To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Special Presentation
SUBJECT:
title
Multiagency Consolidated Emergency Communications/Emergency Operations Center Feasibility Study Presentation
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Hear the presentation and take appropriate action, if required.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
At the direction of your Board, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) conducted a study into the feasibility of consolidating all Humboldt County Emergency Communications Dispatch Centers and the county’s disaster response Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Currently, there are four Emergency Communications Dispatch Centers in Humboldt County. The four dispatch centers are being operated by the Eureka Police Department, Arcata Police Department, Fortuna Police Department and HCSO. Together, they provide services to HCSO, five police departments, nine fire departments, three Tribal Police departments, two contract cities, Humboldt County Probation Department, Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, two Animal Control Services Divisions and ancillary services to the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S Forest Service. Each dispatch center coordinates emergency medical services for their respective areas of responsibility.
Consolidating dispatch centers and the EOC would include:
• Standardizing equipment and procedures.
• Bringing all first responders into a common radio and data communication system.
• Creating a plan for meeting the continuously growing needs of the public safety industry within Humboldt County.
Future benefits of a potential consolidation include:
• Enhanced safety of first responders and the public.
• Expanding cost-effective benefits to employees and public agencies.
The current location and space of the county EOC presents many challenges for the efficient coordination of personnel in times of emergency. The preservation of life and property is a shared responsibility of local, state and federal governments. During major disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, coordination between county and municipal stakeholders is vital to providing life-saving services to the citizens of Humboldt County. Co-locating the EOC with a consolidated dispatch center would improve communication and coordination with vital public safety resources. A facility large enough to accomplish the co-location would be critical for its success.
On May 15, 2018, HCSO published a Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional services pertaining to a multi-agency consolidated Emergency Communications/Emergency Operations Center feasibility study. The RFP was advertised in accordance with the county RFP policies and two proposals were received. An evaluation team, consisting of; the Sheriff, Undersheriff, Captain, Extra-Help Captain, and the Emergency Communications Supervisor reviewed and scored both proposals based on the criteria set forth in the RFP. The evaluation team agreed that the most suitable firm to conduct the study was Mission Critical Partners, LLC (MCP). At the April 9, 2019 Board of Supervisors meeting the Board authorized the Sheriff to enter into negotiations of a professional services agreement with MCP for the desired services. At the April 16, 2019 Board of Supervisors meeting the Board approved the contract with MCP.
HCSO received the completed feasibility study in December 2019. On January 27, 2020, MCP presented the outcome of the study to law enforcement stakeholders. HCSO intended to schedule a presentation to your Board shortly thereafter, but due to emergency response for COVID and more recently fires, the presentation was delayed until now.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to hear the presentation. MCP has been paid in full for the study in accordance with their agreement.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by providing community-appropriate levels of service .
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
City of Arcata Police Department
City of Eureka Police Department
City of Fortuna Police Department
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to hear the presentation.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Multiagency Consolidated Communication and Emergency Operations Feasibility Study
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: NA
Meeting of: April 9, 2019 and April 16, 2019
File No.: 19-352 and 19-528