HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-16-07 Study SessionDUBLIN CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Council Chambers
MINUTES OF MEETING
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present were Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, Mr. Keenan, Ms. Salay, Mr. McCash and Vice
Mayor Lecklider {arrived at 7:20 pm}. Mr. Reiner and Mrs. Boring were absent.
Staff members present were Ms. Brautigam, Mr. Hammersmith, Ms. Willis, Ms.
Wawszkiewicz, Chief Epperson, Lt. Hirschy and Ms. Ott.
Also present: Chief Woo, Washington Township Fire Department.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that tonight's study topics are: (1 }Dublin Road Speed
Limits and (2} City Emergency Preparedness.
DUBLIN ROAD SPEED LIMITS
Ms. Willis presented a report on Dublin Road speed limits, including a PowerPoint
presentation. The existing posted speed limits an Dublin Road between Frantz Raad
and Brand Road are inconsistent and do not meet driver expectations. There are
multiple changes in the speed limit because Dublin Road is not entirely within the
Dublin corporation limits. The unincorporated sections are owned and maintained by
Franklin County. In one location, there is a speed warning sign of 35 mph posted on an
approach to a curve that is higher than the speed limit of 25 mph on the section of road
in which it is posted. It presents a conflict to the driver.
The existing speed limits on Dublin Road are:
{1 }from Indian Run Drive north to Brand Road - 45 mph;
{2} from Indian Run Drive south to the Historic District marker - 35 mph;
{3} in the Historic District - 25 mph;
{4} from Hertford Lane in Llewellyn Farms north to Grandview Drive - 45 mph;
Franklin County controls/maintains this section.
{5) From Grandview Drive to Marion Street, an 800-foot section, the centerline of
the roadway is the common jurisdiction boundary for Dublin and Franklin County. The
City of Dublin owns and maintains the southbound direction while Franklin County
owns and maintains the northbound direction. As a result, the speed limits are not the
same far both directions; the southbound direction is 25 mph and the northbound
direction is 45 mph.
{6} from Hertford Lane south to Frantz Road, the speed limit is 25 mph.
Because the speed limits on Dublin Road are inconsistent, they do not meet driver
expectations. When driver expectations are not met, crashes are more likely to occur.
Speed limits are determined using the Ohio Revised Code (ORC} Section 4511.21.
This section details the prima-facie speeds for multiple types of roadways. The prima-
facie speeds are used unless site conditions on a roadway dictate that the speed zone
should be lower or higher than the established prima-facie speed. The ORC states that
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it is prima-facie lawful to operate at a speed not exceeding 35 mph on all through
highways within municipal corporations outside business districts. In unincorporated
areas, it is prima-facie lawful to operate at a speed not exceeding 55 mph. In those
areas outside Dublin's municipal boundaries, the State and County have already
lowered their speed limit by 10 miles per hour to 45 mph.
Last year, the City decided it was important to address the issue and contracted with traffic
consultants R.D. Zande & Associates to conduct a speed zone study on Dublin Road from
Brand Road to Frantz Road. A speed zone study looks at objective and subjective criteria.
The objective elements are: highway development; the density of driveways and cross
streets; roadway features -- lane width, pavement condition, and curvature; the 85tH
percentile speeds; pace speeds (the number of vehicles that travel in a 10 mph band}; and
accident experience. The subjective elements are: adjacent to warranted speed reduction
area; uniformity of speed limit through section; functional classification; input from Police
Department; pedestrians; proximity to school; and test run speeds.
The results of the study indicated that the calculated speed between Frantz Road and
the southern boundary of the Historic District is above 40 mph. This is due to the low
crash history, acceptable roadway geometry, and current travel speeds. The speed
study recommends raising the speed limit to 40 mph. However, given the prima-facie
speed of 35 mph, staff recommends adjusting the speed limit to 35 mph between Frantz
Road and the southern boundary of the Historic District. Staff has worked with the
Franklin County Engineer's Office and determined that the 35 mph speed zone is
agreeable to both jurisdictions. Staff recommends maintaining the existing speed limits
in the Historic District and north of SR 161.
