Atwater City Council
June 22, 2026

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan References
2021-2026 Update Page 8-3
Merced County Flood Management Ordinance
Merced County Merced County Code of Ordinances
Merced County Property Inventory, Merced County Assessor’s Office Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Global Hydrology Resource Center https://ghrc.nsstc.nasa.gov/home/content/atmospheric-rivers-and-lake-oroville-dam-stress National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI)
National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, U.S Drought Monitor National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Drought Impact Reporter National Flood Insurance Program, Community Status Book, 2020 National Inventory of Dams
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. What is the Pineapple Express? National Ocean Service website, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/pineapple-express.html, National Pipeline Mapping System National Register of Historic Places National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Wind Prospector National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI) National Weather Service website
Origins and Development: A Chronology of Disasters in California, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse Database
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Energy Assistance Act, Section 322 SGCRP, 2016: The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment. Crimmins, A., J. Balbus, J.L. Gamble, C.B. Beard, J.E. Bell, D. Dodgen, R.J. Eisen, N. Fann, M.D.

Hawkins, S.C. Herring, L. Jantarasami, D.M. Mills, S. Saha, M.C. Sarofim, J. Trtanj, and L. Ziska, Eds. U.S.

Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, 312 pp.

Southwest Climate and Environmental Information Collaborative (SCENIC).

State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan (2018)
State of California Office of Historic Preservation
Topping, Ken. State Guidance for Hazard Mitigation Planning. California Polytechnic State University. State Hazard Mitigation Team Meeting. May 10, 2015
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Risk Management Agency Crop Indemnity Reports 2012-2020 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sectary of Agriculture, Disaster Designations 2012-2020 U.S. Fish and Wildfire Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Conservation Online System

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan References
2021-2026 Update Page 8-4
United States Geological Survey website
Western Regional Climate Center. https://wrcc.dri.edu/

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Appendix A: Planning Team
2021-2026 Update
Appendix A: Planning Team

APPENDIX A: PLANNING TEAM
Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan A.1
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Agency/Jurisdiction Title Name Participating
Jurisdiction Stakeholder
Meetings1
Attended
Merced County
Purchasing
Manager Kim Nausin X
Executive Office
(PIO) Mike North X Kick-off; Mtg. #3
Executive Office Alexandra Pierce X
Agricultural
Commissioner David A Robinson X
Assistant
Agricultural
Commissioner
Sean Runyon
X
Mtg. #2; Mtg. #3
Deputy Ag
Commissioner Carrie Mitchell X Mtg. #2; Mtg. #4
County Counsel Forrest Hansen X
County Counsel Steve Maxey X Kick-off;
Assistant
County Counsel Tom Ebersole X Kick-off;
Assistant CIO John Nishihama X Mtg. #2
Merced County Fire Captain Mike Perez X Kick-off;
Planning and
Economic
Development
Director Mark Hendrickson
X
Office of Emergency
Services/Cal FIRE
Deputy Director
of
Administration
David Scheurich
X
Kick-off; Mtg. #2;
Mtg. #3; Mtg. #4
Office of Emergency
Services/Cal FIRE
OES Assistant
Coordinator Greg Padilla X
Kick-off; Mtg. #2;
Mtg. #3; Mtg. #4
Cal FIRE
Fire Chief –
Madera/Maripo
sa/Merced
Counties
Mike van Loben Sels
X
Environmental Health Environmental
Health Vicki Jones X
Mtg. #2; Mtg. #3;
Mtg. #4
Environmental Health Environmental
Health Cesar Ramirez X Kick-off;
Environmental Health
Hazardous
Materials
Specialist II
Melissa Palomino
X
Kick-off;
Public Health Director Rebecca Nanyonjo X
Public Health Assistant Public
Health
Jessica MontoyaJuarez X
Public Health
Health
Education
Specialist
Jaime Arteaga
X
Mtg. #4
1 Those that are not listed as attending a meeting participated in the planning process in other ways such as emails, phone calls and face-to-face meetings with the County Project Manager and consultants.

County of Merced A.2
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Agency/Jurisdiction Title Name Participating
Jurisdiction Stakeholder
Meetings1
Attended
Emergency Medical
Services
EMS
Coordinator Tim Williams X
Emergency Medical
Services County EMS Jim Clark X
GIS Manager Gene Barrera X
Kick-off; Mtg #2;
Mtg. #3
Public Works Director Dana Hertfelder X Mtg. #4
Public Works Assistant
Director Mike Stephenson X
Mtg. #2; Mtg. #3;
Mtg. #4
Public Works Administrative
Eng. Oscar Ortiz X Mtg. #4
IT Rob Kuhlemeir Mtg. #2; Mtg. #3
Fire
Division
Chief/Deputy
Director of
Operations –
County OES
Mark Pimental
X
Mtg. #4
Office of Education Superintendent Steve Tietjen X
Office of Education PIO Nathan Quevaedo X Kick-off;
RIGGS Ambulance Administrative
Supervisor Dave Murphy X
Westside Ambulance
Chief of
Ambulance
Operations
Michael Courtney
X
Municipalities
City of Atwater Acting Police
Chief Cliff Battles X Mtg. #3
City of Atwater City Manager Lori Waterman X
City of Atwater / CAL
FIRE Battalion Chief Bobby Ayuso X Mtg. #3; Mtg. #4
City of Atwater Executive to the
City Manager Janell Martin X Mtg. #3
City of Atwater Public Works
Director Greg Thompson X
City of Atwater Public Works
Superintendent Justin Vinson X
City of Atwater Police Chief Mike Salvador X Mtg. #3; Mtg. #4 City of Atwater Admin Assistant
II Christina Thurman X Mtg. #3
City of Dos Palos City Manager Darrell Fonseca X
City of Dos Palos
Police ChiefDesignated
Emergency
Manager for
Dos Palos
Richard McEachin
X
Mtg. #4
City of Dos Palos Interim Police
Chief Cliff Battles X
City of Dos Palos Fire Marshal Dewayne Jones X

County of Merced A.3
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Agency/Jurisdiction Title Name Participating
Jurisdiction Stakeholder
Meetings1
Attended
City of Gustine City Manager Douglas Dunford X
City of Gustine
Public
Information
Officer
Jami Westervelt
X
City of Gustine
Police Chief -
Designated
Emergency
Manager for
Gustine
Jim Markel
X
City of Gustine Fire Chief Pat Berrellii X Mtg. #2
City of Gustine Police
Department Ruben Chavez X
Kick-off; Mtg. #2,
Mtg. #3
City of Livingston City Manager Jose Antonio
Ramirez X
City of Livingston
Police Chief -
Designated
Emergency
Manager for
Livingston
John Markle
X
City of Livingston Public Works Anthony Chavarria X
City of Livingston
Adminstrative
Analyst - Public
Works
Adabel Pirita
X
Mtg. #3
City of Livingston City Manager Tony Avina X Mtg. #3; Mtg. #4 City of Livingston
Administrative
Analyst – Public
Works
Martha Abeloe
X
Mtg. #3
City of Los Banos City Manager Alex Terrazas X
City of Los Banos
Public
Information
Officer
Jason Hedden
X
City of Los Banos
Community and
Economic
Development
Director
Stacy Souza Elms
X
Kick-off; Mtg. #2
Mtg. #3
City of Los Banos
Fire Chief -
Designated
Emergency
Manager for Los
Banos
Mason Hurley
X
Kick-off; Mtg. #4
City of Merced City Manager Stephanie Dietz
City of Merced
Public
Information
Officer
Mike Conway
City of Merced Deputy Chief -
Fire Department Casey Wilson Kick-off; Mtg. #2; Mtg. #3 City of Merced
Fire Chief -
Designated
Emergency
Derek Parker Mtg. #2; Mtg. #3

County of Merced A.4
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Agency/Jurisdiction Title Name Participating
Jurisdiction Stakeholder
Meetings1
Attended
Manager for
Merced
Special Districts
Turlock Irrigation
District
Emergency
Preparedness Jason S. Hicks X Mtg. #2; Mtg. #3
Merced Irrigation
District
Emergency
Preparedness Peter Wade X
Ballico Community
Water Service District Board President Manuel Jimenez X Delhi County Water Maintenance
Supervisor Lyndal Hibdon X
Lower San Joaquin
Levee
Executive
Director Reggie Hill X Mtg. #3; Mtg. #4
San Joaquin Valley Air
District
Compliance
Manager Ron Giannone X
EPURE Company Scientist John Lambie X
State and Federal Contacts
Department of Water
Resources Engineer WR Nathan Hicks X
Kick-off; Mtg. #2;
Mtg. #3
Cal OES
Emergency
Services Inland
Region V
Walt Kent
X
Mtg. #2; Mtg. #3;
Mtg. #4
Cal OES
Emergency
Service
Coordinator
Joanne Gurrola
X
Mtg. #3
CHP Sergeant Luis Lara X
NOAA
Warning
Coordination
Meteorologist
Jerald Meadows
X
Kick-off; Mtg. #3
State Parks Gerald Heberling X
State Parks - Four
Rivers Sector Christopher Jou X
State Parks Heather Reith X Kick-off; Mtg. #2
State Parks
District
Environmental
Coordinator
Andrew Collum
X
Kick-off;
Neighboring Jurisdictions and Academia
UC Merced Emergency
Manager
Laura Rodriguez
Mascorro X
Kick-off; Mtg. #2;
Mtg. #3; Mtg. #4
UC Merced Police Chief Chou Her X
Mariposa County
Sheriff
Emergency
Manager Kevin Packard X
Mariposa County
Sheriff
Emergency
Manager Alyssa Carroll X Mtg. #2
Mariposa County
Sheriff
Emergency
Manager Wes Smith X Mtg. #2; Mtg. #3
Madera County
Sheriff - Sergeant
Emergency
Manager Joseph Wilder X Kick-off;

County of Merced A.5
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Agency/Jurisdiction Title Name Participating
Jurisdiction Stakeholder
Meetings1
Attended
Stanislaus County
OES
Emergency
Manager Melba Hibbard X
Other Stakeholders
Red Cross
Disaster
Program
Manager -
Merced
Helen Cosentino
X
Kick-off; Mtg. #3;
Mtg. #4
Red Cross District Chair
Merced Co Irene Johnson X Mtg. #4
Red Cross Beverly Brewster X
Merced County Food
Bank
Executive
Director Bill Gibbs X Mtg. #3
Merced Medical
Center Marianne Shaw X Kick-off;
PG&E Senior Public
Safety Specialist Deron Mills X Kick-off; Mtg. #3
Wood Project Manager Jeff Brislawn Kick-off; Mtg. #2,
Mtg. #3
Wood Assistant Project
Manager Juliana Prosperi Kick-off; Mtg. #2, Mtg. #3; Mtg. 4 Wood
Hazard
Mitigation
Planner
Amy Carr Kick-off; Mtg. #2,
Mtg. #3
Wood
Hazard
Mitigation
Planner
Chris Johnson Kick-off; Mtg. #2,
Mtg. #3
Wood
Hazard
Mitigation
Planner
Pujeeta Chowdhary Mtg. #2
Wood GIS Analyst/
Planner Mack Chambers Kick-off; Mtg. #2, Mtg. #3

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Appendix B: Planning Process Documentation
2021-2026 Update
Appendix B: Planning Process Documentation

C

LETTER OF COMMITMENT

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
750 BELLEVUE ROAD
ATWATER, CALIFORNIA 95301
(FOR MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLANS) July 08, 2019
California Governor's Office of Emergency
Services
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
3650 Schriever Avenue
RE: Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Merced County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county, regional, or watershed level, the City of Atwater is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that City of Atwater has agreed to participate in the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning.

Furthermore, as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning, City of Atwater, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR §201.6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to the Merced County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements.

City of Atwater understands that it must engage in the following planning process, as more fully described in FEMA's Local Mitigation Planning Handbook, including, but not limited to:
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the master planning document; • The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks, where they differ from the general planning area;
• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals. A range of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction.; • Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders (examples of participation include relevant involvement in any planning process, attending meetings, contributing research, data, or other information, commenting on drafts of the plan, etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan; and, 1

• Fonnal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the jurisdiction's governing body (each jurisdiction must officially adopt the plan).

Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan; I, Lori Waterman, commit City of Atwater to the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.

This document is executed this eighth day of July 2019.

Please contact Fire Battalion Chief John Slate at (209) 761-6520 and/or [email protected] with questions.

Sincerely,
Lori Waterman
City Manager
(209) 357 -6300
[email protected]
2

CITY HALL-- 2174 BLOSSOM STREET
DOS PALOS, CALIFORNIA 93620
PHONE (209) 392-2174
FAX (209) 392-2801

LETTER OF COMMITMENT
(FOR MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLANS) June 26, 2019
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
3650 Schriever Avenue
RE: Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Merced County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county, regional, or watershed level, the City of Dos Palos is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that City of Dos Palos has agreed to participate in the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning.

Furthermore, as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning, City of Dos Palos, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR §201.6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to the Merced County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements.

City of Dos Palos understands that it must engage in the following planning process, as more fully described in FEMA's Local Mitigation Planning Handbook, including, but not limited to:
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the master planning document; • The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks, where they differ from the general planning area;
• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals. A range of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction. ; • Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders {examples of participation include relevant involvement in any planning process, attending meetings, contributing research, data, or other information, commenting on drafts of the plan, etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan; and, • Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the jurisdiction's governing body (each jurisdiction must officially adopt the plan).

CITY HALL-- 2174 BLOSSOM STREET
DOS PALOS, CALIFORNIA 93620
PHONE (209) 392-2174
FAX (209) 392-2801
Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan; I, Darrell Fonseca, commit City of Dos Palos to the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.

This document is executed this 26 day of June, 2019.

Please contact Darrell Fonseca at 209-392-2174 or [email protected] with questions.

Sincerely,
CY��tLDarrell Fonseca
City Manager
209-392-2174
209-392-2801
[email protected]

CITY Of GUSTIN£

LETTER OF COMMITMENT
(FOR MULTI-JURISDICTIO AL LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLANS) July I, 2019
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
3650 Schriever Avenue
RE: Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better re olved by evaluating hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county, regional, or watershed level, the City of Gustine is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that City of Gustine has agreed to participate in the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning.

Furthermore, as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning, City of Gustine, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR §201.6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to the Merced County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements.

City of Gustine understands that it must engage in the following planning process, as more fully described in !'EMA\ 1 ocal Mitigation Planning I Jandbook, including, but not limited to:
• tdentificalion of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the master planning document; • The conduct of a vulnerab1hty analysis and an identification of risks, where they differ from the general planning area;
• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive LO public input and development of mitigotion actions complementary to those goals. A range of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction. ; • Demonstration \ha\ \here has been proactively offered an opportunity for participation in \he planning process by all community stakeholders (examples of participation include relevant involvement in any planning process. anending meetings, contributing research, data, or other information, commenting on drafts of the plan, etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan; and, • Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the jurisdiction ·s governing body (each jurisdiction must officially adopt the plan).

Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan; I Patrick Borrelli, commit City of Gustine to the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.

This document is executed this I st day of July, 2019.

Please contact Patrick Borrelli at (209) 587-5749 or [email protected] with questions.

Sincerely,
Patrick Borrelli
Fire Chief
(209) 587-5749
(209) 854-2840
[email protected]

June 19, 2019
City of Livingston
1416 C Street
Livingston, CA 95334

LETTER OF COMMITMENT
(FOR MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLANS) California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
3650 Schriever Avenue
RE: Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county, regional, or watershed level, the City of Livingston is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that City of Livingston has agreed to participate in the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning.

Furthermore, as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning, City of Livingston, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR §201.6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to the Merced County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements.

City of Livingston understands that it must engage in the following planning process, as more fully described in FEMA's Local Mitigation Planning Handbook, including, but not limited to:
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the master planning document; • The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks, where they differ from the general planning area;
• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals. A range of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction.; • Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders (examples of participation include relevant involvement in any

CITY OF LIVINGSTON
1416 "C" Street LIVINGSTON, CALIFORNIA 95334 PHONE: (209)394-8041 FAX: (209) 394-4190 www.livingstoncity.com

planning process, attending meetings, contributing research, data, or other information, commenting on drafts of the plan, etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan; and, • Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the jurisdiction's governing body (each jurisdiction must officially adopt the plan).

Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan; I Jose Antonio Ramirez, commit City of Livingston to the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.

This document is executed this 28th day of June, 2019.

Please contact Jose Antonio Ramirez at (209) 398-1721, [email protected] with questions.

Sincerely,
Jose Antonio Ramirez
City Manager
(209) 394-8041 ext. 113
[email protected]

CITY OF LOS BANOS
····················································································· Proudly serving the Citizens of Los Banos with
Jfonor - Integn·ty - Compassion
Since1890

FIRE DEPARTMENT

LETTER OF COMMITMENT
(FOR MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLANS) July 1, 2019
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
3650 Schriever Avenue
RE: Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning
Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county, regional, or watershed level, the City of Los Banos is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that City of Los Banos has agreed to participate in the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning.

Furthermore, as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning, City of Los Banos, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR §201.6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to the Merced County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements.

City of Los Banos understands that it must engage in the following planning process, as more fully described in FEMA's Local Mitigation Planning Handbook, including, but not limited to:
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the master planning document; • The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks, where they differ from the general planning area;
333 ]
1h Street • Los Banos, CA 93635
Telephone (209) 827-7025 • Fax (209) 827-7028

• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals. A range of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction. ; • Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders (examples of participation include relevant involvement in any planning process, attending meetings, contributing research, data, or other information, commenting on drafts of the plan, etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan; and, • Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the jurisdiction's governing body (each jurisdiction must officially adopt the plan).

Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan; I, Fire Chief Mason Hurley, commit City of Los Banos to the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.

This document is executed this First day of July, 2019.

Please contact Fire Chief Mason Hurley at (209) 827-7025 or email [email protected] with questions.

Sincerely,
��
Mason Hurley /
Fire Chief
0: (209) 827-7025
Fax: (209) 827-7028
[email protected]

CITY OF MERCED
"Gateway to Yosemite"

LETTER OF COMMITMENT
(FOR MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLANS) July 1, 2019
California Governor's Office of Emergency
Services
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
3650 Schriever Avenue
RE: Letter of Commitment as Participating Jurisdiction in Merced County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Dear State Hazard Mitigation Officer:

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Local Mitigation Plan requirements under 44 CFR §201.6 specifically identify criteria that allow for multi-jurisdictional mitigation plans and that many issues are better resolved by evaluating hazards more comprehensively by coordinating at the county, regional, or watershed level, the City of Merced is submitting this letter of commitment to confirm that City of Merced has agreed to participate in the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning.

Furthermore, as a condition of participation in the mitigation planning, City of Merced, agrees to meet the requirements for mitigation plans identified in 44 CFR §201.6 and to provide such cooperation as is necessary and in a timely manner to the Merced County to complete the plan in conformance with FEMA requirements.

City of Merced understands that it must engage in the following planning process, as more fully described in FEMA's Local Mitigation Planning Handbook, including, but not limited to:
• Identification of hazards unique to the jurisdiction and not addressed in the master planning document; • The conduct of a vulnerability analysis and an identification of risks, where they differ from the general planning area;
• The formulation of mitigation goals responsive to public input and development of mitigation actions complementary to those goals. A range of actions must be identified specific for each jurisdiction.; • Demonstration that there has been proactively offered an opportunity for participation in the planning process by all community stakeholders (examples of participation include relevant involvement in any 678 West 18th Street • Merced, California 95340

planning process, attending meetings, contributing research, data, or other information, commenting on drafts of the plan, etc.); and
• Documentation of an effective process to maintain and implement the plan; and, • Formal adoption of the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by the jurisdiction's governing body (each jurisdiction must officially adopt the plan).

Therefore, with a full understanding of the obligations incurred by participating in the FEMA hazard mitigation planning process as a participant in a multi-jurisdictional plan; I Steve Carrigan, commit City of Merced to the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning effort.

This document is executed this l
51 day of July, 2019.

Please contact Fire Chief Billy Alcorn at (209) 388-8541 and/or [email protected] with questions.

Sincerely,
?-�
Steve Carrigan
City Manager
(209) 385-6834 Office
(209) 723-1780 fax
ca rriga n s@cityof m erced. org

From: Scheurich, David@CALFIRE <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, November 27, 2020 5:27 PM
To: Scheurich, David@CALFIRE; Perez, Michael@CALFIRE; Prosperi, Juliana; Brislawn, Jeff P
Subject: Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Kick Off Meeting
Importance: High
CAUTION: External email. Please do not click on links/attachments unless you know the content is genuine and safe.

Good afternoon and Happy Holidays!!
As we have spoken in the past, Merced County has been working on a Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. As I am sure everyone is aware, the hazard mitigation planning process is heavily dependent on the participation of representatives from local government agencies and departments, the public, and other stakeholder groups. As we have seen very recently, grant requirements and guidelines are changing rapidly, and this is an important document to help the County and Cities obtain funding and/or reimbursement. As this plan develops, the participant list will also grow.

You are invited to the first of 4 planning meetings to update the Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The existing plan was developed in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 which requires all local governments to develop a plan to assess their risks to hazards and identify actions that can be taken in advance to reduce future losses. Hazard mitigation plans are to be updated every five years in order to maintain eligibility for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants. Merced County has hired a consultant, Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., to manage the planning project.

A Hazard Mitigation Planning Team (HMPT) will be re-convened to support this project and will include representatives from the County and municipalities as participating jurisdictions. Other interested stakeholders, including local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities or agencies that regulate development, are also invited. This includes special districts, private-non-profit entities, business partners, academic institutions, and other local, state, and federal agencies in or that serve Merced County.

A Microsoft Outlook meeting invitation/calendar item will be sent out soon; please confirm your attendance or provide contact information for your designated alternate. Please "Reply To All" with your response on this initial email.

What: Merced County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Where: Virtual - Kickoff Meeting/Webinar - Microsoft Teams When: December 16, 2020 10:00 - 12:00
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only – only for use if computer audio is not an option) +1 281-810-1627,,212693756# United States, Houston

(866) 670-1764,,212693756# United States (Toll-free)
Phone Conference ID: 212 693 756#
At the kickoff meeting, we will discuss the benefits of updating the hazard mitigation plan, the project schedule, and all of the hazards that affect Merced County, such as wildfire, floods, winter storms, landslides, and more. Merced County requests your assistance in forwarding this invitation to others in your jurisdiction. Appropriate persons to be a part of the planning committee include, but are not limited to: county and municipal planners, public works directors, floodplain managers, economic development directors, GIS staff, first responders, local government administration, elected officials, business partners, private-non-profit representatives, and school district representatives. Each participating jurisdiction must have at least one representative at the meetings to meet participation requirements. There will be 4 total primary planning meetings held during the update process over the next 5-6 months, with target submittal of the updated plan for State and FEMA review within 8 months.

The consultant, Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc., will be helping to manage the planning project. Wood will facilitate the planning process, assist with coordination, collect the necessary data, and perform other technical services, including updating the risk assessment and plan document.

However, to successfully complete this project and ensure your organization is eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation assistance funding, we need your participation and input.

Link to 2015 Merced Hazard Mitigation
Plan: https://app.box.com/s/k84itkq1n7aec3ygofpti0qjrdqw2avk Thank you everyone in advance for your participation, this program is cannot be successful without it. As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

David Scheurich - Battalion Chief
Deputy Director - Administration
Merced County Office of Emergency Services
3500 N Apron Ave Atwater, CA 95301
Office (209) 385-7548 ext 4866 Fax (209) 725-0174
Cell (209) 761-1972
Davi d.Scheuri ch@fi re.ca.gov

CAL FIRE
Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit
* Servi ng the ci ti zens i n M adera County, M ari posa County, M erced County, the Ci ty of M adera & the Ci ty of Atwater

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 636-3200
woodplc.com
HMPT Meeting #1 Agenda
Date: 16 Dec 2020
10:00 am - noon PST
Meeting at: Virtual/Webinar - Microsoft Teams (see
email/Outlook for link)
Project: Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Subject/Purpose
The purpose of the meeting is to introduce the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and summarize the hazard mitigation planning process that will be used to update the plan. The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is intended to identify hazards, assets at risk, and ways to reduce impacts through long-term sustainable mitigation projects.

