Santa Paula Council Approves Mass Care and Shelter County MOU

By Sheryl Hamlin

During the last item on the April 1, 2020 agenda, the Santa Paula City Council discussed the adoption of the Mass Care and Shelter Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This item was presented by Park and Rec Director Scott Barnes via Zoom (very difficult audio).

Director Barnes stated that the process for this update started in August 2019. The MOU was last updated in 1995, he said. The HSA (Human Services Agency) is the lead county provider for Mass Care and Shelter. For example, the MOU describes conditions wherein the county wants to open a shelter within the city. Additionally, the City could open a shelter. The Community Center has been designated for such a shelter and was used in the Thomas Fire, said Barnes. HSA will provide oversight working with the Red Cross and others.

The MOU will take effect at time of signing. Costs will be shared by mutual operations. There is language for dispute resolution in the MOU. Read MOU here.

Council Member Sobel stated that the MOU is a living document. Council Member Crosswhite noted that the document pre-dated COVID-19, so what would happen if two emergencies such as an earthquake occurred with the pandemic? Director Barnes said no specific conversations come to mind but there are numerous contingency plans.

Vice Mayor Juarez stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has initiated the Disaster Service Workers. Director Barned responded by saying the DSW program is in progress. Council Member Sobel indicated that the City must have a record of all contacts for CERT trained people. Director Barnes said he is working the Martha Brown to obtain such.

The Motion was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

To watch the entire meeting click here.

To read about the author click sherylhamlin dot com.

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