REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adopt Ordinance No. 2071 Amending Chapter 2.140 (“Disaster Council”) of Title 2 (“Administration and Personnel”) of “The Code of the City of Santa Clara, California”
Report
BACKGROUND
At the August 27, 2024 Council meeting, proposed Ordinance No. 2071 was passed for the purpose of publication. Pursuant to City Charter Sections 808 and 812, a summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2071 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on September 18, 2024, and copies were posted in three public places.
DISCUSSION
The City’s Disaster Council ordinance (which defines emergencies, emergency organization and plans, and identifies Disaster Council membership, powers, and duties, as well as the legal framework for the City’s operations during a disaster or emergency) has not been updated since 1971. The proposed ordinance includes revisions to remove language that is reflective of civil defense era processes and procedures, to update language, processes, and procedures, as well as policies to reflect common, modern best practices, current statewide and national mandates, laws and systems, and to establish the Office of Emergency Management. In addition, the proposed ordinance formally recognizes the City’s membership in the legally formalized Santa Clara County Operational Area, in accordance with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Standardized Emergency Management System.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The changes being proposed in the ordinance provide potential reduced financial liabilities by addressing updated Disaster Service Worker (DSW) and volunteer guidance and mandates, and reducing Worker’s Compensation vulnerabilities as well as ensuring eligibility for mandated financial disaster compensation, as outlined in the Stafford Act.
COORDINATION
This ordinance has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office, City Manager’s Office, Finance Department and the Office of Emergency Services.
PUBLIC CONTACT
A summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2071 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on September 18, 2024, and copies were posted in three public places and made available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office.
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Waive Second Reading and Approve Adoption of Ordinance No. 2071 Amending Chapter 2.140 (“Disaster Council”) of Title 2 (“Administration and Personnel”) of “The Code of the City of Santa Clara, California”
Staff
Reviewed by: Glen R. Googins, City Attorney
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 2071 (Intro)
2. Report to Council 24-648