The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutC28560 - CERT Classes FY 08-09 CITY OF PALM DESERT DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Consideration for approval of Contract No: C28560 to provide finro Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes through the Center for Training and Development at the College of the Desert. SUBMITTED BY: Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst DATE: February 12, 2009 CONTENTS: A. Staff Recommendation B. Background and Discussion C. Exhibits RECOMMENDATION: By Minute Motion: 1. That the City Council award contract no: (C:28560 ) to the Center for Training and Development at College of the Desert in the an amount not to exceed $12,000 for providing two Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes within FY 08/09, funds are available in account no. 110-4260-422.39-15; 2. Authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement for said training. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Approval of the staff recom�mendation will provide funding for finro Pilot CERT Training classes to be held before the end of this fiscal year. This training program compliments the College of the Desert's Public Safety Academy. COD will provide this 20-hour training course through its Center for Training and Development, which will handle all course registration and hiring of Subject Matter Experts (SME's). Staff will utilize these two pilot classes to evaluate the true cost of this program in order to develop a cost recovery program for future classes. BACKGROUND: The Public Safety Commission created the Public Safety Subcommittee in October of 2008 to review the following issues: • Review and suggest changes to the existing emergency response manual • Review possible training programs that could be available to Palm Desert residents. • Assess the overall preparedness of our citizens. Staff Report CERT Training Page 2 February 12, 2009 The Commission appointed: Councilwoman Finerty, Commissioner Rick Lebel, Lieutenant Andrew Shouse, Battalion Chief Steve Brooker, and City Staff. The Public Safety Subcommittee held its first meeting on December 1, 2008. Training opportunities for City residents quickly became the most discussed topic. Chief Brooker recommended CERT training as the best and most valuable training that could be offered to our residents. The topic of the CERT Program was not new to the committee as the topic is regularly discussed in every emergency preparedness forum. CERT training is a twenty-hour program educating people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. Previously the CERT Program was administered by the Coachella Valley Emergency Managers Association (CVEMA). The program was taught by volunteers from Cal Fire and minimal grant funds from the State of California. The classes through the CVEMA have all but disappeared due to the lack of volunteers and the disappearance of funding from the State. However, the popularity of this program has continually gained. Staff is bombarded with requests from local communities wanting to go through CERT. Staff was directed to investigate the possibility of bringing a CERT program to Palm Desert. Staff began to investigate the costs of bringing a consultant to the City to provide this training to our residents. Staff found that there are very few firms that provide the CERT program on a consultant basis. After receiving an estimate from a consultant in the amount of$420 per student (copy attached) staff realized another approach must be looked into. Public Safety Commissioner Lebel suggested that we might be able to utilize College of the Desert (COD) for this training, and asked staff to investigate what the cost might be. ANALYSIS: Staff brought this item back to the Public Safety Subcommittee meeting at its meeting of January 14, 2009. The College of the Desert Dean of Training and Development, Ms. Pam LiCalsi briefed the subcommittee of what services they could offer. COD has seen this as an opportunity to add a valuable training program to the closely completed Public Safety Academy. Ms. LiCalsi indicated they are willing to provide this training, and that they are very well suited to run this type of program. COD investigated the costs of running such a program, provided a cost of$6,000 to $8,000 per class. The class will include registration of students and instructor/staff time. A typical CERT class can accommodate 30 people at one time which requires at least two instructors. Staff Report CERT Training Page 3 February 12, 2009 Since CERT is a federally recognized program, instructors or subject matter experts (SME's) must be trained and certified as instructors. Typical instructors could be local fire fighters or emergency responders that have been through the CERT Train the Trainer program. The Public Safety Subcommittee is very enthusiastic about the possibility of providing this type of training to the citizens of Palm Desert. Staff has indicated that there is funding available in emergency supplies and training budgets to cover approximately 2 classes in FY 08/09. The subcommittee recommended that staff explore the option of offering two classes this fiscal year, and