Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/22/2014

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Fire Chief Kapler noted the priority of Public Works will be different, with accessibility being their top priority. In addition, the departments will coordinate their efforts to eliminate duplication. If power lines are down, it is always assumed the lines are `live' and Connexus will also mobilize and be on the scene. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated Public Works' first priority would be to clear the roads for police /fire, coordinate with Connexus to be sure the lines are safe before clearing areas, plows and the grader will be used to push aside debris. Should the damage be City -wide, it is likely Public Works would use plow routes to clear areas. He stated Public Works could also call in assistance from adjoining cities. Once the areas are clear, Public Works would assist with traffic control. Police Chief Way stated the Police Department will be responding to `regular' calls (i.e., barking dogs) on a limited basis and early on will make a determination in how the Police Department will be staffed to assure coverage during subsequent schedules. The Police Department will also be checking roads to assure at least one route is cleared into each area. Fire Chief Kapler stated the Building Official will be called on to determine whether or not houses are habitable. If there is enough damage in the City to be declared a disaster area, the Finance Department will play a key role to assure adequate record keeping to document things such as level of damage, staff hours, and overtime hours. Fire Chief Kapler stated Minnesota Statute Chapter 12 allows a City to declare a disaster. This would be declared by the Mayor or designee. That term would run for 72 hours and it would need to be documented when it starts. He explained that the Council is in charge of the City during a declared disaster and to extend the state of emergency beyond 72 hours, it would require Council action. During the state of emergency, there is no legal requirement to post Council meetings. In addition, the Council can enter into contracts without a bid process as long as the work provides services to address storm issues. The Council can also incur debt beyond the adopted budget during a state of emergency. Police Chief Way stated in the past, the City has not declared a disaster; however, the City has received federal funding because of its record keeping. Mayor Strommen asked if there are guidelines or an advisory process for the Mayor to declare the state of emergency. Fire Chief Kapler explained that would occur once the City has exhausted all internal resources, then the City can reach beyond its borders. Police Chief Way stated another criterion is whether the City is not able to keep neighborhoods protected. City Administrator Ulrich stated consideration would also be if the contract exceeds the bidding limit of $50,000 to address storm cleanup. City Council Work Session / April 22, 2014 Page 2 of 9