Chapter 15.60
Alarm Systems
Sections:
15.60.020 Assessment of costs for response.
15.60.030 Discontinuance of system.
15.60.010 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) "Alarm" means any device meeting the definitional requirements of Section 15.40.010(1), as now existing or hereafter amended or supplanted, as well as any device which has been installed for purposes of activation as a burglary or robbery alarm. For purposes of this chapter, it shall be irrelevant as to whether or not the alarm system is connected to the dispatch agency of the city or county.
(2) "False alarm" means the activation of a fire alarm or a burglary or robbery alarm by other than an actual fire-related incident or the precursor thereof, or as to a burglary or robbery alarm, the activation by other than a forced entry or attempted forced entry to the premises or robbery or attempted robbery at a time when no burglary or robbery is being committed or attempted on the premises. For purposes of this definition, it shall not be deemed a false alarm in the event that the activation of the device occurs because of extreme temperatures, high winds, power outages, and other similar causes not within the control of the owner or alarm company.
(3) "Owner" means the person, agent, firm, or corporation having legal or equitable interest in the property or the authorized agent thereof. For purposes of govermentallyowned properties, the owner shall be deemed the governmental agency or entity owning, maintaining, or utilizing the property. (Ord. 1297 Si, 1990).
15.60.020 Assessment of costs for response.
(a) It is recognized by the council that the cost of responding to false alarms is subject to change from time to time. It is further recognized that the cost of the police department responding to a false alarm is different from that which relates to the fire department's responding to a false alarm; that this differential is as a result of, among other factors, a difference in staffing and equipment required to respond. In furtherance of the desire and intention of the council that the service charges for responding to false alarms when they exceed a particular level within a particular time period shall most correctly reflect the actual cost incurred, the council shall establish by resolution the following factors:
(1) Frequency of response to false alarms at a particular location after which a service charge shall be assessed.
(2) The service charge which shall be assessed for a particular response.
If the chiefs of the departments who have responded to the false alarms at a particular location determine that a new system has been installed or that adequate repairs have been made to an existing alarm system, a new period for purposes of this section may be authorized by the chief to commence following the new installation or satisfactory repair.
(3) The false alarm penalties referred to in this section will be billed directly by the city to the alarm customer involved in the false alarm. A copy of the billing will be sent to the alarm company if applicable. If the city does not receive payment of the penalty amount within sixty days from the date of the billing, the city may terminate the authority to have the alarm connected to its system and may further terminate police response to the alarm until and unless the penalty is paid.
(b) Any alarm customer, owner, or company against whom an assessment has been made may, within ten days of receiving notice of the assessment, appeal the charge to the mayor or his or her designee if the appellant feels that the charge was improperly assessed. The appeal shall be in writing and state with specificity all facts, information, and reasons which constitute the basis for the position that the charge has been improperly assessed. A copy of such materials shall be provided to the responsible official imposing the assessment. That official shall have an opportunity to respond in writing to those comments. In the event the appellant wishes to give oral presentation to the mayor prior to the making of the mayor's decision. In the discretion of the mayor, such a meeting may be arranged at which shall be present the appellant or its representative, the levying agency by and through its representative, and the mayor or his or her designee. A decision by the mayor or his or her designee on the appeal shall be final. (Ord. 1297 §2, 1990).
15.60.030 Discontinuance of system.
The mayor, upon advice and recommendation of the appropriate chief, may at any time order the discontinuance of any alarm system within the city due to repeated failures of equipment or circuitry and multiple false alarms or failures to comply with the provisions of this chapter or of Chapter 15.40. Such notice of discontinuance shall be made in writing to both the agency supplying the alarm and to the person, firm, or corporation affected at least forty-eight hours prior to the disconnection of the alarm circuit. (Ord. 1297 §3, 1990).