1. Introductions

2. Hazard Mitigation, Mitigation Planning and the Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements

3. Role of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team (HMPT) and Benefits of Participation

4. Objectives and Schedule for the Plan Update and Overview of 2015 Plan

5. Review and Identification of Natural and Human-Caused Hazards

6. Coordination with Stakeholders, Related plans, and Recent Studies

7. Planning for Public Involvement

8. Initial Information Needs and Next Steps

9. Questions and Answers

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 636-3200
woodplc.com
Merced County HMPT Meeting #1 Minutes
Date: 16 December 2020 10:00 am - noon PST
Meeting at: Virtual/Webinar - Microsoft Teams
Written by: Jeff Brislawn (Wood, Project Manager), Juliana Prosperi (Wood, Assistant Project Manager) Subject: Merced County MJHMP Update Hazard Mitigation Planning Team Meeting #1

Present:

David Scheurich (Merced County Office of Emergency Services, Assistant Director of Administration, County Lead for HMPT)
Mike Perez (Merced County, Fire Captain)
Gene Barrera (Merced County, GIS Manager)
Nathan Quevaedo (Merced County Office of Education, Communications Manager) Mike North (Merced County Public Information Officer)
Cesar Ramirez (Merced County Division of Environmental Health) Melissa Palomino (Merced County Division of Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials Specialist II)
Tom Ebersole (Merced County, Assistant County Counsel)
Steve Maxey (Merced County, Community and Economic Development) Greg Padilla (Merced County, Fire Department)
Stacy Souza Elms (City of Los Banos, Community and Economic Development Director) Mason Hurley (City of Los Banos Fire Department, Fire Chief) Casey Wilson (City of Merced Fire Department)
Ruben Chavez (City of Gustine Police Department)
Laura Rodriguez-Mascorro (UC-Merced Emergency Manager)
Marianne Shaw (Merced Medical Center)
Joseph Wilder (Madera County Sheriff/Office of Emergency Services) Helen Cosentino (American Red Cross, Disaster Program Manager: Merced/San Benito) Nathan Hicks (California DWR, Flood Operations Center, Engineer) Andrew Collum (California Department of State Parks, District Environmental Coordinator) Heather Reith (California Department of State Parks)
Jerald Meadows (National Weather Service, Warning Coordination Meteorologist) Deron Mills (Pacific Gas & Electric, Public Safety Specialist)

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 636-3200
woodplc.com

AGENDA TOPICS
This document is a record of attendance and a summary of the topics discussed at the above meeting including the following:

1. Introductions
Mr. Scheurich kicked off the meeting and thanked everyone for joining and explained the MJHMP is a valuable and important plan for the County have in place. Mr. Perez introduced himself as Mr. Scheurich’s assistant on the project. Mr. Brislawn provided an overview of the agenda and what the team will talk about today. He introduced the Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. (Wood) team and said they will support Merced County during the planning process and document preparation as the project consultant. He asked that the participants write their name and the agency they represent in the chat box. The participant attendance list is shown above. Mr. Brislawn also provided a link to a virtual poll that asked whether the team has participated in the planning process for a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). Most of the group have not participated on a MJHMP (63%).

2. Hazard Mitigation, Mitigation Planning and the Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements Mr. Brislawn began a discussion about the hazard mitigation planning process. Mitigation is one of four phases of emergency management cycle. Mitigation and preparedness build resilience in communities and reduce response and recovery costs. He introduced the concept of a “sustained” action – such as managing your floodplains wisely so that development and infrastructure is not put at risk in such areas.

Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
Mr. Brislawn explained the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 which requires having an updated plan in place to ensure the County is eligible for pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation grant funds. There are trends resulting in increased costs for disaster response and recovery related to population growth and the increase in the types of events we experience as a community. The COVID-19 pandemic a good example of a circumstance that can cause disruption in our community and to the economy. Mr. Brislawn explained we need these plans for several reasons because the reduce future recovery costs, we can plan around predictive events, and they guide mitigation activities in a coordinated manner.

Planning Process
Mr. Brislawn explained that previous Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidance broke the planning process into 4 phases. We are in Phase 1 and next steps will be developing an outreach strategy and reviewing County capabilities. We will then move into Phase 2, which will involve conducting a Risk Assessment. Phase 3 involves developing a mitigation strategy.

Phase 4 involves final plan adoption and implementation and ensuring the adopted plan builds a

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 636-3200
woodplc.com
safer and more resilient community. FEMA’s most recent guidance breaks down the planning process into a 9-step planning framework.

Phase 1 will involve building a planning team with the County and participating jurisdictions. This phase involves working with other agency stakeholders, specifically those agencies that are already involved with emergency management or mitigation activities. There are several special districts that have direct involvement in levee maintenance, water conservation, and community services. These are some of the agencies we reach out to for input during the planning process.

Public Involvement
FEMA requires we provide two opportunities for public involvement during the planning process:
during the draft stage and prior to plan approval. Public involvement will include online surveys and workshops during the planning effort, and will look to the participating jurisdictions to assist with advertising these opportunities. Our team will be responsible for documenting this process; this may involve documenting specific meetings with stakeholders or other organizations. Mr.

Brislawn asked the group if there were any questions.

Phase II: Risk Assessment
Mr. Brislawn discussed the three components of the risk assessment. He covered what natural hazards we look at in the assessment and how those hazards overlap with community assets. He discussed where there is overlap between the hazards and assets is where we have risk (e.g. potential for losses).

The vulnerability assessment looks at a range of assets in the County: residential/commercial structures and critical facilities and infrastructure. Our team will align this update with the recent FEMA Community Lifeline framework. Understanding risks to lifeline facilities, and identifying ways to minimize those risk with mitigation actions, will better position the plan for grant funding. He also stated we will look at development trends and natural resource areas in terms of assets that may warrant protection from hazard impacts.

Mitigation Capability Assessment
Mr. Brislawn explained that the team will examine existing policies and programs and evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation gaps and shortfalls to see where there are areas for improvement. He stated our team will also look at the County’s fiscal abilities to understand where there could be funding options for mitigation not limited to grants.

Mitigation Strategy
The Mitigation Strategy begins with reviewing the plan’s existing goals, which are broad overarching statements of what we want to achieve. Goals are supported by mitigation actions,

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 636-3200
woodplc.com
which are specific and measurable. Mr. Brislawn stated the team will rely on different reference guides for mitigation action alternatives, such as FEMA’s Mitigation Ideas and the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System (NFIP CRS) guidance. There is also related guidance from the State of California in the 2020 Adaptation Planning Guide.

Goals from 2014 MJHMP
Mr. Brislawn reviewed the existing 2014 MJHMP goals. He noted they include common types of goals we see in these plans. We will have an opportunity to further review and revise these goals in future meetings.

Actions in 2014 MJHMP
Mr. Brislawn shared the current actions from the existing plan. Mr. Brislawn noted we will need to get a status update on the actions during this planning update. He also noted that if the County does not want to pursue an existing action, the County will need to provide reasoning on why.

An action status form will be provided to capture this input at a later date.

Mitigation Alternatives
Mr. Brislawn stated that the team will need to review and select the alternatives for new actions as part of the plan update process. Each jurisdiction will need at least one new action, and actions will need to be prioritized. We will do this by applying selection and prioritization criteria, such as whether it will work, is it cost-beneficial, affordable, legal, and fair etc. This process will occur at a future planning meeting.

Plan Adoption and Implementation
The participating jurisdictions will need to readopt the plan to secure the buy-in for the process.

In terms of implementation, Mr. Brislawn explained there will need to be an assigned Hazard Mitigation Manager to track the projects. A lot of this work will be related to ongoing work plans and efforts, so it ties in tandem with other existing department and agency partners’ work.

California Legislation
Mr. Brislawn summarized various California legislation that formally links the MJHMP into other planning documents, such as the General Plan. By amending the MJHMP into the General Plan Safety Element in accordance with AB 2140 participating jurisdictions can achieve a higher share of disaster recovery costs from the State.

3. Role of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team (HMPT) and Benefits of Participation For participating jurisdictions, the requirements are that we need to document your participation and we need to show this documentation to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA reviewers, so meeting attendance is key. If you cannot make it, Mr. Brislawn

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 636-3200
woodplc.com
explained that he recommends an alternate attend in your place so we can still show participation. He also said that the jurisdictions should review and complete planning documents and worksheets. The participating jurisdictions also coordinate the final adoption of the plan.

Mr. Brislawn noted that as the consultant we are here to help facilitate the process and do the heavy lifting for the risk assessment and technical portions, but we really want this to be your plan and that is why it is key to get your input. Mr. Brislawn asked if there were any questions on the roles of the HMPT.

Mr. Brislawn described other “stakeholders” as entities that may be involved in hazard mitigation or emergency management activities that are not going to formally adopt the plan. This can include other local, regional, state or federal government agencies, private, private non-profit, and educational institutions. Mr. Brislawn said if you are a stakeholder you have options to participate. One of them is to participate in the meetings and to provide comments on the plan.

4. Objectives and Schedule for the Plan Update and Overview of 2015 Plan Mr. Brislawn explained we are reconvening the HMPT and updating the plan based on the latest federal requirements and California requirements. The built environment and hazard concerns in communities do change, so we conduct a substantial update to the risk assessment.

The next meeting will focus on the Risk Assessment, which will require the Wood team to conduct the assessment itself and complete the analysis. Other forthcoming deliverables include the public survey.

We will aim to schedule the next meeting in mid-March; the date in the calendar is tentative for now, but a target and we will try to find a date that works for everyone. Mr. Brislawn stated that as a consultant we will provide the tools to the County and jurisdictions to be successful and ensure the planning requirements are met.

5. Review and Identification of Natural and Human-Caused Hazards Ms. Prosperi defined the Planning Area as the Merced County limits, but noted we also consider regional hazards in Central Valley that could impact the County. Mr. Brislawn added that a regional hazard may include dam failures associated with dams located outside the County limits with the potential to inundate portions of the County. Ms. Prosperi provided an overview of potential other hazards of concern – both natural and human-caused that could be addressed in the plan. She provided a list based on the California State Hazard Mitigation Plan and explained those in bold are the hazards currently addressed in the 2014 MJHMP.

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 636-3200
woodplc.com
Ms. Prosperi shared a virtual poll link with the group and asked everyone to complete the survey; The final results are listed below with the top five priority hazards bolded:
• Flooding (80%)
• Drought (73%)
• Pandemic/Epidemic (60%)
• Dam Failure (53%)
• Earthquake (40%)
• Hazardous Material Releases (40%)
• Power Outages (33%)
• Subsidence (27%)
• Wildfires (27%)
• Cyber Threats (20%)
• Severe Weather (20%)
• Erosion (7%)
• Landslides/Debris Flows (7%)
• Oil Spills (7%)
• Expansive Soils (0%)
• Fuel Shortages (0%)
Ms. Prosperi asked the group if there were any other natural or human-caused hazards they should consider assessing in the plan. Mr. Scheurich mentioned civil unrest may be a concern, as well as cyber threats. He stated it may be valuable to the County to address cyber threats in the plan, based on where things are trending. He noted there was a substantial and recent cyberattack in the past month that impacted numerous health facilities and compromised their computer system for up to a month. Pandemic/Epidemic should also be included based on the current COVID19 outbreak and widespread impacts.

6. Coordination with Stakeholders, Related plans, and Recent Studies Ms. Prosperi provided an overview of Merced County’s existing mitigation capabilities starting with the 2030 Merced County General Plan through a broad summary of relevant regional plans, such as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) Merced-MariposaMadera Fire Unit Strategic Plan. Mr. Brislawn asked whether there have been any recent studies on the hazards listed in the County in the past few years.

Mr. Wilson stated the City of Merced recently prepared a Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study in 2018. The Merced County Economic Development Department stated the Climate Action Plan will be done by 2021. The County also recently updated the Zoning Code in 2019.

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 636-3200
woodplc.com
It was noted that UC-Merced was applying for an NSF grant for planning for energy resilience in regards to natural disasters.

It was also noted that county departments had recently completed COOP-COG plans.

Mr. Brislawn stated that during the process his team will ask the participants and stakeholders whether they have integrated any of the past planning efforts into the current MJHMP, such as whether the MJHMP was amended into the General Plan. Mr. Scheurich stated he will determine whether the 2014 plan was amended into the 2030 General Plan Safety Element.

7. Planning for Public Involvement
Ms. Prosperi provided an overview of outreach and engagement tools used in the planning process. Mr. Scheurich stated the silver linings of the pandemic is how the County has been able to enhance outreach to different communities in Merced. Ms. Prosperi explained how this planning process can piggyback on other planning efforts that recently occurred or those still underway in the County.

Ms. Prosperi indicated that other Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) mentioned to reach out to during the process may include the senior population, students, agricultural community, and the Latino population. Successful outreach to these groups may involve separate meetings we will want to capture during the planning process. Participants mentioned the City of Los Banos is updating their General Plan and they can share the Public Survey and leverage a monthly newsletter as part of their outreach.

8. Initial Information Needs and Next Steps
Mr. Brislawn discussed the Plan Update Guide (to be provided after the meeting) and next steps in the planning process and asked the group if there were any other questions.

9. Questions and Answers
The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

10. Post-Meeting Discussion
After the meeting, Mr. Scheurich mentioned other potential hazard concerns facing Merced County. He stated the groundwater table is lowering substantially more on the western part of the County (Planada area) compared to the central part of the County, which is exacerbating subsidence in the area. He noted a temporary declaration related to impacted water tanks (25,000-gallon tank replacements) associated with subsidence and drought hazards. Mr. Brislawn said they dealt with the subsidence issue in Fresno County and its effect on flooding and levees.

Mr. Brislawn asked whether the County deals with tree mortality. Mr. Scheurich stated this is not an issue because the County is fairly flat, and mostly grassland.

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 636-3200
woodplc.com
Mr. Scheurich said the County has recently tracked and pursued State Homeland Security Grants related to cyber threats. He does not want to necessarily want to focus on cyber threats, but the grant funding is transitioning in this direction. He also noted that 50 percent of the population does not have GED, 85 percent of school population on school lunch program, so outreach and grant funding may need to target socially vulnerable communities in the County.

IMAGE: Screenshot of Meeting
Attachment: Meeting Chat Log

Attachment: Meeting Chat Log
• For those who joined in the last 15 minutes... by Prosperi, Juliana Prosperi, Juliana
10:35 AM
For those who joined in the last 15 minutes, can you write your name and the agency your represent in the Chat? Thanks.
• 8:orgid:249d9198-2b69-4f51-bf99-6844758a85fe joined the meeting.

Wilson, Casey joined the meeting.
• 8:teamsvisitor:8885d9e89aa84357ae79bfb2e771591b joined the meeting.

Ruben and Sammy Gusitine PD (Guest) joined the meeting. • 8:orgid:c4c36458-a976-4a3c-953d-289d45a9a8f7 joined the meeting.

Reith, Heather@Parks joined the meeting.
•
Casey Wilson, City of Merced Fire Departmen by Wilson, Casey Wilson, Casey
10:47 AM
Casey Wilson, City of Merced Fire Department
•
Ruben Chavez, Gustine PD by Ruben and Sammy Gusitine PD (Guest) Ruben and Sammy Gusitine PD (Guest)
10:47 AM
Ruben Chavez, Gustine PD

•
Marianne Shaw Mercy Medical Center by marianne Shaw
marianne Shaw (Guest)
10:48 AM
Marianne Shaw Mercy Medical Center
•
Joseph Wilder, Madera County Sheriff's /OES by Joseph Wilder - Madera (Guest) Joseph Wilder - Madera (Guest)
10:52 AM
Joseph Wilder, Madera County Sheriff's /OES
•
Slido.com Code# 60980 by Carr, Amy
Carr, Amy
10:57 AM
Slido.com Code# 60980
•
cyber? by Eugene Barrera
Eugene Barrera
11:04 AM
cyber?
•
The CIty of Merced did a commodity flow stu... by Wilson, Casey

cyber? by Eugene Barrera
Eugene Barrera
11:04 AM
cyber?
The CIty of Merced did a commodity flow stu... by Wilson, Casey Wilson, Casey
11:13 AM
The CIty of Merced did a commodity flow study a few years back. I'll track that down and send it over. • 8:teamsvisitor:651998254c5f47e9b23b06263c8e6ba8 left the meeting.

Joseph Wilder - Madera (Guest) left the meeting.
•
City of Los Banos is currently updating our... by Stcy Souza Elms (Guest) Stcy Souza Elms (Guest)
11:16 AM
City of Los Banos is currently updating our General Plan •
Program/Project environmental impact report... by Eugene Barrera Eugene Barrera
11:17 AM
Program/Project environmental impact reports (CEQA )
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Steve M joined the meeting.
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Steve M left the meeting.
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Melissa Palomino (Guest) left the meeting.

•
UC Merced is applying for an NSF grant for ... by Eugene Barrera Eugene Barrera
11:22 AM
UC Merced is applying for an NSF grant for planning energy resilience in the face of natural disasters. •
Each department within Merced County also j... by Scheurich, David@CALFIRE Scheurich, David@CALFIRE
11:22 AMEdited
Each department within Merced County also just completed a COOP/COG update •
Thanks for those comments! by Brislawn, Jeff P
Brislawn, Jeff P
11:24 AM
Thanks for those comments!
•
The use of web map applications is also a g... by Eugene Barrera Eugene Barrera
11:25 AM
The use of web map applications is also a good venue to display spatial data • any opportunities for student service-learn... by Eugene Barrera Eugene Barrera11:28 AM
any opportunities for student service-learning with a local State University? The City of Los Banos will be starting a Mo... by Mason Hurley (Guest) Mason Hurley (Guest)
11:29 AM

The City of Los Banos will be starting a Monthly News Letter. We will be happy to add updates for this Plan.
• Nathan Quevedo left the meeting.

Nathan Quevedo left the meeting.
•
Thank you! by Cosentino, Helen
Cosentino, Helen
11:38 AM
Thank you!
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Stcy Souza Elms (Guest) left the meeting.
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Jerald Meadows (Guest) left the meeting.
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Cosentino, Helen left the meeting.
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Perez, Michael@CALFIRE left the meeting.
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Mills, Deron left the meeting.
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•
Thank you by Mason Hurley (Guest)
Mason Hurley (Guest)
11:38 AM
Thank you

• 8:teamsvisitor:e5dd329ba7d84f9d8d27dbd6e0bcfab8 left the meeting. marianne Shaw left the meeting.
• 8:teamsvisitor:984926caa6ca4230882949f1295c2730 left the meeting.

Mason Hurley (Guest) left the meeting.
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Ruben and Sammy Gusitine PD (Guest) left the meeting.
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Cesar Ramirez, MCDEH (Guest) left the meeting.
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Padilla, Gregory@CALFIRE left the meeting.

wood.

COUNTY
Merced County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Plan
Hazard Mitigation Planning Team Meeting #1
December 16, 2020
wood pie.com

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 636-3200
woodplc.com
HMPT Meeting #2 Agenda
Date: 24 March 2021
10:00 am - noon PST
Meeting at: Virtual/Webinar - Microsoft Teams (see
email/Outlook for link)
Project: Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Subject/Purpose
The purpose of the meeting is to review the highlights of the updated Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. The meeting will be delivered as a webinar due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements.

Attendees: Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, Stakeholders and Wood

1. Introductions

2. Review of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Process

3. Update on public involvement activities

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) update

5. Web-map application and critical facility data

6. Capability Assessment Highlights

7. Review of mitigation goals

8. Next steps

9. Questions and answers

Meeting Summary
Total Number of Participants 41
Meeting Title
Merced County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Plan Update: Meeting #2 Risk
and Goals
Meeting Start Time 3/24/2021, 10:47:36 AM
Meeting End Time 3/24/2021, 1:18:11 PM
Full Name Join Time Leave Time
Prosperi, Juliana 3/24/2021, 10:47:36 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:43 PM Johnson, Christopher A 3/24/2021, 10:47:42 AM 3/24/2021, 1:04:57 PM Brislawn, Jeff P 3/24/2021, 10:48:32 AM 3/24/2021, 1:04:17 PM Carr, Amy 3/24/2021, 10:50:57 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:31 PM
Parker, Derek 3/24/2021, 10:56:26 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:55 PM Scheurich, David@CALFIRE 3/24/2021, 10:56:26 AM 3/24/2021, 1:04:04 PM Hicks, Nathan@DWR 3/24/2021, 10:56:27 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:35 PM Sean Runyon/Merced Co. Ag Comm. (Guest) 3/24/2021, 10:56:28 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:56 PM Barrera, Gene 3/24/2021, 10:56:39 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:16 PM Padilla, Gregory@CALFIRE 3/24/2021, 10:57:37 AM 3/24/2021, 1:07:14 PM 12095875749 3/24/2021, 10:57:41 AM 3/24/2021, 11:59:49 AM 12095875749 3/24/2021, 12:32:22 PM 3/24/2021, 12:57:45 PM Chambers, Mack 3/24/2021, 10:57:42 AM 3/24/2021, 12:58:16 PM Kristi Kelechenyi 3/24/2021, 10:58:14 AM 3/24/2021, 1:00:01 PM Jason Hicks 3/24/2021, 10:58:16 AM 3/24/2021, 12:10:01 PM Stacy Souza Elms (Guest) 3/24/2021, 10:58:16 AM 3/24/2021, 1:06:14 PM Wes Smith - Mariposa County OES 3/24/2021, 10:58:17 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:20 PM Justin Lemons 3/24/2021, 10:58:59 AM 3/24/2021, 11:49:23 AM 12093857564 3/24/2021, 10:59:04 AM 3/24/2021, 10:59:22 AM 12093857564 3/24/2021, 11:01:16 AM 3/24/2021, 12:33:55 PM Zachery Falcon 3/24/2021, 10:59:19 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:54 PM Ruben and Sammy Gusitine PD (Guest) 3/24/2021, 11:00:21 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:21 PM 12095818675 3/24/2021, 11:00:24 AM 3/24/2021, 12:59:57 PM \Alyssa Carroll (Guest)\"" 3/24/2021, 11:00:32 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:27 PM Kent, [email protected] 3/24/2021, 11:00:33 AM 3/24/2021, 12:37:45 PM Vanessa Padilla 3/24/2021, 11:00:58 AM 3/24/2021, 12:17:18 PM Kuhlemeier, Rob 3/24/2021, 11:01:13 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:59 PM Chowdhary, Pujeeta 3/24/2021, 11:01:18 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:58 PM 12096754863 3/24/2021, 11:01:41 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:53 PM 12093835023 3/24/2021, 11:01:49 AM 3/24/2021, 12:17:32 PM 12093835023 3/24/2021, 12:33:45 PM 3/24/2021, 1:03:31 PM Reith, Heather@Parks 3/24/2021, 11:01:55 AM 3/24/2021, 11:57:37 AM Reith, Heather@Parks 3/24/2021, 12:33:08 PM 3/24/2021, 1:03:00 PM 12093857602 3/24/2021, 11:01:58 AM 3/24/2021, 1:18:11 PM Mitchell, Carrie 3/24/2021, 11:02:21 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:12 PM Wilson, Casey 3/24/2021, 11:02:21 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:25 PM Nishihama, John J 3/24/2021, 11:02:21 AM 3/24/2021, 11:58:58 AM

12098546183 3/24/2021, 11:02:24 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:38 PM Mike Stephenson (Guest) 3/24/2021, 11:03:31 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:13 PM 12097262999 3/24/2021, 11:03:44 AM 3/24/2021, 11:24:41 AM Sandra OShields (Guest) 3/24/2021, 11:04:47 AM 3/24/2021, 11:44:22 AM Vicki Jones (Guest) 3/24/2021, 11:06:23 AM 3/24/2021, 11:50:43 AM Laura Rodriguez-Mascorro 3/24/2021, 11:31:46 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:34 PM Sandra OShields 3/24/2021, 11:46:22 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:12 PM 12097611972 3/24/2021, 12:36:11 PM 3/24/2021, 12:37:26 PM

Duration Email Role
2h 16m [email protected] Presenter
2h 17m [email protected] Presenter
2h 15m [email protected] Organizer
2h 12m [email protected] Presenter
2h 6m [email protected] Presenter
2h 7m [email protected] Presenter
2h 6m [email protected] Presenter
2h 7m Presenter
2h 6m [email protected] Presenter
2h 9m [email protected] Presenter
1h 2m Attendee
25m 22s Attendee
2h [email protected] Presenter
2h 1m [email protected] Presenter
1h 11m [email protected] Presenter
2h 7m Presenter
2h 5m Presenter
50m 23s [email protected] Presenter
18s Attendee
1h 32m Attendee
2h 3m [email protected] Presenter
2h 2m Presenter
1h 59m Attendee
2h 1m Presenter
1h 37m [email protected] Presenter
1h 16m [email protected] Presenter
2h 1m [email protected] Presenter
2h 1m [email protected] Presenter
2h 1m Attendee
1h 15m Attendee
29m 45s Attendee
55m 41s [email protected] Presenter
29m 51s [email protected] Presenter
2h 16m Attendee
2h [email protected] Presenter
2h 1m [email protected] Presenter
56m 36s [email protected] Presenter

2h Attendee
1h 59m Presenter
20m 56s Attendee
39m 34s Presenter
44m 20s Presenter
1h 30m [email protected] Presenter
1h 16m [email protected] Presenter
1m 15s Attendee

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 1 Merced County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Risk Assessment and Goals Meeting Summary
March 24, 2021
10:00 AM– 12 PM PST
Virtual Meeting via Microsoft Teams
Introductions and Opening Remarks
David Scheurich with County OES began the meeting with welcoming remarks, a brief overview of the requirements for hazard mitigation planning, and introduced Jeff Brislawn of Wood, the consulting firm hired to facilitate the plan development process. 41 persons were present for the virtual meeting.

Review of Mitigation, Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) Requirements, and the Planning Process
Following introductions of the Wood team by Jeff, it was requested that all attendees type their name, title, and affiliation in the chat function of the Microsoft Teams meeting in order to capture attendance and participation (documented in Attachments 1 and 2). Jeff reviewed the planning process being followed and discussed the project status. Jeff emphasized that jurisdictions that have not yet submitted information requested in the plan update guides to do so as soon as possible. This is particularly important for new jurisdictions to the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan as the update guides will provide a basis for the development of jurisdictional annexes.

