Committee backs update to emergency management code and alignment with RSA 21-P

The Finance, Organization, and Personnel Committee recommended adoption of Ordinance O-2026-04 to update chapter 30 of the city code, modernizing definitions and aligning local authority with state statute RSA 21‑P. Court Blomquist, the city’s emergency management administrator, led the review and said the revision reframes the emergency-management role to cover mitigation, planning, response and recovery and expands who the city considers "first responders" to include essential support functions such as water and wastewater operators, IT and finance staff.

Blomquist explained the code now focuses on events that "are a threat to the community, the life safety welfare of the community," rather than enumerating hazards. He also described the appointment process: ""When RSA 21‑P39 was created, it's actually the city council who appoints the emergency management director," he said, and the city manager will recommend candidates to the council.

Other updates included modernized notification and regulation language to reflect electronic media, clarified authority for mutual aid and requests to surrounding communities and the state, and liability provisions for volunteers and private property used during emergencies brought in line with state law. The committee moved, seconded and voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the ordinance. The recommendation will proceed to the full council for final action or be handled per the city’s ordinance-adoption process.