City of Gonzales
FIRE DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: September 3, 2024
FROM: Jason Muscio, Fire Chief
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Emergency Operations Plan Update 2024
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the updated version of the City of Gonzales Emergency Operations Plan, including the recently added section for power outage emergencies.
BACKGROUND
The City is responsible for emergency response within its geographical boundaries. The California Emergency Services Act requires the City to manage and coordinate the overall emergency response and recovery activities within its jurisdiction. During disasters, it is required to coordinate emergency operations with the Monterey County Operational Area and, in some instances, with other local, state, and federal governments. The Emergency Operations Plan outlines how the City will fulfill its obligation to provide disaster readiness, response, and recovery to the residents and businesses in our community.
Gonzales Municipal Code Section 2.08.060 requires the City Council to review and adopt the Emergency Operations Plan. The Emergency Operations Plan was last adopted by the City Council in November of 2022. The plan has been revised to reflect changes in the Emergency Management system, as well as expected growth of our City. The plan also recognizes and addresses specific hazards to our City that were not addressed at the time of the last adoption.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
AGENDA
ITEM
6 Explain: A comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan is vital for maintaining the health and safety of our residents during times of emergency.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community.
Explain: The Emergency Operations Plan provides guidance for coordination with other government agencies that can assist the City by providing resources for response and recovery from a disaster. The plan also outlines how our community can prepare before an emergency to limit the impact to residents and businesses.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: Any costs involved with implementing the Emergency Response plan will not be significant when compared to the potential loss of revenue that would occur if the City is not prepared for, or able to respond to an emergency.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could direct staff to make further additions or revisions to the plan and bring it back for adoption at a later date.
BUDGET IMPACT
Any budget impact involved with implementation of the Emergency Response plan would be minimal and may consist of training costs, and equipment for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the updated version of the City of Gonzales Emergency Operations Plan, including the recently added section for power outage emergencies.
Attachments:
1. Emergency Operations Plan 2024 Update