Mr. McCash inquired about the speed limit on Indian Run north and Riverside Drive.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher responded that it changes from 35 mph to 50 mph to 40 mph.
Mr. Keenan inquired if staff contacted the residential areas for their input.
Ms. Willis responded that the residents have not been contacted.
Ms. Salay responded that the residents become very attached to the existing speed
limits. Part of the change in speed limit was enacted due to the construction of the
Upper Scioto West. In addition, Llewellyn Farm residents petitioned Council several
years ago that the speed limit on Dublin Raad be reduced to 25 mph in their area.
They complained that vehicles were traveling at high speeds in that area. If the City
should suddenly erect a 35 mph sign on Dublin Road, those residents will object. It will
be important to develop a strategy for communicating with them and gaining their
support as much as possible before any changes are made.
Mr. Keenan stated that he has spoken to some of the residents of the properties near
and along the river who have an issue with the 25 mph speed limit. They believe that is
too slow for that stretch of road. Years ago, when Dublin Road was the main corridor, it
was more appropriate. Most of that traffic has now been redirected to Frantz Road.
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Ms. Salay responded that there are some homes in Llewellyn Farms that are located
near the road. It would be good if staff informed the Llewellyn Farms residents of the
proposed increase. She is not comfortable with approving the increase in speed limit
until an opportunity has been provided to the citizens for their input.
Mr. McCash noted that part of the information shared should be that it is not possible to
legally enforce a 25 mph speed limit in that area, and, although the study actually
recommends increasing the speed limit to 4Q mph, the City would only increase it to 35
mph.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that a courtesy letter should be forwarded to the
residents, which suggests that if they have any questions or comments on the proposed
increase they should contact Ms. Willis. Will this item be returning to Council for
approval?
Mr. Hammersmith responded that it does not require Council approval, as there would
be no legislation. Staff will prepare the communication for the neighborhood and
provide a report on citizen feedback to Council.
[Vice Mayor Lecklider arrived.]
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher suggested a time period of 10-14 days be provided to the
public to respond to the City Engineer's office. Perhaps a staff member could attend
the civic association meeting to provide information. She suggested that the
communication contain the information Mr. McCash alluded to regarding the City's
inability to legally enforce a 25 mph limit.
Mr. Hammersmith noted the study results indicated an 85th speed percentile of 42 mph
on Dublin Road. The prima facia speed limit is 35 mph in that area, so the Dublin
Police have a difficult time enforcing a 25 mph speed limit.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher responded that she travels that area frequently, and she
personally finds it difficult to travel at 25 mph; 35 mph seems an appropriate
compromise.
Ms. Salay responded that she agrees completely. However, years ago, the residents
petitioned for the speed reduction to 25 mph based on the rationale that this is a
residential district. The other changes occurred when the Upper Scioto West was
being constructed.
Ms. Willis noted that the communication would also explain that if the driveway spacing
were dense, a lower speed would be warranted. Trying to make an argument fora 25
mph residential roadway does not succeed when the driveway spacing does not
support the need.
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Ms. Salay agreed that Dublin Road is not the typical residential road. She suggested
that the letter go to the residents along Dublin Road and the president of the civic
association.
Mr. Hammersmith noted that a copy of the letter would be provided in Council packets.
Vice Mayor Lecklider requested clarification of the comment regarding the difficulty for
the Police to enforce a 25 mph speed limit.
Chief Epperson responded that there are issues due to the shared jurisdiction with
Franklin County. In one section of roadway, the speed limit is 25 mph in the
northbound lane and 45 mph in the southbound lane. This is confusing to the citizen
who is ticketed for speeding.
Vice Mayor Lecklider agreed. He has seen evidence of that confusion in Mayor's
Court. He agrees with the proposed change. What prompted this action?
Mr. Hammersmith responded that staff has been discussing the situation for some time,
and contracted the speed zone study last year to identify a recommendation for a
resolution.
