Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/28/2015

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and for training. He explained that the Emergency Management Plan identifies several individuals per key position in the event someone is on vacation or unavailable. In addition, the Plan includes a preparedness resource list should a contractor need to be called in to assist. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is identified as the Alexander Ramsey Room at the Municipal Center. Fire Chief Kapler described the backup power generator that has been installed to assure available power should it be needed. The backup EOC is Fire Station #1 and when Fire Station #2 is completed, it will officially be named as the backup EOC due to its proximity to the Municipal Center and railroad tracks. Fire Chief Kapler stated the Plan also includes guidelines, identifies responsibilities, and includes the County All -Hazard Mitigation Plan. Fire Chief Kapler reviewed the rules that give the Mayor or designee the authority to declare a local emergency for a period of three days. Council action is required to extend a local emergency beyond three days. During a three-day local emergency, the open meeting rules are suspended as well as the purchasing, contract, and competitive bidding requirements. Fire Chief Kapler stated his responsibility as the Emergency Management Director is to coordinate between disciplines/agencies, consider risk versus available resources, facilitate the Emergency Operations Plan, and assure adequate training. He then described staffs role to determine the extent of the situation, potential impact, appropriate initial response, safety concerns, stabilize the situation, and communicate to the Administrator who acts as the communication conduit to the Mayor and City Council. Fire Chief Kapler reviewed the role of the City Administrator to communicate with the Council, coordinate Council directives, and consider the big picture in providing continuity of services to residents. The Council's role is to be ultimately responsible for the City, to make policy decisions, determine what to provide or not provide, and assure a timely response to resident inquiries. Fire Chief Kapler stated if there were an emergency during which cellular telephones are not in use, the Council would be asked to respond to the Eddy Lake Room in the Municipal Center. City Administrator Ulrich asked if the members of the Council have access to the Eddy Lake Room. Fire Chief Kapler stated he will find out as he is unsure. Mayor Strommen arrived at 5:58 p.m. Councilmember Williams raised the issue of coordination with Burlington Northern, noting that Burlington Northern has a training facility in Colorado that is available to staff. Fire Chief Kapler stated the Fire Marshall is pursuing that training in 2015. He explained that after the recent derailment debriefing, he hoped it was understood what constituted an emergency. However, since the rail cars were empty, nothing was spilled, and the derailment was contained within the Burlington Northern right-of-way, Burlington Northern did not City Council Work Session / April 28, 2015 Page 2 of 9