Council adopts updates to emergency management ordinance to create Emergency Management Council

Deputy Fire Chief Ben Erickson presented proposed updates to Chapter 2.32 of the North Las Vegas municipal code intended to modernize the city's emergency management framework. Erickson said the revisions update the definition of "emergency management" to match NRS 414.02, clarify the role and oath of the emergency management director, update succession and continuity language, and add provisions to create an Emergency Management Council composed of key department leaders to advise preparedness and long-term planning.

Councilmember Isaac Barone moved to adopt the ordinance. The motion passed, and the council adopted Ordinance No. 3257 that same night. Erickson said the primary goal is to formalize the Emergency Management Council and ensure the city's succession plan and incident-support functions align with state and federal partners. "This council comprised of key members of our organization will help build a stronger culture and preparedness and coordination across departments and community partners," Erickson said.

What changed: The ordinance updates definitions to align with state statute, adds an oath for the emergency management director, revises continuity and succession language to reflect current organizational roles, and creates a formal Emergency Management Council to provide policy advice and readiness assessment.

Follow-up: Erickson indicated training will focus on identifying and assigning appropriate ICS (Incident Command System) classes for nominated staff; council did not request additional amendments at adoption. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally; the motion was announced as passed.