HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC-5 - 26-267 - Facility Agreement American Red Cross - 5/19/2026CITY OF COSTA MESA
Agenda Report
77 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
File #:26-267 Meeting Date:5/19/2026
TITLE:
FACILITY USE AGREEMENT WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
DEPARTMENT:OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
PRESENTED BY:DELCIE HYNES, EMERGENCY SERVICES MGR.
CONTACT INFORMATION:DELCIE HYNES, EMERGENCY SERVICES MGR. 714-754-5189
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council:
1.Approve the Facility Use Agreement with the American National Red Cross for use of City
facilities during disaster-related activities at no cost (Attachment 1).
2.Approve the Pet Addendum to the Facility Use Agreement with the American National Red
Cross to allow clients’ pets in designated areas.
3.Authorize the City Manager,or designee,to execute both the Facility Use Agreement and Pet
Addendum on behalf of the City to ensure ongoing cooperation and coordination of emergency
disaster shelter and resources.
BACKGROUND:
In 1998,the City entered into a contract (1998 Contract)with the Orange County Chapter of the
American Red Cross (Red Cross)to provide care and shelter in the event of a man-made or natural
disaster impacting Costa Mesa residents and to support shelter preparedness efforts.Since that
time,the Red Cross has provided free training to City staff,conducted facility site surveys,and been
a key partner in planning and preparing for mass care and shelter operations in the community.
The existing contract allows the Red Cross to request access to City facilities (Balearic Community
Center,Downtown Recreation Center,Costa Mesa Senior Center,and Norma Hertzog Community
Center)for disaster-related activities such as shelter,service centers,storage,or parking.The City
retains discretion over facility use.
The Red Cross no longer uses the contract format and has replaced it with a Facility Use Agreement.
Like the prior 1998 Contract,the proposed Facility Use Agreement (Agreement)with the Red Cross
establishes a framework for the Red Cross to request temporary use of the named City facilities
(Attachment 2).Additionally,the Agreement continues to ensure that facility use is at the City’s
discretion and only activated upon Red Cross request during a disaster.
Further,the Pet Addendum was added to ensure compliance with California Senate Assembly Bill
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File #:26-267 Meeting Date:5/19/2026
Further,the Pet Addendum was added to ensure compliance with California Senate Assembly Bill
781 (AB 781),which requires municipalities to designate a shelter location where household pets can
be “accommodated” during a disaster.
ANALYSIS:
The Agreement term begins upon signing and ends 30 days after written notice by either party.The
Red Cross has confirmed to staff that this Agreement will replace and supersede the provisions of the
1998 Contract.
The Agreement outlines responsibilities,including joint facility inspections before and after use to
document conditions,and requires the Red Cross to exercise reasonable care and obtain written
approval for any modifications.The Red Cross will designate a manager to oversee operations,while
the City will appoint a Facility Coordinator to ensure coordination.
No fee will be charged for facility use during disaster operations,but the Red Cross will reimburse the
City for damages (beyond reasonable wear and tear)and reasonable costs for custodial,food
service,or utilities (water,gas,electricity,waste disposal)incurred due to its activities.For federally
declared disasters,the City may seek reimbursement through the Federal Emergency Management
Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Category B program.
In accordance with AB 781,the Pet Addendum allows clients’household pets,including service and
assistance animals,in designated areas,with the Red Cross being responsible for pet welfare
compliance through an Animal Welfare Organization.The City maintains the authority to determine
which facility may accommodate pets and where pets may be allowed.
The Red Cross has entered into similar agreements with local jurisdiction partners,as well as the
Newport-Mesa Unified School District,to ensure the timely offering of disaster services at facilities
owned by other entities that may also support City residents.
Should the City Council authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Agreement with the
Red Cross,the Red Cross will be able to establish and offer shelter or other support at one of the
named City facilities in a timely manner.If the City Council elects not to authorize execution of the
Agreement in advance,it will delay shelter support to the community.The Red Cross will still respond
when requested and available;however,a Facility Use Agreement will still be required prior to
establishing services at the indicated location.Waiting until a disaster occurs will delay the provision
of services to residents in need.
This Agreement strengthens the City’s emergency response capabilities by formalizing a partnership
with the Red Cross,aligning with the City’s commitment to public safety and effective disaster
management.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council could choose not to participate in the Agreement with the Red Cross,in which case
the Red Cross would not be able to open a Red Cross Shelter at a City facility.In the event the City
opens a shelter without the Red Cross,the City will assume all financial and legal responsibility.
During a disaster or other emergency in which the City requires shelter assistance from the Red
Cross,they would require the Agreement be signed at that time which may delay shelter opening and
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File #:26-267 Meeting Date:5/19/2026
Cross,they would require the Agreement be signed at that time which may delay shelter opening and
establishment of services.
FISCAL REVIEW:
There is no fiscal impact to the City by entering into this Agreement with the Red Cross.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City attorney’s office has reviewed this report and the Agreement and approves them both as to
form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
Participating in the Facility Use Agreement with the Red Cross supports City Council’s Goal to
Strengthen the Public’s Safety and Improve the Quality of Life.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends City Council:
1.Approve the Facility Use Agreement with the American National Red Cross for use of City
facilities during disaster-related activities at no cost.
2.Approve the Pet Addendum to the Facility Use Agreement with the American National Red
Cross to allow clients’ pets in designated areas.
3.Authorize the City Manager,or designee,to execute both the Facility Use Agreement and Pet
Addendum on behalf of the City to ensure ongoing cooperation and coordination of emergency
disaster shelter and resources.
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