In the event of the proclamation of a local emergency, as herein provided, the proclamation of a State of Emergency by the governor or the Director of the California Office of Emergency Services, or the existence of a state of war emergency, the director is hereby empowered:
A. To control and direct the effort of the Emergency Management Organization of this city for the accomplishment of activities and purposes as codified in this chapter;
B. To direct coordination and cooperation between divisions, services and staff of the Emergency Management Organization of this city, and to resolve questions of authority and responsibility that may arise between them;
C. To represent the emergency management organization of the city in all dealings with public or private agencies pertaining to emergency services.
D. To make and issue rules, orders, and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by such emergency; provided, however, such rules, orders, and regulations must be confirmed at the earliest practicable opportunity by the City Council;
E. To obtain vital supplies, equipment and such other properties found lacking and needed for the protection of the life and property of the people, and bind the City of Visalia for the fair value thereof, and if required immediately, to commandeer the same for public use;
F. To require emergency services of any City of Visalia officer or employee and, in the event of the proclamation of a “Local Emergency,” “State of Emergency” in the county in which this city is located or the existence of a “State of War Emergency,” to command the aid of as many citizens of this community as he/she deems necessary in the execution of his or her duties. Such persons shall be entitled to all privileges, benefits and immunities as are provided by state law for registered disaster service workers;
G. To requisition necessary personnel or material of any City department or agency; Any expenditure made in connection with emergency activities, including mutual aid activities, shall be deemed conclusively to be for the direct protection and benefit of the inhabitants and property of the City of Visalia In accordance with Title 2 CCR Section 53021;
H. To execute all of the ordinary powers as city manager, all of the special powers conferred upon them by this chapter or by resolution adopted pursuant thereto, all powers conferred upon them by any statute, agreement approved by the city council, or by any other lawful authority, and in conformity with Title 2 CCR Section 38791, to exercise complete authority over the city and to exercise all police power vested in the city by the Constitution and general laws.
(Ord. 2019-08 §1, 2019)