CITY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Ms. Brautigam stated that this report is in response to Council's request for information
on the City's state of emergency preparedness. Staff has developed an Emergency
Operations Plan, which also includes a response to a pandemic flu outbreak.
Chief Epperson stated that Chief Woo from Washington Township Fire Department is
present to respond to any questions Council may have regarding the township's
emergency planning and operations.
He presented a PowerPoint overview of the City's emergency operations plan including
the Police division's emergency operations plan.
Organization, Roles and Responsibilities
Chapter 36 of the City's Code covers emergency management. The stated intent is to
assign responsibility to ensure complete and efficient utilization of all the City's
resources to cope with disaster, whether it be man-made, technological or natural.
The City Manager is the City's emergency management director. In that role, she has
the authority, in preparing for and responding to emergencies, to direct the City's
resources as well as request any other city, county or state resources that would be
needed in that emergency response.
Chapter 36 provides that City Council may convene to perform its legislative powers as
the disaster situation demands; shall receive reports relative to all phases of
emergency management activities; and may declare an end to the emergency period.
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Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as abridging or curtailing the powers or
restriction of the City Council as defined by the Revised City Charter. Although the City
Manager has the authority to declare a state of emergency, City Council does have the
authority to declare an end to the emergency period.
The City's Emergency Operations Plan further elaborates on the role of City Council. Its
primary responsibility is to ensure citizens with continuity of government during an
emergency and for exercising legislative powers before, during and after disasters. In
a supporting role, Council will: stay knowledgeable of the disaster situation; be
prepared to provide court services if needed; be prepared to convene special Council
sessions if warranted. He noted that during a City event, the City has a pre-
determined location for Council to go to in the event of an emergency, if warranted.
The Plan further states that the judgment of the City Manager/Emergency Management
Director, shall be the sole criteria necessary to invoke emergency powers and to
declare an emergency period. She has the power to pass regulations prohibiting or
restricting movement of vehicles to facilitate the emergency work force or to facilitate
the mass movement of persons from critical areas; regulations pertaining to the
movement of persons from areas deemed to be hazardous or vulnerable to Disaster;
and such other regulations necessary to preserve public peace, health and safety.
This enables the City Manager to deal in a very timely way with any threat to the public
peace, heath or safety. As an example: the day following the September 11, 2001
terror event, there was a threat of gasoline shortage and this community experienced a
sudden hike in gasoline prices. Then City Manager Hansley dealt immediately with the
public panic by issuing an administrative order fixing the price of gasoline. Within an
hour, the police department had delivered the order to all gas station owners and
immediate compliance occurred.
Development of a Plan
Chapter 36.06 requires the City to have an emergency operations plan. The purpose
for the local emergency plan shall be considered supplementary to this chapter and
have the effect of law, whenever a disaster as defined in the chapter has been
proclaimed. The emergency operations plan provides for the following:
1. Prioritization of Services - In disaster situations, the curtailment of non-essential
functions may occur. Normal functions that do not contribute to the response effort may
be suspended at the discretion of the Emergency Management Director for the duration
of the emergency operation.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if essential staff has been identified.
Chief Epperson responded that they have been.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if essential staff is primarily police.
Chief Epperson responded that the police department is included, but it includes any
staff positions that are considered "first responders."
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Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if Dublin's Emergency Plan would be implemented in
the event that the Governor were to proclaim a state of emergency due to the weather.
Would only the essential staff be required to work during the emergency?
Chief Epperson responded "first responder" staff includes more than the staff needed
for snow emergency operations. Some of those positions are non-essential during a
snow emergency but essential during another emergency, such as a pandemic flu
outbreak.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if the Emergency Plan identifies employees with
"essential staff' distinction.
Chief Epperson responded that the City's Emergency Plan contains some information
on essential staff. Ms. Ott is working on the pandemic flu emergency response needs.
For Police Department emergency operations, three different levels of staff scheduling
and the types of essential services have been identified according to the level of
emergency impact.
Mr. Keenan inquired if emergency call-up via pager could be utilized.
Chief Epperson responded that the City has that capability.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if essential staff have remote access from their
homes for communication and data retrieval.
Chief Epperson responded that can occur to some extent. Emergency police
operations can be relocated from the Justice Center to the strategic command vehicle,
and the Dublin emergency call center can be activated from any site that has the
Internet. So it could occur from a police staff member's home.
Mr. Keenan inquired how police emergency operations would be handled if, for
instance, a tornado hit the Justice Center.
Chief Epperson responded that the Justice Center would be evacuated, and several
options for operations exist:
1. continue operations from the command vehicle, if it is intact; if not
2. relocate operations to the secondary site, which is the Westerville Police
Department. The phone service would be located there, and Dublin's
dispatchers would relocate there and provide Dublin dispatching services.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired the current plan for simple loss of power or
electricity. Is there a back-up generator?
Chief Epperson responded that the Justice Center does have aback-up generator,
which can provide limited power. The communications center has aback-up HVAC
system, as well, due to the sensitive equipment within that room.
Chief Epperson stated that the Emergency Operations Plan addresses the
responsibilities of local government in phases of emergency management:
Mitigation: Any action taken to eliminate or reduce the degree of long-term risk to
human life and property from any type of hazard. Examples: building codes, disaster
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insurance, public education, safety codes, hazard analysis -- floods, winter storms,
tornadoes/severe weather, and hazardous materials.
Preparedness: Any activity taken in advance of an emergency that facilitates the
implementation of a coordinated response. Primary preparedness activities are
concerned with planning, training, and resource acquisition. Examples: development
of emergency operations plan, plan exercises and employee training, resource
acquisition, emergency broadcast system, emergency operations center, mutual aid
agreements, and warning system tests.
Training:
Dublin police department invests in employee training including mock emergency
exercises. Dublin is one of the few police departments, which provides annual training
in a quad response. This has occurred in response to the numerous school shootings
which followed the Columbine incident. In an incident that is life threatening, the quad
of officers would not wait far a SWAT team but respond to the incident themselves.
Dublin is also one of the few police departments that provides rifles, ballistic helmets
and vests to officers in police cruisers. This year, a rescue element was added to this
exercise, which was done in conjunction with Washington Township.
Ms. Salay inquired if mock exercises are always determined satisfactory, or if room for
improvement is often identified.
Chief Epperson responded that when a certain type of training exercise is initiated,
areas of need are identified. For instance, the officers were uncomfortable initially with
the quad training for active shooting incidents. However, this year was the 5th year of
the exercise, and the quad training has achieved a desired level of preparedness. If
any four officers were to be called to an active shooting situation, they would be able to
outfit and respond efficiently. In 2005, a training exercise was initiated for emergency
response to an abduction. Needs for improvement were identified, including timely
issuance of an Amber Alert. In 2006, an actual abduction occurred, and some of the
things identified in the training exercise were handled appropriately during the
emergency. For instance, the Amber Alert was issued within 30 minutes of the event.
Documented debriefs of every incident, mock or real, are shared with all staff to
improve performance.
Mr. Keenan inquired the typical police response to an active shooting incident pre-
Columbine.
Chief Epperson responded that the typical law enforcement response throughout the
United States was to respond, set up a perimeter and secure the area, and wait for a
SWAT team to arrive. During the Columbine incident and subsequent school shooting
events, while the local police waited on SWAT teams to arrive, further victims were
occurring within the schools. In rural areas, there are no SWAT teams immediately
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available. Law enforcement agencies realized that it must become their responsibility
to respond, as they were available.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if Dublin has CERT {community emergency response
teams} volunteers ready to respond.
Chief Epperson responded that Dublin does not have CERT volunteers, a homeland
security measure.
