Title
Highlights of the Disaster Council Meeting of October 30, 2018
Body
CITY OF SAN LEANDRO
SAN LEANDRO DISASTER COUNCIL
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
City of San Leandro Couth Offices Conference Room
901 East 14th Street
San Leandro, California
HIGHLIGHTS
Committee Members: Mayor Pauline Cutter; Vice Mayor Deborah Cox; Council Member Peter Ballew; SLUSD Board Member Evelyn Gonzalez; Rocky Medeiros, SLUSD; Alameda County Fire Department Chief David Rocha; Lincoln Casimere, ACFD; Terri Langdon, Alameda County OES/OHS; John Carbino, A.R.E.S.; Carl Moy, A.R.E.S.
City staff present: Jeff Kay, City Manager; San Leandro Police Chief Jeff Tudor; Lt. Bob McManus, SLPD; Tom Liao, Community Development Director; Jerry Smith, Chief Building Official; Keith Cooke, Engineering and Transportation Director; Debbie Pollart, Public Works Director; Liz Jimenez, PW; Justin Jensen, WPCP; MaryAnn Perini, Finance; Ely Hwang, Recreation-Human Services; Jacqui Diaz, City Manager’s Office
Public present: Rubio Fausto
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
1. Self-Introductions
Members of the Disaster Council introduced themselves and the agencies they represent.
2. Report on the October 13 Resilient SL Event
Mayor Cutter reported that the Resilient San Leandro event had occurred on October 13 at the Senior Community Center. The purpose of the event was to bring climate and environmental issues to the community and provide a variety of workshops, panels, and a keynote speaker to discuss environmental and potential disaster-based topics and the impact to the community. The event was funded by a $10,000 grant from the National League of Cities as well as some additional funds. The event focused on preparedness and resiliency. There is a goal to identify and apply for disaster preparedness grants and to create an active list of volunteers in the community.
3. 2018 Urban Shield - SLPD Participation
SLPD Captain Luis Torres reported that the department had participated in the 2018 Urban Shield exercise, which is a full scale regional response exercise over a 48 hour period. The exercise involves law enforcement, medical, and fire response, amongst other agencies. This year was focused on the Yellow Command, with SLPD hosting an area command center in the South Offices Conference Room. Thank you to the City’s IT division staff for setting up the communications. A total of 14 EOC’s were opened; SLPD opened a virtual EOC exercise. Urban Shield is also a competition for response amongst public safety staff. SLPD achieved First Place in the Physical Agility segment of the competition. The department anticipates participating again in 2019. Alameda County OES staff member Terri Langdon commented that the focus in 2018 was on care and shelter; in 2019 the exercise will focus on transportation and evacuation.
4. Great Shake Out 2018 Review
SLPD Lt. Bob McManus reported that City Hall staff participated in the 2018 Great Shake Out exercise on October 18 at 10:18 a.m. The exercise was a full evacuation of City Hall and practice for staff to account for all department members. The Great Shake Out is a statewide program and the City is a registered participant. SLUSD Security and Safety Director Rocky Medeiros stated that the District also participated at the schools with student evacuations followed by a “Coffee and Conversation” with parents. Vice Mayor Cox asked about the push bars on some of the fences at the schools; Mr. Medeiros clarified that they are accounted for in the evacuation plan so to ensure all students are able to evacuate. Trustee Gonzalez added that every teacher has a key to the gates near the Broadmoor Preschool site. Alameda County Fire Department Chief Rocha stated that the department conducted several “windshield surveys” and site visits during the event.
5. Emergency Services from Alameda County Fire Department
ACFD Emergency Services Manager Lincoln Casimere was introduced. He is the new staff member and contact for CERT classes, emergency preparedness and community trainings. He stated that he and Captain Walsh will be meeting in late November with SLPD Captain Torres, Lt. McManus, and Ms. Diaz to coordinate and schedule community training opportunities for the San Leandro community. He announced that San Leandro residents are welcome to attend the workshops in surrounding communities. He also announced that a new Spanish language preparedness academy has been created and will be available. Council Member Ballew requested that any links to available classes and workshops are sent to staff member Jacqui Diaz for dissemination to the community. Alameda County OES member Langdon stated that the county is also looking into providing CERT classes in multiple languages.
6. City of San Leandro Emergency Services Update
SLPD Captain Luis Torres stated that the former Emergency Services Specialist Heidi Derespini was no longer with the City after moving out of state. Emergency services will now be placed in the police department. Until the position is filled, Jacqui Diaz is assisting. Lt. McManus will also assume some responsibilities for the division as well as working closely with the county. The goal will be to be community engagement oriented and work to train staff throughout the organization.
7. Gas Shut-Off Valves - Informational Item
Chief Building Official Jerry Smith presented the current ordinance and requirements for automatic gas shut off valves. They are triggered by permits exceeding $10,000 or new development. He clarified that they are for individual properties, but there are not “neighborhood wide” shut off valves. There are several models of earthquake-actuated gas shut-off valves that will stop the flow of gas upon sensing movement such as an earthquake. Mayor Cutter asked if PGE must come out to re-start the utility after the shut off has occurred; Mr. Smith confirmed that would be the case. A permit is required. City Manager Jeff Kay asked if residents can install themselves and Mr. Smith confirmed that they could and generally people are doing so when they are doing other upgrades to their property. Mayor Cutter stated that the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has guidance on air quality and safety, so she may request additional information on gas inserts from the Building Division for a future meeting.
8. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m.