Emergency Operations
Center
Update and Options
February 10, 2026
Attachment 1
2 What’s an ideal EOC?
• Equipment (including IT/desktops/landline phones/display screens) is set up and ready to go.
• Average 2,000 sq ft
• Has enough space / workstations to accommodate:
• Mutual Aid Response Partners (LBCWD, SCWD, LBUSD, OCFA, Emerald Bay, CERT, SCE, SDG&E, SoCal Gas, etc.)
• Full allocation of City staff (multiple personnel)
• That’s about 44 workstations
• Has breakout rooms for management decisions, public information coordination, virtual press interviews, hotline…
• Doesn’t have huge vending machines
• Doubles as training room, conference room (but not breakroom) • Secure facility
• Backup power source
• Non-public bathrooms and showers preferable
3 What to do?
• FY 25-26 Budget included about $600K for a “ready to roll” EOC at the CRC. • Construction bids came in high – we retooled to look at a portable generator and/or 72 hours of batteries.
• Bids still came in high – over $1M.
• (Probably still want a generator)
• Do we want to invest significant $$ in an EOC at the CRC? • Maybe. Depends on how long to keep the CRC.
4 Two Viable Approaches
Approach A – Existing City Hall
• Remodel 2nd Floor, Expand
across back first floor
• Already has a generator but
needs electrical upgrades
• Can be seismically supported
• Possibly relocate PD Dispatch
to permanent EOC
Approach B - CRC
• Remodel two classrooms
• Should have a generator.
• Get at least 4-5 years out of it.
• Recoup costs with equity
from building sale
• Would include remote dispatch
station.
5 EOC Site at City
Hall
6 EOC @ CRC
Site
7 Considerations other than Cost
Approach A – Existing City Hall
• Could we do it fast?
• Could be complete in 18 months IF
DR entitlement process waived.
Instead have Concept Discussion
with PC/Council.
• Is a CDP required?
• What to do while EOC is under
construction.
• If a new FS #1 has admin space
and the EOC is there, is the
new/old EOC site repurposable?
Approach B - CRC
• Will want to re-bid with bid
alternative (large generator,
smaller generator, other)
• Maybe construct as soon as July
2026, complete in 3 months.
• No DR required – all interior
• If the CRC is sold, what elements
of the CRC EOC are
repurposable? IT, furniture,
generator...
8 Pros and Cons
Approach A – Existing City Hall
• Pros:
• Almost fully repurpose-able investment – always need space at CH • Existing generator
• Central to town (3 ways in/out)
• Central to more staff, more time periods
• Dispatch + EOC option
• Cons:
• Will take more time to construct than @
CRC
• Need a temp alternative EOC during
construction
• Could be impacted in flood event
Approach B - CRC
• Pros:
• Less time to construct
• Good space already – 2100 sq ft
• Home to Fire Admin already
• Could be in a safer location than downtown
– depends on disaster
• Facility easier to secure
• Seismically ready
• Cons:
• Some wasted investment
• Not as central to where most staff are
• No showers
9 Cost Considerations (rough estimates)
At City Hall Estimated Cost Incurred? Recoverable?
Design $ 250,000 No Repurpose-able
Construction $ 2,500,000 No Repurpose-able
Inspection $ 250,000 No Repurpose-able
IT Equipment $ 100,000 No Most
Cabling and Electrical $ 200,000 No Some
Furniture $ 100,000 No All
Generator $ - Yes Repurpose-able
New Dispatch Center $ 900,000 No Would remain in place
Temp EOC Cost $ 350,000 No No
Total = $ 4,650,000 Net loss = $550K or so
10 Cost Considerations (rough estimates)
At CRC Estimated Cost Incurred? Recoverable?
Design $ 75,000 Yes No
Construction $ 620,000 No No
Inspection $ 80,000 No No
IT Equipment $ 100,000 No Most
Cabling and Electrical $ 200,000 No No
Furniture $ 100,000 No All
Generator $ 400,000 No Yes
Dispatch Station $ 425,000 No Some
Total = $ 2,000,000 net loss = about $1M
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