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ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO SECTION 11-9 OF THE NEW HAVEN CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING THE NEW HAVEN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL INCLUDING ITS CREATION, APPOINTMENT, AND DUTIES.
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WHEREAS, the Emergency Management Advisory Council ordinance needs updating to address manmade disasters, like climate change; and
WHEREAS, this council shall advise the Mayor and the Director of Emergency Management on developing local emergency management priorities, undertaking educational activities of the dangers of natural or manmade disasters, and carrying out local and national emergency management measures; and
WHEREAS, the New Haven Emergency Management Advisory Council shall have the powers and responsibilities set forth in the amended ordinance including:
(1) Provide the forum by which city officials plan and manage all potential or actual disasters;
(2) Ensure that the city’s Emergency Operations Plan is:
(i) valid, up-to-date, inclusive of all reasonably possible disasters or large-scale events,
(ii) integrated with the plans of all city departments concerned with emergency planning, emergency response,
or emergency management, and
(iii) distributed to those who need to be aware of its contents;
(3) Develop and communicate vital information to residents during a disaster;
(4) Keep city officials and residents updated about current and future problems which might affect the physical well-being of the city’s residents, resources, and assets;
(5) Meet periodically to discuss issues which might have an impact on the preparedness of the city to meet the challenges of emergencies and natural disasters;
(6) Provide liaison between the city and support agencies such as American Red Cross, Connecticut Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, FEMA, and all public utilities serving the City of New Haven; and
WHEREAS, the attached hereto ordinance amendment in Schedule A will update the Emergency Management Advisory Council ordinance, require the appointment of three city residents to the council, and provide a place where residents can express their concerns regarding disaster planning, response, and mitigation.
BE IT, HEREBY, ORDAINED by the New Haven Board of Alders that Section 11-9 of the New Haven Code of Ordinances be amended as outlined in Schedule A attached hereto.
Schedule A
Sec. 11-9. Advisory council created; appointment, duties.
(a) There is hereby established the New Haven Emergency Management Advisory Council (EMAC). Its membership shall be as follows:
(1) The Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Emergency Management, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Director of Health, and City Engineer, or their designees, who shall serve as members ex-officio. These six (6) city administrators shall consult with other city staff as needed. The Director of Emergency Management shall be secretary and provide staff to render logistical support, as needed.
(2) One (1) member of the Board of Alders, who is appointed by said board; and
(3) Three (3) city residents, who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Board of Alders. These city residents shall represent the interests of all neighborhoods in the city. Of the residents, one (1) shall be appointed for a three-year term, one (1) shall be appointed for a two-year term, and one (1) shall be appointed for a one-year term, beginning October 1, 2022. Thereafter, resident council members shall serve three-year terms. All resident members shall serve without compensation.
(b) This council shall elect its own chair and vice-chair. The Director of Emergency Management shall serve as secretary.
(c) This council shall meet on the call of the chair or any of its members.
(d) This council shall advise the Mayor and the Director of Emergency Management on developing local emergency management priorities, undertaking educational activities of the dangers of natural or manmade disasters, and carrying out local and national emergency management measures.
(e) The New Haven Emergency Management Advisory Council shall have all powers and responsibilities set forth in this section:
(1) Provide the forum by which city officials plan and manage all potential or actual disasters;
(2) Ensure that the city’s Emergency Operations Plan is:
(i) valid, up-to-date, inclusive of all reasonably possible disasters or large-scale events,
(ii) integrated with the plans of all city departments concerned with emergency planning, emergency response, or emergency management, and
(iii) promulgated to those who need to be aware of its contents;
(3) Develop and communicate vital information to residents during a disaster;
(4) Provide leadership by keeping city officials and residents abreast of current and/or future problems which might affect the physical well-being of the city’s residents, resources, and assets;
(5) Convene periodically to discuss issues which might have an impact on the preparedness of the city of meeting the challenges of emergencies and natural disasters;
(6) Provide liaison between the city and support agencies such as American Red Cross, Connecticut Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, FEMA, and all public utilities serving the City of New Haven; and
(7) Provide a forum by which residents can express concerns about disaster planning, response, and hazard mitigation.