Juliana Prosperi with the Wood team spoke on the public outreach strategy and the work thus far.

This included the creation of a public survey, with versions in English and Spanish, to gauge public input and the perception of risk for Merced County residents.

Risk Assessment Presentation and Discussion
Jeff outlined the general risk assessment requirements before beginning a detailed discussion of each hazard. He presented highlights on each hazard included in the updated risk assessment chapter of the plan, such as the number of new hazards profiled in the 2021 update which were not included in the previous plan. Refer to the Merced County HMP Risk Assessment PowerPoint presentation for specific details on each hazard and a handout summarizing hazard significance.

Additional insight and details were learned during the risk assessment conversation among participants. Highlights of the discussion are noted by hazard in the table below.

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 2 Hazard or Topic Meeting Discussion
Dam Incidents • A question was posed by Ruben from the City of Gustine about the lack of inundation mapping below San Luis and O’Neill Forebay dams? Mack and Jeff noted the missing data layers have been asked for but not obtained yet. David Scheurich mentioned that he had a contact who could potentially provide data. Jeff also mentioned that the Emergency Action Plans should have
inundation maps that could be referenced. David said he has a copy in his office.

Severe Weather:

Dense Fog, Extreme Temps,
Heavy Rain, Wind
• No comment
Drought • No Comment
Subsidence • No Comment
Earthquake • No Comment
Flood & Levee Failure • Levee failure has been added in the flood hazard profile • No comment
Wildfire • No Comment
Landslide • No Comment
Pandemic/Epidemic • No Comment
Agriculture/Pest and Disease • No Comment
Hazardous Materials • No Comment
Cyber Attack • No Comment
Growth and Development Trends • No Comment
HIRA Summary • David Scheurich – Where does climate change fall into this as a hazard? Jeff explained that we don’t typically analyze climate change as its own individual hazard, but rather look at the role climate change plays in impacting the frequency and severity of other hazards

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 3 Web Map Application and Critical Facility Data
Gene Barrera, the Merced County GIS manager, gave a demonstration on a new Web Map application that was being created to support the plan update process, in conjunction with a planning class that he is teaching at Stanislaus State University. The ESRI Experience Builder web application will provide more publicly accessible information related to the project, including links to the public survey, and dynamic hazard maps. A password protected map application has been developed so that each jurisdiction could review, verify, and edit critical facilities data specific to them. David and Jeff will identify potential points of contact at each jurisdiction to followup with regarding the critical facilities data review.

The link to the website is below:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c6ad8529e3a84651918e00115607206e/ The critical facilities are being grouped/classified to align with the FEMA Lifelines framework. https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/CommunityLifelinesToolkit2.0v2.pdf Review of Mitigation Goals
Another next step will be updating the plan’s goals. Juliana introduced the topic of Mitigation Goals and Objectives for a Hazard Mitigation Plan. She included a summary of the goals from the previous plan, which can be kept or updated to meet the current needs of the county. The group will revisit the goals for finalization at the beginning of the next meeting.

An online form for the planning team to review and provide input to the goals update is below. http://bit.ly/3txL8Ll
Input on the goals is requested by April 9
th
.

A worksheet will be provided after the meeting with the link, and some examples of goals from related plan for reference.

Capability Assessment Highlights
Juliana also gave an overview of the Capability Assessment portion of the plan, and noted some of the existing planning, regulatory, and project capabilities for the identified hazards. Moving forward jurisdictions should review and update capabilities to reflect current ones, and note opportunities for improvement. Worksheets have been provided in the plan update guides for this purpose.

Plan Timeline/Next steps
Jeff briefly discussed the Mitigation actions plan, highlighting the requirement that each participating jurisdiction provide will need at least one new mitigation action for the plan update, which will be discussed further at a future planning meeting.

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 4 The next HMPC planning meeting will be in April, with a date to be determined. The purpose of the next meeting is to update the mitigation strategy. This will include development of new mitigation actions for the plan and participating jurisdictions. Once the specific dates have been identified, a calendar update will be sent out. The meeting materials will also be shared electronically, including the presentation and handouts. The timeline and steps for the various drafts of the plan to be reviewed and approved by both Cal OES and FEMA was outlined as well.

The meeting adjourned at noon.

Attachment 1: Chat Log
Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan 2021 Update
Risk Assessment Meeting Chat Log
March 24, 2021 – 10:00am-12:00pm PST
[9:47 AM] Unknown User Chowdhary, Pujeeta was invited to the meeting. [10:56 AM] Unknown User Hicks, Nathan@DWR was invited to the meeting. [10:56 AM] Unknown User Parker, Derek (External) was invited to the meeting. [10:56 AM] Unknown User Sean Runyon/Merced Co. Ag Comm. (Guest) was invited to the meeting. [10:56 AM] Unknown User Scheurich, David@CALFIRE was invited to the meeting. [10:56 AM] Unknown User Barrera, Gene (External) was invited to the meeting. [10:57 AM] Unknown User Chambers, Mack was invited to the meeting. [10:57 AM] Unknown User Padilla, Gregory@CALFIRE was invited to the meeting. [10:58 AM] Unknown User Stacy Souza Elms (Guest) was invited to the meeting. [10:58 AM] Unknown User Kristi Kelechenyi was invited to the meeting. [10:58 AM] Unknown User Wes Smith - Mariposa County OES was invited to the meeting. [10:58 AM] Unknown User Jason Hicks (External) was invited to the meeting. [10:59 AM] Unknown User Justin Lemons was invited to the meeting. [10:59 AM] Unknown User Zachery Falcon was invited to the meeting. [11:00 AM] Unknown User Ruben and Sammy Gustine PD (Guest) was invited to the meeting. [11:00 AM] Unknown User "\"Alyssa Carroll (Guest)\"" was invited to the meeting. [11:00 AM] Unknown User Kent, [email protected] (External) was invited to the meeting. [11:00 AM] Unknown User Vanessa Padilla was invited to the meeting. [11:01 AM] Unknown User Kuhlemeier, Rob (External) was invited to the meeting. [11:01 AM] Unknown User Reith, Heather@Parks (External) was invited to the meeting. [11:02 AM] Unknown User Nishihama, John J was invited to the meeting. [11:02 AM] Unknown User Mitchell, Carrie was invited to the meeting. [11:02 AM] Unknown User Wilson, Casey (External) was invited to the meeting. [11:03 AM] Unknown User Mike Stephenson (Guest) was invited to the meeting. [11:04 AM] Unknown User Sandra OShields (Guest) was invited to the meeting. [11:06 AM] Unknown User Vicki Jones (Guest) was invited to the meeting. [11:10 AM] Barrera, Gene
Gene Barrera, Merced County GIS Manager

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 5 [11:10 AM] Ruben and Sammy Gustine PD (Guest)
Ruben Chavez, Chief of Police , Gustine Police Department [11:10 AM] Stacy Souza Elms (Guest)
Stacy Souza Elms, City of Los Banos - Community and Economic Development Director [11:10 AM] Hicks, Nathan@DWR (Guest)
Nathan Hicks, Engineer, DWR Flood Operations Center
[11:10 AM] Jason Hicks
Jason Hicks, Turlock Irrigation District, Manager of Security & Emergency Preparedness [11:10 AM] Kuhlemeier, Rob
Rob Kuhlemeier Merced County IT, Merced County
[11:10 AM] "\"Alyssa Carroll (Guest)\""
Alyssa Carroll Mariposa County OES
[11:10 AM] Kent, [email protected]
Walt Kent, CalOES, Emergency Services Coordinator, Region V [11:10 AM] Vicki Jones (Guest)
Vicki Jones, Merced County Environmental Health Division Director [11:10 AM] Reith, Heather@Parks
Heather Reith, Natural Resources Program Manager, California Department of Parks and Recreation [11:10 AM] Mike Stephenson (Guest)
Mike Stephenson Merced County Assistant Director Public Works [11:10 AM] Nishihama, John J (Guest)
John Nishihama Assistant CIO, Merced County
Edited
[11:10 AM] Sean Runyon/Merced Co. Ag Comm. (Guest)
Sean Runyon/ Asst. Ag Commissioner/Merced County
[11:10 AM] Carr, Amy
Amy Carr, Hazard Mitigation Planner, Wood
[11:10 AM] Johnson, Christopher A
Christopher Johnson, Hazard Mitigation Planner/GIS Analyst, Wood PLC [11:11 AM] Parker, Derek
Derek Parker, Merced Fire Department Fire Chief
[11:11 AM] Chowdhary, Pujeeta
Pujeeta Chowdhary, MPH, Risk Assessor, Wood
[11:11 AM] Wes Smith - Mariposa County OES (Guest)
Wes Smith - Mariposa County OES

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 6 [11:11 AM] Wilson, Casey
Casey Wilson, City of Merced Fire, Deputy Chief
[11:11 AM] Prosperi, Juliana
Juliana Prosperi, AICP, Assistant Project Manager
[11:11 AM] Chambers, Mack
Mack Chambers, GIS Analyst, Wood
[11:12 AM] Padilla, Gregory@CALFIRE (Guest)
Greg Padilla Merced County OES. David Scheurich Merced County OES. Kevin Lindo CAL FIRE-Land use planning. Gene Potkey CAL FIRE- land use planning.
[11:12 AM] Barrera, Gene
CSU Students - Please include your information as well - Thanks [11:13 AM] Sandra OShields (Guest)
Sandra OShields, Student of Barrera
[11:13 AM] Kristi Kelechenyi (Guest)
Kristi Kelechenyi, CSU Stanislaus student
[11:14 AM] Justin Lemons (Guest)
Justin Lemons Stainislause State University-Planning Issues [11:15 AM] Brislawn, Jeff P
Jeff Brislawn, Project Manager/Hazard Mitigation Lead, Wood [11:18 AM] Zachery Falcon (Guest)
Zach Falcon, CSU Student
[11:19 AM] Vanessa Padilla (Guest)
Vanessa Padilla, CSU Stanislaus Student
[11:25 AM] Mitchell, Carrie (Guest)
Carrie Mitchell/Deputy Ag Commissioner/Merced County
[11:31 AM] Unknown User Laura Rodriguez Mascorro (External) was invited to the meeting. [11:44 AM] Unknown User Sandra OShields (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [11:46 AM] Unknown User Sandra OShields was invited to the meeting. [11:50 AM] Unknown User Vicki Jones (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [12:07 PM] Ruben and Sammy Gustine PD (Guest)
Pat Berrellii, Fire Chief, Gustine Fire Department
[12:23 PM] Chambers, Mack
yes
[12:25 PM] Barrera, Gene
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c6ad8529e3a84651918e00115607206e/

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 7 [12:37 PM] Unknown User Scheurich, David@CALFIRE no longer has access to the chat. [12:37 PM] Prosperi, Juliana
For those of you who joined in the last 15 minutes, if you could enter your name and the agency/organization you represent that will help us track and document participation. Thanks! [12:37 PM] Unknown User Scheurich, David@CALFIRE was invited to the meeting. [12:37 PM] Laura Rodriguez Mascorro
Laura Rodriguez-Mascorro, UC Merced
[12:40 PM] Reith, Heather@Parks
Hi Julianna, I entered my name earlier. I had to leave for a bit for another meeting. [12:40 PM] Prosperi, Juliana
Thanks Heather!
(1 liked)
[12:41 PM] Carr, Amy
great job Barrera, Gene and students!
[12:42 PM] Prosperi, Juliana
Amazing job Gene! And thanks to all the CSU students on the call today!! [12:52 PM] Brislawn, Jeff P
Here is the link to the goals worksheet to provide suggested revisions to the goals [12:52 PM] Brislawn, Jeff P
http://bit.ly/3txL8Ll
Fill | Merced County Hazard Mitigation Goals & Objectives 2021 Update The survey will take approximately 4 minutes to complete. FEMA requires that mitigation plans establish “mitigation goals to reduce or avoid long-term vulnerabilities to the identified hazards.” ... bit.ly
[12:54 PM] Ruben and Sammy Gustine PD (Guest)
Jeff, can you send the FEMA link also please?
[1:02 PM] Prosperi, Juliana
Here is the link: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/lifelines [1:02 PM] Unknown User Johnny Nishihama - GCC Global Admin (External) was invited to the meeting. [1:02 PM] Unknown User "\"Alyssa Carroll (Guest)\"" no longer has access to the chat. [1:02 PM] Unknown User Hicks, Nathan@DWR no longer has access to the chat. [1:02 PM] Kuhlemeier, Rob
Thank you for the information
[1:03 PM] Unknown User Mike Stephenson (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [1:03 PM] Unknown User Wes Smith - Mariposa County OES no longer has access to the chat. [1:03 PM] Unknown User Ruben and Sammy Gusitine PD (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [1:03 PM] Unknown User Sean Runyon/Merced Co. Ag Comm. (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [1:04 PM] Unknown User Scheurich, David@CALFIRE no longer has access to the chat.

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 8 [1:06 PM] Unknown User Stacy Souza Elms (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [1:07 PM] Unknown User Padilla, Gregory@CALFIRE no longer has access to the chat.

Meeting ended 2h 30m 1:18 PM
1h 58m
Meeting Recorded by: Johnson, Christopher A
https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/25c20392-49c2-44da-b1d7-4ea505100984 Attachment 2: Attendance Log
Meeting Summary
Total Number of Participants 41
Meeting Title Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update: Meeting #2 Risk and Goals Meeting Start Time 3/24/2021, 10:47:36 AM
Meeting End Time 3/24/2021, 1:18:11 PM
Full Name Join Time Leave TimeDuration Email
Prosperi, Juliana 3/24/2021, 10:47:36 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:43 PM 2h 16m [email protected] Johnson, Christopher A 3/24/2021, 10:47:42 AM 3/24/2021, 1:04:57 PM 2h 17m [email protected] Brislawn, Jeff P 3/24/2021, 10:48:32 AM 3/24/2021, 1:04:17 PM 2h 15m [email protected] Carr, Amy 3/24/2021, 10:50:57 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:31 PM 2h 12m [email protected] Parker, Derek 3/24/2021, 10:56:26 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:55 PM 2h 6m [email protected] Scheurich, David@CALFIRE 3/24/2021, 10:56:26 AM 3/24/2021, 1:04:04 PM 2h 7m [email protected] Hicks, Nathan@DWR 3/24/2021, 10:56:27 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:35 PM 2h 6m [email protected] Sean Runyon/Merced Co. Ag Comm. (Guest)3/24/2021, 10:56:28 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:56 PM 2h 7m Barrera, Gene 3/24/2021, 10:56:39 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:16 PM 2h 6m [email protected] Padilla, Gregory@CALFIRE 3/24/2021, 10:57:37 AM 3/24/2021, 1:07:14 PM 2h 9m [email protected] 12095875749 3/24/2021, 10:57:41 AM 3/24/2021, 11:59:49 AM 1h 2m 12095875749 3/24/2021, 12:32:22 PM 3/24/2021, 12:57:45 PM 25m 22s Chambers, Mack 3/24/2021, 10:57:42 AM 3/24/2021, 12:58:16 PM 2h [email protected] Kristi Kelechenyi 3/24/2021, 10:58:14 AM 3/24/2021, 1:00:01 PM 2h 1m [email protected] Jason Hicks 3/24/2021, 10:58:16 AM 3/24/2021, 12:10:01 PM 1h 11m [email protected] Stacy Souza Elms (Guest) 3/24/2021, 10:58:16 AM 3/24/2021, 1:06:14 PM 2h 7m Wes Smith - Mariposa County OES 3/24/2021, 10:58:17 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:20 PM 2h 5m Justin Lemons 3/24/2021, 10:58:59 AM 3/24/2021, 11:49:23 AM 50m 23s [email protected] 12093857564 3/24/2021, 10:59:04 AM 3/24/2021, 10:59:22 AM 18s 12093857564 3/24/2021, 11:01:16 AM 3/24/2021, 12:33:55 PM 1h 32m Zachery Falcon 3/24/2021, 10:59:19 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:54 PM 2h 3m [email protected] Ruben and Sammy Gusitine PD (Guest) 3/24/2021, 11:00:21 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:21 PM 2h 2m 12095818675 3/24/2021, 11:00:24 AM 3/24/2021, 12:59:57 PM 1h 59m \Alyssa Carroll (Guest)\"" 3/24/2021, 11:00:32 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:27 PM 2h 1m Kent, [email protected] 3/24/2021, 11:00:33 AM 3/24/2021, 12:37:45 PM 1h 37m [email protected] Vanessa Padilla 3/24/2021, 11:00:58 AM 3/24/2021, 12:17:18 PM 1h 16m [email protected] Kuhlemeier, Rob 3/24/2021, 11:01:13 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:59 PM 2h 1m [email protected] Chowdhary, Pujeeta 3/24/2021, 11:01:18 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:58 PM 2h 1m [email protected] 12096754863 3/24/2021, 11:01:41 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:53 PM 2h 1m 12093835023 3/24/2021, 11:01:49 AM 3/24/2021, 12:17:32 PM 1h 15m 12093835023 3/24/2021, 12:33:45 PM 3/24/2021, 1:03:31 PM 29m 45s Reith, Heather@Parks 3/24/2021, 11:01:55 AM 3/24/2021, 11:57:37 AM 55m 41s [email protected] Reith, Heather@Parks 3/24/2021, 12:33:08 PM 3/24/2021, 1:03:00 PM 29m 51s [email protected] 12093857602 3/24/2021, 11:01:58 AM 3/24/2021, 1:18:11 PM 2h 16m Mitchell, Carrie 3/24/2021, 11:02:21 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:12 PM 2h [email protected] Wilson, Casey 3/24/2021, 11:02:21 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:25 PM 2h 1m [email protected] Nishihama, John J 3/24/2021, 11:02:21 AM 3/24/2021, 11:58:58 AM 56m 36s [email protected] 12098546183 3/24/2021, 11:02:24 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:38 PM 2h Mike Stephenson (Guest) 3/24/2021, 11:03:31 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:13 PM 1h 59m 12097262999 3/24/2021, 11:03:44 AM 3/24/2021, 11:24:41 AM 20m 56s Sandra OShields (Guest) 3/24/2021, 11:04:47 AM 3/24/2021, 11:44:22 AM 39m 34s Vicki Jones (Guest) 3/24/2021, 11:06:23 AM 3/24/2021, 11:50:43 AM 44m 20s Laura Rodriguez-Mascorro 3/24/2021, 11:31:46 AM 3/24/2021, 1:02:34 PM 1h 30m [email protected] Sandra OShields 3/24/2021, 11:46:22 AM 3/24/2021, 1:03:12 PM 1h 16m [email protected] 12097611972 3/24/2021, 12:36:11 PM 3/24/2021, 12:37:26 PM 1m 15s Page 1077 of 2046 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 9 Attachment 3 Meeting Screen Capture

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update: Meeting #2 Risk and Goals 0 01:29:47
Growth and Development Trends
Municipalities Sphere of Influences
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Request control Oo
OJ 0
Countywide pop. projected to
increase by 82% by 2040
283,521 - 2020
346,085 - 2040 (CA DOFJ
Highlights from Plan Update
Guides:

City of Merced 6th fastest growing city in
CA (as of Jan. 2020)
Annexation of UC Merced approved
February 2021.

City of Dos Palos received grant
approval for construction of new
Water Treatment facility.

Sphere of Influence Parcel Analysis:

Estimated 6,917 buildings within Dam
Inundation areas
Estimated 3,066 buildings within 1%
Annual Chance Flood
Estimated 1,514 buildings within Fire
Threat areas
wood.
0 X
D ,._ Leave

From: Brislawn, Jeff P
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2021 11:46 AM
To: Scheurich, David@CALFIRE; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]
Cc: Barrera, Gene; Padilla, Gregory@CALFIRE
Subject: Merced Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update - Critical Facility Data review and input
Importance: High
In follow up to the meeting on the Hazard Mitigation Plan on March 24th in regards to the critical facility data, we would like each jurisdiction’s assistance validating the GIS data that has been collected. We are reaching out to you as points of contact for your jurisdiction. There are two primary aspects of the review of critical facilities:

1. Data completeness/correctness – we want to ensure we have the facilities and assets captured, and in the correct geographic location

2. Alignment/classification with FEMA Lifelines framework In the long term there are other data attributes that this site will allow for update and maintenance, including facility valuations, contact info, etc.

Please go the online map application
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c6ad8529e3a84651918e00115607206e/ to browse the data for your jurisdiction and verify the information. You can access the map application using the Link to Maintenance Editor button on the following page;
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c6ad8529e3a84651918e00115607206e/page/page_16/ THE LOG IN USER NAME AND PASSWORD TO ACCES THE EDITOR APPLICATION IS;

User Name: hmp_user
Password: mchmp2021@mercedcounty
Following your review, please send an email to Gene Barrera ([email protected]) to let him know the following, as applicable:

I have reviewed and it looks complete.

I have reviewed and made edits to address completed/accuracy.

I have reviewed but need assistance making changes.

As a reminder, we are using the FEMA lifelines framework as the basis for defining critical facilities for the plan update:

Community lifelines are fundamental services in a County that provide day-to-day support for a community’s basic needs and when stable allow the community to function.

FEMA further defines lifelines into 7 categories: safety and security (fire, police); food, water, and shelter (cooling center); health and medical; energy; communications; transportation; and hazardous materials (Hazmat facilities, pollutant controls).

More details on FEMA lifelines can be referenced here:
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/CommunityLifelinesToolkit2.0v2.pdf We’d like to get the Critical Facility information updated in the GIS Experience Application by Wednesday April 21st. Gene Barrera with Merced County is available to provide additional assistance. On the splash page

of the editor application is a link to a video excerpt of his demo of the application on March 24th:

In addition, we will schedule another online-workshop to answer questions on this. This will be scheduled for Thursday April 15th at 9-10am. An Outlook invite will be sent for this.

Please let us know if you will be delegating this to someone else in your jurisdiction.

Thanks
Jeff
Jeff Brislawn
Hazard Mitigation Lead/Sr Associate
Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Management Program
Office: 303-742-5315 Mobile: 303-704-5506
www.woodplc.com

Merced HMP – workshop with emergency managers for each jurisdiction to discuss critical Facility data collection. Webinar on 4/15/21.

Gene Baraa
Attended by 19 persons.

Chat log is below.
01:12:23
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Dan Arnold Public Works Director, City of G... by Dan Arnold (Guest) Dan Arnold (Guest)
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Dan Arnold Public Works Director, City of Gustine, CA.
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Mason Hurley, Fire Chief - City of Los Bano by Mason Hurley (Guest) Mason Hurley (Guest)
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Mason Hurley, Fire Chief - City of Los Banos
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Rich McEachin Dos Palos PD Chief by Rich McEachin (Guest) Rich McEachin (Guest)
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Rich McEachin Dos Palos PD Chief
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Derek Parker Merced Fire Department Fire Chief\
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Ruben Chavez, Gustine Chief of Police
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Corina Falaschi Gustine Planning by Corina Falaschi (Guest) Corina Falaschi (Guest)
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Here is a link to the FEMA Lifeline Toolkit... by Chambers, Mack Chambers, Mack
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Here is a link to the FEMA Lifeline Toolkit, if you go to page 12 in the PDF you will see a summary of all the categories. Pages after break down each Lifeline into Components or SubComponents to better identify where facilities will fit.
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/CommunityLifelinesToolkit2.0v2.pdf • 8:orgid:5f1f768a-ed5a-43f1-ba4f-001dad3eabb1 was invited to the meeting.

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1. Introductions

2. Review of the Planning Process and Progress to Date

3. Update of Mitigation Goals

4. Review of progress on Mitigation Actions from 2015 Plan

5. Review of Mitigation Action Categories and Alternatives

6. Development of New Mitigation Actions

7. Next steps

8. Questions and Answers
Merced County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Meeting # 3: Mitigation Strategy Meeting Agenda
Date: Thursday, May 13, 2021
10:00 am – noon
Meeting at: Virtual/Webinar - Microsoft Teams (see
email/Outlook for link)
Subject/Purpose
This meeting will focus on updating the plan’s mitigation strategy, including updating the plan’s goals and objectives, actions undertaken since the last plan update, and identifying new mitigation activities. All participating jurisdictions and planning team members are encouraged to attend and provide input and ideas on new mitigation actions. The meeting will be delivered as a virtual meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements.

Attendees: Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, Stakeholders and Consultant Team

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 Merced County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2021 Update Mitigation Strategy Webinar
May 13, 2021, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Introductions and Opening Remarks
Jeff Brislawn, Project Manager with Wood Environment and Infrastructure Solutions (Wood), kicked off the webinar and thanked everyone for their participation. Jeff introduced the Wood team and led a roll call of attendees to introduce themselves. In total 34 individuals participated in the webinar representing Merced County and participating jurisdictions, including municipalities and special districts, as well as stakeholders and partner organizations.

Review of the Planning Process and Progress to Date
The FEMA planning process steps were recapped; Wood is currently wrapping up the Risk Assessment process and beginning the mitigation strategy portion. This webinar addressed mitigation strategizing and goal review/development aspects.

