Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 2011-2012
• Agency Response
Response to:
Office of Emergency Services
Report Titled: Mendocino County Emergency Services Dated: March 28, 2012
⚠️ 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 22 findings
F1
At the time of this report, the OES Coordinator primarily works alone. Currently, an intern provides occasional assistance.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The BOS approve a full time assistant position to the Office of Emergency Service Coordinator. This recommendation has been implemented prior to the Grand Jury report being finalized and is one I fully endorse. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors approved a full time Program Specialist position within the Office of Emergency Services on February 14, 2012. The position went to recruitment and a full time employee was hired on May 27, 2012. This position is a training position and will eventually be utilized as a "back up" position to the OES Coordinator for extended EOC operations during emergency/disaster events but will also assist with day to day operations of the Office of Emergency Services. Recommendations #2: Retain the position of Office of Emergency Service Coordinator under the direction of the MCSO. I do not make personnel or program decisions of this nature. This recommendation should be forwarded to either the Sheriff or the Chief Executive Officer for comment(s).
F2
The OES Coordinator has other assigned duties, including being a member of the MCSO Search and Rescue Team, Mutual Aid Coordinator and as Communications Leader.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The OES Coordinator is pro-active in providing information concerning OES. He has arranged with all five county radio stations to broadcast public service messages in regards to emergency services. On March 12, 2012, the OES 3 Coordinator spoke before the BOS to promote tsunami awareness. The BOS named the week of March 25-31, 2012 as “Tsunami Preparedness Week”.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Utilize the Emergency Operations Center during any emergency. This recommendation has been implemented prior to the Grand Jury report being finalized and is one I fully endorse. As indicated in the debriefing of the Tsunami response of March 11, 2011, one of the learning lessons taken in the after action review was to utilize the EOC for all incidents such as the Tsunami Response. This not only keeps EOC staff familiar with their roles, duties, and EOC operations systems but it also promotes more effective communication and a consistent concept of operations throughout the emergency management and emergency response disciplines.
F4
The OES Coordinator has proven proficient in grant writing. Currently, the County has secured four grants totaling approximately $400,000 a year. I agree with most of the finding with the exception that, at the time of the Grand Jury's interview of me there were approximately $400,000 in grants under OES. I seek to clarify there is only one re-occurring grant, the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG). The finding, as written, would indicate there are re-occurring grant funds of $400,000 per year, which is not accurate. The Fiscal Year 2011 EMPG grant was funded at approximately $141,000 while the other three grants, one of which is now closed and will not be funded again, total approximately $265,500. Low Gap Road 707-463-5667 Ukiah, California 95482-3734 Fax 707-463-4689 Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Office of Emergency Services
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The BOS provide sufficient funding to the Emergency Medical Service to perform mandated training, certification, public education, and preparedness of emergency personnel. While I support this recommendation in concept, I am not involved in the budgeting of the Emergency Medical Services program, as that program is managed under the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). As such Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Office of Emergency Services the recommendations should be referred to Board of Supervisors, Chief Executive Officer, or the HHSA Director for comment(s).
F5
The EOC was not used during the March 2011 tsunami surge in which Noyo Harbor suffered substantial pier damage.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Emergency Operations Plan, approved by the BOS in 2006, be updated. This recommendation has been implemented prior to the Grand Jury report being finalized and is one I fully endorse. The "Gang of Five" has set this objective as a funding priority under the Fiscal Year 2010 State Homeland Security Grant. The Office of Emergency Services has been working with other County Departments and Emergency Management Staff from the Cities of Willits, Ukiah, Point Arena, and Fort Bragg to form a planning team. As of May 15, 2012 OES entered into a contract with a planning consultant to revise/update the Mendocino County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) as well as all four incorporated city EOPs. Using one consultant will promote consistent emergency management formats, concepts of operations, and EOC operations within the Mendocino County Operational Area. Sincerely, THOMAS D. ALLMAN SHERIFF-CORONER By: _______________________________ Sergeant Shannon Barney Office of Emergency Services cc: Grand Jury County Counsel Chief Executive Office MENDOCINO COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES An Update March 28, 2012
F6
California National Guard personnel effectively utilized the EOC as a Command-and-Control Center during “Operation Full Court Press”, a three week long multi-agency marijuana operation during the months of July and August 2011. I agree with most of the finding and seek to clarify; The EOC was effectively utilized by the National Guard and numerous other federal, state, and local agencies as a Command and Control Center during "Full Court Press".
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The GJ learned that the telephone emergency warning system, “Reverse 911”, has proven to be effective in emergencies. In 2011, the County paid $35,000 to contract for this service. There are plans to submit a formal Request for Proposal for this service beginning 2013-2014.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The “Gang of Five” authorized individual agency funding for a year to purchase the HAZMAT vehicle. The HAZMAT team is comprised of personnel from County fire agencies and various state agencies (CalFire/Cal Trans/CHP). REHIT operates on an annual grant funding of $278,000. I agree partially but do not agree nor disagree with the remainder of this finding. I agree the HAZMAT team is a combined effort involving various local fire departments and state agencies. However, I was not in this position when the funding for the HAZMAT vehicle was obtained, nor do I have sufficient knowledge on this matter to comment. This Finding should be referred to the REHIT Coordinator.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
REHIT responded to 22 incidents in 2011 and 6 incidents during the first quarter of 2012. I neither agree nor disagree with this finding as I am do not collect data as to the number of incidents taken or responded to by the REHIT team in 2012. The finding should be referred to the REHIT Coordinator for comment.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
Meth lab cleanup transportation costs will no longer be financed by the state. I neither agree nor disagree with this finding as I have not been fully briefed on changes to the state budget regarding lab cleanup, transportation, or disposal costs. The finding should be referred to the REHIT Coordinator for comment.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
The County paid $228,000 in overtime pay to MCSO personnel during the Fort Bragg manhunt. I neither agree nor disagree with this finding as I am not current on Sheriff's Patrol Budget and Overtime expenses. This Finding should be referred to the Sheriff's Administrative Services Manager or the Sheriff for comment(s).
No recommendations for this finding
F12
In early 2012, a proposed Assembly Bill, AB1863, requested the State reimburse Mendocino County for costs involved in the Fort Bragg manhunt. The bill would also ensure that emergency funds be made available to rural areas for such incidents in the future. I neither agree nor disagree with this finding as I am not familiar with wording or intent of proposed legislation at the State level. This Finding should be referred to the Sheriff for comment. Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Office of Emergency Services
No recommendations for this finding
F13
An audit, paid through MCSO, questioned whether there was a need for a sergeant's position to staff the OES.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
The audit recommended that OES revert to staffing by the CEO’s office.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
Countywide communications have vastly improved over the past few years. Seven microwave towers, located within Mendocino County, have replaced the older and ineffective “repeater system” that made communications with the south coast difficult and problematic.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
By January 2013, all emergency agencies will have to adhere to the federally mandated “narrow banding” of all frequencies within Mendocino County. The narrowing of the band could cut down effectiveness 10% to 25%.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
In 2012, the County purchased four tsunami-warning sirens from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office. These sirens will be placed in low-lying areas susceptible to tsunamis. Two sirens are to be installed at Noyo Harbor and one at Point Arena by May 2012.The fourth siren, partially funded by the City of Fort Bragg, will be installed later in the Pudding Creek Area of Fort Bragg. I agree with most of this finding but seek to clarify; The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office (NOAA) donated the four tsunami warning sirens to Mendocino County. NOAA also funded the grant that was used to purchase all components and installation of the sirens. At this time all four sirens have been installed and OES has entered a contract to have the siren control systems installed on three sirens. The City of Fort Bragg has partnered with the County Office of Emergency Services and will fund the installation of the fourth siren control system. The goal is to have all four sirens operational by end of June 2012.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
Each spring, the counties of Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte participate in a coordinated “Live Code” exercise, which simulates an impending tsunami. Other agencies involved include the California Emergency 4 Management Agency and the West Coast Tsunami Warning Center. The scheduled date in 2012 was March 28.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
An after-action report of the March 2011 tsunami reported there were several minor glitches involving inter-agency communication regarding road closures along Highway 1.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
The local EMS Agency is mandated by the State to implement and enforce the provisions of the safety code in order to promote effective and efficient pre-hospital care. This is accomplished by providing certification and accreditation in monitoring training programs and investigating complaints. Funding has been a long-standing problem.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), completed in 2006, is outdated.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
Debris from last year's Japanese earthquake/tsunami is expected to wash ashore along the Mendocino coastline in 2013. There is no state or federal funding for cleanup costs.
No recommendations for this finding