based on the results we can look at funding future classes for FY 09/10 during the upcoming budget cycle. Staff is aware of several sources of grant funding that could reimburse up to 50°/a of a program of this nature and is currently researching the details of each grant. Conclusion: The recommendation of the subcommittee is that this not be a free class due to the lack of personal investment in the program if it is provided free of charge. However, since the City has a major benefit from having CERT trained people within the city limits a nominal fee should be required. The subcommittee suggests a fee of$30 to $50 per person is collected for the course. These funds would be collected by the City and would offset the cost of the supplies that are given to each participant during the course (Copy Attached). Staff would like to use these two pilot classes as a gauge to measure the true costs of the class. Costs such as reproducing CERT manuals, equipment required for the class and other miscellaneous costs are unknown at this time. Once staff has an opportunity to evaluate these classes a more detailed cost recovery plan can be achieved. Future class participants can then be charged an appropria e o nt to help the City offset the cost. Submitted B . ' �� Y' Departm nt Head:, � ,� ,� ` �,_ �;' , .^, .v u G�" .`" � yan Stendell Homer Croy l �' O Senior Management Analyst ACM for Dev ment Services o � t L Approval: '� � v z o � .� E � �- U . ` a _ s � J F 3 tin McCarthy Paul Gibson v Q �: ..= Interi City Mana Director of Finance � ��,, c � � p � 6 > ; 7 E-� z �C'+ ° UC •• ,ZQ � ee �" � � � � � � a '� � " ' �: >- C � � cz: 'L uax � Qz ¢ a > o v C I`�"`�� _ �:` T F:�: � P�P l t•» u. �'+.P��:' C?C'ti,`E _+'�,f:";'�E�`� � � t�;,.:. . ..�r�._. . a`. '�r'.., A :�i�, . , T�.� ,�! � � .......... � �.,. Letter of Agreement Between CENTER FOR TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT (At College of the Desert) and CITY OF PALM DESERT January 16, 2009 This agreement is entered into by and between CENTER FOR TRAINING &DEVELOPMENT at COLLEGE OF THE DESERT, DESERT COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT, Riverside County, California, hereinafter referred to as the"DISTRICT"and the CITY OF PALM DESERT hereinafter referred to as"Agency'to provide services as described in this agreement. Contact: Ryan Stendell Senior Management Analyst City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Project: CERT TRAINING TERM: February 1, 2009—June 30, 2009 FEE: Flat Fee of$6,000.00 not to exceed $12,000.00 DISTRICT AGREES TO PROVIDE: ■ Two (2)20-hour workshops ■ Qualified person to present workshops AGENCY AGREES TO PROVIDE: • Participants for workshops ■ Project Fee TERMS OF AGREEMENT: ■ Two (2)20-hour workshops on CERT ■ Location to be mutually agreed upon City of Palm Desert 09-0201 CERT Training 12-965-0101-0-7010-0006-8830 City of Palm Desert— Letter of Agreement Basics of Business Writing Page 2 of 3 HOLD HARMLESS CLAUSE DISTRICT and City of Palm Desert agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the other party, its board officers, agents, and employees, individually and collectively, from and against all claims, liabilities, obligations and cause of action of whatever kind arising in any manner whatsoever out of or in connection with this Agreement for the acts or omissions of its officers, agents and employees. CANCELLATION POLICY In case of rescheduling or cancellation of scheduled programs or workshops, City of Palm Desert will notify DISTRICT as soon as possible. If cancellation of scheduled service delivery is 14 days or more from start date of service, no penalties will be applied. If cancellation of scheduled service is less than 14 days but more than 7 days, the 50% of fees agreed upon for said assignment will be invoiced. If cancellation is received with fewer than 7 days notice, 100% of fees agreed upon for said assignment will be invoiced. GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. It is expressly understood and agreed that no personal liability whatsoever attaches to any member of the Board of the College of the Desert/Desert Community College District, or any of the officers or employees thereof by virtue of this agreement. 2. Agency cannot directly hire DISTRICT subject matter experts (SMEs) contracted for this assignment for two years from instructor start dat�. All atiditaonal training contracts for DISTRICT SMEs contracted for this assignment must be corrtt�cted through the Center for Training and Development. 3. Agency can request a new SME if the SME daes not meet standards and specifications. 4. b)The agency may reproduce the materials but cannot sell the materials. CONFIDENTIALITY DISTRICT and its SMEs understand that in the performance of this contract, all information which may be considered proprietary or confidential will not be discussed with a third party. Any press release on the program that does not irte�lude proprietary information must be approved by both parties. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND x I,ATIONS District at its own expense shall �pt�y with'�it I�rs, ru�es and regulations of competent public authority relating to its duties, obligations and performancesz:under this contract and shall procure all licenses, and pay all fees and other charges thereby required. District shall comply with Executive Order 11246, relating to Equal Employment Opportunity, and all rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto. Subject Matter Expert agrees not to discriminate in the selection of any student/participant to receive instruction or consultation or otherwise impermissibly discriminate against a student/participant on account of sex, ancestry, age, marital status, race, religious creed, mental disability, medical condition (including HIV and AIDS), color, r�ational origin, physical disability, family or sexual preference status and other similar factors in comptiance with Title IX, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In the event of Subject Matter Expert noncompliance with this section, this agreement may be canceled, terminated or suspended, in whole or in part, by the District. CTD �E N Y F� _��7$ T B_A I.N1_N�. _AN D �_EY E L.4_P_M f t�.I_. __ _ _____ _ . � 43-500 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert,CA 92260 (760)773-2545 • Fax(760)773-2505 City of Palm Desert 08-0716 Bus Writing www.codtraininpcenter.com 12-965-0101-0-7010-0006-8830 City of Palm Desert- Letter of Agreement Basics of Business Writing Page 3 of 3 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives on this date: DEPARTMENT/DISTRICT: Center for Training & Development/College of the Desert Pam LiCalsi, Dean Date Training&Development William Kelly, Interim V.P. Date Instruction— College of the Desert Authorized Agent Date Administrative Services— College of the Desert Fed. ID#33-0535430 AGENCY: City of Palm Desert Authorized Agent Date Federal Tax ID# Aqencv Contact Information: District Contact Information: Ryan Stendell Pam LiCalsi, Dean City of Palm Desert Training & Development 73-510 Fred Waring Drive College of the Desert Palm Desert, CA 92260 43-500 Monterey Avenue Phone: 760-346-0611 Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone: 760-773-2530 Fax: 760-773-2505 Email: plicalsi(c.�colleqeofthedesert.edu CTD �Et�FtR �4R TR.A.IM1N�i A.l'1D i�EY'E�C?Pt�1EN_i _ __ __ __. _ __ . � 43-500 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert,CA 92260 (760)773-2545 • Fax(760)773-2505 City of Palm Desert 08-0716 Bus Writing www.codtraininpcenter.com 12-965-0101-0-7010-0006-8830 r "'- � �. �.. �� a � s ""`"'� � * Reflective lime vest not included substitued w/green CERT vest Riverside County C.E.R.T - Kit � QTY Description 1 BACK PACK- GREEN-With logo and Riverside County printed on bag 1 C.E.R.T. HARD HAT 1 VEST W/ REFLECTIVE STRIPE 1 HEAVY DUTY WORK GLOVES 1 CHEMICAL GOGGLES VENTED 3 12 HOUR LIGHT STICK — GREEN 2 DUST MASK (ONE) 1 LARGE SOLAR BLANKET 1 D SIZE FLASHLIGHT 1 PAIR OF BATTERIES 1 15 INCH PRY BAR 1 LUMBER CRAYON 1 WHISTLE 1 DUCT TAPE � SMALL PLASTIC FIRST AID KIT � GAS/WATER SHUT OFF TOOL (4 IN1 TOOL) CERT : About CERT Page 1 of 3 About CERT Introduction Following a major disaster,first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors as number of victims,communication failures,and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a momenYs notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs. One also expects that under these kinds of conditions,family members,fellow employees,and neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other.This was the case following the Mexico City earthquake where untrained,spontaneous volunteers saved 800 people. However, 100 people lost their lives while attempting to save others.This is a high price to pay and is preventable through training. If we can predict that emergency services will not meet immediate needs following a major disaster,especially if there is no warning as in an earthquake,and people will spontaneously volunteer,what can government do to prepare citizens for this eventuality? First, present citizens the facts about what to expect following a major disaster in terms of immediate services. Second,give the message about their responsibility for mitigation and preparedness.Third,train them in needed life saving skills with emphasis on decision making skills,rescuer safety,and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. Fourth,organize teams so that they are an extension of first responder services offering immediate help to victims until professional services arrive. Background The Community Emergency Response Team concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department(LAFD)in 1985.The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs.As a result,the LAFD created the Disaster Preparedness Division with the purpose of training citizens and private and government employees. The training program that LAFD initiated makes good sense and furthers the process of citizens understanding their responsibility in preparing for disaster. It also increases their ability to safely help themselves,their family and their neighbors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)recognizes the importance of preparing citizens.The Emergency Management Institute(EMI)and the National Fire Academy adopted and expanded the CERT materials believing them applicable to all