This year, the mock exercise was a response to a tornado scenario at a Coffman High
School. Involved were PIO, Streets & Utilities, Grounds & Facilities and the Fire
Department. The exercise was run every day for 2 weeks to give all appropriate staff
members, City and school, an opportunity to participate. Instead of responding in the
field, a conference room "tabletop exercise" is run using maps, drawings and other
resources.
Emergencv Operations Center {EOC}:
The City's Emergency Operations Center {EOC} is located in the basement of the
Justice Center. All the essential operations can be run from there. A diagram indicates
the layout/location of the operations situated in that area, which include the City
Manager's office, Finance, Franklin County EMA, Information Technology, Streets &
Maintenance, and Columbia Gas. The emergency communications center is located in
the basement of the Justice Center as well. In the event of an emergency that caused
the EOC to become operational, communications and dispatching would be run from
the basement. The emergency dispatch center functions the same as the one upstairs.
Emergencv Warning System:
Preparedness also calls for a City audio warning system. There are sirens located
throughout the City. The tornado warning area {map} is a broad area.
Response: Any activity taken immediately before, during, or after an emergency occurs
to save lives, minimize damage to property, and enhance the effectiveness of recovery.
Examples of response are medical assistance, law enforcement, fire and rescue,
evacuation, emergency sheltering, EOC activation, and public information.
The City has a field command post, which is a field command vehicle. It allows the
emergency to be handled from the field with all the necessary resources. It includes a
dispatch center, planning room and supply area. It is used for most of the City's
special events to handle police operations. This "tests" the vehicle operations and
provides police staff a level of familiarity in use. All of the dispatchers are trained on
use from the field command post.
All officers have "first responder" equipment - Tyvec suit, gloves, boots, gas mask. This
equipment serves to get the responder in and out of a contaminated area. All of the
cruisers are equipped with 9 millimeter, semi-automatic weapons.
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Vice Mayor inquired how many cruisers the City has.
Chief Epperson responded that the City has 20 cruisers. Concerning the recent
interest about triers, trier training will begin in February of this year.
Dublin Emergency Calling System
This is sometimes referred to as reverse 911. It enables the Police to call out to a large
group of people. It is used for certain incidents, such as a bank robbery on foot. The
system can be used either to call all of the homes in a certain target area or to place a
certain number of calls under certain conditions. For example, they are doing an
overlay with the GIS department for all of the residences within the flood area of the
O'Shaughnessy Dam. The system can also call cell phones, send emails and set off
pagers. In geocast mode, the system utilizes the data obtained from the phone
companies.
Dublin Tip Line
This system has 12 incoming phone lines to receive a large number of incoming calls.
This was used during the recent abduction. The public was notified to call that number.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if the City has trained staff to handle this number of
lines.
Chief Epperson responded that the system is simple to set up, and the Police clerical
staff can set it up and make it operational. They are briefed on the incident before
taking calls.
Recovery: Short-term activities designed to return vital life-support systems to
minimum operating standards and long-term activities designed to return society to safe
and normal levels of activity. Examples: damage assessment, debris clearance,
decontamination, critical incident stress debriefing {CISD}, and transportation. Several
staff members who have had this training have had opportunities to use this training in
national incidents, such as the 9111 Incident and the Katrina incident.
Police Emergency Operations Plan
This plan establishes incident command as the response philosophy for emergencies.
The plan identifies the positions that may need to be activated through incident
command, and the individuals are trained to operate in that capacity. The positions
include casualty information officers, Director of Casualty, Disaster Manpower Pool
Supervisor, Disaster Scene Pass Coordinator, EOC Logistics Officer, Public
Information Officer, Safety Officer, Security Officer, and Staging Area Manager.
The Police Emergency Operations Plan is an all hazards plan, which includes
guidelines for all emergencies or specific emergencies. There are not separate plans
for different emergencies.
Ms. Salay inquired how an emergency evacuation would be handled.
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Chief Epperson responded that there are places within the City that are identified as
temporary relocation sites. The City would coordinate with the Red Cross if there were
a need for true sheltering. The Red Cross does not have a site within Dublin, sa they
would activate their site nearest Dublin.
