COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Bradley J. Dandridge, Fire Chief
DATE: June 17, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Genasys EVAC Memorandum of Agreement
Description:
The City Council will consider authorizing the City Manager or designee to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management for use of the Genasys EVAC mapping solution.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management for use of the Genasys EVAC mapping solution.
BACKGROUND:
In February 2023, Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) funding was awarded to the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management to bring the Genasys EVAC software solution to Santa Barbara County. The software is designed for use by first responders and emergency managers and pre-identifies emergency zones for all of Santa Barbara County, including number of structures in the area, daytime/nighttime population numbers, critical evacuation facilities, key infrastructure and hazard information. In addition, the software includes a public -facing map, available to residents via web browser and a mobile app. The Genasys EVAC software is not an alerting system.
Instead, it will be utilized in conjunction with the existing Everbridge alerting softwar e when the public needs to be notified of an emergency. The software allows a resident to enter their address into the system or, if signed up on their cellular device with location service on, to determine if they are within an evacuation or protection zo ne and obtain additional information about the situation and what resources are available.
Between May 2023 and June 2024, research of operational and technical specifications occurred, a Request for Proposal issued, and contract negotiations were conduct ed. In July 2024, the Genasys EVAC stakeholder project kicked off with all eight incorporated cities, fire protection districts, and key public safety agencies in the County. Beginning in 2 August 2024, zone development and data collection occurred, followed by policy and supporting documentation development. The Genasys EVAC system is scheduled to launch at the end of June 2025, including a public education campaign.
DISCUSSION:
The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management has developed a Memorandum of Agreement for all County agencies participating in the Genasys EVAC system. The agreement sets the terms and conditions for 1) activation processes of the County’s ReadySBC Alerts system powered by Everbridge and 2) access to and use of emergency z one mapping solution powered by Genasys EVAC. The Genasys EVAC system provides enhanced communication and coordination between agencies, provides maps that may be used for rapid onset events, and allows development of ad -hoc maps for protective action zones in real time.
Alternative
The Council may elect not to enter into the Memorandum of Agreement; doing so would mean the residents of Santa Maria would not have the same access to emergency evacuation information and resources as all other residents of Santa Barbara County.
Fiscal Considerations
The Genasys EVAC system is currently funded by the HSGP through June 2028. Should HSGP funding be cancelled, or not approved for future years, the County may request a cost share with participating agencies or may choose to cancel the program.
Any costs associated with each party’s role in executing, implementing, and maintaining the requirements and responsibilities stated within this Agreement are the responsibility of each respective party. Should there be associated costs related to third-party software enhancements, data coordination, etc., the parties agree to discuss potential mutual benefits and the possibility of a cost-share agreement.
Impact to the Community
The residents of the entire County will benefit from improved communications across jurisdictions and between emergency response agencies during incidents that may impact one or more zones.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Genasys EVAC Memorandum of Agreement