hazards. The CERT course will benefit any citizen who takes it. This individual will be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster.Additionally,if a community wants to supplement its response capability after a disaster,civilians can be recruited and trained as neighborhood, business,and government teams that, in essence,will be auxiliary responders.These groups can provide immediate assistance to victims in their area,organize spontaneous volunteers who have not had the training,and collect disaster intelligence that will assist professional responders with prioritization and allocation of resources following a disaster. Since 1993 when this training was made available nationally by FEMA, communities in 28 States and Puerto Rico have conducted CERT training. Starting We recommend a number of steps to start a CERT: . Identify the program goals that CERT will meet and the resources available to conduct the program in your area. • Gain approval from appointed and elected officials to use CERT as a means to prepare citizens to care for themselves during a disaster when services may not be adequate.This is an excellent opportunity for the government to be proactive in working with its constituency. . Identify and recruit potential participants. Naturals for CERT are community groups,business and industry workers,and local government workers. . Train CERT instructor cadre • Conduct CERT sessions. • Conduct refresher training and exercises with CERTs. https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm 2/2/2009 CERT : About CERT Page 2 of 3 Detivery The CERT course is delivered in the community by a team of first responders who have the requisite knowledge and skills to instruct the sessions. It is suggested that the instructors complete a CERT Train-the-Trainer(TTT)conducted by their State Training Office for Emergency Management or the Emergency Management Institute in order to learn the training techniques that are used successfully by the LAFD. The CERT training for community groups is usually delivered in 2 1/2 hour sessions,one evening a week over a 7 week period. The training consists of the following: • Session I, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS:Addresses hazards to which people are vulnerable in their community. Materials cover actions that participants and their families take before,during,and after a disaster.As the session progresses,the instructor begins to explore an expanded response role for civilians in that they should begin to consider themselves disaster workers. Since they will want to help their family members and neighbors,this training can help them operate in a safe and appropriate manner.The CERT concept and organization are discussed as well as applicable laws governing volunteers in that jurisdiction. • Session II, DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION: Briefly covers fire chemistry, hazardous materials,fire hazards,and fire suppression strategies. However,the thrust of this session is the safe use of fire extinguishers,sizing up the situation, controlling utilities,and extinguishing a small fire. • Session III, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS PART I: Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding,and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques. . Session IV, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS, PART II:Covers evaluating patients by doing a head to toe assessment,establishing a medical treatment area, performing basic first aid,and practicing in a safe and sanitary manner. • Session V, LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: Participants learn about search and rescue planning,size- up,search techniques, rescue techniques,and most important, rescuer safety. • Session VI, DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY AND TEAM ORGANIZATION: Covers signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and worker. It addresses CERT organization and management principles and the need for documentation. . Session VII, COURSE REVIEW AND DISASTER SIMULATION: Participants review their answers from a take home examination. Finally,they practice the skills that they have learned during the previous six sessions in disaster activity. During each session participants are required to bring safety equipment(gloves,goggles, mask)and disaster supplies (bandages,flashlight,dressings)which will be used during the session. By doing this for each session, participants are building a disaster response kit of items that they will need during a disaster. During each session participants are required to bring safety equipment(gloves,goggles, mask)and disaster supplies (bandages,flashlight,dressings)which will be used during the session. By doing this for each session, participants are building a disaster response kit of items that they will need during a disaster. Maintaining Involvement When participants have completed this training, it is important to keep them involved and practiced in their skills.Trainers should offer periodic refresher sessions to reinforce the basic training. CERT teams can sponsor events such as drills, picnics, neighborhood clean up,and disaster education fairs which