REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Approving an Updated Emergency Operations Plan
Report
BACKGROUND
Government Code Sections 8568 and 8607 and Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) section 2.16.080 require the City to develop an emergency plan that provides for effective mobilization of all City resources during a local emergency, State of Emergency or State of War Emergency.
Generally, emergencies and disasters are managed at the local level. However, assistance is often needed from other jurisdictions and agencies. To successfully manage a large-scale emergency, coordination among the emergency responders is essential. Predicated on this principle, in 2005 City Council adopted the original emergency plan, which incorporated the Standardized Emergency Management System (“SEMS”). The SEMS regulations called for improved coordination of local and state emergency response efforts in California. In February 2003, the President issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5, which directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer the National Incident Management System (“NIMS”). This system provides for a consistent nationwide approach for Federal, State, and local governments to effectively and efficiently collaborate to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disastrous events, regardless of cause, size, or complexity. The City’s emergency plan incorporates these federal standards.
EXISTING POLICY
Sunnyvale Municipal Code section 2.16.050: It is the duty of the director of emergency services to recommend for adoption by the city council emergency and mutual aid plans.
California Government Code section 8568: The State Emergency Plan shall be in effect in each political subdivision of the state and the governing body of each political subdivision shall take such action to carry out those provisions.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b) (5) in that it is a governmental, organizational, or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
The City of Sunnyvale’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is the official foundational document for emergency preparedness. It describes, in broad terms, key issues including: the responsibilities of the City; the processes used during emergency operations and procedures for rendering or requesting mutual aid; direction and control within the agency; continuity of government; specific emergency authorities that staff may assume; internal emergency notifications; Emergency Management Organization (EMO) staffing; reporting mechanisms for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC); and cleanup and recovery operations.
The updated EOP reflects current emergency management practices and format, including keeping the basic plan as concise as possible, and complies with the most recent emergency preparedness guidance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Key Updates Since the 2023 Adoption
The 2025 update consolidates interim revisions since the 2023 Council adoption and refreshes leadership and Emergency Management Organization (EMO) staffing references to reflect current assignments. The plan also incorporates updated best practices related to accessibility, language access, and access and functional needs, along with strengthened guidance on alert and warning, cyber disruption, and public health considerations. Additional updates clarify emergency roles and coordination concepts and refresh references used during activation, response, and recovery operations. These revisions improve clarity and usability while maintaining alignment with SEMS/NIMS and State and Federal emergency management guidance.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact as a result of adoption of the updated plan. However, an updated and adopted EOP is required to ensure that the City remains eligible to receive State and Federal funding after a disaster, and as a prerequisite for many grants that provide funding for emergency preparedness planning and activities, including but not limited to the State Homeland Security Grant Program, the Urban Areas Security Initiative, and the Emergency Management Performance Grants.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution updating the City of Sunnyvale Emergency Operations Plan.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
An “X” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
___ Contract between public agencies
_X_ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Prepared by: Dzanh K. Le, Captain, Department of Public Safety
Reviewed by: Hank Syu, Deputy Chief, Department of Public Safety
Reviewed by: Daniel Pistor, Chief, Department of Public Safety
Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. City of Sunnyvale Emergency Operations Plan - Updated 2025
2. Resolution Adopting the City of Sunnyvale Emergency Operations Plan - Updated 2025