REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Scott M. Haberle, Fire Chief
Subject:
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Approve and authorize execution of the Operational Area Agreement of the County of Orange and Political Subdivisions to comply with Standardized Emergency Management System regulations
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Statement of Issue:
The Fire Department is requesting approval of the attached Operational Area Agreement between the County of Orange and Political Subdivisions. Entering into this agreement with participating agencies provides a cooperative method for meeting State law requirements related to the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS).
Financial Impact:
Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute, “Operational Area Agreement of the County of Orange and Political Subdivisions.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the attached Operational Area Agreement and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
In November 1995, the City Council authorized the Mayor to sign an Operational Area Agreement, with revisions, between the County of Orange and political subdivisions. The Agreement and amendments included the establishment and composition of the operational area executive board, local authority in an emergency, duties of the operational area coordinator, creation and revision of the area plan, and activation of the operational area Emergency Operations Center. Once adopted by the County of Orange, the Operational Area agreement, with revisions, was implemented county-wide, including in the City of Huntington Beach.
At that time, it was understood that the specified addendums would also be adopted by the County of Orange and participating agencies, and in January 2010, the County and City adopted the various revisions to the Operational Area Plan.
The Agreement is being updated to reflect current emergency management practices in the Operational Area. It has been adopted by the County of Orange and is now being presented for adoption by all Operational Area political subdivisions, including the City of Huntington Beach.
SEMS regulations standardize emergency responses when implemented in multiple jurisdictional areas. Failure to comply with these State regulations may result in the loss of future FEMA disaster reimbursement funds distributed through the State of California to the City of Huntington Beach.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Enhance and modernize public safety service delivery
Attachment(s):
1. Operational Area Agreement of the County of Orange and Political Subdivisions