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Paradise Council Approves Virtual EOC MOU, Siren Guidelines, Procurement Clarification and Hydrant Repairs
Summary
Council approved joining a Bu County virtual EOC (VOC) MOU, updated emergency siren activation rules, an urgency ordinance clarifying procurement rules for professional services, and moved forward with a FEMA‑funded hydrant repair project estimated at $725,000 (town share ~$45,000).
The Paradise Town Council approved several operational and public‑safety items Nov. 12, aiming to strengthen emergency coordination and clarify procurement rules.
Emergency Operations: Council approved a memorandum of understanding to join Bu County’s contract for VOC virtual EOC software (a hybrid virtual Emergency Operations Center). Staff said the platform will consolidate forms, communications and allow remote participation; first‑year cost is budgeted and the town will budget for subsequent years.
Sirens: Council adopted updated siren activation guidelines. Under the new guidance, towers will be activated only for evacuation orders issued by law enforcement. If 1–3 zones are affected the towers nearest those zones will sound; if 4 or more zones are ordered, all towers will be activated. Staff said sirens will be paired with zone‑specific voice messages and redundant communications including CODE RED, website, social media and local media.
Procurement: Town attorney Scott presented and the council approved an urgency ordinance clarifying procurement language: the code will no longer read as if every expenditure must be awarded to the lowest bidder irrespective of funding source; professional services remain eligible for qualifications‑based selection rather than lowest‑bid selection. The ordinance passed with the required supermajority.
Hydrants: Town engineer Mark Maddox presented plans to replace and upgrade 24 fire hydrants damaged in the Camp Fire. The project estimate is $725,000; staff corrected the town’s match requirement to 6.25% of the project (approximately $45,000), with the remainder funded by State/FEMA assistance. Work includes tying hydrants to upgraded mains and restoring pavement, and the council authorized advertisement and award of the project next year.
The council voted to approve all four items; staff will return with contract documents, procurement steps and implementation timelines.