The roles of the participating jurisdictions in the HMPC vs. Stakeholders were reviewed, as differentiated under FEMA’s eyes. Only the participating jurisdictions, will be specifically addressed in the plan and will be required to meet certain criteria such as attending planning meetings, identifying mitigation actions, and tracking other aspects in order to qualify for funding in the future. While other entities (i.e. everyone else) were key stakeholders that would provide useful input and feedback as well as review the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) drafts.

The progress on the plan update process to date was reviewed. Highlights include:
• Kickoff meeting held December 16th
• Risk Assessment meeting held March 24th
• First public meeting held May 12th
• Online Public Survey closed May 31st
• HIRA Update Ongoing
• New project website and web map interface created for the project Update on Public Involvement Activities/public meeting.

Jeff noted that the online public survey is closed on May 31st and received 264 responses. The top five hazards of concern based on this public survey were:
• Drought
• Extreme Temperatures
• Pandemic/Epidemic
• Wildfire
• Wind

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 2 Mitigation Goals and Objectives
The goals from the 2014 Hazard Mitigation Plan were revisited, as were the goals from the 2015 City of Merced HMP. Key differences between “goals,” “objectives” and “actions” were defined: goals and objectives are usually more general and broad guidelines while actions are specific and project-driven.

Projects submitted for grant funding will need to tie back to goals and objectives in the HMP. The suggested 2021 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan goals and objectives were created based on a hybrid of the previous Merced County and City of Merced goals. They are as follows:

Goals:
• Goal 1: Reduce the potential for loss of life and injury from hazards • Goal 2: Minimize or reduce damage to property.
• Goal 3: Build resiliency and redundancy to maintain essential services, lifelines, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Goal 4: Minimize impacts of hazards to agriculture and the economies of communities. • Goal 5: Protect and leverage natural and beneficial mitigation functions of the environment. • Goal 6: Promote hazard mitigation as an integrated policy. • Goal 7: Increase public awareness of hazards.

For each of the goals and objectives, Jeff highlighted the proposed changes and additions and led a discussion with the committee members.

Review of Progress on Existing Mitigation Actions
Prior to the webinar, a Mitigation Action Tracker was sent to the HMPC listing each jurisdictions’ 2014 mitigation actions. Each HMPC representative was asked to provide status and comments on the status of each action. The Tracker was emailed again following the webinar to fill in some of the missing statuses, as some jurisdictions had not yet returned the Tracker at the time of the webinar. The mitigation action statuses are categorized as one of the following: Completed, Annual Implementation, In Progress, Not Started, and Deleted.

Some examples of “Deleted” actions may be due to lack of project applicability over time, or even inability to complete a project in an area where the community does not have control/jurisdiction (e.g. state owned vs. federal land). Annual Implementation are actions that a jurisdiction is conducting on an ongoing basis, but which the jurisdiction wants to continue forward into the updated plan to maintain visibility on the action.

Mitigation Actions
Jeff lead a discussion on the Mitigation Actions portion of the plan. One way to think of mitigation actions is the four A’s:
• Altering a hazard,
• Averting a hazard,
• Avoiding a hazard,
• Adapting to a hazard
FEMA suggests these four categories for mitigation actions:
• Plans and Regulations,

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 3 • Structure and Infrastructure Projects,
• Education and Awareness, and
• Natural Systems Protection.

Resources for more details on mitigation action types, categories, and example projects were provided, including a short discussion on climate change and adaptation considerations. Example hazard-specific mitigation projects were discussed including FEMA funding-eligible projects for winter weather, flood, and other hazards.

Developing New Mitigation Actions
Each participating jurisdiction is required to develop at least one new action for the 2021 plan update.

Ideally, jurisdictions should develop actions that address all the hazards addressed in the plan, or at least the High significance hazards. All jurisdictions that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will need to have a mitigation action addressing continued NFIP compliance.

The following are resources with ideas and examples of mitigation actions and implementation:
• FEMA’s ‘Mitigation Action Portfolio’ Publication: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020- 08/fema_mitigation-action-portfolio-support-document_08-01-2020_0.pdf • DOLA ‘Planning for Hazard’ Guide: https://planningforhazards.com/home A link to the New Mitigation Action Survey was shared during the meeting and emailed after. Each HMPC member was asked to fill out the survey with at least one mitigation action by June 3rd.

New Mitigation Actions Survey: http://bit.ly/MercedActions Next Steps
The project schedule was reviewed:

Project Milestone Anticipated Timeline
• HMPT Meeting #4 June 2021
• HMPT Review Draft Late June 2021
• Public Review Draft August 2021
• Cal OES Review September 2021
• FEMA Review (estimated) November-December 2021
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:30 am

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 4 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan 2021 Update
Mitigation Strategy Meeting Chat Log
May 13, 2021 – 10:00am-12:00pm PST
Times below are reflected in Mountain Time.

Meeting started 10:46 AM
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Wes Smith@mariposacountyOES (Guest) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:01 AM] Unknown User mabeloe (Guest) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:02 AM] Unknown User Kent, [email protected] (External) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:02 AM] Unknown User Christina Thurman (External) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:03 AM] Unknown User Stacy Souza Elms, City of Los Banos (Guest) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:03 AM] Unknown User Laura Rodriguez-Mascorro (External) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:03 AM] Unknown User Ruben and Sammy Gusitine PD (Guest) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:04 AM] Unknown User Barrera, Gene (External) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:07 AM] Unknown User Jerald Meadows (Guest) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:13 AM] Barrera, Gene
Gene Barrera, GIS Manager Merced County
[11:13 AM] Jason Hicks
Jason Hicks, Security/Emergency Preparedness Manager, Turlock Irrigation District [11:13 AM] Bill Gibbs - MCFB (Guest)
Bill Gibbs, Executive Director, Merced County Food Bank [11:13 AM] Jones, Vicki
Vicki Jones, Environmental Health Division Director, Merced County [11:13 AM] Jerald Meadows (Guest)

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 5 Jerald Meadows - Meteorologist in Charge - National Weather Service [11:13 AM] Cosentino-Massimino, Helen (Guest)
Helen Cosentino-Massimino, American Red Cross, Disaster Program Manager [11:13 AM] Stacy Souza Elms, City of Los Banos (Guest)
Stacy Souza Elms, City of Los Banos Community and Economic Development Director [11:13 AM] Kuhlemeier, Rob
Robert Kuhlemeier, Merced County IT supervisor
[11:13 AM] Kent, [email protected]
Walt Kent, Emergency Services Coordinator, CalOES
[11:13 AM] Wes Smith@mariposacountyOES (Guest)
Wes Smith - Mariposa County OES
[11:13 AM] Michael Salvador
Michael Salvador Chief of Police Cituof Atwtaer
[11:13 AM] Janell Martin
Janell Martin, Executive to the City Manager, City of Atwater [11:13 AM] Mills, Deron (Guest)
Deron Mills, PG&E Public Safety Specialist
[11:13 AM] Runyon, Sean
Sean Runyon, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner, Merced County [11:13 AM] Laura Rodriguez-Mascorro
Laura Rodriguez-Mascorro, Emergency Manager, UC Merced
[11:14 AM] Carr, Amy
Amy Carr, Hazard Mitigation Planner, Wood
[11:14 AM] Mike North (Guest)
Mike North, Merced County Public Information Officer
[11:14 AM] Brislawn, Jeff P
Jeff Brislawn, Hazard Mitigation Lead, Wood
[11:14 AM] Padilla, Gregory@CALFIRE (Guest)
Greg Padilla Assistant Director of Administration for Merced County OES. [11:14 AM] Cliff Battles (Guest)
Cliff Battles, Acting Chief of Police - Dos Palos
[11:14 AM] Ruben and Sammy Gusitine PD (Guest)
Ruben Chavez, Gustine Chief of Police, Emergency Services Coordinator

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 6 [11:14 AM] mabeloe (Guest)
Martha Abeloe , Administrative Analyst PW, Adabel Pirita, Administrative Analyst PW, Tony Avina Public Works Superintendent City of Livingston
[11:15 AM] Calvin Curtin
Calvin Curtin, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Turlock Irrigation District [11:15 AM] Unknown User Justin Vinson (External) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:17 AM] Gurrola, Joanne@CalOES
Joanne Gurrola, Emergency Services Coordinator, CalOES
[11:18 AM] Robert Ayuso (Guest)
Robert Ayuso CAL FIRE/Atwater City Fire Battalion Chief [11:18 AM] Unknown User Stephenson, Michael J (External) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:21 AM] Barrera, Gene
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c6ad8529e3a84651918e00115607206e/page/page_12/?draft=true [11:28 AM] Wilson, Casey
Casey Wilson, Deputy Chief, City of Merced Fire
[11:28 AM] Parker, Derek
Derek Parker, Fire Chief, Merced Fire
[11:29 AM] Prosperi, Juliana
If anyone has any suggestions on the blended/hybrid goals, you can provide edits in the Meeting Chat here! [11:30 AM] Barrera, Gene
Maintain a comprehensive database of hazards locations, data, infrastructure, and critical facilities inventories. [11:32 AM] Michael Salvador
need to treat the public safety power shutoff as a future hazard that needs mitigation. in goal one. [11:37 AM] Unknown User Scheurich, David@CALFIRE (Guest) has temporarily joined the chat. [11:38 AM] Prosperi, Juliana
Juliana Prosperi, Wood E&IS, Assistant Project Manager
[11:42 AM] Carr, Amy
Slido.com
[11:43 AM] Carr, Amy
code#680239
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http://bit.ly/MercedActions

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 7 [12:12 PM] Carr, Amy
FEMA Mitigation Action Portfolio: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/fema_mitigation-action-portfoliosupport-document_08-01-2020_0.pdf [12:12 PM] Carr, Amy
CalOES California Adaptation Planning Guide https://www.caloes.ca.gov/HazardMitigationSite/Documents/CAAdaptation-Planning-Guide-FINAL-June-2020-Accessible.pdf [12:18 PM] Michael Salvador
general and specific to the City of Atwater
[12:18 PM] Unknown UserKent, [email protected] (External) left the chat. [12:19 PM] Cliff Battles (Guest)
Drought management and water infrastructure specific to Dos Palos [12:27 PM] Cliff Battles (Guest)
unfortunately I had an incident arise and have to step out. Thank you for the information and I will contact you via email if I have any further questions
[12:34 PM] Janell Martin
Thank you for your time!
[12:34 PM] Robert Ayuso (Guest)
Thanks Jeff!
[12:34 PM] Jason Hicks
Thank you.
[12:34 PM] Parker, Derek
Thank you!
[12:34 PM] Unknown User Alyssa Carroll (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [12:34 PM] Padilla, Gregory@CALFIRE (Guest)
Thank you Jeff and Juliana!
[12:34 PM] Unknown User Jerald Meadows (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [12:34 PM] Barrera, Gene
Thanks Jeff and Juliana!
[12:34 PM] mabeloe (Guest)
Thank you for your presentation!
[12:34 PM] Unknown User Robert Ayuso (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [12:34 PM] Michael Salvador
thank you.

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 8 [12:34 PM] Unknown User Wes Smith@mariposacountyOES (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [12:35 PM] Unknown User Stacy Souza Elms, City of Los Banos (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [12:35 PM] Unknown User Mills, Deron (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [12:35 PM] Unknown User Buck (Guest) no longer has access to the chat. [12:35 PM] Prosperi, Juliana
Thanks Everyone for participating today.
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0 01:15:04
Merced HMPT meeting# 3 Mitigation Strategy
Request control
Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements
► Each jurisdiction must have at least one new action
► "A comprehensive range" of activities and hazards
► Priority should be given to High Risk hazards
► Must be "true" mitigation to meet FEMA requirements
► Preparedness & other actions may also be included
► Actions must be prioritized
Oo
o:i 0
► Actions must have detail on implementation & administration ► Actions must have a basic review of benefit vs cost
► Must include actions that address existing and future development Merced County HMP Update - Meeting #3 Mitigation Strategy Meeting □ X
D - Leave
wood.

0 01:20:08
Merced HMPT meeting# 3 Mitigation Strategy
New Mitigation Action Development
► Please submit new mitigation actions by
June 3rd
► Use New Mitigation Action
Worksheet (Word doc) attached to
Outlook Calendar invite.
► Alternately use online form:
► http:ljbit.ly/MercedActions
► Include as much detail as you can,
collaboration with others is within and
outside of jurisdiction encouraged.
► Feel free to submit more than one.

Merced County HMP Update - Meeting #3 Mitigation Strategy Meeting Request control Oo
o:i 0
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan New Mitigation Action Worksheet
Nome of JumdicbOO:

Use this tD record potcnw.l mru1p,tJOn pro,cru (1 �c per project'xuoo) idcm:ificd dunn& lhe plann.tn@ procw to mcludc m th1: updated pt.an. Pi:o\,ck as much dd.u.l as pomblt and USt: addltlonal pages as nccc:swy. Complett and rtturn 10 Amy Can Ann· �·oodplc com by J11De 3 1 •, 2021
Jurisdiction:

Mitlga,llonPrCljectTrtle:

Priority (High, Medium,
LOWI
MitlOMIOAProtect
0Hcription
ldeaSfCN lmplementaaon •nd
Lifeline addrened lif
appllcebleJ:

RHl)Olllibll omc.:

PolenllalFundino:
cost Estmtate:

Tineline
□ X
D - Leave
wood.

1. Introductions

2. Review of the Planning Process and Progress to Date

3. Revised Mitigation Goals

4. Review of Updated Mitigation Action Strategy and New Mitigation Actions

5. Prioritization of New Mitigation Actions

6. Draft Plan Overview

7. Plan implementation and maintenance

8. Next steps
Merced County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Meeting # 4: Mitigation Strategy Refinement
Meeting Agenda
Date: Tuesday June 29, 2021
9:00 am – noon
Meeting at: County EOC 3500 North Apron Ave.

Atwater CA 95301
Subject/Purpose
This meeting will focus on refining and prioritizing new mitigation activities, discussing the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan and final gaps, and plan implementation and maintenance procedures.

All participating jurisdictions and planning team members are encouraged to attend and provide input. The meeting will be delivered as an in-person workshop, with a remote option available.

Attendees: Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, Stakeholders and Consultant Team

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SIGN-IN SHEET

MERCED COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE HMPT Meeting #4: Mitigation Strategy Refinement
Tuesday, June 29, 2021 9:00 AM - Noon
County EOC 3500 North Apron Ave. Atwater, CA 95301
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SIGN-IN SHEET

MERCED COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE HMPT Meeting #4: Mitigation Strategy Refinement
Name
Tuesday, June 29, 2021 9:00 AM - Noon
County EOC 3500 North Apron Ave. Atwater, CA 95301
Title
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Phone E-mail

2021 Merced County Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Reduce the potential for loss of life and injury from hazards - Assist vulnerable populations from the impacts of severe weather by organizing a mechanism for outreach
- Educate property owners by increasing wildfire awareness and measures for reducing risks
- Identify opportunities to reduce losses associated with High Hazard potential dams
Goal 2: Minimize or reduce damage to property.
- Minimize growth and development in hazard areas
- Adopt and enforce building codes
- Educate property owners by increasing wildfire awareness and measures for reducing risks
- Identify opportunities to reduce losses associated with High Hazard potential dams
Goal 3: Build resiliency and redundancy to maintain essential services, lifelines, facilities, and infrastructure.
- Ensure protection and enhancement of key emergency access routes - Protect critical facilities and infrastructure to minimize loss of critical services - Seek funding sources and partners for future mitigation activities - Improve organizational capabilities to address health and safety issues in mitigation and response

Goal 4: Minimize impacts of hazards to agriculture and the economies of communities.
- Encourage water conservation measures among urban, rural, and agricultural users
- Increase water storage to mitigate flooding and drought - Strengthen disaster resistance and resiliency of major employers - Develop plans for post-disaster recovery
Goal 5: Protect and leverage natural and beneficial mitigation functions of the environment.
- Encourage the use of drought tolerant or xeriscaping practices into landscape ordinances
- Incorporate defensible space in landscaping of new and existing development Goal 6: Promote hazard mitigation as an integrated policy. - Promote hazard mitigation as integrated policy among communities in the county and with the region and state
- Incorporate flood mitigation into local planning by adoption of post disaster recovery ordinance based on a plan to regulate repair activity - Continue to improve enforcement of existing standards and regulations Goal 7: Increase public awareness of hazards.
- Promote education and awareness about natural hazards risk, mitigation, and preparedness to citizens, public agencies, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and businesses
- Develop water saving education program
- Increase communication regarding hazard mitigation among communities in the county

Open Ended Responses from Public Survey 2021
1 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
2021 Reference Material
Open Ended Responses from Public Survey
Question 3: Do you have information on specific hazard issues/problem areas that you would like the planning committee to consider? Note the jurisdiction to which it applies:
• Wildfires
• Wind, lack of water for agriculture, fire.
• Fireplace smoke
• Wildfires west of gustine
• Wildfires.
• Fires
• Fires, Traffic accidents, power outages Merced county west side • Methane gas
• Pesticides
• Water quality and over pumping of our water supply
• Natural fires and landslides on Pacheco Pass. Also, high winds and dense fog • Flooding of Bear Creek in the southeast corner of Merced. • Power outages and flooding
• Climate Change... cyberhacked institutionally... drought • Merced/Stanislaus Counties all of the back roads need to be repaved, please. I travel them frequently between Gustine and Modesto. Thanks for asking. • Covid-19 response
• Fires and earthquakes
• Covid-19
• Drought
• Pandemic, Fires, Wind, Flood
• Droughts. Build more dams.
• Not in my recollection about the disruption of my daily life. • Smoke from Wildfires
• Fahrens park in merced overflowed with water 2 years ago. • 5G/ cell towers in a close radius to homes and schools. This is major issue im concerned with. • Fires and smoke inhalation in Merced County
• Bad air quality due to wildfires around us along with extreme temperatures. • All natural factors that could affect power/internet outage should be reduced significantly. • More planning for evacuation locations.
• Public Safety Power Shut offs (Atwater PD)
• Merced county - Gustine: high winds, constant city water issues, • More Financial assistance/ Homelessness/ Health Insurance/ More Low income housing if pandemic hits USA again.
• bridges and roads
• Drinking water quality - Los Baños area
• Los Banos - Subsidence

Open Ended Responses from Public Survey 2021
2 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
2021 Reference Material
• Flooding in the Los Banos area. It’s closeness to the dam puts it in danger. All earthen dams fail, eventually, and San Luis is no different. Heavy rain affects our roads and the number of escape routes is limited.
• The largest hazard is lack of affordable housing for our friends and neighbors that rely on rentals • If you don’t fix the water storage (Dams) problem none of the other issues will matter. Try imagining life in the arid areas of Nevada, because that’s what it will look like here. End of problems.
• Merced County was underprepared for pandemic response. Pandemics will increase with climate change, so climate change and pandemic preparedness should be of utmost importance for future planning. (Merced City and Merced County).
• Overpopulation of pigeons, seagulls, and crows.
• Flooding on City streets
• Fire in Del Puerto Canyon
• Fire
• Big rigs driving to fast on south ave /140/33 Gustine ca. its a hazard to the residents and our property. Day and night.
• Power outage and pandemic
• Bridges and roads washing out during heavy rains.
• Excessive heat and water shortage is most concerning
• Wildfires and strong wind
• Environment: Pollution/Littering
• Drought
• Homeless people with mental health problems and/or drug addiction in the downtown Merced area.
• Wind damaging roofs, earthquake mitigation in structures for future cases, covid, chemical sprays near homes next to orchards.
• I live in a nicer part of Merced so I am not too worried about most of these issues. I would be worried about fine since these houses would burn down pretty fast. • Power outages
• There were the wildfires which meant that school was cancelled and going outside was not a good idea.
• It was in stanislaus County with the fires that made it difficult to see and breath • High winds through the area. Hazmat being moved through the area on Hwy 33. Nearby airport with cropdusters - possibility of crash and hazmat leak. Dos Palos • Bear creek/black raschal creek, cottonwood creek flooding. Merced • I do not feel qualified to answer.
• Diseases delivered via mosquito bite, wetlands in Los Banos is cause for this concern. Also a blended concern of Agriculture impact on air quality when combined with Strong Winds, this includes but is not limited to pesticides and dirt becoming airborne due to agricultural land uses. • Atwater has had many power outages
• It’s mostly power outages (which is to blame PG&E for not taking the time for better infrastructure), wildfires have threatened us, and small earthquakes have happened. I live in Atwater
• Emergency plans for natural disasters and diseases.

Open Ended Responses from Public Survey 2021
3 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
2021 Reference Material
• Protection from cyber attacks
• Poor air quality, pesticide use in agricultural areas/unsustainable farming practices, natural disaster preparedness in unincorporated jurisdictions throughout Merced County, specifically Winton.
• Road conditions in Merced County
• Merced, COVID.
• Flooding
• Wildfires
• Envíen más información a la población de Cuando hay peligros inminentes para siempre estar preparados. Y más talleres para Saber cómo actuar en caso de Emergencias. o Translation: Send more information to the populations of when there are imminent dangers and how to always be prepared. And more workshops for how to act in case of an emergency
• Vientos fuertes; árboles de ramas quebradizas
o Translation: Strong winds; brittle branch trees
Question 5: Please comment on any other pre-disaster mitigation actions that the planning committee should consider for reducing future losses caused by disasters:
• More public awareness to the community for Covid-19 pandemic. • Optimizing use of cell phone emergency notifications
• We have more than enough government involvement.
• Drought
• Warning on possible power outage during extreme weather • Have enough water treatment pumps in dos palos
• The vaccine roll-out seems to be going well. Keep up the good work through education and availability.
• Food security and green spaces
• Wildfires and staging or evacuation area.
• Global Pandemics!!!
• Better signs to get to where you need to go. Better planning for the future hazards. • Wildfires tree thinning
• Improvements of the levee to prevent flood.
• Education for the public
• Text messaging is the best source of contact No one listens to radio anymore or watch’s local TV as much
• Stay at home order to avoid smoke inhalation
• Wildfire fire prevention along with saving water from snow melt. • All types of production plants should be set to a high standard when it comes to taking all steps available to ensure they are as planet friendly as technology allows it. • Water (dry wells) in Le Grande is an issue
• The effects of a prolonged public safety power shut off by a utility company • Mostly just water conservation! So many green lawns and people washing their driveways. • Better figure out where you will get a drink after the underground water is salty.

Open Ended Responses from Public Survey 2021
4 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
2021 Reference Material
• Most of the listed activities were flood related. Flood is important, but so are many other potential hazards. Mitigation activities should be diversified.
• Power Outage Prevention. Proper preventative maintenance of the electrical grid in fire prone areas.
• The state needs to give the farmers the water instead of dumping it. Our ground water is depleting because of this. San Luis Dam was built for agriculture 1st. • Protect city from cyber attack, ex city services compromised due to computer failure/shutdown • Wildfire education
• Pay attention to seismic activity anywhere near the faults and how can homeowners prevent any future catastrophe to their properties. Education on Insurance and special programs to make it affordable is crucial. Before buying a house disclosure on flooding and earthquake or May other natural disaster-prone areas including where dams are located matter and should be disclosed. • Air filters and water. Air filters for fire season and water for droughts • Possibly look into quarterly or bi-annual training with agencies in affected areas. • Alert residents when prescribed fires are taking place. Often time when the foothills or farmlands are having controlled fires the smoke affects the air quality of residents of surrounding communities. Since such burns must have special permissions, the agencies issuing such permissions should also notify citizens in the surrounding communities. • Water
• Build a sanctuary that wildlife can live in post wildfire disaster until their homes can be restored. • Mejor construccion de los edificios y/o casas en base a los terremotos o Translation: Better construction of buildings and / or houses based on earthquakes • Cuidado de comida
o Translation: Food care
• La Erosión de la tierra que está ocasionando que el agua escasee más. Y a futuro las Cosechas no servirán. Si no planificáramos con tiempo la pérdida del agua del subsuelo. Ya que año con año no llueve y la Nieve que cae no es suficiente para el Aumento de la población que crece cada día. o Translation: The erosion of the land that is causing the water scarcity more. And in the future the harvests won't do. If we did not plan in advance the loss of groundwater. Since year after year it does not rain and Falling snow is not enough. Increase in the population that grows every day.
• Mantener la basura en su lugar
o Translation: Keep trash in its place
• Reducción de tarifa de luz en verano por el uso de aires acondicionados o Translation: Reduction of electricity rates in summer due to the use of air conditioners Question 14: Optional: Provide any additional comments you have which you feel are relevant for the Hazard Mitigation plan update:
• I believe Merced Co. is free of hazards or disasters. • Mitigation efforts should heavily consider ways to offset climate change • Enjoy the ride. Each day as it comes.
• What, if anything, is being done about the water in Los Banos? • Please focus on food security and public health that take a preventative approach to disasters? Also focus on ensuring the community will be fine regardless of whether there is a disaster

Open Ended Responses from Public Survey 2021
5 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
2021 Reference Material
• Better planning and education and awareness. I was never contacted for my 2nd vaccination as I was told I would. I almost missed my deadline for it. I had to research when abs where the next vaccine would be.
• HR Support is probably the worst provider partnered by the county in these Covid 19 vaccinations.
• I can’t believe they are eliminating at burning for attrition • Just a thank you for giving us a voice...
• How are you using social media to distribute information and educate the residents of your county? Let us know if we can help you?
• Lack of community organization. Atwater declaring itself a sanctuary city is a prime example. • I'm not sure how useful this survey of the general public will be for planning purposes. I am an active and informed member of the community, and even I didn't feel qualified to answer most of these questions.
• This is the first time I have heard of our area having a disaster plan. More community education is needed for this subject topic.
• Que la cosas se hagan por El bien de todas las Comunidades y se tome acción inmediata. o Translation: That things be done for the good of all communities and take immediate action

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
3500 NORTH APRON AVENUE
ATWATER, CA 95301
OFFICE (209) 385-7548
FAX (209) 725-0174

MIKE VAN LOBEN SELS
Director
(209) 966-3622

DAVID SCHEURICH
Deputy Director-Administration
(209) 385-7548
In cooperation with STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Battalion Chief David Scheurich: (209) 385-7548

NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE

MERCED COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE Merced County and its six participating jurisdictions (City of Merced, City of Atwater, City of Los Banos, City of Livingston, City of Dos Palos, City of Gustine) have launched a planning effort to assess risks from natural, human-health, and human-caused hazards and to identify ways to reduce those risks. The planning process will result in an update to the County’s existing Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). A MJHMP update is required under the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to be eligible to receive federal disaster assistance and funding.

