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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Natalie Wiza, Emergency Management Agency
DATE: June 16, 23023
SUBJECT:
A Resolution repealing R01-173 authorizing the Execution of an Emergency Warning Siren Activation Agreement with the Village of Montgomery.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this repeal is to bring ownership and consistency to the use of outdoor warning sirens.
BACKGROUND:
Resolution R01-173 was passed in April 2001, establishing authorization for the testing and activation of outdoor warning sirens by the City for the Village of Montgomery. This was established because the City had the capability to perform monthly testing of the siren network and activate the sirens during a tornado warning. At the time, the Village of Montgomery did not have any other alternate option for testing and activation.
DISCUSSION:
Repeal of the previous resolution is necessary because the City should not be testing nor activating outdoor warning sirens for any other municipality. It is not efficient to operate the outdoor warning siren system in the manner it is set up, as it is an all or none - meaning one button sets off all sirens in the system.
For example, if the City were to set off the sirens for a tornado warning in Montgomery, Aurorans living on Route 59 would hear the sirens and receive mixed signals in the event the storm system has not reached their area. If the City were to set off the sirens for a tornado warning on Route 59 in Aurora, the Village of Montgomery would also receive mixed signals, especially if they were removed from any severe thunderstorm/tornado warning. It is an outdated set up that needs to be revised.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
If the previous resolution is not repealed the system cannot be updated for maximum efficiency and public safety.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Emergency Management Coordinator respectfully recommends repealing R01-173 and forwarding to the Committee of the Whole.
cc: Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Repealing R01-173, Authorizing the Execution of an Emergency Warning Siren Activation Agreement between the City and the Village of Montgomery.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Emergency Warning Siren Activation Agreement was passed in 2001 to assist the Village of Montgomery in warning their residents of bad weather; and
WHEREAS, since that time period the needs and systems have changed and it is no longer in the best interest of either community to have Aurora activate their emergency warning siren; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Montgomery has agreed to have Kendall County handle their activation needs making this agreement obsolete.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: Resolution R01-173 is hereby rescinded and repealed as the Village of Montgomery has an agreement with Kendall County for activation of their emergency warning siren activation.