City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MARCH 17, 2021
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
City Council Confirmation of Extending Local Emergency Declaration for COVID-19. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
Body
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ISSUE: Confirmation of the extension of Local Emergency Declaration for COVID-19.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Adopt the attached amendment to Resolution 2928, Declaration of Local Emergency
to extend the emergency through September 30, 2021; and
(2) Authorize the Director of Emergency Management to enter into contracts and incur
obligations as enumerated in section 44-146.21 of the Code of Virginia.
DISCUSSION: As a result of COVID-19, on March 9, 2020, I issued a Declaration of Local Emergency, so that the City could utilize any State or federal assistance that might become available to address the emergency. The City Council confirmed that Declaration in Resolution 2928 on March 14, 2020 extending the declaration through June10, 2020. Resolution 2928 was amended on June 9, 2020 to extend the declaration through September 30, 2020. On September 22, 2020, City Council again amended Resolution 2928 to extend the declaration through March 31, 2021. Due to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued impact on the community, I believe it is necessary to again extend the Declaration of Local Emergency (Attachment). The Declaration of State Emergency by the Governor is still in place with no indication that it will be rescinded in the near future. Although the vaccine for COVID 19 is efficiently being distributed to the community, there will continue to be a need for emergency response as the City learns and determines what next steps will be necessary. Eligibility for FEMA reimbursement for certain expenses will also be retained. I therefore recommend that the Declaration be extended until September 30, 2021, unless sooner amended or rescinded.
ATTACHMENT: Extension of Local Emergency Declaration
STAFF:
Ray Whatley, Acting Emergency Management Coordinator