Most people who live and work in Merced County are vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, including drought, climate change, earthquakes, extreme heat, flooding, subsidence, severe weather, and wildfires. The County’s population, property, and critical facilities may be exposed to potential human-caused hazards associated with facilities and infrastructure that contain hazardous materials. The County is also vulnerable to cyber threats, agricultural pests, and public health hazards, such as pandemics. The MJHMP will provide the County with valuable tools to identify risks and mitigate hazards through future project-specific actions. The plan will assess the effects of climate change on natural hazards and will incorporate climate adaptation strategies and discuss how climate change can disproportionately impact socially vulnerable populations. The MJHMP update will also support the County’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and include recommendations to improve the County’s floodplain management policies and regulations.

Merced County will be hosting a Public Workshop on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Public Workshop will be an opportunity to learn more about the planning process and the hazards that will be assessed in the MJHMP. Following the Public Workshop, there will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the planning process. The County encourages participation and feedback by attending the Public Workshop, completing the Public Survey, visiting the County’s Project Webpage, and commenting on the Draft MJHMP (once available). Information on how to participate is provided below. • Public Workshop – Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 6 – 8 p.m., o Watch the workshop live and ask questions: www.facebook.com/MercedCountyOES • Public Survey (English version) – available here: https://bit.ly/3spNICy • Public Survey (Spanish version) – available here: https://bit.ly/3aSKq4P • Merced County MJHMP Update Information Portal:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c6ad8529e3a84651918e00115607206e/page/page_10/ Questions may be directed to David Scheurich, Merced County OES, Battalion Chief/Deputy Director by calling (209) 385-7548 or by email at [email protected] —30—

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Posted on: May 4, 2021
Public Workshop - Preparation of Merced County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Merced County and its six participating
jurisdictions (City of Merced, City of Atwater, City
of Los Banos, City of Livingston, City of Dos
Palos, City of Gustine) have launched a planning
effort to assess risks from natural, human-health,
and human-caused hazards and to identify ways
to reduce those risks. The planning process will
result in an update to the County's existing MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). A MJHMP update is required under the Federal
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to be eligible to
receive federal disaster assistance and funding.

Most people who live and work in Merced County are vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, including drought, climate change, earthquakes, extreme heat, flooding, subsidence, severe weather, and wildfires. The County's population, property, and critical facilities may be exposed to potential human-caused hazards associated with facilities and infrastructure that contain hazardous materials. The County is also vulnerable to cyber threats, agricultural pests, and public health hazards, such as pandemics. The MJHMP will provide the County with valuable tools to identify risks and mitigate hazards through future project-specific actions. The plan will assess the effects of dimate change on natural hazards and will incorporate climate adaptation strategies and discuss how climate change can disproportionately impact socially vulnerable populations. The MJHMP update will also support the County's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and include recommendations to improve the County's floodplain management policies and regulations.

Merced County will be hosting a Public Workshop on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Public Workshop will be an opportunity to learn more about the planning process and the hazards that will be assessed in the MJHMP. Following the Public Workshop, there will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the planning process.

The County encourages participation and feedback by attending the Public Workshop, completing the Public Survey, visiting the County's Project Webpage, and commenting on the Draft MJHMP (once available). Information on how to participate is provided below. • Public Workshop - Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 6 - 8 p.m. o Watch the workshop live and ask questions
• Public Survey
• Encuesta Ptiblica
• Merced County MUHMP Update Information Portal
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Merced County and its six participating jurisdictions (City of Merced, City of Atwater, City of Los Banos, City of Livingston, City of Dos Palos, City of Gustine) have launched a planning effort to assess risks from natural, human-health, and human-caused hazards and to identify ways to reduce those risks. The planning process VI/ill result in an update to the County's existing Multi-Juris ... See More
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Public Workshop - Preparation of Merced County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
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As of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2021, there are 31,682 confiirmed cases (+25 from Monday) of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Merced County.

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OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
3500 NORTH APRON AVENUE
ATWATER, CA 95301
OFFICE (209) 385-7548
FAX (209) 725-0174

MIKE VAN LOBEN SELS
Director
(209) 966-3622

DAVID SCHEURICH
Deputy Director-Administration
(209) 385-7548
In cooperation with STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Battalion Chief David Scheurich: (209) 385-7548

NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP REGARDING THE DRAFT OF THE

MERCED COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE Merced County and its six participating jurisdictions (City of Merced, City of Atwater, City of Los Banos, City of Livingston, City of Dos Palos, City of Gustine) are in the final stages of a planning effort to assess risks from natural, human-health, and human-caused hazards and to identify ways to reduce those risks. A planning process that began in December 2020 has resulted in a draft update to the County’s existing MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). A MJHMP update is required under the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to be eligible to receive certain federal disaster assistance and grants for hazard mitigation projects. Following the public workshop and comment period the Plan will be submitted for final approvals and ultimately adoption by all involved jurisdictions.

Most people who live and work in Merced County are vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, including drought, floods, severe weather, earthquakes, and wildfires. The County’s population, property, and critical facilities may be exposed to potential human-caused hazards associated with facilities and infrastructure that contain hazardous materials. The County is also vulnerable to cyber threats, agricultural pests, and public health hazards, such as pandemics. The draft update of the MJHMP provides the County and municipalities with valuable tools to identify risks and mitigate hazards through future project-specific actions.

Merced County will be hosting a second virtual Public Workshop on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. The second virtual Public Workshop will be an opportunity to learn more about the updated draft MJHMP including the planning process, the hazards assessed, and the mitigation actions proposed in the MJHMP. Following the Public Workshop, there will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the draft MJHMP. The County encourages participation and feedback by attending the Public Workshop, visiting the County’s Project Webpage, and/or commenting on the Public Review Draft MJHMP. Information on how to participate is provided below.
• Public Workshop – Wednesday, September 22, 2021, 6 – 8 p.m., o Watch the workshop live and ask questions: https://bit.ly/3nUmzZz • Merced County Public Review Draft MJHMP:
https://web2.co.merced.ca.us/pdfs/oes/Merced_MJHMP_2021_Draft.pdf • Merced County MJHMP Update Information Portal:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c6ad8529e3a84651918e00115607206e/page/page_10/ Questions may be directed to David Scheurich, Merced County OES, Battalion Chief/Deputy Director by calling (209) 385-7548 or by email at [email protected] —30—

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
3500 NORTH APRON AVENUE
ATWATER, CA 95301
OFFICE (209) 385-7548
FAX (209) 725-0174

MIKE VAN LOBEN SELS
Director
(209) 966-3622

DAVID SCHEURICH
Deputy Director-Administration
(209) 385-7548
Merced County Survey: Hazard Mitigation Plan
In cooperation with STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
English:

Merced County, in collaboration with the cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Merced, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, and Merced, are updating their Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) pursuant to the five-year update cycle requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and to obtain approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This update is a prerequisite to enable the County and the participating jurisdictions to remain eligible to use federal pre- and post-disaster financial assistance. “Hazard Mitigation” is defined as sustained actions taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from hazards. The Merced County MJHMP will analyze the County’s vulnerabilities to natural, human-health, and humancaused hazards and identify proactive mitigation actions the County, it’s six participating jurisdictions, and stakeholders can take to minimize impacts to people, property, and critical facilities.

The purpose of this survey is to collect information from the public and stakeholders to better understand the vulnerabilities within Merced County and each of its jurisdictions as well as solicit input on needs to best mitigate, or reduce, the impacts of hazards before they occur.

Please scan the QR code with your camera on your phone and complete the survey. The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Spanish:

El Condado de Merced, en colaboración con las ciudades de Atwater, Dos Palos, Merced, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos y Merced, están actualizando su Plan De Mitigación de Riesgos Multi-Jurisdiccionales (MJHMP) de acuerdo con los requisitos del ciclo de actualización de cinco años de la Ley de Mitigación de Desastres de 2000 y para obtener la aprobación de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA). Esta actualización es un requisito previo para permitir que el Condado y las jurisdicciones participantes sigan siendo elegibles para usar asistencia financiera federal previa y posterior al desastre.

La "Mitigación de Riesgos" se define como acciones sostenidas tomadas para reducir o eliminar el riesgo a largo plazo para la vida y la propiedad de los peligros. El MJHMP del Condado de Merced analizará las vulnerabilidades del Condado a los peligros naturales, de salud humana y causados por el ser humano e identificará acciones proactivas de mitigación del Condado, son seis jurisdicciones participantes y las partes interesadas pueden tomar para minimizar los impactos a las personas, la propiedad y las instalaciones críticas.

El propósito de esta encuesta es recopilar información del público y las partes interesadas para comprender mejor las vulnerabilidades dentro del Condado de Merced y cada una de sus jurisdicciones, así como solicitar insumos sobre las necesidades para mitigar o reducir mejor los impactos de los peligros antes de que ocurran.

Por favor, escanee el código QR con su cámara en su teléfono y complete la encuesta. La encuesta debe tardar menos de 5 minutos en completarse.

English Version Survey: Spanish Version Survey:

Thank you for your
participation!
¡Gracias por su
participación!

10/13/21, 3:42 PM
: : : Forms(https://www.office.com/launch/forms?auth =2) Microsoft Forms
?
Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Public Input Survey 290 15:20 Closed
Responses Average time to complete Status
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1. Several hazards which are addressed in the California State Hazard Mitigation Plan are listed below. Please rank each of these hazards Low, Medium, or High in their significance to Merced County.
■ Low ■ Moderate ■ High
Agricultural Pests and Disease
Climate Change
Cyber Attack
Dam Incident
Drought
Dense Fog
Earthquake
Extreme Temperature
Heavy Rainfall
Flood and Levee Failure
Hazardous Materials Incident
Landslide
Pandemic/Epidemic
Power Outage
Subsidence
Tornado
Wildfire
Wind
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2. How many times has a natural hazard disrupted your daily life in the last five years? eo 86
• 1-2 134
• 3-5 39
• More than 5 times 23
• Other 2

3. Do you have information on specific hazard issues/problem areas that you would like the planning committee to consider? Note the jurisdiction to which it applies:
104
Responses Latest Responses
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4. The following types of mitigation actions may be considered in Merced County. Please indicate the types of mitigation actions that you think should have the highest priority in the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Indoor/Outdoor Warning syst... 121
• Wildfire Fuels Treatment proje ... 152
• Continued Participation in the ... 86
• Critical Facilities Protection 84
• Generators for Critical Facilities 117
• Planning/Zoning 79
• Public Education/Awareness 148
mo
• Stormwater Drainage Improve ... 98 160
• Stream Restoration 65 1.110
• Education and Discounts on Fl ... 51 120
100
• Water Conservation 179
HO
Floodprone Property Buyout 23 60
• Evacuation route development 83 .110
• Dam safety 63 20
• Improve reliability of commun ... 92
• Levee enhancements/improve ... 46
• Seismic retrofit to public build ... 53
• Seismic safety for residential b ... 45
• Aquifer recharge 76
• Subsidence hazard mitigation 52
• Wind hazard mitigation 63

5. Please comment on any other pre-disaster mitigation actions that the planning committee should consider for reducing future losses caused by disasters:
53 Responses
Latest Responses
"Not sure at the moment
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10/13/21, 3:42 PM

6. Please indicate the community you live in
• City of Merced 109 120
• City of Los Banos 35 100
• City of Livingston 14
DO
• City of Dos Palos 5
• City of Gustine 33
• City of Atwater
40 49
• Unincorporated Merced County 31 20
• Other 11 0

7. What is your zip code?
277
Responses

8. How long have you lived in this community?
• Less than 1 year 17
• 1-5 years 65
• 5-10 years 26
• over 10 years 176
9 What is your age?
• 0-18 years old 16
• 18-24 49
• 25-39 91
• 40-55 67
• 55+ 63
Microsoft Forms
-
Latest Responses
"95340"
"95301"
"95341"
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10. What gender do you identify as?
• Woman 136
• Man 136
• Non-binary 4
• Prefer not to say 10
• Other 0

11. Please specify your ethnicity
• Caucasian 101
120
• African-American 6
100
• Latino or Hispanic 102
• Asian 29 ao
• Native American 4 60
• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Isla ... 2 -40
• Two or More 11
20 • Other 9
• Prefer not to say 22

12. What is your annual household income?
• Less than $10,000 15
• $10,000 - $25,000 34 tiO
• $25,000 - $40,000 26 so
• $40,000 - $55,000 19
• $55,000 - $70,000 30
• $70,000 - $85,000 20
• $85,000 - $100,000 21
• $100,000- $150,000 33
• $150,000 or more 32
• Prefer not to say 55
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13. Optional: Provide your name and email address if you would like to be added to a distribution list for upcoming activities related to this planning process:
37 Responses
Latest Responses
"[email protected] "

14. Optional: Provide any additional comments you have which you feel are relevant for the Hazard Mitigation plan update:
21 Responses
Latest Responses
"[email protected] "
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10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica (Edit) Microsoft Forms : : : Forms(https://www.office.com/launch/forms?auth =2) ? La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica
33 06:19 Closed
Responses Average time to complete Status
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10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica (Edit) Microsoft Forms

1. Varies peligros abordados en el Plan de Mitigaci6n del estado de California se enlistan a continuaci6n. Por favor, indique el nivel de importancia en el condado de Merced que usted percibe para cada peligro, clasificandolo como: Bajo, Moderado o Alto ■ Bajo ■ Moderado ■ Alto
Enfermedades y plagas agricolas
Cambio climatico
Ciber ataques
lncidentes/Accidentes de presas
Sequfa
Neblina densa
Terremotos
Temperaturas extremas
LI uvia i ntensa
lnundaciones y falla de diques
lncidentes de materiales peligrosos
Deslizamientos de tierra o de rocas
Pandemias/Epidemias
lnterrupci6n del servicio electrico
Subsidencia
Tornados
lncendios forestales
Vientos
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10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica (Edit) Microsoft Forms

2. lCuantas veces un peligro natural ha interrumpido su vida diaria en los ultimos cinco anos? • Oveces
• 1 a 2 veces
• 3 a 5 veces
• Mas de 5 veces
• Otro
16 16
0 0

3. lCuenta usted con informaci6n sobre peligros espedficos o problemas en su area que quisiera que el comite de planificaci6n considere? Anote la jurisdicci6n a la cual aplica. 14 Responses Latest Responses
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4. Los siguientes tipos de acciones de mitigaci6n podrian considerarse en el condado de Merced.

Por favor indique el tipo de acci6n de mitigaci6n, que usted crea que deba tener la mayor prioridad en el Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligros Multi-Jurisdiccional del condado de Merced. • Sistemas de advertencia en int... 8
• Proyectos para el tratamiento ... 11
• Participaci6n continua en el Pr ... 8
• Protecci6n de instalaciones cri ... 0
• Generadores para instalacione ... 0
• Planificaci6n / Zonificaci6n 2
• Educaci6n publica y descuent... 8
11;.
• Mejoras al sistema de drenaje ... 8
• Restauraci6n de Corrientes (ri. .. 3
12 • Educaci6n y descuentos en se ... 3 10
• Conservaci6n del agua 15 [l.
• Compra de propiedades prop ...
f,
• Desarrollo de rutas de evacua ... 9
J!I
• Seguridad de presas
• Mejorar la confiabilidad de los ... 4
• Mejoras a los diques de prote ... 3
• Rehabilitaci6n sismica de edifi ... 2
• Seguridad sismica para edifici. .. 3
• Recarga de acuiferos 5
• Mitigaci6n de peligros ante su ... 3
• Mitigaci6n de peligro por vien ... 6

5. Por favor, comente sobre cualquier otra acci6n mitigatoria pre-desastre que el comite de planificaci6n debe considerar para reducir perdidas futuras causadas por desastres:
8 Responses Latest Responses
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6. Por favor, indique la comunidad donde vive:
• Ciudad de Merced 11 12
• Ciudad de Los Barios 5
• Ciudad de Livingston 2
• Ciudad de Dos Palos 2
• Ciudad de Gustine
• Ciudad de Atwater 9
• Condado desincorporado de ... 0
• Otro 3

7. lcual es SU c6digo postal?
32 Responses

8. lCuanto tiempo ha vivido en esta comunidad?
• Menos a un ario 4
• De 1 a 5 arios 14
• De 5 a 10 arios 6
• Mas de 1 O arios 9
9 lcual es SU edad?
• 0 a 18 arios 0
• 18 a 24 arios 0
• 25 a 39 arios 17
• 40 a 55 arios 11
• Mas de 55 arios 4
Latest Responses
"9t341"
"95350"
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10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica (Edit) Microsoft Forms 10 . lCon que genero se identifica?
• Mujer 19
• Hombre 14
• Np-binario 0
• Prefiero no decirlo 0
• Otro 0

11. 1 Por favor, especifique su etnicidad
e Caucasico 0
l5
• Afroamericano 0
• Latino o hispano 32
25 • Asiatico 0
• Nativo americano 0
15 Nativo hawaiano o lsleno del ... 0
10 • Dos o mas 0
5 • Otro 0
• Prefiero no decirlo

12. lCual es el ingreso anual en su nucleo familiar?
• Me nos de $10,000 d6Iares 5
• $10,000 a $25,000 d6Iares 6
• $25,000 a $40,000 d6Iares 10
• $40,000 a $55,000 d6Iares 4
• $55,000 a $70,000 d6Iares 2
• $70,000 a $85,000 d6Iares 2
• $85,000 a $100,000 d6Iares 0
• $100,000 a $150,000 d6Iares 0
• $150,000 d6Iares o mas
• Prefiero no decirlo
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10/13/21, 3:49 PM La Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro del condado de Merced-Encuesta publica (Edit) Microsoft Forms

13. OPCIONAL. Provea su nombre y direcci6n de correo electr6nico si le gustarfa ser agregado a una lista de distribuci6n para eventos futuros relacionados a este proceso de planificaci6n:
10 Responses Latest Responses

14. OPCIONAL. Provea cualquier comentario adicional el cual creo sea relevante en la Actualizaci6n del Plan de Mitigaci6n de Peligro:
1 Responses Latest Responses
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Do you have information on specific hazard issues/problem areas that you would like the planning committee to consider? Note the jurisdiction to which it applies:

Wild fires
Wind, lack of water for agriculture, fire.

Fireplace smoke
Wildfires west of gustine
Wild fires..

Fires
Fires, Traffic accidents, power outages Merced county west side Methane gas
Pesticides
Water quality and over pumping of our water supply
Natural fires and landslides on Pacheco Pass. Also, high winds and dense fog Flooding of Bear Creek in the southeast corner of Merced.

Power outages and flooding
Climate Change... cyberhacked institutionally... drought Merced/Stanislaus Counties all of the back roads need to be repaved, please. I travel them frequently between Gustine and Modesto. Thanks for asking.

Covid-19 response
Fires and earthquakes
Covid-19
Drought
Pandemic, Fires, Wind, Flood
Droughts. Build more dams.

Not in my recollection about the disruption of my daily life.

Smoke from Wildfires
Fahrens park in merced overflowed with water 2 years ago. 5G/ cell towers in a close radius to homes and schools. This is major issue im concerned with.

Fires and smoke inhalation in Merced County
Bad air quality due to wildfires around us along with extreme temperatures.

All natural factors that could affect power/internet outage should be reduced significantly.

More planning for evacuation locations.

Public Safety Power Shut offs (Atwater PD)
Merced county - Gustine: high winds, constant city water issues, More Financial assistance/ Homelessness/ Health Insurance/ More Low income housing if pandemic hits USA again. bridges and roads
Drinking water quality - Los Baños area
Los Banos - Subsidence
Flooding in the Los Banos area. It’s closeness to the dam puts it in danger. All earthen dams fail, eventually, and San Luis is no different. Heavy rain affects our roads and the number of escape routes is limited.

The largest hazard is lack of affordable housing for our friends and neighbors that rely on rentals If you don’t fix the water storage (Dams) problem none of the other issues will matter. Try imagining life in the arid areas of Nevada, because that’s what it will look like here. End of problems.

Merced County was underprepared for pandemic response. Pandemics will increase with climate change, so climate change and pandemic preparedness should be of utmost importance for future planning. (Merced City and Merced County).

Overpopulation of pigeons, seagulls, and crows.

Flooding on City streets
Fire in Del Puerto Canyon
Fire
Big rigs driving to fast on south ave /140/33 Gustine ca. its a hazzard to the residents and our property. Day and night.

Power outage and pandamic
Bridges and roads washing out during heavy rains.

Excessive heat and water shortage is most concerning
Wild fires and strong wind
Environment: Pollution/Littering
Drought
Homeless people with mental health problems and/or drug addiction in the downtown Merced area.

Wind damaging roofs, earthquake mitigation in structures for future cases, covid, chemical sprays near homes next to orchards.

I live in a nicer part of Merced so I am not too worried about most of these issues. I would be worried about fine since these houses would burn down pretty fast.

Power outages
There were the wildfires which meant that school was cancelled and going outside was not a good idea.

It was in stanislaus County with the fires that made it difficult to see and breath High winds through the area. Hazmat being moved through the area on Hwy 33. Nearby airport with cropdusters - possibility of crash and hazmat leak. Dos Palos
Bear creek/black raschal creek, cottonwood creek flooding. Merced I do not feel qualified to answer.

Diseases delivered via mosquito bite, wetlands in Los Banos is cause for this concern. Also a blended concern of Agriculture impact on air quality when combined with Strong Winds, this includes but is not limited to pesticides and dirt becoming airborne due to agricultural land uses.

Atwater has had many power outages
It’s mostly power outages (which is to blame PG&E for not taking the time for better infrastructure), wildfires have threatened us, and small earthquakes have happened. I live in Atwater Emergency plans for natural disasters and diseases.

Protection from cyber attacks
Poor air quality, pesticide use in agricultural areas/unsustainable farming practices, natural disaster preparedness in unincorporated jurisdictions throughout Merced County, specifically Winton.

Road conditions in Merced County
Merced, COVID.

Flooding
Wild fires

Please comment on any other pre-disaster mitigation actions that the planning committee should consider for reducing future losses caused by disasters:

More public awareness to the community for Covid-19 pandemic.

Optimizing use of cell phone emergency notifications
We have more than enough government involvement.

Drought
Warning on possible power outage during extreme weather Have enough water treatment pumps in dos palos
The vaccine roll-out seems to be going well. Keep up the good work through education and availability. food security and green spaces
Wild fires and staging or evacuation area.

Global Pandemics!!!
Better signs to get to where you need to go. Better planning for the future hazards.

Wildfires tree thinning
Improvements of the levee to prevent flood.

Education for the public
Text messaging is the best source of contact
No one listens to radio anymore or watch’s local TV as much Stay at home order to avoid smoke inhalation
Wildfire fire prevention along with saving water from snow melt.

All types of production plants should be set to a high standard when it comes to taking all steps available to ensure they are as planet friendly as technology allows it.

Water (dry wells) in Le Grande is an issue
The effects of a prolonged public safety power shut off by a utility company Mostly just water conservation! So many green lawns and people washing their driveways.

Better figure out where you will get a drink after the underground water is salty.

Most of the listed activities were flood related. Flood is important, but so are many other potential hazards. Mitigation activities should be diversified.

Power Outage Prevention. Proper preventative maintenance of the electrical grid in fire prone areas.

The state needs to give the farmers the water instead of dumping it. Our ground water is depleting because of this. San Luis Dam was built for agriculture 1st.

Protect city from cyber attack, ex city services compromised due to computer failure/shutdown Wildfire education
Pay attention to seismic activity anywhere near the faults and how can homeowners prevent any future catastrophe to their properties. Education on Insruance and special programs to make it affordable is crucial. Before buying a house disclosures on flooding and earthquake or May other natural disaster prone areas including where dams are located matter and should be disclosed.

