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CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA PRE-DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-129 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA PRE-DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The National Disaster Recovery Framework emphasizes planning for recovery before and after a disaster happens. Additionally, Chula Vista Municipal Code, Chapter 2.14, Emergency Organization Department, tasks City staff with the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within this city in the event of an emergency. The Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan accomplishes this through whole community planning and integration of both public and private sector resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the activity qualifies for an Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
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Environmental Determination
The proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and it has been determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the state CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to the CEQA. Notwithstanding the foregoing it has also been determined that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to the CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
None.
DISCUSSION
Background
The protection of life, environment and property are the primary goals of governmental public safety agencies. Emergency response and recovery plans provide the basis from which response and recovery operations are executed.
The City of Chula Vista is vulnerable to a range of natural, technological, and human-caused emergencies and disasters. In 2006 the City of Chula Vista Emergency Services Organization launched an innovative process of planning for post-disaster recovery. City representatives from various City departments, including Development Services Department, Housing Division, Public Works Department, Finance Department, Recreation Department, Information Technology Services, and the Fire Department, formed a steering committee that spearheaded the development of a Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan.
The Steering Committee collaborated to identify issues and potential solutions pertaining to the recovery process. A major focus of the Steering Committee was to identify existing development regulations and other policies invoked during the process of community rebuilding. Several stakeholders provided input on essential elements and action items for recovery.
The Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan has been updated and tailored to reflect the City’s recent reorganization as well as changes in federal level recovery guidelines. Additionally, the Steering Committee expanded its scope to include the following departments/agencies: Library, Police, Fire, Citizen’s Adversity Support Team (CAST), Mayor’s Office, and Animal Care Facility.
The Steering Committee utilized a whole community planning approach when developing the plan, engaging several private sector and local community stakeholders to address the needs of the entire community of Chula Vista. This planning approach ensures that the City of Chula Vista, as a whole may best prepare itself for the purpose of recovery.
Plan Format
Successful recovery is dependent on systematic pre-disaster planning for the restoration of services, housing and economic vitality. The Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan divides and identifies recovery solutions for all phases of recovery: pre-event, post-event short-term, and post-event long-term.
The policy areas addressed in the plan are Residential, Commercial and Industrial Rehabilitation, Public Sector Services, Economic Recovery, Land Use/Re-Use, Organization and Authority, Psychological Rehabilitation, Vital Records, and Interjurisdictional Relationships. Each of these policy areas are addressed during each phase of recovery.
The policies and standards were chosen to reflect the organizational practices of the City of Chula Vista.
Goal
The Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan will help to establish parameters for policy-makers on the City Council, Planning Commission, and other decision-making bodies to minimize the uncertainty and stress of making uninformed decisions in a chaotic post-disaster environment. Conducting recovery (mitigation) activities, pre-event, will help to streamline and prioritize recovery efforts post disaster.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), is not applicable to this decision for purposes of determining a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. The Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan aligns with the City’s goal to provide Strong and Secure Neighborhoods through enhancing prevention efforts and preparing communities for natural disasters and other emergencies, maintaining a responsive emergency management program, and ensuring adequate emergency response and posting emergency recovery services for our Chula Vista communities.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current year fiscal impact for adopting this resolution.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The Pre-Disaster Recovery plan identifies key focus areas for recovery, and recommendations that should be implemented to address these areas of concern. Some actions may require additional staff time or budget allocations to implement a thorough solution. Departments will work to determine the fiscal impact of the recommendations and identify funding sources for future budget proposals. Currently, there is no ongoing fiscal impact for adopting this resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
City of Chula Vista Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan
Staff Contact: Marlon King, Emergency Services Coordinator, Fire Department