CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: December 16, 2015
PREPARED BY: Jennifer Ponce, OES Coordinator, Police Department
APPROVED BY: City Manager
Title
UPDATE TO CITY COUNCIL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 94-11 ENTITLED “RESPONSIBILITY OF CITY COUNCIL DURING LOCAL EMERGENCY”
RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Adopt resolution approving revisions to Council Policy CP 94-11 of the City Council Policy and Procedures entitled “Responsibility of City Council During Local Emergency”.
BODY
COUNCIL PRIORITIES, GOALS & STRATEGIES:
Ongoing Priorities
Enhancing public safety
Preserving and cultivating public trust
2015 Focus Areas
Community Engagement Effectiveness
REPORT NARRATIVE:
The Morgan Hill City Council Policies and Procedures defines the responsibilities of the Morgan Hill City Council as they pertain to the Council’s administrative, development and environmental functions These policies include the Council’s responsibility during a local emergency - Council Policy - CP 94-11.
The update to this policy emphasizes that in times of local large scale emergencies the City Manager assumes responsibility as the Director of Emergency Services, including the oversight of the Emergency Operations Center. The update adds that although the City Council does not have a direct role in the Emergency Operations Center, the actions taken by the City Council significantly contribute to the success of a proclaimed local emergency.
During a local emergency, City Council responsibilities include the following: receiving current situation awareness from the Director of Emergency Services and/or Public Information Officer; redirecting unverified rumors to event facts alleviating panic in the community; holding meetings as required to pass a local proclamation; and serving as a liaison for any visiting officials.
The City of Morgan Hill City Council Policies and Procedures for the City Council’s roles and responsibilities in a local emergency (CP 94-11) was last revised August 22, 2007.
Upon approval of the City Council, the Mayor’s signature will complete the update to this policy.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Collaborate
This policy update will strengthen the City’s emergency response capabilities by collaborating with the City Council in times of local emergencies by bringing the policy to current standards.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS:
Should the City Council choose not to approve the policy update, the City will continue to refer to the August 22, 2007 version.
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL AND COMMISSION ACTIONS:
The original policy was effective May 4, 1994, with two subsequent updates.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
No impact to the City’s operating budget and this time, The City of Morgan Hill follows the State of California’s Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as documented in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. State and Federal reimbursement requires local agencies to follow SEMS and NIMS. In the event the City proclaims a local disaster, financial reimbursement can be requested from the State and/or the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA).
LINKS/ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Policy CP 94-11; Responsibility of City Council During Local Emergency