Item 3: Ratification of Intergovernmental Relations Committee Actions

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Mr. Solin believed the legislation was proposed because of the special expertise of such volunteers. Mr. Pryor and Mayor Piercy supported the staff recommendation to drop the bill. HB 2370 Mr. Solin was present to discuss the bill, which would transfer all staff functions, powers, and budget of the Office of Emergency Management from the Oregon State Police to the Oregon Military Department. Ms. Wilson recalled that the committee took action on HB 2370-A, which included a clause that prevented the confiscation of firearms during an emergency. Mr. Solin said the Office of Emergency Management was originally part of the governor’s office, but had been moved to the State Police Department. The governor now recommended the shift reflected in the bill. The Office of Emergency Management staff was highly supportive of the move as staff felt the office would be better protected in budget processes and because Oregon was the only state in the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Region 10 without such a structure. If Oregon had to partner with other FEMA states it might be at a disadvantage because in a major emergency. He said that the Oregon Department of Military was essentially the Oregon National Guard. He said the Police Department objected to the amended version with the prohibition on firearms confiscation as it did not allow them to act as it needed in a state of emergency. Mayor Piercy suggested that fear about the legislation might be concern that the office was not being placed under a more competent authority. Ms. Bettman concluded that the money would be provided by the State but it would be administered by the military. She said she was very opposed to the bill. Mr. Solin said that the head of the office would no longer report to the Oregon State Police but to Adjutant General Reese of the Oregon National Guard. The members of the office would remain civilians. Mayor Piercy asked if anyone opposed the legislation. Mr. Solin said no one opposed it. Ms. Bettman maintained that no one knew about it. She said she had talked to representatives Holvey and Prozanski as well as Sheriff Russ Berger and none were aware of the bill. Ms. Wilson anticipated opposition to HB 2730-A but not to the bill under discussion. Mr. Pryor wanted to retain the status of oppose unless amended to HB 2370-A. However, he supported HB 2370 as he believed the only agency capable of managing things in a significant emergency was the military, and in this case it would be serving as an aid organization rather than an invasion and occupation force. Ms. Bettman asked that the bill be flagged for discussion by the City Council. She continued to object to the bill because of her perception that it transferred State resources to the military and the military did not have a good history in responding to emergencies. She had more faith in the State. Mr. Solin said the bill was specific to the Oregon National Guard. The committee agreed to refer HB 2370 to the City Council. HB 2710 Ms. Wilson said staff was awaiting comment from Public Works staff. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations March 22, 2007 Page 12