HomeMy WebLinkAbout15 Howell Consulting AGENDA ITEM #15
Public Utility District m
MEETING DATE: June 7, 2023
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: Jillian Steward, Human Resources Director
SUBJECT: Consideration of Awarding a Professional Services Contract for
Emergency Response and Operations Plan to Howell Consulting,
Inc.
APPROVED BY:
Brian C. Wright, General Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the General Manager to execute a professional services contract for an
Emergency Response and Operations Plan with Howell Consulting, Inc.. in the amount
of $26,000 plus a 15% change order authorization, for a total not to exceed the amount
of$30,000.
BACKGROUND:
In March 2022 the Board of Directors approved the new position of Risk and
Compliance Specialist. This position was hired in June 2022. Over the past year, the
Human Resources and Risk Department has been evaluating the safety, risk and
compliance policies, processes and training for the District to determine priorities
moving forward. One of the priorities identified, is that the District is in need of an
updated Emergency Response and Operation Plan.
ANALYSIS AND BODY:
An Emergency Response and Operation Plan provides the District with the guidelines
needed for emergency response planning, preparation and training. Adherence to the
plan will help ensure the preservation of life, property and the environment during
natural disasters and emergencies as well as in manmade incidents.
Emergency Response processes require coordination between many agencies,
departments, allied organizations, and different levels of government. Furthermore,
different types of emergencies require different kinds of expertise and response
capabilities. The Emergency Response Plan will include a structure, framework and
outline responsibilities for the District personnel to comply with The California
Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) Incident Command Systems
(ICS), and National Incident Management System (NIMS) structure and
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processes. The California Public Utilities Commission requires water and electric
utilities to have disaster and emergency response plans that coordinate with other local
government agencies, such as the Town of Truckee, Truckee Fire and Nevada County.
Additionally, all public sector employees and Special District staff are subject to being
designated Disaster Service Workers per the California Labor Code, therefore all public
employees should become familiar with the concepts of emergency response.
Updating our Emergency Response and Operation Plans to include the SEMS, ICS,
and NIMS framework and language ensures a better response and partnership with our
local agency partners in an emergency. The Emergency Response and Operation
Plans will also provide consistent language and framework for other District policies and
procedures, such as the Wildfire Mitigation Plan and the Emergency Action
Plan. Howell Consulting, Inc. has more than 20 years of experience serving local, state,
and federal government entities. Howell Consulting, Inc. offers a full range of planning,
mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery consulting services to better prepare
organizations before disaster strikes. Howell Consulting, Inc. offers pre- and post-
disaster services, including the review of emergency response plans, business
continuity and mitigation planning services, risk analysis, identification of hazards,
vulnerabilities, and communications plans for employees, clients, students, and/or
tenants. Howell Consulting, Inc. has developed more than fifty successful emergency
planning projects for special districts, cities, and towns throughout the state of
California, most recently for the Town of Truckee.
Staff recommends Howell Consulting, Inc.to update our Emergency Response and
Operation Plan due to their experience and the additional benefit to both the District
and the community having recently worked with the Town of Truckee.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
District Code 1 .05.020 Objectives:
1. Responsibly serve the public.
2. Provide a healthy and safe work environment for all District employees.
3. Provide reliable and high quality water supply and distribution system to meet
current and future needs.
4. Provide reliable and high quality electric supply and distribution system to meet
current and future needs.
District Code 1 .05.030 Goals:
3. Engage with our customers and communities in a welcoming and transparent way to
identify opportunities.
5. Developing an inclusive culture drives organizational integration and success.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended professional services agreement includes a cost proposal of
$26,000 for the Emergency Response and Operation Plans. Staff is recommending a
15% change order authorization be included, for a total not to exceed $30,000.
Cost Center Administration account 2.925.00.784 had a FY22 budget of $15,000 for
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safety with no dollars expended and has a FY23 budget of$15,450. These combine for
$30,450 which is sufficient to fund subject item. Administration as a whole is
forecasted to be on or under budget in FY23 for total expenditures, included subject
item.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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