DATE: June 6, 2017
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Jean M. Rousseau, County Administrative Officer / Emergency Services Director
SUBJECT: Continuation of the 2017 February Winter Storms Emergency Status in Fresno County
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution proclaiming continuation of the local emergency status as a result of the 2017 February Winter Storms.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ensure the local emergency status remains in effect and permit the potential recovery of eligible costs.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options are available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action is necessary to ensure specific liability protection, emergency powers of the Emergency Services Director, and potential recovery of eligible costs.
DISCUSSION:
Storms in February filled reservoirs resulting in high water releases into rivers and streams posing a likely levee breach in the area of Tranquillity, and continue to cause stress to the levee system that protects community residents and property throughout the County. High flow in the San Joaquin River has weakened the levee system operated by the Tranquillity Irrigation District (TID). TID is currently monitoring approximately four miles of the levee system and has been repairing areas of seepage.
Staff from the County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Services, and Public Works and Planning are working with CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), TID, and the State Department of Water Resources (DWR) to mitigate the threatened levee breach and prepare for evacuations should they become necessary. DWR dispatched flood fighting personnel to provide technical support and resources to assist the County and the TID. High water releases are projected to last through July 31, 2017. County staff will continue to monitor water releases and have preparedness measures in place should there be a levee system breach.
On February 21, 2017, pursuant to California Government Code (GC), Section (§) 8630 and Fresno County Ordinance Code, Chapter 2.44, due to the continued threat to the public and natural resources, and the sustained need to deploy County resources to assist in the likely breach of the levee system, a local emergency was proclaimed by the County Administrative Officer as the Emergency Services Director. The proclamation was forwarded to the State Office of Emergency Services.
On February 28, 2017, as authorized by GC, §8630(c) and Fresno County Ordinance Code, Chapter 2.44.060, your Board proclaimed and ratified the existence of a local emergency. On March 28, 2017, your Board began adopting Resolutions proclaiming continuation of the local emergency status.
Both GC, §8630 and Fresno County Ordinance Code, Chapter 2.44.060, require your Board to review the need to continue the local emergency at least every 30 days until terminated. The local emergency must be terminated at the earliest possible date when conditions warranting the proclamation have ended. As additional information becomes available staff will provide further recommendation for your Board’s action.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #31, May 16, 2017
BAI #34, April 25, 2017
BAI #24, March 28, 2017
BAI #26.1, February 28, 2017
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia De La Rosa