AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: BRAD KENNEALLY
CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT:
title
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION FINALIZING THE CITY’S LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
summary
Summary:
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires communities to develop, implement, and update their Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMP) to recognize potential natural hazards and to identify and consider mitigation measures to reduce the risks associated with those hazards. The LHMP is a tool to aid facility and infrastructure planning and improvements, and is a requirement to qualify for federal hazard mitigation grants. Federal regulations require local communities to update plans every five years. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the City’s existing LHMP in 2018. The City Council must first approve and adopt the 2025 LHMP; subsequently, FEMA will issue a final Letter of Approval. Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution approving and adopting the LHMP as presented for submittal to FEMA.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 2 Community Safety: Maintain community safety by supporting public safety services and increasing emergency preparedness.
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
recommendation
Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution, entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN.
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Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action in this report.
Background and Analysis:
The LHMP process began in 2023 with assistance from Emergency Planning Consultants (EPC) and the City’s Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, made up of representatives from the City Manager’s Office; Los Angeles County Fire Department; Community Development Department; Public Works Department; Parks, Recreation, and Library Services Department; and Police Department. The City held five Planning Team meetings during preparation of the LHMP. Additionally, staff made a presentation to the City’s Planning Commission. The Planning Team invited the public and stakeholders to participate in the planning process by completing a Mitigation/Preparedness Survey, viewing an informational video on the planning process and hazards, and providing input on the Second Draft Plan. The City informed the public and stakeholders of the Plan’s availability through various mediums, including posting on the City’s website.
After a competitive Request for Proposals process, the City selected Carolyn Harshman, President of EPC, in 2023 to prepare the update to the City’s LHMP. Ms. Harshman facilitated a total of five meetings, the development of the 2025 LHMP, and the formal review process through California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA. During the planning process, FEMA introduced new planning guidance, which required additional research and writing. These unforeseen changes extended the project timeline by one year as these required a robust outreach strategy and a major revision to the Second Draft Plan.
For the City Council’s information, staff has attached the final proposed LHMP (Attachment A). Throughout the planning process, the Planning Team developed a Mitigation Actions Matrix that identifies desired and planned projects from existing City plans, including the General Plan and Capital Improvement Program, and reflects the following goals:
1. Protect life, property, and reduce potential injuries from hazards;
2. Promote disaster resistance in the built environment;
3. Improve public understanding, support, and need for hazard mitigation measures;
4. Strengthen partnerships and collaboration to implement hazard mitigation activities;
5. Enhance the City’s ability to respond effectively and immediately to disasters and rapidly initiate disaster recovery actions.
The approval and adoption of the LHMP would enable the City to apply for mitigation grant funding when opportunities become available. Staff recommends the City Council formally adopt the final LHMP by adopting the proposed Resolution (Attachment B). The LHMP will be a living document and will be reviewed by the Planning Team members annually to ensure the Mitigation Actions Matrix is implemented and updated.
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution approving and adopting the LHMP as presented for submittal to FEMA.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
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Siamlu Cox
Attachments:
A. City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
B. Resolution Approving and Adopting the City’s LHMP