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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 2020-09-12 s CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING V O MINUTES September 12, 2020 aREGO ;\ 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Studebaker called the special City Council meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. on September 12, 2020. The video conference-style meeting was held via Zoom. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Studebaker and Councilors Kohlhoff, O'Neill, Nguyen, LaMotte, Wendland, and Manz Staff Present: Martha Bennett, City Manager; David Powell, City Attorney; Kari Linder, Deputy City Recorder; Anthony Hooper, Public Works Director; Don Johnson, Fire Chief; Dale Jorgensen; Police Chief; Megan Phelan, Assistant City Manager 3. COUNCIL BUSINESS 3.1 Ratification of the City Manager's Declaration of a State of Emergency Resolution 20-31, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Lake Oswego Ratifying and Confirming a Declaration of State of Emergency Relating to Extreme Fire Risk Ms. Bennett presented her September 11 Declaration of a State of Emergency (Declaration) in response to Extreme Fire Risk, focusing on how it would affect City Operations resulting from a lack of resources throughout the region. There has been an impact on staff due to evacuations and the city has increased staffing levels in police and public works since displaced staff are living on site. Chief Johnson provided an overview of the situation in Lake Oswego and across the region. He discussed what the work crews were doing in Estacada and the number of impacted residents in Evacuation Level 1, 2, or 3 across the County. Chief Johnson supported the Declaration due to all the resources in the County fighting the fires; the City can't afford to have a fire at this time. He cited examples of residential fires that took place earlier this summer and the resources needed to fight those. He reiterated that the City doesn't have the resources to fight fires at that scale and would have to rely on mutual aid from jurisdictions further away such as Portland. City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 September 12, 2020 Councilor LaMotte asked what assistance residents can provide help with. Chief Johnson replied that there is nothing at this time since most of the resources and donations are going to displaced residents and evacuees. They are working on coordinating efforts with the County to funnel resources where it is needed most. He also stated that communications through CERT would take place once they know more. Ms. Bennett clarified that the ratification of the Declaration is in effect through the Council meeting on September 15 at 5:00 p.m. This gives Chief Johnson and Ms. Bennett time to reevaluate the Declaration and make modifications if needed. She stated that this declaration would only extend while the fire risk is extreme. Councilor Wendland inquired as to what communication methods were in place for the community to be aware and in the know of what is occurring as well as what enforcement measures were in place to ensure compliance. Mr. Hooper provided phone numbers and resources that were available to citizens through the City and the County. Councilor Manz asked about email notifications for those not on social media. Mr. Hooper gave details on key websites and available hotlines and contacts that citizens can call to get information. Mayor Studebaker also suggested that the community sign up for the emergency alerts through the County to know what is going on throughout the county. Councilor Kohlhoff questioned why the Declaration did not last through the week and was limited to the 36 hours. Ms. Bennett responded that the reasoning was to limit the length of time the city is asking the community to not use their personal property. She wanted to keep government overreach to the minimum as humanly possible and stated that a recommendation can be brought to Council at the September 15 meeting after the weekend. Chief Jorgensen explained to Council how the Police Department will enforce the Declaration through education, warning, and then citations. Since the Declaration went out at noon on September 11, the Police Department has responded to 24 violations. Most citizens are compliant once educated on prohibitions, which includes powered lawn equipment that could create a spark, outdoor smoking, and BBQ's. He explained the curfew in place throughout Clackamas County, which includes Lake Oswego, from 10:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m. Mayor Studebaker moved to adopt Resolution 20-31. Councilor Wendland seconded the motion. A roll call vote was held and the motion passed, with Mayor Studebaker and Councilors Kohlhoff, O'Neill, Nguyen, LaMotte, Wendland, and Manz voting `aye.' (7-0) 3.2 Other Council Direction Regarding State of Emergency Response to Extreme Fire Risk Councilor Nguyen shared ways to get involved and help through the Red Cross at the Convention Center in Portland. The evacuation center that was located at Clackamas Town Center is being moved to the Convention Center and additional volunteer assistance is needed to help evacuees. If the community is looking for ways to get involved, the American Red Cross is looking for volunteers and further information can be found on their website. City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 September 12, 2020 4. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Studebaker adjourned the meeting at 1:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _VOA Kari Linder, Deputy City Recorder Approved by the City Council on October 6, 2020 Kent Studebaker, Mayor City Council Special Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 September 12, 2020