will keep them involved and trained. CERT members should receive recognition for completing their training.Communities may issue ID cards,vests,and helmets to graduates. First responders need to be educated about the CERT and their value to the community. Using CERT as a component of the response system when there are exercises for potential disasters can reinforce this idea. Resources FEMA supports CERT by conducting or sponsoring TTT's for members of the fire, medical,and emergency management community.The objectives of the TTT are to prepare attendees to promote this training in their community,conduct TTT's at their location,conduct training sessions for neighborhood, business and industry,and government groups,and organize teams with which first responders can interface following a major disaster. Conclusion CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety,and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference.Through training,citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires;treat the three killers by opening airways,controlling bleeding,and treating for shock;provide basic medical aid;search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective. https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm 2/2/2009 EARLIER CORRESPONDEN�E WITH CERT CONSULTANT Health and Safety Training Proposal Provided by RW Jones and Associates Emergency Response Training Mandatory Staff Training: Managers, Executive Staff, and City Council for ICS 300& 400 (40 people total/20 each class, location City Hall) I-300 and I-400: Two classes each for a total of four classes. Each certified course will include books, certificate and all instructor expenses. $12,550 for each course for a total of$50,200. Public CERT Training: 12 Month Pilot program; one session per 2 months (20-25 people per session. CERT must be compliant with DHS and other government certification requirements. CERT training program compliment with DHS. $10,500 for each training session with a maximum of 25 students. The training session will include books, certificate and all instructor expenses. This would include that the training be given in consecutive 2-3 evening sessions and one 8-hour Saturday session. All other materials are the responsibility of the city. The six training session will include books, certificate and all instructor expenses for a total of$63,000. Pre-negotiated price per session (for additional sessions),the City would like to offer to our gated communities the opportunity to bring CERT to their neighborhood. This price would be included in a possible contract as a City paid expense but could cover a special training session beyond what is listed above. CERT training program compliment with DHS. $10,500 for each training session with a maximum of 25 students. The training session will include books, certificate and all instructor expenses. This would include that the training be given in consecutive 2-3 evening sessions and one 8-hour Saturday session. All other materials are the responsibility of the city. Required equipment can be purchased by the City,or by contractor if markup is reasonable. RW Jones and Associates can provide the equipment list for the CERT members PPE and basic survival equipment. RW Jones and Associates can also provide family disaster kits and also the equipment for community's disaster trailers and ARKS(sheds). This equipment list is a guide line for fiscal planning. CERT PPE and Survival kit $225.00 each Family Disaster kit.• $225.00 each Disaster Trailers/ARKS Estimate @ $20,D00.00 each 2 Klassen, Rachelle From: Gates, Mary Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 2:21 PM To: Klassen, Rachelle Subject: FW: To the Mayor and City Council re Agenda items for Feb 12th council meeting From: EmerKat22@aol.com [mailto:EmerKat22@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 1:05 PM To: InformationMail Subject: To the Mayor and City Council re Agenda items for Feb 12th council meeting Dear Mayor Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem Finerty and Councilpeople Benson, Ferguson and Kelly: As a Palm Desert resident in a gated community I urge you to please approve agenda item X.L. -funds to conduct CERT classes. I am a member of our country club's emergency preparedness committee, and we feel there is a great need for the training. All residents, but especially those of us in gated communities, will need to fend for ourselves for several days after"the big one" hits. The CERT training will allow us to prepare and function more effectively. I also would request that you DO NOT approve agenda item XVII. B. -the Cornishe project at Big Horn. The big horn sheep will be adversely impacted if this project is allowed to go forward. The Cornishe owner(s) should explore some kind of"land swap"with the Big Horn Institute. Thank you, Kathleen Emerson 76 Camino Arroyo Place Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-568-2171 The year's hottest artists on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. AOL Music takes you there. � � o �v�; � � , -�-� r-_°: � �4..��.: � r-�r°, .� .;r�'�,('-, � r'r'; . ,'.�',:, U'7: .. � fT1 r f.n;r- � --°I-- �-,� _ `�C� W •• c7-s'� N ✓`-� O r�� 1