of any city officer, employee or citizen of the city as is deemed necessary in the execution of the duties of director of emergency services. Such persons shall be entitled to all privileges, benefits and immunities as are provided by state law for registered disaster service workers;

D. Execute all of his/her ordinary power as a city manager, and all of the special powers conferred upon him/her by this chapter, by resolution or by the emergency plan adopted by the city council pursuant to this chapter. Additionally, execute all powers conferred upon him/her by any ordinance, statute or agreement approved by the city council.

(Ord. 2179 § 1 (part), 1997)

The director of emergency services shall be responsible for the development of the city emergency plan. The emergency plan shall provide for the effective mobilization of all of the resources of this city, both public and private, to meet any condition constituting an emergency. The emergency plan shall set forth the organization, powers and duties, services and staff of the emergency organization. Such plan shall take effect upon its adoption by resolution of the city council. All components of the emergency plan shall be reviewed and updated every five years, or more frequently if conditions warrant such review.

(Ord. 2179 § 1 (part), 1997)

To provide for the continuance of the legislative and executive functions of the city in case of an emergency or disaster:

A. The city council may appoint standby councilmen, up to three for each member, who shall be appointed, shall assume their duties and shall have the qualifications, tenure, duties and powers specified in Article 15 of the California Emergency Services Act (commencing with Section 8635 of the Government Code) insofar as such article is not inconsistent with city ordinances. If the city council appoints more than one standby councilman for each member, the city council shall designate the order in which the standby councilman will be called to serve. In case a standby councilman position becomes vacant because of removal, death, resignation or other cause, the city council shall appoint another person to fill the position. Each standby councilman shall take the oath of office required for a council member.

B. The city council may appoint standby officers, up to three, for the city manager, who shall be appointed, shall assume their duties and shall have the qualifications, tenure, duties and powers specified in Article 15 of the California Emergency Services Act (commencing with Section 8635 of the Government Code) insofar as such article is not inconsistent with city ordinances. If the city council appoints more than one standby officer for the city manager, the city council shall designate the order in which the standby officers will be called to serve. In the event a standby officer position becomes vacant because of removal, death, resignation or other cause, the city council shall appoint another person to fill the position. Each standby officer shall take the oath of office required for the city manager.

C. The city manager and the directors of departments having duties in the maintenance of law and order or in the furnishing of public services related to health and safety may provide for the succession of officers to head such departments.

(Ord. 2179 § 1 (part), 1997)