CC Minutes - 04/23/01 Work Session

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Responding to a question from Mr. Rayor, Mr. Johnson reported that the telephone warning system was in place already and so was not included in the work plan. Chief Tallon noted the system had been used already in recent emergency police responses. The motion to amend passed unanimously, 8:0. Responding to a question from Mr. Pap~ regarding item 1, Consider ordinance changes regulating use of personalfireworks in specific areas, Mr. Johnson said that he had the authority to restrict fireworks activities in the city under current law. Mr. Pap~, seconded by Mr. Fart, moved to amend the work plan by adding item 1 to the secondary list. Mr. Fart said he seconded the motion because of the City Manager's existing authority. Mr. Johnson said that some sections of existing ordinances could be changed to make that authority more effective, but the council needed to decide if the item rose to the level of the work plan. Otherwise, he would merely ask the council to consider possible changes to ordinances in the future. Mr. Kelly wanted to know more about possible ordinance changes that could make the City more effective. He was concerned about moving the item as the secondary list was just a list the council would monitor. However, he would not oppose the motion. Mr. Meisner concurred, given that Mr. Johnson would return to the council with any recommended ordinance changes. Ms. Nathanson said that because the council would see the result of any staff work, she was comfortable removing the item. She said that her concern was less about the ad hoc prohibition of fireworks for weather conditions than about the fact that nonprofit organizations relied on fireworks sales for the bulk of their fund- raising. She wanted to see those organizations gradually move away from the sale of fireworks, which could sometimes be hazardous, and employ other fund-raising methods. The motion passed, 7:1; Ms. Taylor voting no. Action Priority: Enhance readiness for major emergencies Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Meisner, moved to amend the work plan by changing item 4 to read "Consider establishing an ongoing Comprehensive Emergency Management Program to coordinate all City emergency management activities." Mr. Meisner hoped the staff work would include consideration of whether the position involved needed to be fully funded. He did not think the City needed to be its own emergency management agency. Mr. Pap~ was pleased to see the item included, saying that a community of Eugene's size should have a permanent emergency program. Noting the reference in item 3 to a multi-agency emergency response, Mr. Pap~ asked who that involved. Chief Tallon responded that the focus of the item was on regional cooperation, although federal agencies were likely to be involved in an expanded emergency response exercise. Mr. Johnson added that agency MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 2001 Page 8 Work Session