Memorandum
Date: January 7, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Rob Howe, Sheriff/Coroner/Director of Emergency Services
Subject: (a) Approve the Operational Area Agreement Formalizing County, City, and Special District Coordination and (b) Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign the agreement
Executive Summary: The proposed Operational Area Agreement formalizes and strengthens the partnership between the County, its cities, and special districts to coordinate emergency management efforts. This agreement reflects the collaborative practices already in place and ensures that all parties are aligned in their approach to disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Special districts are integral to emergency management, providing essential services such as water, utilities, fire protection, and health care. By including special districts as signatories, the agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration across all jurisdictions and service providers within the County.
This agreement has been reviewed and approved by County Counsel to ensure its legal sufficiency and alignment with existing practices and statutory requirements. Additionally, the agreement supports compliance with the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), a state-mandated framework for emergency coordination, and ensures continued eligibility for state and federal disaster assistance funding.
Key Benefits of the Agreement:
1. Unified Partnership: Formalizes the collaborative relationships among the County, cities, and special districts, reinforcing their shared commitment to public safety.
2. Inclusive Framework: Ensures all jurisdictions and key service providers are integrated into the emergency management structure.
3. Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Prevents confusion and streamlines decision-making during emergencies.
4. Enhanced Resource Coordination: Facilitates efficient allocation of resources and mutual aid among jurisdictions and service providers.
5. SEMS Compliance: Meets state requirements, protecting eligibility for disaster reimbursement funding.
6. Legal Review Completed: County Counsel has reviewed and approved the agreement to confirm compliance with legal standards.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with this action. However, the agreement is critical for securing state and federal disaster assistance funding in the future.
Action Required:
1. Approve the Operational Area Agreement as presented.
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign the agreement on behalf of the County.
This agreement formalizes the collaborative relationships among the County, cities, and special districts, ensuring a unified and effective response to emergencies while preserving current practices. County Counsel’s review and approval confirm the agreement’s legal and procedural validity. The agreement was reviewed and approved by Disaster Council at its October 21, 2024 meeting
Staff recommends the Board of Supervisors approve the Operational Area Agreement as presented. By doing so, the County, cities, and special districts can solidify their partnership in emergency management, align on shared goals, and ensure continued access to disaster recovery funding.
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☒ Well-being of Residents ☒ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action (a) Approve the Operational Area Agreement Formalizing County, City, and Special District Coordination and (b) Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign the agreement