Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 4.K
Meeting Date: August 13, 2025
From: Michael Contreras, Fire Chief
Title: Resolution Authorizing the Official Designees for the Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager and the Financial Services Director to act as the official designees for the Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program and to execute and provide all forms, agreements, and other assurances as required.
BACKGROUND:
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for hazards that may occur in our city. CERT trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills.
As part of the department's Community Risk Reduction program, there has been extra emphasis on community emergency response. CERT is a key part of the city's emergency preparedness.
On August 14, 2024, Council accepted a grant from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in the amount of $25,000 to update the City’s CERT trailer and equipment.
DISCUSSION:
During the application process for the Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program, Resolution 2023-41 (designation of applicant’s agent resolution for non-state agencies) was used to show proof of authority to apply for and sign grant agreements with Cal OES. This resolution was approved December 13, 2023 and is valid until December 13, 2026. This resolution includes future grant programs with Cal OES.
On July 9, 2025, the grant team met with Cal OES for a performance assessment with participation required of all grantees. One of the findings was that the City’s proof of authority did not include the following: Cal OES program name, the grant subaward performance period, and/or the ability to sign for amendments.
The proposed resolution specifies these elements instead of using overarching language.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this action. The official designees will be provided the authority to submit forms, assurances, and execute agreements with Cal OES pertaining to the Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program.
Purchases related to the program will still follow normal City procedures.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal D – INNOVATION
Objective: Cathedral City continually focuses on improving service delivery and customer experiences by successfully leveraging technology and creative initiatives to improve public services, public safety, and stimulate economic growth.
D-7 Implement innovative community-based Fire Prevention programs regarding Drowning, Smoke Alarm Installation, Paramedic Services, Fall Prevention, and CPR.
Goal E – SAFETY
Objective: Cathedral City is safe for all who live, work, visit, and play in our community.
E-4 Strengthen the City's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters by reviewing and updating the City's Emergency Operations Plans through annual training sessions and tabletop exercises.
ATTACHMENTS:
1.Resolution 2023-41 – 12_13_2023
2.Resolution Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program