DATE: August 8, 2017
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISTRICT’S EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD OF PORT COMMISSIONERS POLICY NO. 777, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Under the State of California’s Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), the San Diego Unified Port District is considered a Special District and also a local government. Local governments include cities, counties and special districts. Pursuant to Government Code of the State of California, Article 15 - Preservation of Local Government, Section 8635 the California Legislature has recognized that the preservation of local government in the event of enemy attack or in the event of a state of emergency or a local emergency is a matter of statewide concern. As a local government agency, the District has the primary responsibility for emergency management activities within its jurisdiction. “Emergency Management” is defined as a perpetual cycle of Mitigation (preventing/deterring), Preparedness (planning, training, equipping, exercising, improving), Response (immediate response and incident stabilization) and Recovery (short-term [weeks to months], and long-term [months to years]).
On April 11, 2017 the Board passed Resolution 2017-053 adopting Board of Port Commissioners (BPC) Policy No. 777, governing the District’s processes and administration during emergency operations, to include authorities to act, processes for proclaiming a local emergency, delegation of authority, succession planning, emergency communication, and financial spending.
Adoption of the Policy authorized the preparation of an Emergency Operations Plan (Plan) for approval by the Board, which will ensure the most effective and economical allocation of resources for maximum benefit to preserve life, property, the environment, and commerce during an emergency. The Plan will define the District’s concept of operations for its Emergency Management Organization, establish a structure to define and classify incidents and events, and will provide a framework for operations throughout the entire emergency management cycle.
Separate but related to the Plan will be administrative and functional Annexes to the Plan. Annexes will address general types of necessary activities and provide protocols during an emergency. Annexes will also be developed to address specific types of incidents the District may encounter (e.g., flooding, earthquakes, and major power outages).
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing g the District’s Emergency Operations Plan, in accordance with Board of Port Commissioners Policy No. 777, Emergency Management
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FISCAL IMPACT:
This agenda item has no immediate fiscal impact. Funds required for the execution of this Plan will be requested from the Board of Port Commissioners for approval as needed.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A Port that the public understands and trusts.
• A thriving and modern maritime seaport.
• A Port with a healthy and sustainable bay and its environment.
• A Port that is a safe place to visit, work and play.
• Port with an innovative and motivated workforce.
• A financially sustainable Port that drives job creation and regional economic vitality.
DISCUSSION:
Adoption of this Plan positions the District to be in line with State and Federal regulations for government agencies responsible for a particular jurisdiction during an Emergency. Additionally, the proposed Plan helps define the District’s concept of operations for its Emergency Management Organization, establishing a structure to define and classify incidents and events, and will provide the framework for operations throughout the entire emergency management cycle.
Separately, but related to the Plan will be administrative and functional Annexes to the Plan which will address general types of naturally occurring and man-made incidents the District may encounter (e.g., flooding, earthquakes, major outages, terrorist acts).
Emergencies can occur at any time, suddenly and without warning. Sound planning carried out by knowledgeable and well-trained personnel can help save lives, mitigate impacts to property and the environment, and minimize disruptions. The District has developed its Plan to coordinate all the personnel and facilities of the District into an effective and efficient organization capable of responding to an emergency. The Plan is for “all hazards” and applies to all incidents and threats the District may face. The governance and authority over this Plan was established by the Board of Port Commissioners on April 11, 2017 via Resolution No. 2017-053 adopting BPC Policy No. 777 - Emergency Management.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed the Emergency Operations Plan and approves as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
The proposed Board action does not constitute a “project” under the definition set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 because it will not have a potential to result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment and is, therefore, not subject to CEQA. No further action under CEQA is required.
In addition, the proposed Board action allows for the District to implement its obligations under the Port Act and/or other laws. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the proposed Board action is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
Finally, the proposed Board action does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit Regulations. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required.
Equal Opportunity Program:
Not applicable.
PREPARED BY:
Matthew Brown, Homeland Security Program Manager
Harbor Police Department
Attachment(s):
Attachment A: SDUPD EOP Basic Plan