Report to City Council
ID: 25-0242 Page 1
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Melissa Walker, Public Works Director/City Engineer
AGENDA DATE: May 20, 2025
TITLE: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE
PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES AS FIRST
RESPONDERS (REPORT OF: PUBLIC WORKS) (ALL
DISTRICTS)
TITLE SUMMARY: Adoption of Resolution 2025-XX, a Resolution of the City Council of City of Moreno Valley, Recognizing Public Works Employees as First Responders and Authorizing the Use of the National “Public Works First Responder” Symbol as
Adopted by the American Public Works Association
DISTRICT: All Districts
Recommendation(s)
That the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution 2025 -XX, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Moreno Valley, California, recognizing Public Works employees as first responders; and
2. Authorize the use of the national “Public Works First Responder” symbol as adopted by the American Public Works Association, and direct City staff to implement this designation; and
3. Authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to make any minor amendments as is necessary for the finalization of the Resolution subject to the City Attorney
SUMMARY
This report recommends approval of Resolution 2025 -XX recognizing Public Works
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employees as first responders and authorizing the use of the national “Public Works First Responder” symbol as adopted by the American Public Works Association (APWA) and direct City staff to implement this designation. Adoption of the proposed Resolution and authorization to the use of the APWA national first resp onder symbol will not pose an impact to the General Fund.
DISCUSSION
On February 28, 2003, former President George W. Bush issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5), officially recognizing Public Works as first responders and directing federal, state, and local emergency planning efforts to include public works in disaster response.
Public Works professionals play a vital role in emergency response by ensuring the safety and functionality of critical infrastructu re, including roads, bridges, water systems, and facilities that support emergency operations. Public Works employees are essential to disaster recovery efforts, often working alongside police, fire, and medical personnel to restore public services, clear roadways, and mitigate hazards that threaten public safety.
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) includes public works as a key component of emergency response, emphasizing their role in maintaining essential services during disasters . O n May 7, 2018, the American Public Works Association (APWA) announced the adoption of a national “Public Works First Responder” symbol, to be used throughout North America in recognition of the federally mandated status of Public Works professionals as first responders.
Recognizing Public Works employees as first responders will increase public awareness of their essential functions, improve coordination with other emergency agencies, and ensure they receive appropriate training, resources, and support to enhan ce emergency response capabilitie s. N umerous cities and counties across the nation have passed similar resolutions, affirming the first responder designation for their Public Works personnel.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve and adopt the proposed Resolution 2025 -XX recognizing Public Works employees as first responders. Staff recommends this alternative.
2. Do not approve and adopt the proposed Resolution 2025 -XX recognizing Public Works Employees as first responders. Staff does not recommend this alternative
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no fiscal impact to the General Fund.
NOTIFICATION
Publication of the Agenda.
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PREPARATION OF STAFF REPORT
Prepared By: Department Head Approval:
Name: Serina Contreras Name: Melissa Walker, P.E.
Title: Management Analyst Title: Public Works Director/City Engineer Concurred By:
Name: Joseph Mattox
Title: Fleet and Facilities Maintenance Division Manager
CITY COUNCIL GOALS
Public Safety: Provide a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community, control the number and severity of fire and hazardous material incidents, and provide protection for citizens who live, work and visit the City of Moreno Valley.
CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
1. Economic Development
2. Public Safety
3. Library
4. Infrastructure
5. Beautification, Community Engagement, and Quality of Life
6. Youth Programs