DATE:
June 17, 2025
TO:
LaTanya Bellow, City Manager
FROM:
Jeff Jennings, Chief of Police
SUBJECT:
Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Emeryville Acting As The Disaster Council Of The City Of Emeryville Authorizing Volunteers To Attend CERT Academy Training In The Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Under The City’s Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program In Compliance With The California Emergency Services Act (ESA), Government Code 8585.5 And Within The Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program Regulations, California Code Of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, §2570-2573.3
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council/Disaster Council authorize the CERT Academy Training to be scheduled in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 under the City’s Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program (DSWVP) in compliance with the California Emergency Services Act (ESA), California Government Code section 8585.5, and the Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program (DSWVP) Regulations, Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) sections §2570-2573.3.
BACKGROUND
The City’s DSWVP is designed to coordinate and manage volunteer efforts which support services provided to the community during an emergency or disaster.
The history of the program dates to World War II. The War Powers Act of 1943 created the California War Council in response to concerns of military action along the Pacific border of the United States. Local War Councils recruited civilian volunteers and provided workers compensation benefits to volunteers to help with volunteer recruitment. Legislation required that volunteers be registered with a local War Council certified by the State. War Councils were later renamed Disaster Councils.
The City passed a resolution establishing a DSWVP on March 15, 1948. Subsequently, the City of Emeryville’s War Council was established consistent with the California Emergency Services Act and accredited by the California Office of Emergency Services in 1949. On July 11, 2017, the City’s Emergency Plan Ordinance was updated and, as part of that update, the War Council was renamed the Disaster Council.
The purpose of the Disaster Council is to review and approve emergency plans, mutual aid plans, and agreements related to emergency management.
In the event of a major disaster, the City will need to look to volunteers for support and assistance. State legislation provides for workers’ compensation benefits for these volunteers (and limited immunity from liability) if the volunteers are registered as Disaster Service Workers with a local agency and performing eligible disaster service worker activities, and the local agency has been accredited by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as an Accredited Disaster Council.
Eligible Disaster Service Worker activities mean all activities (including training) authorized by and carried out pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act. Eligible Disaster Service Worker activities must be approved and documented by the Accredited Disaster Council or authorized registering entity. Any training must be authorized in advance.
DISCUSSION
The City resurrected its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in 2024. The Emeryville CERT team is comprised of volunteers, who wish to be part of the City’s CERT program. Upon completion of their training, these individuals are registered as Disaster Service Workers under Government Code §3101 and Labor Code §3211.92(a).
In an effort to grow the Emeryville CERT Team, the City will be sponsoring a CERT Academy taught in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Participants will receive classroom and hands-on training through the Alameda County Fire Department’s CERT Academy program. Participants will be assessed by ACFD personnel before they can become certified CERT Team members.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact on the City’s budget.
STAFF COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC
None.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends approval of the City’s CERT Academy training scheduled for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 PREPARED BY: Fred Dauer, Acting Captain
Approved and Forwarded to the
City Council of the City of Emeryville:
LaTanya Bellow, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Cal OES Disaster Services Worker Volunteer Plan
Draft Resolution
Approval of CERT Program Guidelines and Code of Conduct and Approval for CERT Training City Council Meeting | June 17, 2025
City of Emeryville
CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM