Sonoma County Grand Jury
• 2017-2018
• Agency Response
Response to:
Grand Jury Permit Sonoma Report
Office of the County Administrator County of Sonoma Sheryl BRATToN Cousn At)II\ts'rR,\'t()R
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 6 findings
F2
Page 2
The lack of an alternative power source at the Animal Services facilities, and the malfunction of radios for use by mutual aid agencies, hampered communication and operations throughout the emergency. We agree with this finding
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Page 2
Animal Services' emergency response was hindered by its assignment to Health Services' Department Operations Center instead of the County Emergency Operations Genter. The Department of Health Services lacked a plan to ensure that Department Operations Center members completed the required lncident Command Center training. We agree with this finding
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Page 2
The lack of a formalized Emergency Response Plan and training for the Fairgrounds led to some confusion and disorder in the early phase of the anima! sheltering operation. We agree with this flnding
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Page 2
Without formal Memoranda of Understanding between the County and non-governmental organizations, reimbursement of costs by FEMA may be more difficult. We agree with this finding
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Page 2
Following the firestorm, Animal Services, the Fairgrounds, and non-governmenta! agencies have begun to develop forma! protocols for anima! disaster response, including alternate animal evacuation sites should the Fairgrounds be unavailable. Animal Services has plans to improve the volunteer program to train and certify animal disasters volunteers which will enhance animal rescue capabilities. We agree with this finding
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Page 3
Animal Services is a first responder that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, works in conjunction with law enforcement, and exercises the powers listed under California Penal Code 830.9 including the use of firearms. Animal Services management was fully trained and experienced in emergency response, but much of Animal Services staff lacks lncident Command System training. We agree with this finding
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Page 4
The Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator analyze the current placement of Animal Services under the Department of Health Services, and determine if Animal Services should be reassigned to an agency that operates 24 hours a day, by December 31, 201e. F7l Response: Recommendation R7 has not been implemented but will be implemented in the future. The County Administrator will conduct a management review of Animal Services, in which the assignment of Animal Services within the Department of Health Services and the need for an assignment within an agency that operates 24 hours per day will be evaluated.