Official Declaration of Snow Emergency

Yesterday afternoon Mayor Robin Gardner issued the following emergency declaration, which was endorsed by the City Council earlier this evening.  The declaration makes it possible for Falls Church to receive state emergency aid and financial support.

The Council ratified the declaration during a conference call, perhaps the first occasion in the City’s history when it met via telephone.

RESOLUTION 2009-32

RESOLUTION DECLARING A LOCAL EMERGENCY FOR SEVERE WEATHER SNOW EVENT AS OF 2:00 P.M.  DECEMBER 18, 2009

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Falls Church does hereby find that due to the National Weather Service forecast for snow beginning in the evening of Friday, December 18, 2009 and continuing on for the day of Saturday, December 19, 2009 with total accumulations expected of 14 – 16 inches; the City of Falls Church is faced with dangerous conditions of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant coordinated local government action to prevent or alleviate the damage, loss, hardship or suffering threatened or caused thereby; and

WHEREAS, due to the forecasted severe winds and depths of snow on city streets and state roads, a condition of extreme peril of life and property has necessitated the declaration of the existence of an emergency as of 2:00 p.m. on December 18, 2009; and

WHEREAS, circumstances did not permit the City Council to convene in order to consent to the declaration of a local emergency; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with §44-146.21 of the Code of Virginia and the City of Falls Church 2007 Emergency Operations Plan, the Mayor of the City has the sole authority to make a declaration of local emergency when the City Council is unable to convene.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Robin S. Gardner, Mayor of the City of Falls Church, Virginia that the Declaration of a Local Emergency dated December 18, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. be, and the same herby is, confirmed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that during the existence of said emergency the powers, functions, and duties of the Director of Emergency Services and the Emergency Services organization of the City of Falls Church shall be those prescribed by State law and the ordinances, resolutions, and approved plans of the City of Falls Church in order to mitigate the effects of said emergency.

Dated:  December 18, 2009

COUNCIL FOR CITY OF FALLS CHURCH

By: Robin S. Gardner, Mayor

Clerk of Falls Church City Council