Air filters and water. Air filters for fire season and water for droughts Possibly look into quarterly or bi-annual training with agencies in affected areas.

Alert residents when prescribed fires are taking place. Often time when the foothills or farm lands are having controlled fires the smoke affects the air quality of residents of surrounding communities. Since such burns must have special permissions, the agencies issuing such permissions should also notify citizens in the surrounding communities.

Water
Build a sanctuary that wildlife can live in post wildfire disaster until their homes can be restored.

Optional: Provide any additional comments you have which you feel are relevant for the Hazard Mitigation plan update:

I believe Merced Co. is free of hazards or disasters.

Mitigation efforts should heavily consider ways to offset climate change Enjoy the ride. Each day as it comes.

What, if anything, is being done about the water in Los Banos? Please focus on food security and public health that take a preventative approach to disasters? Also focus on ensuring the community will be fine regardless of whether there is a disaster Better planning and education and awareness. I was never contacted for my 2nd vaccination as I was told I would. I almost missed my deadline for it. I had to research when abs where the next vaccine would be.

HR Support is probably the worst provider partnered by the county in these Covid 19 vaccinations.

I can’t believe they are eliminating at burning for attrition Just a thank you for giving us a voice...

How are you using social media to distribute information and educate the residents of your county? Let us know if we can help you?
Lack of community organization. Atwater declaring itself a sanctuary city is a prime example.

I'm not sure how useful this survey of the general public will be for planning purposes. I am an active and informed member of the community, and even I didn't feel qualified to answer most of these questions.

This is the first time I have heard of our area having a disaster plan. More community education is needed for this subject topic.

¿Cuenta usted con información sobre peligros específicos o problemas en su área que quisiera que el comité de planificación considere? Anote la jurisdicción a la cuál aplica.

Envíen más información a la población de
Cuando hay peligros inminentes para siempre estar preparados. Y más talleres para Saber cómo actuar en caso de
Emergencias.

Vientos fuertes; árboles de ramas quebradizas

*Google Translation
Send more information to the populations of when there are imminent danagers and how to always be prepared. And more workshops for how to act in case of an emergeny
Strong winds; brittle branch trees

Por favor, comente sobre cualquier otra acción mitigatoria predesastre que el comité de planificación debe considerar para reducir pérdidas futuras causadas por desastres: *Google Translation Mejor construccion de los edificios y/o casas en base a los terremotos
Better construction of buildings and / or houses
based on earthquakes
Cuidado de comida Food care
Creo que ya están considerado las más importantes
I think the most important are already
considered
La Erosión de la tierra que está ocasionando que el agua escasee más. Y a futuro las
Cosechas no servirán. Si no planificáramos con tiempo la pérdida del agua del subsuelo. Ya que año con año no llueve y la
Nieve que cae no es suficiente para el
Aumento de la población que crece cada día.

The erosion of the land that is causing the water
scarcity more. And in the future the harvests
won't do. If we did not plan in advance the loss
of groundwater. Since year after year it does not
rain and Falling snow is not enough. Increase in
the population that grows every day.

Mantener la basura en su lugar Keep trash in its place
Reducción de tarifa de luz en verano por el uso de aires acondicionados
Reduction of electricity rates in summer due to
the use of air conditioners

OPCIONAL. Provea cualquier comentario adicional el cuál creo sea relevante en la Actualización del Plan de Mitigación de Peligro: *Google Translation
Que la cosas se hagan por
El bien de todas las
Comunidades y se tome acción inmediata.

That things be done for the
good of all communities and
take immediate action









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From: Padilla, Gregory@CALFIRE
To: Cosentino, Helen; [email protected]; [email protected]; Hicks, Jason S.@TID; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; John Lambie; Collum, Andrew@Parks; Hicks, Nathan@DWR; Kent, [email protected]; Lara, Luis@CHP; Jerald Meadows - NOAA Federal; Heberling, Gerald@Parks; Jou, Christopher@Parks; Reith, Heather@Parks
Cc: Brislawn, Jeff P; Prosperi, Juliana; Scheurich, David@CALFIRE; Pimentel, Mark@CALFIRE Subject: Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for public review notice to neighboring jurisdictions Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021 9:27:38 PM
CAUTION: External email. Please do not click on links/attachments unless you know the content is genuine and safe.

Good evening,
We are letting you know as a potentially interested stakeholder or neighboring jurisdiction that the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is in draft form for public review and comment before it is finalized. The plan can be viewed online at the link below. A comment form can is also provided on the website, or you can send an email directly to me.

The comment period is open through October 6.

Hazard Mitigation Plan | Merced County, CA - Official Website Thank you,
Greg J. Padilla
Fire Captain C-15 / Assistant OES Coordinator
Merced County Office of Emergency Services
CAL FIRE / Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit
Office: 209-385-7344 Ext.4883
Cell: 209-761-1977

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Appendix C: Approval and Adoption
2021-2026 Update
Appendix C: Approval and Adoption

APPENDIX C: ADOPTION RESOLUTIONS
Merced County C.1
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Sample model resolution is provided below:

Resolution # ______
Adopting the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2021 Whereas, (Name of Government/District/Organization seeking FEMA approval of hazard mitigation plan) recognizes the threat that natural hazards pose to people and property within our community; and Whereas, undertaking hazard mitigation actions will reduce the potential for harm to people and property from future hazard occurrences; and
Whereas, an adopted Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is required as a condition of future funding for mitigation projects under multiple FEMA pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant programs; and Whereas, (Name of Government/District/Organization) fully participated in the FEMA-prescribed mitigation planning process to prepare this Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and Whereas, the California Office of Emergency Services and Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IX officials have reviewed the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan ( ) and approved it ( ) contingent upon this official adoption of the participating governing body; Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the (Name of Government/District/Organization) adopts the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan as an official plan; and Be it resolved that the (Name of Government/District/Organization) adopts the Merced County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by reference into the safety element of their general plan in accordance with the requirements of AB 2140, and
Be it further resolved, (Name of Government/District/Organization) will submit this adoption resolution to the California Office of Emergency Services and FEMA Region IX officials to enable the plan’s final approval in accordance with the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and to establish conformance with the requirements of AB 2140.

Passed:
(date)

Certifying Official

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Appendix D: Mitigation Categories and Alternatives
2021-2026 Update
Appendix D: Mitigation Categories and Alternatives

APPENDIX D: MITIGATION CATEGORIES AND

ALTERNATIVES
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.1 Categories of Mitigation Measures Considered
PREVENTION: Preventive measures are designed to keep the problem from occurring or getting worse. Their objective is to ensure that future development is not exposed to damage and does not increase damage to other properties. • Planning
• Zoning
• Open Space Preservation
• Land Development Regulations
− Subdivision regulations
− floodplain development regulations
• Storm Water Management
• Fuels Management, Fire-Breaks
• Building Codes
− Fire-Wise Construction
• (See Property Protection also)
EMERGENCY SERVICES measures protect people during and after a disaster. A good emergency services program addresses all hazards. Measures include:
• Warning (floods, tornadoes, ice storms, hail storms, dam failures) − NOAA Weather Radio
− Sirens
− Reverse 911
• Evacuation & Sheltering
• Communications
• Emergency Planning
− Activating the emergency operations room (emergency management) − Closing streets or bridges (police or public works)
− Shutting off power to threatened areas (utility company) − Holding children at school/releasing children from school (school district) − Passing out sand and sandbags (public works)
− Ordering an evacuation (mayor)

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.2 − Opening evacuation shelters (Red Cross)
− Monitoring water levels (engineering)
− Security and other protection measures (police)
• Monitoring of Conditions (dams)
• Critical Facilities Protection (Buildings or locations vital to the response and recovery effort, such as police/fire stations, hospitals, sewage treatment plants/lift stations, power substations)
− Buildings or locations that, if damaged, would create secondary disasters, such as hazardous materials facilities and nursing homes
− Lifeline Utilities Protection
− Health & Safety Maintenance
PROPERTY PROTECTION: Property protection measures are used to modify buildings subject to damage rather than to keep the hazard away. A community may find these to be inexpensive measures because often they are implemented by or cost-shared with property owners. Many of the measures do not affect the appearance or use of a building, which makes them particularly appropriate for historical sites and landmarks. • Retrofitting/disaster proofing
− Floods
 Wet/Dry floodproofing (barriers, shields, backflow valves)  Relocation
 Acquisition
− Tornadoes
 Safe Rooms
 Securing roofs and foundations with fasteners and tie-downs  Strengthening garage doors and other large openings
− Drought
 Improve water supply (transport/storage/conservation)  Remove moisture competitive plants (Tamarisk/Salt Cedar)  Water Restrictions/Water Saver Sprinklers/Appliances
 Grazing on CRP lands (no overgrazing-see Noxious Weeds)  Create incentives to consolidate/connect water services  Recycled wastewater on golf courses
− Earthquakes
 Removing masonry overhangs, bracing other parts.

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.3  Tying down appliances, water heaters, bookcases and fragile furniture so they won’t fall over during a quake.
 Installing flexible utility connections that won’t break during shaking (pipelines too!)
− Wildfire, Grassfires
 Replacing building components with fireproof materials − Roofing, screening
 Create “Defensible Space”
 Installing spark arrestors
 Fuels Modification
− Noxious Weeds/Insects
 Mowing
 Spraying
 Replacement planting
 Stop overgrazing
 Introduce natural predators
• Insurance
NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION: Natural resource protection activities are generally aimed at preserving (or in some cases restoring) natural areas. In so doing, these activities enable the naturally beneficial functions of floodplains and watersheds to be better realized. These natural and beneficial floodplain functions include the following:
• storage of floodwaters
• absorption of flood energy
• reduction in flood scour
• infiltration that absorbs overland flood flow
• groundwater recharge
• removal/filtering of excess nutrients, pollutants, and sediments from floodwaters • habitat for flora and fauna
• recreational and aesthetic opportunities
Methods of protecting natural resources include:
• Erosion & Sediment Control
• Wetlands Protection
• Riparian Area/Habitat Protection
• Threatened & Endangered Species Protection

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.4 • Fuels Management
• Set-back regulations/buffers
• Best Management Practices
Best management practices (“BMPs”) are measures that reduce nonpoint source pollutants that enter the waterways. Nonpoint source pollutants come from non-specific locations. Examples of nonpoint source pollutants are lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm chemicals, animal wastes, oils from street surfaces and industrial areas and sediment from agriculture, construction, mining and forestry. These pollutants are washed off the ground’s surface by stormwater and flushed into receiving storm sewers, ditches and streams. BMPs can be implemented during construction and as part of a project’s design to permanently address nonpoint source pollutants. There are three general categories of BMPs:

1. Avoidance: setting construction projects back from the stream.

2. Reduction: Preventing runoff that conveys sediment and other water-borne pollutants, such as planting proper vegetation and conservation tillage.

3. Cleanse: Stopping pollutants after they are en route to a stream, such as using grass drainageways that filter the water and retention and detention basins that let pollutants settle to the bottom before they are drained • Dumping Regulations
• Water Use Restrictions
• Weather Modification
• Landscape Management
STRUCTURAL PROJECTS have traditionally been used by communities to control flows and water surface elevations. Structural projects keep flood waters away from an area.

They are usually designed by engineers and managed or maintained by public works staff.

These measures are popular with many because they “stop” flooding problems. However, structural projects have several important shortcomings that need to be kept in mind when considering them for flood hazard mitigation:
• They are expensive, sometimes requiring capital bond issues and/or cost sharing with Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• They disturb the land and disrupt natural water flows, often destroying habitats.

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.5 • They are built to a certain flood protection level that can be exceeded by a larger flood, causing extensive damage.
• They can create a false sense of security when people protected by a structure believe that no flood can ever reach them.
• They require regular maintenance to ensure that they continue to provide their design protection level.

Structural measures include:
• Detention/Retention structures
• Erosion and Sediment Control
• Basins/Low-head Weirs
• Channel Modifications
• Culvert resizing/replacement/Maintenance
• Levees and Floodwalls
• Fencing (for snow, sand, wind)
• Drainage System Maintenance
• Reservoirs(for flood control, water storage, recreation, agriculture) • Diversions
• Storm Sewers
PUBLIC INFORMATION: A successful hazard mitigation program involves both the public and private sectors. Public information activities advise property owners, renters, businesses, and local officials about hazards and ways to protect people and property from these hazards. These activities can motivate people to take protection • Hazard Maps and Data
• Outreach Projects
− (mailings, media, web, speakers bureau)
• Library Resources
• Real Estate Disclosure
• Environmental Education
• Technical Assistance

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.6 Alternative Mitigation Measures per Category
Prevention
Preventive measures are designed to keep the problem from occurring or getting worse.

Their objective is to ensure that future development is not exposed to damage and does not increase damage to other properties.
• Planning
• Zoning
• Open space preservation
• Land development regulations
− Subdivision regulations
− Floodplain development regulations
• Stormwater management
• Fuels management, fire breaks
• Building codes
− Firewise construction
• (also see Property Protection)
Emergency Services
Emergency services protect people during and after a disaster. A good emergency services program addresses all hazards. Measures include:
• Warning (floods, tornadoes, ice storms, hail storms, dam failures) − NOAA weather radio all hazards
− Sirens
− Reverse 911
• Evacuation and sheltering
• Communications
• Emergency planning
− Activating the emergency operations room (emergency management) − Closing streets or bridges (police or public works)
− Shutting off power to threatened areas (utility company) − Holding children at school/releasing children from school (school district) − Passing out sand and sandbags (public works)
− Ordering an evacuation (mayor)
− Opening evacuation shelters (red cross)

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.7 − Monitoring water levels (engineering)
− Security and other protection measures (police)
• Monitoring of conditions (dams)
• Critical facilities protection (buildings or locations vital to the response and recovery effort, such as police/fire stations, hospitals, sewage treatment plants/lift stations, power substations)
− Buildings or locations that, if damaged, would create secondary disasters, such as hazardous materials facilities and nursing homes
− Lifeline utilities protection
− Health and safety maintenance
Property Protection
Property protection measures are used to modify buildings subject to damage rather than to keep the hazard away. A community may find these to be inexpensive measures because often they are implemented by or cost-shared with property owners. Many of the measures do not affect the appearance or use of a building, which makes them particularly appropriate for historical sites and landmarks. • Retrofitting/disaster proofing
− Floods
 Wet/dry floodproofing (barriers, shields, backflow valves)  Relocation
 Acquisition
− Tornadoes
 Safe rooms
 Securing roofs and foundations with fasteners and tie-downs  Strengthening garage doors and other large openings
− Drought
 Improve water supply (transport/storage/conservation)  Remove moisture competitive plants (tamarisk/salt cedar)  Water restrictions/water saver sprinklers/appliances
 Grazing on CRP lands (no overgrazing—see noxious weeds)  Create incentives to consolidate/connect water services  Recycled wastewater on golf courses
− Earthquakes
 Removing masonry overhangs, bracing other parts

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.8  Tying down appliances, water heaters, bookcases and fragile furniture so they will not fall over during a quake.
 Installing flexible utility connections that will not break during shaking (pipelines, too)
− Wildland fire
 Replacing building components with fireproof materials (roofing, screening)  Creating “defensible space”
 Installing spark arrestors
 Fuels modification
− Noxious weeds/insects
 Mowing
 Spraying
 Replacement planting
 Stop overgrazing
 Introduce natural predators
• Insurance
Natural Resource Protection
Natural resource protection activities are generally aimed at preserving (or in some cases restoring) natural areas. In so doing, these activities enable the naturally beneficial functions of floodplains and watersheds to be better realized. These natural and beneficial floodplain functions include the following:
• Storage of floodwaters
• Absorption of flood energy
• Reduction in flood scour
• Infiltration that absorbs overland flood flow
• Groundwater recharge
• Removal/filtering of excess nutrients, pollutants, and sediments from floodwaters • Habitat for flora and fauna
• Recreational and aesthetic opportunities
Methods of protecting natural resources include:
• Erosion and sediment control
• Wetlands protection
• Riparian area/habitat protection

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.9 • Threatened and endangered species protection
• Fuels management
• Set-back regulations/buffers
• Best management practices—Best management practices (“BMPs”) are measures that reduce nonpoint source pollutants that enter the waterways. Nonpoint source pollutants come from non-specific locations. Examples of nonpoint source pollutants are lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm chemicals, animal wastes, oils from street surfaces and industrial areas and sediment from agriculture, construction, mining and forestry. These pollutants are washed off the ground’s surface by stormwater and flushed into receiving storm sewers, ditches and streams. BMPs can be implemented during construction and as part of a project’s design to permanently address nonpoint source pollutants. There are three general categories of BMPs:
− Avoidance—Setting construction projects back from the stream. − Reduction—Preventing runoff that conveys sediment and other water-borne pollutants, such as planting proper vegetation and conservation tillage. − Cleanse—Stopping pollutants after they are en route to a stream, such as using grass drainageways that filter the water and retention and detention basins that let pollutants settle to the bottom before they are drained • Dumping regulations
• Water use restrictions
• Weather modification
• Landscape management
Structural Projects
Structural projects have traditionally been used by communities to control flows and water surface elevations. Structural projects keep flood waters away from an area. They are usually designed by engineers and managed or maintained by public works staff.

These measures are popular with many because they “stop” flooding problems. However, structural projects have several important shortcomings that need to be kept in mind when considering them for flood hazard mitigation:
• They are expensive, sometimes requiring capital bond issues and/or cost sharing with Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• They disturb the land and disrupt natural water flows, often destroying habitats.

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.10 • They are built to a certain flood protection level that can be exceeded by a larger flood, causing extensive damage.
• They can create a false sense of security when people protected by a structure believe that no flood can ever reach them.
• They require regular maintenance to ensure that they continue to provide their design protection level.

Structural measures include:
• Detention/retention structures
• Erosion and sediment control
• Basins/low-head weirs
• Channel modifications
• Culvert resizing/replacement/maintenance
• Levees and floodwalls
• Fencing (for snow, sand, wind)
• Drainage system maintenance
• Reservoirs (for flood control, water storage, recreation, agriculture) • Diversions
• Storm sewers
Public Information
A successful hazard mitigation program involves both the public and private sectors.

Public information activities advise property owners, renters, businesses, and local officials about hazards and ways to protect people and property from these hazards. These activities can motivate people to take protection
• Hazard maps and data
• Outreach projects (mailings, media, web, speakers bureau) • Library resources
• Real estate disclosure
• Environmental education
• Technical assistance

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.11 Mitigation Alternative Selection Criteria
The following criteria were used to select and prioritize proposed mitigation measures:

Does the proposed action protect lives?
Does the proposed action address hazards or areas with the highest risk? Does the proposed action protect critical facilities, infrastructure, or community assets? Does the proposed action meet multiple objectives (multi-objective management)?

STAPLE/E
Developed by FEMA, this method of applying evaluation criteria enables the planning team to consider in a systematic way the social, technical, administrative, political, legal, economic, and environmental opportunities and constraints of implementing a particular mitigation action. For each action, the HMPC should ask, and consider the answers to, the following questions:

Social
Does the measure treat people fairly (different groups, different generations)? Technical
Will it work? (Does it solve the problem? Is it feasible?) Administrative
Is there capacity to implement and manage project?
Political
Who are the stakeholders? Did they get to participate? Is there public support? Is political leadership willing to support it?
Legal
Does your organization have the authority to implement? Is it legal? Are there liability implications?

Merced County Multi-Jurisidictional Hazard Mitigation Plan D.12 Economic
Is it cost-beneficial? Is there funding? Does it contribute to the local economy or economic development? Does it reduce direct property losses or indirect economic losses? Environmental
Does it comply with environmental regulations or have adverse environmental impacts

Merced County D.13
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Example Mitigation Action Items by Community Rating System Mitigation Category and Hazard Alternative
Mitigation
Actions
Floods Earthquakes Wildfires
Drought
and
Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Heat
Dam
Incidents
Severe
Weather:

Heavy
Rain/
Lightning/
Hail
Severe
Weather:

Wind
Hazardous
Materials Landslide Subsidence
PLANS and REGULATIONS
Building codes and enforcement ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Comprehensive Watershed Tax ■
Density controls ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Design review standards ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Easements ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Environmental review standards ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Floodplain development regulations ■ ■ ■ ■
Hazard mapping ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Floodplain zoning ■ ■ ■
Forest fire fuel reduction ■
Housing/landlord codes ■ ■ ■
Slide-prone area/grading/hillside
development regulations ■ ■ ■
Manufactured home
guidelines/regulations ■ ■ ■
Minimize hazardous materials waste
generation ■
Multi-Jurisdiction Cooperation
within watershed ■ ■
Open space preservation ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Performance standards ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Periodically contain/remove wastes
for disposal ■
Pesticide/herbicide management
regulations ■
Special use permits ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Merced County D.14
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Alternative
Mitigation
Actions
Floods Earthquakes Wildfires
Drought
and
Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Heat
Dam
Incidents
Severe
Weather:

Heavy
Rain/
Lightning/
Hail
Severe
Weather:

Wind
Hazardous
Materials Landslide Subsidence
Stormwater management
regulations ■ ■
Subdivision and development
regulations ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Surge protectors and lightning
protection ■
Tree Management ■ ■ ■
Transfer of development rights ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Utility location ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

STRUCTURE AND INFRASTRUCTRE

PROJECTS
Acquisition of hazard prone
structures ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Facility inspections/reporting ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Construction of barriers around
structures ■ ■ ■
Elevation of structures ■ ■
Relocation out of hazard areas ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Structural retrofits
(e.g., reinforcement, floodproofing,
bracing, etc.)
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Channel maintenance ■
Dams/reservoirs (including
maintenance) ■ ■ ■
Isolate hazardous materials waste
storage sties ■
Levees and floodwalls (including
maintenance) ■
Safe room/shelter ■ ■ ■ ■
Secondary containment system ■

Merced County D.15
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Alternative
Mitigation
Actions
Floods Earthquakes Wildfires
Drought
and
Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Heat
Dam
Incidents
Severe
Weather:

Heavy
Rain/
Lightning/
Hail
Severe
Weather:

Wind
Hazardous
Materials Landslide Subsidence
Site
reclamation/restoration/revegetation ■
Snow fences ■
Water supply augmentation ■ ■ ■
Debris Control ■
Defensible Space ■
Stream stabilization ■

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Flood Insurance ■ ■
Hazard information centers ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Public education and outreach
programs ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Real estate disclosure ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Crop Insurance ■ ■ ■
Lightning detectors in public areas ■

NATURAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION
Best Management Practices (BMPs) ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Forest and vegetation management ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Hydrological Monitoring ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Sediment and erosion control
regulations ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Stream corridor restoration ■ ■ ■ ■
Stream dumping regulations ■ ■
Urban forestry and landscape
management ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Wetlands development regulations ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

EMERGENCY SERVICES
Critical facilities protection ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Emergency response services ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Merced County D.16
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Alternative
Mitigation
Actions
Floods Earthquakes Wildfires
Drought
and
Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Heat
Dam
Incidents
Severe
Weather:

Heavy
Rain/
Lightning/
Hail
Severe
Weather:

Wind
Hazardous
Materials Landslide Subsidence
Facility employee safety training
programs ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Hazard threat recognition ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Hazard warning systems
(community sirens, NOAA weather
radio)
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Health and safety maintenance ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Post-disaster mitigation ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Evacuation planning ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Appendix E: Annual Progress Meeting Agenda and Report Template 2021-2026 Update
Appendix E: Annual Progress Meeting Agenda and Report Template

APPENDIX E: ANNUAL PROGRESS MEETING

AGENDA AND REPORT TEMPLATE
E-1
City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annual Progress Meeting Agenda

1. Discussion on hazard events and impacts that occurred during the performance period

2. Review of progress on mitigation action implementation

3. Discussion on success stories

4. Recommendations for new actions/projects

5. Review of funding options and grant opportunities

6. Review of changes in plan maintenance or implementation

7. Review of continuing public involvement

APPENDIX E: ANNUAL PROGRESS MEETING

AGENDA AND REPORT TEMPLATE
E-1
Merced County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annual Progress Report Template
Reporting Period:

Background: Merced County and participating cities and towns in the county developed a hazard mitigation plan to reduce risk from all hazards by identifying resources, information, and strategies for risk reduction. The federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans as a condition for federal disaster grant assistance. To prepare the plan, the participating partners organized resources, assessed risks from natural hazards within the county, developed planning goals and objectives, reviewed mitigation alternatives, and developed an action plan to address probable impacts from natural hazards. By completing this process, these jurisdictionsmaintained compliance with the Disaster Mitigation Act, achieving eligibility for mitigation grant funding opportunities afforded under the Robert T. Stafford Act. The plan can be viewed online at:

Summary Overview of the Plan’s Progress: The performance period for the Hazard Mitigation Plan became effective on ____, 2021, with the final approval of the plan by FEMA. The initial performance period for this plan will be 5 years, with an anticipated update to the plan to occur before ______, 2026.

The Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan has targeted 70 hazard mitigation initiatives to be pursued during the 5-year performance period. As of the reporting period, the following overall progress can be reported:
__ out of __ initiatives (__%) reported ongoing action toward completion. __ out of __ initiatives (__%) were reported as being complete. __ out of __ initiatives (___%) reported no action taken.

