FRANKLIN–The City Council during a special meeting Sunday issued an emergency declaration that will help qualify Franklin for disaster relief funding from Hurricane Irene from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

An initial damage assessment for the city is expected as early as Monday, Emergency Management Chief Vince Holt told council. He added that a report from the public works department shows about 30 days will be needed for debris cleanup.

“Things are going well,” Holt said. “We are on track for a good recovery.”

Council also agreed to waive building permit fees for businesses in need of making major repairs due to Irene.

Council authorized crews to pick up storm debris from rights-of-ways in front of residents’ homes.