Ms. Salay inquired if there was a hazardous material spill, would the neighborhood be
told to go to one of the local temporary sites?
Chief Epperson responded that in most cases, the residents would have other places
they preferred to relocate to -family or friends' homes. Until they could make those
arrangements, they could be taken to a temporary shelter.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that it would seem the City should have an agreement
with the Red Cross to operate a shelter within the City should there be a need.
Typically, the building used is a church or school, which should not be impossible to
have in Dublin.
Ms. Salay stated that recently the Red Cross has been focusing on a plan to
consolidate their locations without the County to 7-8 larger shelters rather than multiple
smaller shelters. When they are ready to hold discussions on proposed sites far those
7-8 shelters, Dublin is prepared to participate in the discussion.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that the public wants to know that Dublin is prepared.
The Red Cross is prepared to respond to Dublin, regardless of their downsizing. We
do need to know what sites the Red Cross would activate for Dublin.
Ms. Salay responded that would depend upon the nature of the emergency and the
area of the City in which the emergency has occurred.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher responded that regardless of those factors, City staff and
Council need to be aware of the specific sites to be activated.
Chief Epperson responded that staff could identify through the Red Cross which sites
are closest to Dublin, but which of those shelters they would activate would depend
upon the nature of the emergency.
Communications Interoperability
A recent news article reported that Columbus ranked with the top six cities in the nation
for first responder communications interoperability. Jay Somerville has devoted
countless hours of work to this endeavor. The Dublin Police 800 system is very
interoperable when compared to others. It is also very beneficial that Columbus Police
dispatches for approximately 80% of first responders in central Ohio. They also have
in their radio system a couple of Marks frequencies, which are statewide frequencies.
Today, if an officer is traveling to Akron on business, that officer is able to maintain
communications with the Dublin office the entire time.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if there is a plan in place for replacement and
upgrade of all the technology on a regular basis.
Chief Epperson responded that they have had the 800 system for years, and it has
been a good system. The last two years, they went digital with the mobile units in the
cruisers as well as the handheld on the officer's hip, which provides the highest level of
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interoperability with the current system. In the CIP hearings, they talked about
expanding the system to a digital system. That would mean replacing the entire
infrastructure with digital compatible equipment. They have not identified or obtained
any grant funds far that purpose. The item is scheduled for 2009 or 2010, but they are
trying to identify resources to accomplish this sooner, collaborating possibly with
Worthington and working with the Delaware County system, as well. The next step is
the concept of a new and different set of frequencies. That is probably years in the
future.
Emergency ~peratians Center (ECC}
The City Manager and the Police Chief have the authority to activate the ESC. It has
been activated on several occasions, most recently when the nation went to war.
During the Y2K period, it was activated fora 24-hour period.
Issuing Amber Alerts
This action is included in the ESP. This Alert was issued in 2006 during the abduction.
Contact Lists
There are specific contact lists relating to the type of incident -- terrorism related,
biological or chemical. There is a detailed, up-to-date list containing contact
information for every City employee, area medical facilities, County emergency
resources and mutual aid agreement contacts.
Mr. Keenan inquired if Dublin Methodist Hospital has been included.
Chief Epperson responded that he has met briefly with President Herbert and the head
of security to establish a relationship and discuss general issues. They have not yet
had detailed discussions regarding using them in emergencies. That dialogue will be
occurring. He has shared with them the City's emergency operations plan. That
relationship is developing.
PANDEMIC FLU
Ms. Ott stated that there are three different types of flu:
• Seasonal -typical strains of influenza viruses, respiratory, transferred from
human to human, natural immunities exist for some; individuals at risk often seek
immunization
• Avian - H5N1 virus found in wild birds sometimes transferred to domestic bird
population, and occasionally to animal or human population. Due to recent
cases, research is being conducted. The virus has not reached sufficient
mutation to result in a pandemic outbreak.
• Pandemic -the virus mutates to the point that three things occur: (1 }the virus
will easily transmit human to human; {2) there is little or no immunity to that
strain of virus; {3) infection with the virus results in serious health implications.
