AgdaPkt 2007-02-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST - A. Legislation (information only) - This sub-section involves possible discussion of City Position on Proposed Legislation described in the League of California Cities Priority Focus Bulletin No. 1-2007 and 2-2007. Council may direct staff to act on positions taken by Council. (Copies of League of California Cities Priority Focus available in City Clerk's Department). B. Redwood City Ferry Service - Status Report This item was continued to a future Council meeting. C. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program Presentation Council Member Bain stated that this is a citizen lead initiative supported by the Fire Department. After September 11 and Hurricane Catrina people have recognized that our Federal and State, and in some cases local systems, are really not really prepared in the event of an emergency. What is apparent is that the people responding first are friends and neighbors living within a couple of hundred feet of each other. The CERT program not only prepares individuals who do not know a lot about such things as first aid, CPR, and triage, but it also helps build community. Battalion Chief Balton, program manager for CERT, introduced the team members: Fire Chief Gerry Kohlmann, program coordinator Captain Ernie Gomez, Bonnie Miller, Janet Borgens, and Sandy Paoli. CERT members in the audience were also asked to stand and be acknowledged. He further explained the NERT program that began years ago and the current CERT program. He showed a video from the recently completed CERT program and described the work done by the CERT team members, introducing Sandy Paoli. Battalion Chief Balton also acknowledged the partnership with the San Mateo County Area Office of Homeland Security that has assisted throughout the program. He further stated that the Office of Emergency Services is working with CERT and that the Fire Department is able to work with all groups to bring them under one collaborative program. Sandy Paoli reminded Council and the community that the next CERT program begins in March on the 14th, 17th and 24�'. She stated that there are expectations of the members to assist neighbors after securing their own residences and families. Nine of the 11 neighborhood associations have teams set up, have selected team leaders and emergency meeting locations in the event of an emergency. She further thanked all staff members for supporting the program. Pamela Kurtzman, HeartSafe Program Coordinator, explained that the program aims to develop and support programs that specifically improve the health and wellness of community members. She stated that sudden cardiac arrest is responsible for 350,000 deaths each year in the U.S. and most often results after REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 22, 2007 MINUTES PAGE 6