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 Wo...
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