City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 3 December 9, 2025
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 5.3
DATE: December 9, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Approving the City of Union City Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) – 2025 Revision
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the City of Union City Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), including the Base Plan and Functional Annex.
Furthermore, through adoption of the resolution, City Council would affirm alignment of the City of Union City EOP with the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan and authorize the City Manager, as the Director of Emergency Services, to implement the EOP and make administrative updates as needed.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This report is in alignment with the following City Council Priority:
Goal C.: Economic, Community Development, and Public Safety Strategy 12: Provide training for emergency preparedness, conduct disaster response drills, ensure all employees fully understand their responsibilities in an emergency, and assess the City’s emergency operations center for adequacy.
BACKGROUND
In 2014, the City of Union City had last updated and adopted its Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) which is comprised of the City Emergency Operation Plan (EOP), Standard Operation Plan (SOP), Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP), and stand-alone Annexes that provide specific guidance on how the City is to respond to specific emergencies. In best practice, it is recommended that jurisdictions update their plans every five (5) years.
On November 24, 2024, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Howell Consulting, Inc. who over the past year has provided technical Agenda Item No. 5.3
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 3 December 9, 2025 3 1 expertise in developing an updated plan for Union City, ensuring alignment with Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101 (v3) and California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) framework.
Working alongside City staff, Howell Consulting, Inc. provided draft review sessions, training materials, and implementation recommendations. The 2025 EOP will replace the 2014 CEMP and reflect current best practices, lessons learned, and requirements established by FEMA and Cal OES.
Within the City of Union City EOP, the organizational structure and operational guidance for managing emergencies and disasters that may affect the City is outlined. It describes the roles and responsibilities of City departments and partner agencies during all phases of emergency management—Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation (PPRR). The EOP was developed in accordance with the California Emergency Services Act, the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to ensure consistency with State and Federal standards. The EOP also establishes coordination mechanisms between the City and the Alameda County Operational Area, enabling effective communication, mutual aid, and resource sharing during large-scale incidents.
DISCUSSION
Adoption of 2025 EOP formalizes the City’s comprehensive emergency management structure and enhances the City’s ability to integrate with the Alameda County Operational Area EOP, ensuring interoperability with regional and state systems, maintaining eligibility for state and federal disaster assistance, and providing clear guidance for coordination and recovery operations.
The 2025 EOP provides a modernized, scalable framework for managing emergencies and disasters that may impact Union City, including earthquakes, severe storms, flooding, wildfires, hazardous materials incidents, public health emergencies, and human-caused threats. The plan outlines roles and responsibilities across City departments, coordination with Alameda County Operational Area partners, and integration with regional and state emergency management systems. This includes updated Emergency Operations Center (EOC) job aides, revised annexes, updated EOC activation procedures, and strengthened protocols for mass care, communications, and continuity of government.
Key Improvements in the 2025 Revision:
• All-Hazards Framework: Addresses natural disasters (earthquake, wildfire, flood, extreme weather), technological incidents (utility failure, hazardous materials), and human-caused events (terrorism, civil unrest).
• Governance & Authorities: Clarifies the City’s emergency proclamation process, EOC Director authority, and succession of command.
• Concept of Operations: Defines EOC activation levels, operational periods, and resource management procedures consistent with SEMS/NIMS. • Public Warning & Information: Integrates IPAWS, AC Alert, and other communication systems to enhance public notification and accessibility.
Agenda Item No. 5.3
City Council Staff Report Page 3 of 3 December 9, 2025 3 1 • Mass Care & Shelter: Establishes agreements and procedures for sheltering, functional needs support services, and animal care.
• Recovery & Continuity: Expands recovery framework, continuity of operations (COOP), and continuity of government (COG) provisions.
• Training & Exercises: Provides a training and exercise plan (MYTEP) and assigns annual maintenance responsibilities.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adoption of the Emergency Operations Plan. Future costs related to training, exercises, and plan maintenance will be incorporated into existing emergency management and public safety budgets and may be supported through available grant funding.
RECOMMENDATION
Adoption of the 2025 EOP ensures Union City remains compliant with state and federal guidelines, maintains access to disaster reimbursement funding, and provides a clear operational structure to protect lives, property, and essential City services during emergency incidents. To support a more resilient and prepared community, staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution:
1. Approving the City of Union City Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), including the Base Plan and Functional Annex;
2. Affirming alignment of the City of Union City EOP with the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan; and
3. Authorizing the City Manager, as the Director of Emergency Services, to implement the City of Union City EOP and make administrative updates as needed.
Prepared by: Ricardo Martinez, Emergency Services Coordinator Submitted by: Jennifer Phan, Deputy City Manager
Attachments
1. Draft Resolution
2. Exhibit A – City of Union City Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) - 2025 Base Plan
3. Exhibit B – City of Union City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Annex