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Since 2003, there have been 256 cases of avian influenza in humans, and 159 of those
cases resulted in death. Currently, the avian flu has occurred only in third World
countries where the poultry and humans live in close relationship.
The World Health organization has pandemic alert stages. The last pandemic flu
outbreak occurred in 1968. In each alert level, different actions are recommended for
industries, governments and health agencies. Avian flu is currently at level three due
to the limited human-to-human transmission.
The president has issued orders to prepare for a possible pandemic outbreak to the
Department of Health and Human Services, which have been passed along to the state
departments of health, and from the Ohio Department of Health to the Franklin County
Board of Health. In 2006, the Franklin County Health Commissioner spoke at a Dublin
City Council meeting on a potential scenario in the U.S., which could result in
quarantines, closing of public gathering spaces, and distribution of medicine.
Dublin's response to such a scenario would include:
• Ensure continuity of government
- pass emergency legislation
- ability to handle Mayor's court
• Ensure mast vital services continue {sanitation, law enforcement}
• Support Franklin County Board of Health
- possible point of mass distribution of medicines
• Coordinate with other public agencies in Dublin
- local schools, Washington Township
The City would need to be prepared to operate at differing levels of emergency -
guarded, severe, critical and catastrophic. The City will need to evaluate how the core
services of each division would be handled. As an example, the Human Resources
Department's polices are being evaluated to determine if it would be necessary to have
on hand emergency policies regarding pay, leave usage, occupational safety, and
ability to address medical claims and questions.
Mr. McCash inquired if the City has worked on developing "work at home" programs for
this type of situation.
Ms. Ott responded that they have. There are a certain number of employees -- in
Finance for example, who perform tasks that must continue. They would need to have
remote access. They are working on a draft plan to identify those positions, but the
City Manager, as EOP Director, would have the ability to determine which positions
could work from home.
Priority public health services must be maintained. Some of those are:
- Rumpke trash collection. If the landfill is not open, what is the back-up
plan?
- Sanitation of City facilities, and possible consolidation of City facilities.
- Law enforcement is vital.
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Ms. Ott stated that they are working with the Board of Health on identifying a mass
distribution point for medicines in the northwest area of the county. Their agreement
for one site recently expired. The Board of Health is responsible for determining the
priority of medications. The City would provide any traffic control the BOH would need.
The City has recommended a site, but they have not selected a site.
Mr. Keenan inquired what percentage of the population the distribution point would
serve.
Ms. Ott responded that different scenarios are being evaluated. They have a plan for
potential sites that they are taking to the Franklin County Chiefs of Police Association
in February to evaluate. They will tabletop a full exercise in March to see how well that
plan would function and to determine the internal set-up needs, which they would like to
standardize at all the sites. After the internal needs are resolved, they will decide the
outside controls needed and finalize the site selections.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted that this portion of the plan would relate to the CDC's
distribution of medicine and the needs of the population.
Ms. Salay inquired how all this would be communicated to the public. Unfortunately,
most people would be completely unprepared and not knowing how to deal with family
situations within the local emergency.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted that the Board of Health and CDC are currently working
on a community education plan. Even with that, there will be some panic incidents.
Ms. Salay stated that the recent New Orleans emergency concerns her. Most
individuals are not prepared to be on their own in an emergency. Is Dublin prepared to
be on its own for a period of time? Dublin should be prepared to be on its own,
separate from the CDC if the need arises.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher responded that the City is subject to the regulations of the
federal government, so does not have a choice in certain things.
Ms. Ott stated that Dublin would rely heavily on Franklin County Board of Health and its
messaging, because it would be important that the entire county and state be receiving
the same message. Dublin would assist in getting the message out locally, but the City
would not be the lead agency for public information during a pandemic situation. The
Board of Health has already begun working on the public information component,
speaking to various agencies and distributing information literature.