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to provide an annual update on the implementation of the action plan identified in the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The objective is to ensure that there is a continuing and responsive planning process that will keep the hazard mitigation plan dynamic and responsive to the needs and capabilities of the partner jurisdictions. This report discusses the following:
• Natural hazard events that have occurred within the last year • Changes in risk exposure within the planning area (all of Merced County) • Mitigation success stories
• Review of the action plan
• Changes in capabilities that could impact plan implementation • Recommendations for changes/enhancement
The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee: The Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, made up of planning partners and stakeholders within the planning area, reviewed and approved this progress report at its annual meeting held on _____, 202_. It was determined through the plan’s development process that the HMPT would remain in service to oversee maintenance of the plan. At a minimum, the HMPT will provide technical review and oversight on the development of the annual progress report. It is anticipated that there will be turnover in the membership annually, which will be documented in the progress reports.

For this reporting period, the HMPT membership present at the meeting is as indicated in Table 1.

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-2
TABLE 1.

HMPT MEMBERS PRESENT
Name Title Jurisdiction/Agency
Natural Hazard Events within the Planning Area: During the reporting period, there were __ natural hazard events in the planning area that had a measurable impact on people or property. A summary of these events is as follows:
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
Changes in Risk Exposure in the Planning Area: (Insert brief overview of any natural hazard event in the planning area that changed the probability of occurrence or ranking of risk for the hazards addressed in the hazard mitigation plan)
Mitigation Success Stories: (Insert brief overview of mitigation accomplishments during the reporting period)
Review of the Action Plan: Table 2 reviews the action plan, reporting the status of each initiative.

Reviewers of this report should refer to the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for more detailed descriptions of each initiative and the prioritization process.

Address the following in the “status” column of the following table:

Was any element of the initiative carried out during the reporting period? If no action was completed, why?
Is the timeline for implementation for the initiative still appropriate? If the initiative was completed, does it need to be changed or removed from the action plan?

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-3
TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Action
No. Action Title
Action
Taken? (Yes
or No)
Timeline Priority Comments Status
(√, O, X)

MERCED COUNTY
1 Countywide Public Education Program.
2 Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into
Safety Element of General Plan.
3 Non-structural Earthquake Mitigation
Outreach.
4 Countywide Inventory of Historic Unreinforced
Masonry Buildings.
5 Periodically review building codes.
6 Develop a Hazard Specific Flood Annex for all
jurisdictions.
7 Flood Insurance Promotion Program
Implementation/Participation.
8 Identify and evaluate effectiveness of
alternative detention basin flood control
projects that will reduce flood flows in Black
Rascal Creek at the diversion.
9 Winter Weather Preparedness Campaign.
10 Cyber Security. Establish a risk management
program to identify the risks, understand their
likelihood and impact.
11 Drought Plan.
12 Groundwater Recharge and Stormwater
Detention Pilot Project.
13 Public Safety GIS Management.
14 Encourage and continue to establish
countywide evacuation zones, sections and
routes.
15 Conduct an After Action Review for COVID-19
response.
16 Develop a plan for a Countywide Medical
Reserve Corps (MRC).

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-4
TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Action
No. Action Title
Action
Taken? (Yes
or No)
Timeline Priority Comments Status
(√, O, X)
17 Provide public outreach through a variety of
media for awareness and mitigation of various
agricultural pests and disease.
18 Enhance the County’s capabilities associated
with the Pest Detection Program, Pest
Exclusion Program, and Pest Eradication
Program.
19 Identify and increase water management
practices that reduce pesticide movement
offsite.
20 Create a hazardous materials safety flyer to
post on public health social media and the
division of environmental health's website.
21 Develop countywide commodity flow study to
further understand the quantity and types of
hazardous materials being transported
through the county.

City of Atwater
1 Participate in Countywide Public Education
Program.
2 Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into
Safety Element of General Plan.
3 Non-structural Earthquake Mitigation
Outreach.
4 Participate in Countywide Inventory for
Unreinforced Masonry Buildings.
5 Periodically review building codes for updates
and enhancements.
6 Promote Water Conservation Program.

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-5
TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Action
No. Action Title
Action
Taken? (Yes
or No)
Timeline Priority Comments Status
(√, O, X)
7 Emergency power system to protect the City of
Atwater 911 Communications Center and
Police Department.
8 Seismic Upgrade and Remodel of the Atwater
Police Department Headquarters.
9 Review hazards and awareness of earthquakes
in a public platform and educate the public on
helpful procedures in the aftermath.
10 Public education of current seasonal threat.

City of Dos Palos
1 Radio upgrade for police department.
2 Construction of new water treatment plant.

City of Gustine
1 Develop and enhance storm-water drainage
improvements to reduce frequent flooding.
2 Perform building specific seismic vulnerability
assessment of City-owned critical facilities
constructed prior to 1980.
3 Develop drought plan.

City of Livingston
1 Participation in Countywide Public Education
Program.
2 Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into
Safety Element of General Plan.
3 Non-structural Earthquake Mitigation
Outreach.
4 Participate in Countywide Inventory for
Unreinforced Masonry Buildings.
5 Periodically review buildings for update and
enhancements.
6 Flood Insurance Promotion.

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-6
TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Action
No. Action Title
Action
Taken? (Yes
or No)
Timeline Priority Comments Status
(√, O, X)
7 Participate in Severe Weather Preparedness
Campaign.
8 Promote Water Conservation Program.
9 Upgrade storm lift station/SCADA.

City of Los Banos
1 Participate in Countywide Public Education
Program.
2 Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into
Safety Element of General Plan.
3 Non-structural Earthquake Mitigation
Outreach.
4 Participate in Countywide Inventory for
Unreinforced Masonry Buildings.
5 Periodically review building codes for updates
and enhancements and ensure necessary
capabilities for enforcement.
6 Participate in Severe Weather Preparedness
Campaign.
7 Promote Water Conservation Program.
8 Implement and Monitor Weed Abatement
Program.
9 Prepare Emergency Plan for Critical
Infrastructure.
10 Perform Building-Specific Seismic Vulnerability
Assessment of City Owned Critical Facilities.
11 Continue to Update Storm Water System
Master Plan.
12 Prepare a Shelter and Emergency Provision
Plan.
13 Prepare Weather Preparedness Program
(Extreme Heat and Cold).

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-7
TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Action
No. Action Title
Action
Taken? (Yes
or No)
Timeline Priority Comments Status
(√, O, X)
14 Promote Water Conservation Program with
continued updates to Urban Water
Management Plan.
15 Rental Home Inspections.

City of Merced
1 Prepare an Energy Assurance Plan
2 Develop and enhance storm-water drainage
improvements to reduce frequent flooding.
3 Create a Disaster Preparedness Program.
4 Support Merced County efforts to construct
the Haystack Alternative of Black Rascal Creek.
5 Update the City’s Storm-water Drainage
Master Plan.
6 Prepare a Shelter and Emergency-Provision
Plan.
7 Prepare a Natural Area Fire Prevention Plan.
8 Perform building-specific, structural seismic
vulnerability assessment of City-owned critical
facilities.
9 Create a program to retrofit or upgrade
unreinforced masonry buildings in Downtown
Merced, or other buildings in the Plan area.
10 Update Fire Station 52 seismic and flood
resiliency.
11 Enhance the weed abatement program to
mitigate wildfire risk.

Status Legend:
= Project Completed
O = Action ongoing toward completion
X = No progress at this time

APPENDIX E. EXAMPLE PROGRESS REPORT
E-8
Changes That May Impact Implementation of the Plan: (Insert brief overview of any significant changes in the planning area that would have a profound impact on the implementation of the plan. Specify any changes in technical, regulatory and financial capabilities identified during the plan’s development) Recommendations for Changes or Enhancements: Based on the review of this report by the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team, the following recommendations will be noted for future updates or revisions to the plan:
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
Public review notice: The contents of this report are considered to be public knowledge and have been prepared for total public disclosure. Copies of the report have been provided to the governing boards of all planning partners and to local media outlets and the report is posted on the Merced County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan website. Any questions or comments regarding the contents of this report should be directed to:

Insert Contact Info Here

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
2021-2026 Update
Appendix F: Outreach Strategy

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Prepared for:

Merced County
2222 M Street, Room 1
Merced, CA 95340
Prepared by:

Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
2000 S. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 2-1000
March 2021 Denver, CO 80222

Outreach Strategy
Page i
Table of Contents

1.0 Purpose of the Outreach Strategy ................................................................................................................................1

2.0 Objectives of the Outreach Strategy............................................................................................................................1

3.0 Local Government Outreach and Involvement Responsibilities .......................................................................1

3.1 Public Information Officer ...............................................................................................................................3

4.0 Stakeholder Outreach Platforms ...................................................................................................................................3

4.1 Participating Jurisdictions ................................................................................................................................3

4.2 Neighboring Jurisdictions................................................................................................................................4

4.3 Federal, State, and Regional Agencies........................................................................................................4

4.4 Academic Colleges and Universities............................................................................................................4

4.5 Municipal Advisory Councils...........................................................................................................................5

4.6 Nonprofit and Community-Based Organizations ..................................................................................5

4.7 Business Groups and Large Employers.......................................................................................................6

4.8 Utility Roundtable...............................................................................................................................................6

5.0 Public Outreach Platforms ...............................................................................................................................................6

5.1 Webpage ................................................................................................................................................................6

5.2 Social Media..........................................................................................................................................................7

5.3 Newspapers...........................................................................................................................................................7

5.4 Press Releases.......................................................................................................................................................7

5.5 Public Survey.........................................................................................................................................................8

5.6 Informational Pop-Up Booths........................................................................................................................8

5.7 Local Events and Weekly Newsletters.........................................................................................................9

5.8 Public Workshops ...............................................................................................................................................9

5.9 GIS Portal – Environmental Hazard Data Viewer....................................................................................9

5.10 Map your Neighborhood Mailing List......................................................................................................10

6.0 Schedule of Outreach Activities ...................................................................................................................................10 Tables
Table 1. Outreach Strategy Schedule of Activities 11

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | February 2021 Page 1

1.0 Purpose of the Outreach Strategy
The purpose of the Outreach Strategy is to provide a meaningful process through which the County of Merced, the six participating municipalities, and their citizens, public officials, and stakeholder groups may effectively participate in the update of the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). The County is updating the MJHMP to expand the risk assessment to address changing priorities related to the frequency and severity of existing natural, human-caused, and public health hazards; climate change impacts; and to develop a mitigation strategy for the County. This strategy will be developed based upon the understanding that citizens and groups are the source of tremendous creativity, and that their engagement and input will produce better planning decisions. The emphasis is to recognize every citizen’s right to participate in the process of informing local government decisions.

A wide variety of public participation methods and tools, representing distinct purposes, will be employed in the strategy to provide for broad public engagement and participation. These purposes of public engagement are as follows:
● Public Awareness – to share information and to promote awareness of planning process, including ways the public can participate
● Public Education – to educate citizens and help them make more informed choices ● Public Input – to provide citizens and groups with opportunities to provide input and ideas during the planning process
● Public Interaction – to exchange views and ideas as a means of reaching consensus ● Public Partnership – to involve citizens in the decision-making process

2.0 Objectives of the Outreach Strategy

1. Recognizing that there are many levels of public participation, to provide for an effective mix of participation opportunities that include the above bulleted purposes.

2. Recognizing that not everyone participates in the same way or at the same time, to include a mix of participation strategies that provides for a broad and diverse set of engagement opportunities that considers the diversity of the County’s planning area.

3. Recognizing Merced County’s history of past public participation during the General Plan 2030 and recent Community Plan update planning processes and public safety preparedness and outreach efforts, the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team (HMPT) will provide the public with opportunities to review, clarify, and provide input on hazard information, as well as generate goals, objectives, policies, and other information.

4. To build public support for, and ultimately ownership of, the Merced County MJHMP.

3.0 Local Government Outreach and Involvement Responsibilities The requirements related to public involvement in hazard mitigation plans according to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (44 CFR Section 201.6(b) and (c)) are listed below:

Requirement §201.6(b): In order to develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the effects of natural disasters, the planning process shall include:

1. An opportunity for the public to comment on the plan during the drafting stage and prior to plan approval;

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | March 2021 Page 2

2. An opportunity for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities, and agencies that have the authority to regulate development, as well as businesses, academia and other private and non-profit interests to be involved in the planning process; and

3. Review and incorporation, if appropriate, of existing plans, studies, reports, and technical information.

Requirement §201.6(c)(1): [The plan shall document] the planning process used to develop the plan, including how it was prepared, who was involved in the process, and how the public was involved.

Requirement §201.6(c)(4)(iii): [The plan maintenance process shall include a] discussion on how the community will continue public participation in the plan maintenance process.

Based on the requirements, the public participation process ensures citizens and local and regional agencies understand the risk and vulnerability and can work with Merced County to support policies, actions, and tools to reduce future losses. This is why the public must have opportunities to comment on disaster mitigation plans during the drafting stage and prior to plan approval. The County is encouraged to conduct a public workshop or open house within 90 days of the project kick-off, or first HMPT meeting.

To meet DMA requirements as well as the goals of the Outreach Strategy, the County is expected to engage in various public outreach and feedback efforts, which can include:
● Engage nonprofit organizations (NGOs) or community-based organizations (CBOs) ● Assist in distributing press releases and information to local media ● Share public input/comment with the HMPT
● Document and report on progress/activities related to public involvement ● Review public input for incorporation in plan, as appropriate ● Assist with advertising and holding a total of two (2) public workshops: one (1) public workshop (during draft development) and one (1) public workshop once the Public Review Draft MJHMP is circulated
● Announcing the planning effort at other public meetings, or holding additional public meetings, if desired
● Announce how the plan can be accessed during the public review period. This can include providing links from the County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) Webpage to a MJHMP Update Webpage or providing a hardcopy of the plan in a public location, such as a municipal building (e.g. library, community center).
● Follow the recommendations for continued public involvement as designated in the implementation chapter of the MJHMP.

Merced County can implement a robust public outreach process by asking citizens to share local knowledge of the County’s vulnerability to hazards based on past occurrences. For Merced County this may include vulnerability to flooding, drought, and wildfires. Public involvement can be solicited by working with NGOs and CBOs, or through direct outreach via multiple media platforms, including the County’s Website and social media, as well as traditional materials, such as newspaper notices, questionnaires, public workshops, involvement at public events, and distribution of the plan for public input at repositories.

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | March 2021 Page 3 The overall goal of communication is to inform the public about the process and to seek input, and to engage early and often. Messaging should cover the following topics:
● Announce kick-off of preparing a MJHMP (typically within 30 days of kick-off meeting) ● Advertising the County’s MJHMP Webpage
● Advertisement of Public Workshop or Open House
● Distribution of the public survey
● Notification of public comment and availability of the Public Review Draft MJHMP ● Notification of availability of Final MJHMP
● Announce Board of Supervisors Hearing

3.1 Public Information Officer
The County’s Public Information Officer (PIO), or designated Project Manager will lead the public involvement process and implementation of the Outreach Strategy. This strategy will be overseen and managed by Mr. David Scheurich, Battalion Chief and Deputy Director of the County OES for the plan preparation, as well as the County’s consultant, Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. (Wood). Mr. Gene Barrera will provide additional support. If the County’s PIO is assigned to serve as a liaison to oversee the outreach strategy, this will ensure the continuity of the outreach after the project ends. It also provides ongoing communication after plan adoption and ensure implementation updates continue within the community.

4.0 Stakeholder Outreach Platforms
Stakeholders are persons, groups, or institutions that can affect or be affected by a course of action associated with the MJHMP update. Stakeholder involvement during the planning process develops support for the plan and implementation. Stakeholder involvement also results in greater information sharing on technical and scientific resources based on input from subject matter experts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires stakeholder participation from neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved with hazard mitigation activities, agencies with authority to regulate development, and business, academic institutions such as community colleges or universities, and private and non-profit agencies. Stakeholders do not need to be involved in all phases of the planning process like the HMPT but should inform the HMPT on specific hazard impacts and risks and provide input that reflects different perspectives in the community. Stakeholder involvement generally improves the overall quality and accuracy of the plan and builds greater consensus within the community.

4.1 Participating Jurisdictions
Six jurisdictions are participating in the MJHMP update. These six jurisdictions include the cities of Merced, Los Banos, Atwater, Livingston, Dos Palos, and Gustine. The HMPT consists of a representative from each municipality. This HMPT representative should integrate the outreach platforms outlined in this Outreach Strategy within their cities and engage additional stakeholders and the public. The HMPT representative should also inform their respective city managers and elected officials, such as Planning Commissioners and City Council members about the planning process and MJHMP update. These managers and elected officials are responsible for the public health and safety of their community. They are also the elected officials that will adopt the plan. The key to maximizing these leaders involvement should be based on engaging them early in the process and during the development of the draft plan.

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | March 2021 Page 4 This may consist of planning updates during City Manager briefings and regular Planning Commission and City Council meetings.

4.2 Neighboring Jurisdictions
Neighboring jurisdictions, such as adjacent counties must be given the opportunity to be on the HMPT or involved in the planning process as a stakeholder. Adjacent counties and municipalities are commonly affected by similar hazards and may be partners in mitigation efforts on a regional level. Involvement may include inviting these municipalities to participate in outreach activities and requesting their input on the draft plan. Merced County invited emergency management staff from Mariposa, Madera, and Stanislaus counties to participate on the HMPT. For those unavailable to formally participate on the HMPT, the County should request that these counties engage during outreach activities and provide formal input on the draft plan.

4.3 Federal, State, and Regional Agencies
Merced County can engage various public federal, state, and regional agencies, such as a representative from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association and representatives from the two national wildlife refuges: Merced National Wildlife Refuge and San Luis National Wildlife Refuge. State agencies should also be involved and can include representatives from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), Department of Water Resources and the Division of Safety of Dams, Department of Parks and Recreation, California Highway Patrol, and California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

The County can invite these representatives to participate during the virtual public workshops and request their feedback on the Public Review Draft MJHMP. Many of these federal and state agencies were identified as key cooperators by the County in the initial planning meetings. The County can also schedule regular updates with their Cal OES representative and let them know when the plan will be ready for state review.

The Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) is an association of city and county governments focused on addressing regional issues, such as transportation, solid waste, and air quality problems.

MCAG has also served as the Regional Transportation Planning Agency and Metropolitan Planning Organization making them a regional agency the County can coordinate on regarding demographic, housing, and development trends.

Federal, state, and regional agencies manage technical data and resources related to hazards, and in some cases grant funding opportunities and financial assistance. Therefore, involving stakeholders from these agencies can further complement the County’s MJHMP update.

4.4 Academic Colleges and Universities
Academic institutions have additional educational resources to provide to support hazard mitigation planning departments, particularly through natural hazard research, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and planning courses. The HMPT may collaborate with a local university or college to engage students in the planning process or to complete research and analysis needs for the plan.

The HMPT is partnering with the County’s GIS Manager and California State University – Stanislaus (CSUStanislaus) urban planning department. Students in a CSU- Stanislaus urban planning class are participating in the hazard mitigation planning process by developing the critical facility database and integrating outreach tools, such as the public survey into GIS Applications (e.g., Experience Builder, StoryMap, Survey 123, etc.). This class and the student projects and exercises help the students understand potential hazards within their campus and communities and how to set up tools and methods to reduce risks.

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | March 2021 Page 5 The County also plans on coordinating with the University of California – Merced (UC-Merced) emergency manager and police chief. UC-Merced Tomorrow is the Long Range Development Plan for the university.

UC-Merced is located northeast of the City of Merced and is bordered on the north and east by conservation easements and a large campus natural reserve, designed to protect the campus from natural hazards, such as wildfires and flooding. Collaboration with UC-Merced’s Environmental Health and Safety and Police Departments on the risk assessment and mitigation action development should provide additional insight into hazard mitigation opportunities within the eastern portion of the County.

4.5 Municipal Advisory Councils
Merced County has eight unincorporated communities that each contain a Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) made up of 15 members appointed by the Merced County BOS for one 4-year term. The MACs advise the Board of Supervisors on planning matters that relate to each unincorporated community.

Planning matters can cover land use decisions, the provision of public services, public health and safety, public works projects, and community welfare. The eight MACs meet monthly and include: Le Grand, Planada, Snelling, Delhi, Winton, Hilmar, McSwain, and the Franklin-Beachwood MACs. The County intends to engage each MAC during the planning process by requesting input on the Draft MJHMP Update.

4.6 Nonprofit and Community-Based Organizations
Inviting NGOs and CBOs to participate during the MJHMP planning process is important because they act as advocates for citizens and may represent traditionally under-served or disadvantaged communities (DACs), or socially vulnerable populations, such as seniors or disabled groups. As defined by Senate Bill 1000 (Health and Safety Code § 39711) DACs are low-income areas disproportionately affected by environmental pollution or other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.1
Generally, NGOs and CBOs represent various segments of the community. In some cases, NGOs may include disaster preparedness and response organizations like Red Cross, and conservation and climate adaptation and mitigation partnerships and collaboratives. CBOs may represent DACs, serve persons with access and functional needs and individuals with disabilities, the senior population, parent-teacher/youth groups, church groups, or neighborhood associations. Outreach to CBOs is useful when providing information to members of the public whose first language is not English. A CBO representative may also be able to inform a segment of the community about the MJHMP process, plan implementation, and foster communication with residents during an emergency.

NGOs and CBOs may include neighborhood groups, the business community, climate collaboratives, educational groups, faith-based organizations, or healthcare advocates. Several CBOs were invited to participate on the HMPT and engage during the planning process, including the Red Cross and Merced County Food Bank. Ongoing outreach with these CBOs will enhance communication and outreach to a larger segment of the citizens in Merced County.
1 According to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) DAC Mapping Tool, there are several census tracts within Merced County that contain a DAC. These maps show census tracts that meet the DAC definition (i.e., only those census tracts with an annual median household income (MHI) that is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual MHI (Public Resources Section 75005(g)). The census tract data within Merced County is available for download here: https://gis.water.ca.gov/app/dacs/.

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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | March 2021 Page 6

4.7 Business Groups and Large Employers
The County should involve stakeholders from chamber of commerce, economic development organizations, the healthcare industry, and business leaders in the community. These organizations may include the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce and local chambers, Merced General Hospital, and the County Agricultural Commissioner given the strong agricultural economy and support industries in the County.

4.8 Utility Roundtable
If desired, Merced County can schedule a roundtable meeting with local electric utility providers, such as Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), and special water districts, such as Merced Irrigation District (MID), Turlock Irrigation District (TID), and other community service districts (CSDs) (e.g., Ballico CSD, Lower San Joaquin Levee District, East Merced Resources Conservation District, San Joaquin Valley Air District, etc.) to review and discuss hazards specific to local utilities. Local utility infrastructure may include electric, gas, water, sewer and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and telecommunications facilities.

5.0 Public Outreach Platforms

5.1 Webpage
At the beginning of the process, the County GIS Manager created a Project Webpage to keep the public informed on the development of the MJHMP and to solicit public input. This Webpage integrates GIS tools and applications such as the Experience Builder Application, which is designed to complement the County’s existing OES MJHMP Update Webpage that includes information on flood and emergency preparation resources. This webpage will also have the ability to collect map-based public comment through the ArcGIS Survey 123 Application.

The MJHMP Webpage should be publicized on all media releases, mailings, newsletters, surveys, and public meeting advertisements. The Webpage can include a section for the public to sign up for project Photo 1. The County MJHMP Webpage can include information on hazard mitigation, disaster preparedness, and plan documents. It can also function as a repository of for the planning process documentation, Draft MJHMP, and Cal OES/FEMA approvals.

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | March 2021 Page 7 email announcements. The County can also keep the Webpage active after the plan is completed to keep the public informed about the status of the mitigation actions (see Photo 1).

5.2 Social Media
Merced County can use the following social media platforms to circulate information on the MJHMP:
● County Facebook (9,114+ followers)
● County Instagram (1,800+ followers)
● County Twitter (1,400+ followers)
At a minimum, the social media platforms should announce the kick-off of the MJHMP planning process, advertise the County’s MJHMP Webpage and other events, post a link to the two versions (English and Spanish) of the public survey, notify the public about meetings and workshops, and announce the availability of the plan for public input and comment. The County can share MJHMP information with other social media groups and organizations, particularly each of the six participating cities to ensure information is circulated on their social media platforms.

The County should also post information about the MJHMP on other agency social media platforms. The County could circulate information regarding the MJHMP on the MCAG Webpage, as well as the CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Webpages and social media feeds (CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit has over 11,600+ followers on Facebook).

5.3 Newspapers
The following regional and local print newspapers can be used to circulate and advertise information on the MJHMP:
● Merced Sun-Star
● Merced County News
● Los Banos Enterprise
● The Paper (Los Banos Live)
● Gustine Press-Standard

5.4 Press Releases
The County can distribute and circulate press releases over the course of the MJHMP development. They can also encourage HMPT participants and stakeholders to distribute press releases during the project.

