REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Al Zelinka, City Manager
VIA: Eric Parra, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Ingrid Ono, Administrative Assistant
Subject:
title
Volunteer Release & Waiver of Liability Agreement
body
Statement of Issue:
The City currently requires Police Department volunteers to sign a liability waiver, which in part requires them to carry vehicle insurance to cover actions while driving for the Department. Many volunteers have discovered their insurance carriers will not cover them when driving city-owned vehicles. As a result, these volunteers are not able to perform many of the functions the Department normally relies on them to do.
Financial Impact:
There are no additional costs for insurance premiums. However, the City may be subject to additional liability claims if a volunteer is involved in an auto accident within the City’s self-insurance claims limit of $1 million.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Staff recommends City Council approve use of the Volunteer Release & Waiver of Liability Agreement (Attachment) as drafted and approved by the City Attorney.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff accordingly. If not approved, our volunteers will not be covered by the City’s insurance while driving a city vehicle. This will cause some volunteers, whose private insurance carriers will not cover them when driving city-owned vehicles, to limit their volunteer contributions to tasks not requiring them to drive city-owned vehicles.
Analysis:
The City recognizes volunteerism as an integral part of what makes HB a great place to live and work. The HBPD Volunteer programs are an important piece of the public safety model for all residents of HB. Our volunteers complete a multitude of tasks, which would otherwise have to be completed by other paid employees. Such tasks include removal of signs and posters on city-owned property, transporting property and supplies between various city buildings and locations, pickup and delivery of items for our fleet management personnel, and others. In addition to these actions, our volunteers also conduct tasks which add value and improve the quality of life for our residents, such as vacation house checks. Approval of the Volunteer Release & Waiver of Liability Agreement allows the Department to utilize our volunteers to their fullest potential.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Financial Sustainability, Public Safety or Other
Attachment(s):
1. HBPD Senior Volunteer Release & Waiver of Liability Agreement - CA approved.