HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/28/2004 Adjourned Meeting 356
CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 - 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
1. Roll CaII
Present:
Council: Mayor Paul George, presiding, Council Members Dave Edler (until
6:20 p.m.), Neil McClure, Bernard Sims and Susan Whitman
Staff: City Manager Zais, Assistant City Attorney Harvey, and Acting City
Clerk Watkins
Absent: Council Members Ron Bonlender and Mary Place (absent and
excused)
2. Study Session regarding proposed Civil Emergency Ordinance
Police Chief Granato spoke in support of the proposed ordinance. The
preparedness plans for cities across the country require that, in an emergency
situation, plans be in place to mitigate Toss of life and property. Jim Hall,
Executive Director of Emergency Management Services, explained that the
requirement for a clear course of command and control came out of the National
Incident Management System (NIMS) resulting from September 11
City Manager Zais clarified the City Charter, although specifying certain authority
invested in the mayor for the purpose of an emergency; is silent on other types of
circumstances. During a recent meeting with the Homeland Security officials,
emphasis was placed on having a single point of command in the event of an
emergency. This ordinance is a tool necessary to act in an emergency and it is
important to note it requires contact with the Council and ratification of decisions
within 72 hours.
Chief Granato explained that in most instances the Council could be brought
together in an adequate timeframe. This refers to such things as extreme civil
unrest, a riot out of control, or some unforeseen disaster when decisions have to
be made quickly to protect property and lives.
• Civil Rights Issues
State law allows people to own guns with a gun permit. If a curfew were enacted
and weapons were prohibited in public, they would be confiscated until the
emergency was mitigated. The main intent of this is to protect the first
responders from sniping. Discussion about citizens being able to defend their
property and rights and aiding in keeping law and order ensued. It was clarified
that the intent of the ordinance does not advocate going door to door and
confiscating weapons. They would still be allowed in residences and businesses.
This ordinance is designed to help get a situation under control to avoid elevation
to a point requiring marshal law.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2004— ADJOURNED MEETING 15
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• Federal Funding
Currently, the ordinance is not a requirement to be eligible for federal funding
from Homeland Security. However, NIMS is just in the implementation phases.
This year they provided guidance for adoption in 2005. If we do not have a clear
course of command in place by 2007, we will not qualify for federal funding.
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The ordinance will be modified to include a command protocol, i.e. a line of
succession and will be brought back to the City Council for adoption.
3. Audience Comments
None •
4. Adjournment
SIMS MOVED AND WHITMAN SECONDED TO ADJOURN. The motion
carried by unanimous voice vote; Bonlender, Edler and Place absent.
The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m. ,,Z----SA--C---
READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY A .4/_ ,04, / .25 Df
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PAUL P. GEORGE, MAYOR
Minutes prepared by Linda Watkins. An audio and video tape of this'meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office
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