On Tuesday, October 6th, the Vallejo City Council voted unanimously during a Special Council meeting to declare a Local Public Safety Emergency in the City of Vallejo. Under Vallejo Municipal code (Section 2.50.020), an “emergency” is defined as the “actual or threatened existence of conditions of disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within this City…”
What Does The Emergency Proclamation Allow The City To Do?
An Emergency Proclamation allows the City to appoint personnel in vital positions quickly. More specifically, it allows for the addition of critical management positions in the Police Department as part of its reform plan.
The proclamation also allows the City to implement key policies ahead of meeting and conferring with the Vallejo Police Officers Association (VPOA). The City still intends to meet and consult with the Association, but under the proclamation, the City is not required to do so before implementing policies that need to be expedited quickly.
What Does The Emergency Proclamation NOT Allow The City To Do?
The Emergency Proclamation does not allow the City to open up the VPOA’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or disregard the state laws related to bargaining and/or police officer’s discipline. Both the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) and Police Officer Bill of Rights (POBR) are California State laws that the City cannot violate or override under any conditions.
The proclamation is effective for 60-days from the date of signing. Any extension must be approved by the City Council. You may read the fully executed proclamation here.
For more information on why the City requested the Council to declare a Local Public Safety Emergency, read the original press release here.
Watch the recording of the October 6, 2020, Special City Council Meeting here.