CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
STAFF REPORT
2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal
Hill, California 90755-3799
3/8/2022
AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:
CARL CHARLES
INTERIM POLICE CHIEF
SUBJECT:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH EMERGENCY PLANNING CONSULTANTS TO DEVELOP AN UPDATE TO THE CITY’S 2018 LOCAL HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN
Summary:
The City Council will consider approving a Professional Services Agreement with Emergency Planning Consultants (EPC) to update the current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)- approved 2018 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). Staff is requesting a sole source procurement as provided for in the City’s Purchasing and Contracting Guidelines.
Recommendation:
Authorize the City Manager to enter into a one-year Professional Services Agreement with EPC to complete the update to the City’s LHMP, for a not-to-exceed amount of $28,000 in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Fiscal Impact:
The not-to-exceed amount of the agreement with EPC is $28,000. Sufficient funds are included in the FY 2021-22 Operating Budget as salary savings from Part-Time Salaries (Account No. 100-77- 5115).
Strategic Plan Objectives:
Goal No. 1: Ensure long-term fiscal stability.
Goal No. 2: Ensure public safety is a high priority.
Goal No. 3: Maintain and improve the public infrastructure.
Goal No. 5: Ensure an enhanced quality of life for the residents.
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Background:
The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) requires all cities, counties, and special districts to adopt an LHMP to be eligible for participation in, and receive disaster mitigation funding from, the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
As a result of the DMA 2000 legislation, hazard mitigation is now considered to be the first step in preparing for emergencies, rather than the final step in recovery. Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters. It begins by identifying natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that are common in our area and developing long-term strategies for protecting people and property.
In 2017, the City and EPC worked together to develop the City’s most recent LHMP. Representatives from all City departments formed a working group to examine hazards and impacts, develop mitigation actions, and develop a strategy for public input. At the conclusion of the process, the City adopted the 2018 LHMP which was subsequently approved by FEMA.
Since the 2018 LHMP, FEMA created the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. An updated LHMP will maintain the City’s eligibility to compete for HMGP funds.
Analysis:
Updating the City’s LHMP maintains the City’s eligibility for future hazard mitigation funding following any significant disaster which would reduce the impact of major hazard events on the community.
The consequences of not having an approved LHMP are significant. Without one, the City will be ineligible for FEMA mitigation programs including the HMGP, Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, and most importantly, potential loss of public assistance for repetitively damaged facilities following a disaster. As an example, the County of Los Angeles received approximately $500 million in FEMA mitigation money following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.
EPC and representatives from all City departments will form a working group to prepare the draft LHMP. The working group will meet four times over a one-year period to examine hazards and impacts, develop mitigation actions, develop a strategy for public input, and review the First Draft Plan. The LHMP will build upon existing City documents, including the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, General Plan, and 2017 LHMP.
The updated LHMP will include a risk assessment that details the types of natural hazards that can affect the City, as well as information on previous occurrences of hazards and the probability of future events. The mitigation strategy will outline the City's blueprint for reducing the potential losses identified in the risk assessment - based on existing authorities, policies, programs, and resources - and its ability to expand on and improve these existing tools. The updated plan will also identify a broad range of mitigation action items, including responsible departments, timelines, and priorities.
The update will provide an opportunity for the public as well as interested external agencies (e.g., adjoining jurisdictions, special districts, etc.) to participate in the planning process. EPC will assist the City in posting the updated Draft Plan via the City’s website and engaging with stakeholders through direct emails. The final Draft Plan will be presented to the City Council for adoption.
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Sole Source
The City’s Purchasing and Contracting Guidelines provide for sole source purchasing when “similar types of goods and services may exist, but only one supplier, for reasons of expertise, standardization, quality, compatibility, specifications or availability, is the only source that is acceptable to meet a specific need.” EPC authored the City’s two most recent LHMPs and brings to the project a unique understanding and historical knowledge of the City’s particular challenges and threats. EPC is recognized as a leader in the field of hazard mitigation and has authored over 120 FEMA-approved LHMPs. Contracting with EPC will promote efficiency and cost savings throughout the process.
Reviewed:
_________________________
Sharon del Rosario
Approved:
_________________________
Hannah Shin-Heydorn
Attachment
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