Agenda Date: 02/18/2020
Subject:
Title
Ordinance 03-2020: An ordinance on second reading adding Chapter 4 to Title 5 of the Littleton Municipal Code entitled fire ban adoption
Body
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Prepared by: |
Reid Betzing, City Attorney |
PURPOSE:
To add a chapter to the Littleton City Code (LCC) to improve efficiency and timeliness in declaration of fire restrictions and bans.
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Reid Betzing, City Attorney
Alternate Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
In severe drought/weather situations, the county (counties) may initiate fire bans or fire restrictions. Currently, there is nothing in place for the city to join in those restrictions or bans unless a resolution is taken to council, which is often untimely given that there may be emergent or scheduling issues. The proposed ordinance allows the city manager to declare fire restrictions or bans based on the recommendations from one of the counties or South Metro Fire Rescue Authority.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
An email was sent last week to determine if council had concerns or needed more information about this item proceeding directly to first and second reading without the need for a study session.
Passed on first reading at the regular meeting of city council on January 21, 2020.
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
Staff believes that best practices warrant having a system in place whereby the city can quickly react to emergent circumstances in order to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Council Goal, Objective, and/or Guiding Principle
Littleton will remain engaged and civic-minded in all matters affecting the direction and priorities of city government and the community.
Fiscal Impacts
None
Alternatives
Maintaining the status quo and taking items before council for adoption of bans or restrictions has the risk of lack of a timely response and inability for Littleton Police to effectively enforce the ban by not being able to file cases in municipal court.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends council approve second reading of the fire ban ordinance.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the ordinance on second reading adding Chapter 4 to Title 5 of the Littleton Municipal Code entitled fire ban adoption.