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Chief Dunphy remarked that the City is mainly having issues with repeat false alarms from <br /> commercial properties. He added that the State Fire Marshall encourages this type of legislation <br /> in order to deal with these matters swiftly. <br /> Councilmember Neff asked why false fire alarms do not fall under 510.01(a)(16)which reads: <br /> Any false alarm call which is defined for the proposes of this Chapter as being an <br /> emergency call by an alarm company triggered by either an automated or manual alarm <br /> activation which,after investigation by the Division of Police it is determined that there <br /> is no need for criminal investigation and that the alarm activated for some other reason. <br /> Director Corrigan pointed out that that section specifically mentions police and police false <br /> alarms and excludes fire alarms. <br /> Councilmember Bullock expressed support for the ordinance. He remarked that the ordinance <br /> has been a success, as the vast majority of property owners will respond to a warning letter <br /> before fines are issued. He questioned if all relevant information from police reports is being <br /> communicated with the Law Department. He asked if false car alarms would fall under this <br /> ordinance, noting that this can be a problem for neighbors. <br /> Director Corrigan responded that car alarms would not be covered by this ordinance but that they <br /> may be cited under the noise ordinance if they are a repeated problem. <br /> Councilmember Litten asked about the different types of fire alarm systems. <br /> Chief Dunphy explained that there are a variety of systems designed to meet different household <br /> needs. He noted that the Fire Department will advise homeowners on fire systems and does so <br /> often. <br /> The attached public comments were read into the record. <br /> Councilmember Litten suggested that the Fire Department provide more public information on <br /> this service upon passage of the legislation. <br /> Councilmember Neff expressed concern that the ordinance could discourage a person from <br /> calling the Fire Department for help. <br /> Director Corrigan explained that the ordinance refers only to automatic alarms and that any <br /> direct call to the department would not be counted. He explained that the intent of the legislation <br /> is to implore people to maintain their systems, so they are not malfunctioning and wasting City <br /> resources. <br /> A motion was made and seconded to recommend adoption of Ordinance 16-2021. A roll call <br /> vote was conducted as follows: <br /> Yeas: Neff, Bullock, Litten <br /> Nays: none <br /> Motion adopted. Ordinance 16-2021 recommended for adoption. <br /> 2 <br />