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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05012001 - SD.2 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra FROM: Mark DeSaulnier � - Costa DATE: May 1, 2001 County 7n0ST•--•?--• J,•t '4 C UN's SUBJECT: Cool Safe Summer SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATION: DIRECT the County Chief Administrative Officer work with the County's Departments of Health Services, Employment and Human Services/Aging and Adult Services Bureau, Community Services, and the Office of Emergency Services, as well as the cities of Contra Costa County, to develop a strategy publicizing the availability of energy assistance programs; to provide public information about the health risks of exposure to excessive summer heat; and to develop a a list of safe, cool sites where frail seniors and others with significant health problems, who are at risk from the effects of excessive summer heat, can be sheltered in the event of rolling blackouts or lack of air conditioning at home. This program shall be completed and reported on at the June 5, 2001, Board of Supervisor meeting for immediate implementation. DIRECT the Chief Administrative Officer to work with Contra Costa Television and local media to provide regularly updated information regarding energy assistance programs, health risks from excessive summer heat, and the availability of "cool sites" to those who may need assistance. DIRECT the Chief Administrative Officer through the Office of Emergency Services to provide regular bulletins urging family, friends, and neighbors of frail-or elderly persons to check on them regularly during periods of excessive heat. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT:_xx_YES SIGNATURE: t•1 RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BOARD ON__14ay.-1 2001 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED 2_ OTHER_ SEE THE ATTACHED ADDENDUM FOR BOARD ACTION AND VOTE VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE UNANIMOUS(A ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ATTESTED May 1, 2001 JOHN SWEF,TEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Contact: Mark DeSaulnier 646-5763 2004430 BY DEPUTY W. CAO Director,Health Services Director Public Health Director,Community Services Director,Employment and Human Services/Aging and Adult Services Acting Director,Emergency Services,Executive Director,CCTV BACKGROUND: Governor Gray Davis has warned all Californians to be prepared for the hot days of summer ahead when energy shortfalls may mandate rolling blackouts. The cost of whatever power is available will cause electric bills to soar. For many elderly and frail Contra Costans budgets will be strained. Attempts will be made to conserve. There will be those for whom this could be a deadly choice. Those with respiratory problems and other health risks could fall victim to excessive heat. It is imperative that all local leaders look for ways to ensure the well being of our people whose health could be compromised by excessive heat. 2. ' P ADDENDUM TO ITEM SD.2 May 1, 2001 On this date, the Board of Supervisors considered a plan directing the County Administrator to work with County departments and other local jurisdictions to develop a public information program to publicize the availability of energy assistance programs; information about the health risks of exposure to excessive summer heat; bulletins urging community assistance; and to develop a list of safe, cool sites where the frail and elderly who are at risk from the effects of excessive summer heat can be sheltered in the event of rolling blackouts or lack of air conditioning at home. Supervisor DeSaulnier gave the report. Pursuant to the Board Order, he advised the Board that County staff is identifying places within Contra Costa County for "cool havens" for the elderly and frail who are at risk. Chief Assistant County Administrator, Scott Tandy, stated there is currently information gathering be completed, and that will be reported to the Board on June 5, 2001. Bob Sessler, Director of the Area on Aging Bureau, Employment and Human Services Department, advised his department has sought information on this issue from other jurisdictions, and is still obtaining information on their heat protocol plans. The Board discussed the matter. Public comment was opened, no one appearing to speak, the hearing was closed. Following Board discussion, Supervisor DeSaulnier moved the staffs recommendations and included the Boards' suggestions that staff work with the cities of Contra Costa County to develop a strategy to publicize the availability of energy assistance programs; to provide public information about the health risks of excessive summer heat; and to develop a list of safe, cool sites for shelter. He further included adding this matter to the Mayor's Conference agenda on the earliest possible date. Supervisor Glover seconded the motion. And the Board voted unanimously.