Title
Adoption of Resolution Ratifying the City Manager’s Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency in Response to Severe Winter Storms. (City Manager 10021030)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Severe winter storms that began on December 27, 2022, caused by a series of atmospheric river systems bringing high winds, substantial precipitation, and urban flooding, threaten Alameda with heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds and wind gusts, falling debris, downed trees, and potential power outages.
Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency (Exhibit 1) to exist throughout California on January 4, 2023, to assist local governments and protect public health and the environment. The City of Alameda’s (City) City Manager and Director of Emergency Services found conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property caused by these storms to exist in the City and issued a Declaration of Local Emergency on January 4, 2023 (Exhibit 2). The City’s Declaration will end after seven days on January 11, 2023, unless extended or renewed by Council action or further action by the City Manager.
Tonight, the City Council is being asked to ratify the City Manager’s Declaration of Local Emergency. The City will continue its ongoing efforts to recover from the impacts of the winter storms that began on December 27, 2022.
Government Code Section 8630(c) requires that, “the governing body shall review the need for continuing the local emergency at least once every 60 days until the governing body terminates the local emergency.” If the City’s Declaration of Local Emergency expires in seven days as expected, there will be no need for the City Council to continue or renew the emergency.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On January 4, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency throughout California to support the ongoing response to recent winter storms. The emergency proclamation supports emergency relief efforts, including authorizing the mobilization of the California National Guard to support disaster response, directing Caltrans to request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program to support highway repairs, and other support for local response and recovery efforts. The State of Emergency allows the state to respond quickly as the storm develops and support local officials in their ongoing response.
The Governor also activated the State Operations Center to its highest level, and the state and federal government have stood up the Flood Operations Center, which covers forecasting, reservoir operations coordination, and provides technical support as well as flood fighting materials like sandbags for local agencies.
The City of Alameda activated its Emergency Operations Center on December 31, 2022. On January 4, 2023, Alameda’s City Manager and Director of Emergency Services made findings that due to the severe winter storms related to a series of atmospheric river systems bringing in high winds, substantial precipitation, and urban flooding beginning on December 27, 2022, conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property have arisen in the City of Alameda and, based thereon, declared a local emergency in the City of Alameda.
While the most severe storms have passed, ongoing rains and saturated soils have the potential to cause additional damage. Staff will continue its efforts to protect the safety of persons and property in Alameda as we respond to and recover from severe winter storms in the days and weeks to come.
ALTERNATIVES
• Adopt the resolution ratifying the declaration of a local emergency that went into place on January 4, 2023, and will expire on January 11, 2023.
• Renew or continue the previously declared local emergency.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no direct financial impact from the City Council ratifying the declaration of a local emergency in response to severe winter storms. However, the declaration of a local emergency could enhance the City’s ability to recover funds that are expended in response to the impacts from heavy rains and strong winds during the severe winter storms.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
The Alameda Municipal Code Chapter 2-24 defines a local emergency as “the actual or threatened existence of conditions of disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the jurisdiction.” Government Code Section 8630 allows the City to declare a local emergency pursuant to an ordinance.
CLIMATE IMPACTS
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with declaring a local emergency.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution ratifying the City Manager’s previous declaration of the existence of a local emergency in response to severe winter storms, consistent with Government Code Section 8630(c).
By: Sarah Henry, Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director
cc: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
Exhibits:
1. State of California State of Emergency Proclamation
2. City of Alameda Declaration of Local Emergency