Title
Adoption of Resolution Adopting an Agreement for Participation in the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization. (Fire)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
Re: Adoption of Resolution Adopting an Agreement for Participation in the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization
BACKGROUND
The State of California uses Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) as a method of organizing and coordinating a systematic response to large scale emergencies and disasters. The City of Alameda adopted a similar agreement to participate in the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization in 2005 just after the State enacted legislation that established SEMS.
An important component of SEMS is the Operational Area, defined as:
An intermediate level of the state emergency services organization consisting of a County and all political subdivisions within the county area [California Government Code, § 8559 (b)].
The term of the last agreement was from February 15, 2005 until December 31, 2015. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors adopted a revision of the same agreement with the term starting May 10, 2016 and expiring on December 31, 2025. The City Council must adopt the agreement to be compliant with SEMS and be part of the Alameda County Area Emergency Management Organization.
DISCUSSION
The preservation of life, property and the environment is the responsibility of local, state and federal government agencies. Alameda County, in cooperation with the cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Union City, special districts and other public benefit non-profit corporations has decided to enter into an agreement for the purpose of ensuring a unified and coordinated effort between state and local government agencies to facilitate mutual aid and to ensure the effective and efficient use of regional and local resources in the event of a catastrophe.
The Alameda County Operational Area is an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization, consisting of a county and all political subdivisions within the County area.
The agreement incorporates and coordinates available facilities and personnel of the County into an efficient and effective organization by establishing tasks, specific policies and general procedures using the Standardized Emergency Management System. This will provide for the most effective and economical allocation of resources. This agreement provides a foundation for that relationship and addresses key issues such as communications, equipment use, medical services, budgetary transactions and resources related to environmental, ecological, recreational and economic issues.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors recently adopted a new Agreement consisting of substantially the same elements as the previous one. The key components of the Agreement are as follows:
• A partnership for exchanging disaster intelligence, mutual aid resources, and resource requests in emergencies;
• Allows for cooperative training and exercises;
• No monetary compensation is required of participants to be members of the organization;
• The State’s SEMS regulations and guidelines guide the policies and procedures of the organization; and
• The Sheriff/Director of Emergency Services is the Operational Area Coordinator responsible for assuring the representation of all affected jurisdictions in decision-making before, during, and after a disaster occurs.
Interagency coordination is crucial to the successful response to disasters. The City of Alameda’s continued participation in the Operational Area Emergency Management Organization is a key component in accomplishing that goal.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of adopting the attached resolution.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
The proposed resolution is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, sections 15378(b)(5) and 15061(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a resolution adopting an agreement for participation in the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization.
Respectfully submitted,
Edmond Rodriguez, Fire Chief
By:
Captain Sharon Oliver, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator/Emergency Manager
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Edwin Gato, Acting Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. 2005 Agreement
2. 2016 Agreement