Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board authorize the chair to sign Agreement for Services 8228 with the El Dorado County Water District (El Dorado Hills Fire Department) for the assignment of 1.0 FTE Battalion Chief level or higher to serve as a dedicated fire liaison to the Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services in an amount not-to-exceed $850,000 expiring on June 30, 2027.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
During the County’s budget presentation meeting on February 1, 2023, with Legistar Item #23-0248, the Board directed the Chief Administrative Office to return to the Board on February 14, 2023, with an item to explore how to assess and evaluate the delivery of the County’s emergency preparedness, operations, and response given the increased workload that has developed as a result of the increasing number of disasters in the County.
Staff returned on February 14, 2023, with Legistar Item #23-0346, and the Board directed staff to identify a consultant to work in collaboration with the Chief Administrative Office and the Sheriff's Office to understand the roles and responsibilities of the County’s emergency preparedness, operations, response, and recovery and to return to the Board within six months with a consultant contract for Board approval.
On August 29, 2023, with Legistar Item #23-1567, staff returned with an update regarding the prior Board direction to hire a consultant, and a recommendation to the Board to direct staff to discontinue the pursuit of a consultant contract and return within 60 days with an updated organizational structure and staffing plan to enhance the delivery of the County’s emergency preparedness, response and recovery services, which the Board approved.
On September 19, 2023, with Legistar Item #23-1749, the Board directed staff to negotiate a contract with El Dorado Hills Fire Department (EDHFD) for 1.0 FTE Battalion Chief level or higher to serve as a fire liaison within OES. The fire liaison will report directly to the Lieutenant in charge of OES and will provide all aspects of emergency management including, but not limited to: development and implementation of emergency response plans; conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses; facilitate large scale exercises; facilitate or assist with public preparedness drills, meetings and other tasks; coordinate and oversee response efforts during an emergency; assist with strategic goal plans as appropriate; facilitate or assist with Disaster Council meetings and tasks; act as Fire Rescue Operational Area coordinator; Emergency Operations Center (EOC) duties as assigned during an activation, which may include any EOC position; Incident Management Team duties; and, coordinate/liaison with local authorities and agencies, to include during emergencies.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not approve the agreement resulting in not having fire-related expertise in the OES.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
02/01/2023 Legistar Item #23-0248
02/14/2023 Legistar Item #23-0346
08/29/2023 Legistar Item #23-1567
09/19/2023 Legistar Item #23-1749
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
El Dorado County Water District (El Dorado Fire Department)
County Counsel
Procurement and Contracts
Human Resources/Risk
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The first year is estimated at $205,000, increasing $5,000 for each succeeding year. The cost is included in the Sheriff's Office Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget and will be included in future years.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Forward copy of signed agreement to Tara Stout in the Chief Administrative Office and to Monica Ferguson at the Sheriff's Office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Healthy Communities and Public Safety
CONTACT
Carla Hass
Chief Administrative Office