Ms. Salay stated that the City would coordinate efforts with other agencies. They have
met with Dublin City Schools about the need to coordinate the emergency operations
plans of each entity. In the future, they will discuss the same issue with the new Hilliard
elementary school and with Washington Township.
Ms. Ott concluded the pandemic influenza presentation.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that the Franklin County Emergency Management
Agency and Homeland Security maintains a resource list of the "hardware" of all local
police departments. Has Dublin provided their information to them?
Dublin City Council Study Session
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Page 14
Chief Epperson responded that Dublin had done so and continually updates the list,
which is user friendly. Dublin Police Department also is aware of how to access that
list, if there should ever be a need to do so.
Mr. Keenan stated that in regard to communications, many of the local fire, EMS and
police agencies continue to operate with the older systems. Does Dublin have the
ability to communicate with the Union County Sheriff and the City of Marysville?
Chief Epperson responded that Union County also is on the 800 marks system, so
there is no difficulty in communications. Dublin is able to communicate with all the
jurisdictions mentioned. In addition, the Buckeye Sheriff's Association has received
funding and secured five communication command vehicles that can be dispersed to
any of the jurisdictions if needed. The City of Columbus houses the vehicle, but it is
accessible to all local first responders to facilitate communications. However, Dublin
would handle mast of its communications through its own radio system.
Vice Mayor Lecklider inquired if the marks system would be functional in the event of a
mass electrical outage? What power is it?
Chief Epperson responded that the marks system as well as the City's system requires
electricity. If electricity is limited, an ability to speak within a certain range is possible
through handheld devices. The communications vehicles are able to set up a self-
sufficient communications system, which the vehicle powers. There is also redundancy
in the City's system so that if one location goes down, there is back-up through a T-1
line, and there are generators at the power sites to power the systems.
Vice Mayor Lecklider stated that his concern was if something happened to the power
grid. This has happened in Cleveland and New York City. Is Dublin prepared if the
communications for a major portion of the state went down?
Chief Epperson responded that the City's system would be operational. He is not
aware of what level the marks system is backed up through generators, but they will
find out.
Chief Woo stated they are backed up. Everything is on repeaters. Another issue is
basic radio. If they are not kept on chargers, they will not work. Many communications
systems maintain banks of radios with a reserve of batteries. Their radios with new
batteries will last 14-16 hours. There is much redundancy within the systems, and the
marks system is designed to maintain communications throughout the state. There
may be a few areas, of course, without great coverage.
Chief Epperson noted that there are also caches of radios that are available for first
responders, who might not have the 800 system radio.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if there were back-up generators at each fire station.
Chief Woo responded that all of the stations have back-up generators. Regarding the
communications systems of Union County and Delaware County, they no longer have
the old systems. Today, they have premier systems.
Dublin City Council Study Session
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Page 15
Vice Mayor Lecklider inquired if the generators are gas powered and if there is a
stockpile of gas to keep them running.
Chief Epperson responded that they are gas powered and by executive order of the
City Manager, the City would be able to obtain all the gas needed. The City has
multiple generators.
Vice Mayor Lecklider stated that is fine, assuming the gas company trucks are able to
make it to the gas stations to replenish their supplies.
Chief Woo stated that they have a diesel generator, which can operate for a long
period of time.
Chief Epperson stated that the way the City views preparation for an emergency is that
the City should be prepared to be self sufficient for 3 days.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher thanked staff for their reports. Council feels more assured
that the City is prepared. It is important as policies are developed to bring them to
Council and keep Council apprised. Council needs to be involved in the decision
making process for City protocols and in agreement with it. The citizens rely upon
Council to do so.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher moved to enter into executive session at 8:55 p.m. to
consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion,
demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official.
Mr. Keenan seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Mr. McCash, yes; Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes;
Ms. Salay, yes; Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes.
Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher announced that the meeting will be reconvened only for the
purpose of formally adjourning. There will be no further action taken by Council.
The meeting was reconvened at 10:15 p.m. and formally adjourned.
Submitted by:
Clerk of Council