2.118.045 Continuity of County Government.
A. In the event of a disaster, it is essential to assure continued operation of County government, to preserve and protect records essential to the continued functioning of County government, and to provide for the appointment of temporary interim successors to the elected and appointed offices of the County.
1. If a declared disaster reduces the number of members of the County Council, then those members who are available for duty shall have full authority to act in all matters as the County Council. In the event no member of the County Council is available for duty, then those elected County officials other than judges of District or Superior Court, but including the Presiding Judge of Superior Court, as are available for duty shall jointly act as the County Council and shall possess by majority vote the full authority of the County Council.
2. Elected County officers, other than the Executive and members of the County Council, are authorized and directed to designate one or more temporary interim successors to the office of such officer in the event the officer is unavailable for duty during an emergency caused by a declared disaster.
3. The County Executive shall, subject to such rules as the Executive may adopt, permit each appointed County officer to designate one or more temporary interim successors of such officer in the event the officer is unavailable for duty during an emergency caused by a declared disaster.
B. Any County officer succeeding to an office on a temporary interim basis pursuant to this Section shall discharge the duties of that office until such time as the elected or appointed officer is available for duty or a regular successor is appointed by the ordinary means applicable to the office.
C. Whenever it becomes impracticable, due to disaster, to convene the Council in the County seat, the Council may convene in any of the following alternate branch offices, designated pursuant to Section 1.40(2) of the Pierce County Charter:
1. Emergency Management
(Emergency Operations Center)
2501 South 35th
Tacoma, Washington 98409
(253) 798-7470
2. Planning and Public Works Frederickson Central Maintenance Facility
4812 196th Street
Spanaway, WA 98387
(253) 798-6061
3. Environmental Services Building
9850 64th Street W
University Place WA 98467
(253) 798-4050
If it becomes impracticable or unsafe for members of the Council to convene in person during a declared emergency, the Council may convene by teleconference or any other reasonable means. After any emergency relocation, the business of the Council shall be lawfully conducted at such alternate site or sites for the duration of the emergency.
D. Essential Records Preservation. All departments of Pierce County shall identify records essential for continuity and preservation of government and provide for their protection according to the guidelines set by the State Archivist (Secretary of State's Office, RCW 40.10.010).