Press releases can be distributed as informational flyers, advertisements, and public notices during community events. These communication platforms can be used to spread the news about the MJHMP update and invite the public to participate in the process. According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey Population Estimates, the racial/ethnic distribution of Merced County residents as of July 1, 2019 was 61 percent Hispanic, 26 percent White, 7.8 percent Asian, 3.9 percent African American, and 2.5 percent American Indian and Alaska Native. Based on this information and input from the County OES Department, press releases will be published in both English and Spanish.

Advertisements can focus on emergency planning, natural hazards, mitigation projects, and how to get the community prepared for disasters. The press releases can include posts and links to the County’s MJHMP Webpage and the public survey. As previously mentioned, the press releases should also announce the kick-off of the MJHMP planning process, advertise the County’s MJHMP Webpage and

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | March 2021 Page 8 other events, post a link to the public survey, notify the public about meetings and workshops, and announce the availability of the plan for public input and comment.

5.5 Public Survey
The County can prepare and distribute a public survey
during the planning process. The public survey can gauge information on household preparedness, hazard
priorities, local knowledge of tools to reduce risk and loss, and mitigation projects. The number of questions in
public surveys can vary, but they typically range from 10 to 20 questions and are structured to take a participant less than five minutes to complete. The questions are
designed to help the County and HMPT understand local
hazards and select and prioritize mitigation actions.

The public survey should be made available on the
MJHMP Webpage, and paper copies could be left at
informational booths or distributed at key events, such as the COVID-19 vaccination centers. Some counties and
cities have made the public survey available on tablets at various community events, although this may no longer
be safely feasible due to health and safety precautions that remain in place due to COVID-19. In summary, the public survey is designed to help the County better understand the following based on public input:
● Perception of natural hazards and risks
● Hazards with the most concern
● Best communication methods
● Level of public support for mitigation actions
● Willingness to invest in hazard mitigation

5.6 Informational Pop-Up Booths
The County can advertise the MJHMP planning process and seek public input at informational booths during local events or booths displayed at the local library or other public repositories. County staff should be able to speak to the public about the MJHMP project, invite them to visit the MJHMP Webpage, and ask them to take the public survey. During local events, informational booths can also be staffed by HMPT participants. Given the health and safety precautions in place, a repository may not be staffed, but should include map displays, handouts, copies of public surveys, and flyers.

Tablets, if available and feasible based on current safety precautions in Merced County, could be provided at the informational booths for easy access to the public survey; however, paper copies may be recommended while the health and safety precautions remain in effect. Some jurisdictions, like Merced County can also provide real-time hazard mapping services to the public interested in viewing hazard assessments for their property. This include providing hazard mapping information (see Section 3.3.10).

Photo 2. Online surveys are easy ways to
increase public participation and gather
input on household preparedness, hazard
priorities, local knowledge of tools to reduce
risk and loss, and mitigation projects.

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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | March 2021 Page 9

5.7 Local Events and Weekly Newsletters
Merced County and the HMPT may want to consider advertising the MJHMP process during the popular community events (e.g. vaccine rollout). The HMPT can also advertise the MJHMP process in a weekly newsletter.

5.8 Public Workshops
The County should invite the public to virtually
participate in public workshops. Two public workshops
will be scheduled as part of the planning process for the Merced County MJHMP update: one at the beginning of
the planning process and a second once the Public
Review Draft MJHMP is available.

The public workshop should cover the purpose of the
plan, the components of the MJHMP, background on
hazard mitigation planning, and next steps. The County
can provide regular and ongoing project status updates
on the MJHMP during regular Planning Commission and
Board of Supervisor hearings. Wood recommends the
County host the first public workshop within 90 days of the kick-off meeting.

During the public comment period, the County can hold
a second public workshop. The public workshops can be
scheduled as either stand-alone public workshops, or as part of a regularly scheduled Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors hearing. These meetings should be advertised to the public and provide an opportunity for public comment. The public can also comment on the MJHMP during final review and consideration during final hearings.

5.9 GIS Portal – Environmental Hazard Data Viewer
Merced County’s existing GIS mapping platform includes an Environmental Hazard Data Viewer that displays hazard data layers developed in the MJHMP. Specific hazard layers currently include the FEMA NFIP National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL), State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire threat areas, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Web Soil survey data. The platform could display additional hazard mapping data and other best available information used in the development of the MJHMP, such as the locations of the County critical facilities organized by FEMA Community Lifelines.

These data layers can be viewed individually or with multiple hazard layers and combined the data layers from the plan risk assessment to ensure that all datasets are fully integrated. The GIS Portal can be utilized moving forward to access and maintain critical facility and hazards data to provide a basis for a “living” plan that is accessible to participating jurisdictions and the public.

Photo 3. Requirement §201.6(b) of the
Disaster Mitigation Act states the planning
process shall include an opportunity for the
public to comment on the plan during the
drafting stage and prior to plan approval.

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | March 2021 Page 10

5.10 Map your Neighborhood Mailing List
The County, six participating jurisdictions, and unincorporated communities could consider participating in the Map your Neighborhood (MYN) program. The MYN program is designed to help groups of neighbors prepare to and respond to an emergency together. This program has helped neighborhoods work together to develop stronger communities, particularly in preparation of potential hazard events.

6.0 Schedule of Outreach Activities
The following community engagement steps and activities are outlined in conjunction with the hazard mitigation planning phases and tasks to demonstrate how they are linked in the process. This Outreach Strategy is a document that will be utilized and updated during the plan development process. It can also serve to document the efforts made to involve the public during each subsequent plan update.

Photo 4. The Merced County Environmental Data Viewer provides the public an opportunity to research flood, fire, and soil hazards in their community.

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | February 2021 Page 11 Table 1. Outreach Strategy Schedule of Activities
Timeframe Mitigation Planning Steps Public Participation Steps/Ideas Specific Activities/Actions December 2020 -
February 2021

1. Getting Organized

2. Plan for public involvement

3. Coordinate with other
departments and agencies
• Consider inviting NGOs and CBOs to participate in
the process (i.e., Red Cross).
• Schedule HMPT Meeting #1
• Set-up an informational display at a local library.
• Create a Webpage for the MJHMP (new Webpage
or one linked to the Merced County OES
Webpage): what is hazard mitigation, invitation to
take a public survey, input on mitigation
actions/projects (Wood can provide the MJHMP
backgrounder content for webpage).
• Build public awareness through media
channels/platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter.
• Outreach through other groups, Private, NonProfit. Non-governmental organizations with a focus on sensitive populations and major
agricultural representation.
• Possible public groups include: Local media,
Chamber of Commerce, and the Merced County
Office of Education (including the 20+ school
districts).
• HMPT formed in January 2021
• HMPT Meeting #1 – Planning Process
• Engage CSU-Stanislaus Planning/GIS
Students (design class project around student
participation and support in the MJHMP
update process)
• Design a stand-alone MJHMP Webpage
• Schedule Utility Roundtable (if desired)
• Develop and display content on the MJHMP
Webpage
o Risk Assessment Key Findings
• Design and circulate a Public Survey,
including both English and Spanish versions

Outreach Strategy
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | March 2021 Page 12 March – June 2021 4. Identify the hazards

5. Assess the risks
• Provide survey and materials at meetings
• Share public input during HMPT Meeting #2
(March/April 2021)
• Cooperative review of public input
• Announce workshops
• Build contact list of interested citizens based on
survey to inform of future activities
• Finalize MJHMP Webpage/Experience Builder
website/Survey 123 Application/StoryMap
• Finalize English and Spanish version of
surveys
• Plan and circulate press releases, post on
MJHMP Webpage
• Advertisement for Public Workshop via
Facebook, Twitter, Newspapers, Webpage,
Paper Flyers
• Collect public comments from a survey
developed specifically for the plan
• HMPT Meeting #2 – Hazard Identification
• Additional outreach for Public Survey
• Collection and compilation of survey results
• Public Workshop #1
July – September
2021

6. Set planning goals

7. Review mitigation alternatives

8. Draft an action plan
• Place draft plan online on County’s MJHMP
Webpage
• Advertise the plan and public comment period
• Email list of interested citizens identified in
previous step about the public review draft
• Encourage public review of Final Draft MJHMP
• HMPT Meeting #3 – Mitigation Strategy
• Develop links from County’s Main Website to
MJHMP Webpage, encourage review and
comment on draft plan.
• Wood to develop Online Form so public
could leave comments on Public Review Draft
MJHMP Update
• Public Workshop #2
October – December
2021

9. Adopt the plan

10. Implement the plan, evaluate its
worth, and revise as needed
• Continue to host the MJHMP Webpage with a link
from the County’s Main Website with contact
information for public inquiries
• Celebrate successes – including receiving hazard
mitigation funding, implementation of projects,
and publicizing where the plan and its
implementation is making a difference and
building hazard and climate resilience.
• Presentation at County BOS hearing during
adoption
• Participating City Council hearing and
adoption (Annexes)
• Annual HMPT Meetings (to discuss status of
mitigation projects)
• 5-Year Update (scheduled for 2026/2027)

Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Appendix F: Outreach Strategy
2021-2026 Update
Annexes

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 1 1 CITY OF ATWATER

1.1 Community Profile

1.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2021 Process
This annex was created during the development of the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update. This Jurisdictional Annex builds upon the previous version of Atwater Annex as part of the 2014 Merced County MJHMP. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the last update.

The City’s Local Planning Team (LPT) held the responsibility for the update, implementation, and maintenance of the plan. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process followed and how the jurisdictions and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Atwater in Merced County is situated 7 miles northwest of the City of Merced, the county seat.

Atwater is one of the larger cities in the County of Merced and is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, 62 miles northwest of Fresno. The City is located in the northeastern portion of the County between Highway 99 and Castle Airport. According to the United States Census Bureau, Atwater has a total area of 6.1 square miles – 99.86% of it is land and 0.14% is water with an elevation of 151 feet above sea level. The City is a continuously evolving community immersed in tradition with a history of food, farming, and manufacturing in California.

The climate in the City of Atwater cycles through a cool rainy winter season and a dry summer season.

Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool and wet, with most of the year’s rain falling from late October through early April.

1.1.3 History
The City of Atwater’s history dates back to the late 1800s when Marshall D. Atwater was one of the largest landowners of the area. He had a huge contribution in developing the agricultural community of the area, and the place was named after him. Marshall Atwater was a wheat farmer whose land was used by the railroad for its station. The railroad reached Atwater in the 1870s, and then a town began to grow. The first post office opened in 1880. Two of the other influences on the area include Highway 99 and the Castle Air Force Base, which was set up in 1941 as an aircrew training facility by the US Army. The City of Atwater was incorporated in 1922.

Visitors to the City learn about the history of this City by visiting the Castle Air Museum or the Bloss House Museum. There are quite a few churches around the City that have retained their old-world charm.

People also visit several parks including Heller Park, the Andy Albiani Park, the E. L. Walters Park or the Atwater Memorial Ballpark, all of which offer excellent entertainment opportunities for adults and kids alike.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 2

1.1.4 Economy
The City of Atwater’s vision is to be a vibrant and progressive community that provides economic opportunity and prosperity for all residents, while maintaining its “small town” friendliness, livability and safety. Traditionally, the City of Atwater has attracted agricultural‐based industries and has relied on these types of industries for employment. A number of major events have occurred within Atwater itself and the reason that led to a need to take a comprehensive look at the community. Some of the events that impacted the area included the closure of Castle Air Force Base as a military facility and its conversion to civilian uses and development; the development of a prison facility just northeast of Castle Airport; the selection of a site for a new UC campus northeast of Merced near Lake Yosemite; plans to develop a University Access System that will link Atwater and the City of Merced to the University; and, plans to construct a new interchange at the intersection of Highway 99 and Westside Boulevard. Some of these events provided opportunities while others impacted the economic foundation of the City.

Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Atwater are shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 City of Atwater Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Atwater
Families below Poverty Level (%) 18.5%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 20.7%
Median Family Income $58,584
Median Household Income $55,674
Per Capita Income $22,157
Population in Labor Force 63.4%
Population Employed* 56.2%
Unemployment** 11.2%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
*Excludes armed forces. **Does not reflect unemployment numbers due to COVID-19 Pandemic The most common industries within a five-mile radius of Atwater are educational services and health care (a combined average of 19.6 percent of workers). Many other industries include food, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, construction, accommodation and food services, and public administration. Atwater is also the home of one of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a large employer in the City with over 100 employees and approximately 1,600 prisoners. The tables below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey.

Table 1-2 City of Atwater Employment by Industry, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 3,118 26% Retail trade 1,516 13%
Manufacturing 1,509 13%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 1,316 11% Construction 713 6%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services
713 6%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 668 6%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 623 5% Public administration 539 5%

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 3 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Other services, except public administration 496 4%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
467 4%
Wholesale trade 343 3%
Information 64 1%
Total 12,085 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces
Table 1-3 City of Atwater Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 2,863 23.7% Service occupations 2,288 18.9%
Sales and office occupations 2,447 20.2%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 2,299 19.0% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 2,188 18.1% Total 12,085 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

1.1.5 Population
In May 2020, the State Department of Finance released preliminary population data for the state demographic report, the estimates did not include potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report the City of Atwater has a population of 31,378 persons as of January 1, 2020, and gained 8 residents from the previous year, leaving the population statically the same. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Atwater from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and the California Department of Finance, are shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 City of Atwater Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Atwater
Gender/Age
Male 49.3%
Female 50.7%
Median age (years) 31.6
Under 5 years 8.1%
Under 18 years 29.8%
65 years and over 11.5%
Race/Ethnicity
White 32.5%
Asian 4.5%
Black or African American 3.8%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.3%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 56.5%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.1%

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 4 Characteristic City of Atwater
Some other race 0.0%
Two or more races 2.1%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 73.2%
% with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 14.0%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 13.6%
% Language other than English spoken at
home 46.0%
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 16.5%
% of households with a computer with
internet use 87.2%
% of households with no vehicle available 5.8%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
* Population 25 years and over
The following table with information from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2015-2019) is related to housing occupancy in the City of Atwater
Table 1-5 City of Atwater Housing Occupancy and Units, 2015-2019 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 9,577 100%
Units Occupied 9,161 95.7%
Vacant 416 4.3%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 6,589 68.8%
1-unit attached 350 3.7%
2 units 610 6.4%
3 or 4 units 700 7.3%
5-9 units 374 3.9%
10-19 units 207 2.2%
20 or more units 111 1.2%
Mobile Home 636 6.6%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0%
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 4,815 52.6%
Renter Occupied 4,346 47.4%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.6 Development Trends
Atwater has long been recognized for its friendly small-town atmosphere, which is a valued characteristic that is desirable to maintain. In order to maintain a sustainable community, it must find a way to attract a variety of industries, local and region serving commercial development, and provide housing

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 5 opportunities that will appeal to all demographic categories ranging from university students and faculty to retirees and young families. In order to achieve these objectives, the General Plan focuses on a number of basic themes that are reflected in goals and policies.

Some parts of Atwater have changed substantially since the last General Plan update in 2000. The City identified four primary growth areas and a new proposed Sphere of Influence, as shown in Figure 2-1, designed to meet both short- and long-term development demands. Land use designations applied in these growth areas were designed to accommodate a variety of employment generating uses, small- and large-scale commercial development, and provide a broad range of housing opportunities for existing and future residents.

Atwater is surrounded by small unincorporated communities including Winton to the north, FranklinBeachwood to the east, and directly south of the City is the McSwain area. One goal of the plan was to establish agreements with the City and County of Merced that ensures the establishment and maintenance of long-term agricultural and open space buffers between the referenced communities. The General Plan also identifies the goal to improve the entrance points into the City. In doing so, the City will enhance the view of Atwater from Highway 99 and along the City corridor. Throughout the City, enhanced landscape and design standards are encouraged to improve the appearance and quality of both newly developed and redeveloped areas.

The Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) creates population projections for all jurisdictions in Merced County. Based on MCAG’s projections, the City of Atwater was expected to a population of 40,000 in 2020.

The table below summarizes the estimates of the number of housing units, population, nonresidential square footage development, and acres of different land uses at build‐out of the 2000 General Plan. The 2000 General Plan provides the opportunity for up to 20,000 additional residents in areas at build out. The General Plan plans for new jobs in commercial retail, commercial services, light industrial, manufacturing, public services, and other employment uses.

The City approved a large amount of development in the 2000 General Plan and other plans and projects, such as the Applegate Business Park and the Castle Airport Aviation and Development Center.

Build out estimates are not official growth projections and do not represent City policy. Actual population, square footage, or number of dwelling units could be lower or higher than these estimates based on a number of factors. Build out may vary overall or within individual land use designations due to:
● The need to preserve the agricultural base, grazing lands, and other types of open space; ● Infrastructure availability, including transportation facilities, public services, and facilities; ● The need to limit development due to flood risk, fire risk, geologic and soils constraints, presence of habitat and biological resources, and presence of other important natural resources; and ● Other factors, as described in the General Plan, community plans, specific plans, and City codes and ordinances.

The City has developed estimates of average density and intensity to use in calculating 2000 General Plan build out land use. The City has based build out estimates on past recorded development activity, recent development plan submittals, regional and statewide population and employment growth forecasts, and other factors.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 6 Figure 1-1 Residential Land Uses
Source: General Plan, Land Use
In 1976, Atwater Redevelopment Agency was created. The Agency is a tool to assist in the elimination of blighting conditions within the Project Area, and it seeks to ensure that the City’s economic base will grow and remain healthy through the provision of new public improvements, commercial and industrial development, and affordable housing. The Project Area outlined in the General Plan is approximately 806 acres in size and consists of the downtown commercial core, the Applegate Business Park, the Atwater Business Park, two public parks, and several residential neighborhoods. The goals of Atwater Redevelopment Agency (now Community Development) according to the City’s General Plan are as follows:
● Improve the existing infrastructure supporting the Project Area ● Eliminate or mitigate other existing blighting conditions ● Ensure and maintain an attractive, viable downtown Business District which provides economic incentives that create new job opportunities
● Encourage and assist industrial and commercial development to ensure adequate job opportunities, a stable tax base in the community, and new investments in the Project Area During the 2021 planning process the Planning Team noted the following development trends since the adoption of the 2014 MJHMP: Three-story projects are being constructed in the City but with the City’s foresight in purchasing of an aerial apparatus some of the vulnerability concerns are alleviated. Also adopting current Code volumes (2019) is assisting with staying up to date with current hazard mitigation.

The City also approved a 359-acre land development project in 2017 referred to as the Ferrari Project, which required annexation into the City and the development of a commercial/business park, hospital, medical offices, and other related infrastructure.

The areas located in the Sphere of Influence (SOI) shown in Figure 2-1 are areas each City plans to grow into and potentially slated for future development. Understanding the potential hazard exposure in the area can help to mitigate the impacts of events before development occurs in those areas. During this

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 7 plan update process parcel analysis was conducted using the SOI and overlaid with available hazard risk layers to determine where future development may be at risk of natural hazard events. The results of the analysis have been integrated into the applicable hazard sections: dam, flood and wildfire. Table 1-6 is the summary of the SOI total exposure for the City of Atwater.

Table 1-6 Sphere of Influence Total Exposure Summary
Property Type Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value
Agricultural 194 273 $33,415,022 $33,415,022 $66,830,044 Commercial 13 21 $4,838,011 $4,838,011 $9,676,022
Exempt 11 13 $3,064,153 $3,064,153 $6,128,306
Industrial 11 32 $28,834,491 $43,251,737 $72,086,228
Mixed Use 2 2 $14,811 $7,406 $22,217
Residential 444 496 $80,208,808 $40,104,404 $120,313,212 Total 675 837 $150,375,296 $124,680,732 $275,056,028
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Atwater 2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Atwater LPT identified the hazards that affect the City and summarized their frequency of occurrence, spatial extent, potential magnitude, and significance specific to their community (see Table 2-1). There are no hazards that are unique to Atwater. The overall hazard significance takes into account the geographic area, probability and magnitude as a way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes. This is discussed further in the Vulnerability Assessment Section.

Table 2-1 City of Atwater —Hazard Profiles
Hazard Geographic Area
Probability of
Future
Occurrence
Magnitude/
Severity
Overall
Significance
Agriculture Pests and
Disease Extensive Likely Critical Medium
Dam Incidents Limited Occasional Limited Medium
Drought Extensive Likely Limited Medium
Earthquake Extensive Occasional Critical Medium
Flood and Levee Failure Extensive Likely Critical Medium Severe Weather: Dense Fog,
Freeze, Heat, Heavy Rain,
High Wind/Tornado
Extensive Highly Likely Critical Medium
Wildfire Significant Highly Likely Negligible Medium

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 8 Hazard Geographic Area
Probability of
Future
Occurrence
Magnitude/
Severity
Overall
Significance
Geographic Area
Limited: Less than 10% of planning area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Probability of Future Occurrences
Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of occurrence in
next year or happens every year.

Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of
occurrence in next year or has a recurrence
interval of 10 years or less.

Occasional: Between 1 and 10% chance of
occurrence in the next year or has a recurrence
interval of 11 to 100 years.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of occurrence in
next 100 years or has a recurrence interval of
greater than every 100 years.

Magnitude/Severity (Extent)
Catastrophic—More than 50 percent of property severely
damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than 30 days;
and/or multiple deaths
Critical—25-50 percent of property severely damaged;
shutdown of facilities for at least two weeks; and/or
injuries and/or illnesses result in permanent disability Limited—10-25 percent of property severely damaged;
shutdown of facilities for more than a week; and/or
injuries/illnesses treatable do not result in permanent disability
Negligible—Less than 10 percent of property severely
damaged, shutdown of facilities and services for less than 24 hours; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable with first aid Significance
Low: minimal potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Atwater’s vulnerability that is separate from that of the planning area as a whole, which has already been assessed in Section 4 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of medium or high significance that may vary from other parts of the planning area.

The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on a combination of the previous MJHMP for the City and County and jurisdiction specific information collected during the 2021 update. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during update process in 2021. Information collected was analyzed and summarized in order to identify and rank all the hazards that could impact anywhere within the County, as well as to rank the hazards and identify the related vulnerabilities unique to each jurisdiction.

Each participating jurisdiction was in support of the main hazard summary identified in the Base Plan (see Table 4-2). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex may vary due to specific hazard risk and vulnerabilities unique to that jurisdiction. The information in this annex helps differentiate the jurisdiction’s risk and vulnerabilities from that of the overall County.

Note: The hazard “Significance” reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City of Atwater’s Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

The hazard summaries in Table 2-1 above reflect the hazards that could potentially affect City. The discussion of vulnerability for each of the following hazards is located in Section 2.3 Estimating Potential Losses. Based on this analysis, the priority hazards (all of Medium Significance) for the City of Atwater are identified below.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 9 ● Agricultural Pests and Disease
● Dam Incidents
● Drought
● Earthquake
● Flood and Levee Failure
● Severe Weather: Dense Fog, Freeze, Extreme Heat, Heavy Rain, High Wind/Tornado ● Wildfire
Drought, Agricultural Pests and Disease, and Severe Weather hazards are not addressed in this vulnerability assessment as the exposure is similar to the overall County exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Atwater.

Other Hazards
Hazards assigned a significance rating of Low and which do not differ significantly from the County ranking (e.g., Low vs. High) are not addressed further in this plan and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this section. In the City of Atwater, those hazards include: subsidence, hazardous materials incidents, and cyber attacks.

Additionally, the City’s committee members decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence.

2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Atwater’s assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

2.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the Merced County 2020 Parcel and Assessor data. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the City as the information has some limitations. The most significant limitation is created by Proposition 13. Instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs. As a result, overall value information is likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties. It is also important to note that in the event of a disaster, it is generally the value of the infrastructure or improvements to the land that is of concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a loss and is not included in the values below. Table 2-2 shows the exposure of properties (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City Atwater.

Table 2-2 City of Atwater Property Exposure by Type
Property
Type
Parcel
Count
Building
Count Improved Value Content Value Total Value
Agricultural 4 4 $294,019 $294,019 $588,038
Commercial 254 941 $187,232,236 $187,232,236 $374,464,472 Exempt 77 150 $14,001,651 $14,001,651 $28,003,302
Industrial 48 48 $28,819,757 $43,229,636 $72,049,393
Mixed Use 6 6 $236,330 $236,330 $472,660
Residential 7,229 8,489 $1,159,329,319 $579,664,660 $1,738,993,979 Vacant Land 16 16 $1,463,486 $1,463,486 $2,926,972

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 10 Total 7,634 9,654 $1,391,376,798 $826,122,017 $2,217,498,815 Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

2.2.2 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
For the purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either during the response to an emergency or during the recovery operation. FEMA sorts critical facilities into seven lifeline categories as shown in Figure 4-1 in the Base Plan.

Table 2-3 shows a summary of the critical facilities analysis. critical facilities and other community assets as important to protect in the event of a disaster. Within the City of Atwater, the following are considered critical facilities:
● Atwater Fire Department Stations (Stations #41 & 42)
● Atwater Police Department building
● Atwater City Hall (co-located with Police Department) ● Merced County Fire Department Stations 82 (Atwater) and 88 (Winton) ● Water supply lines and wells
● Wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, and trunk lines ● Major electrical transmission lines and substations
● Major communication lines and microwave transmission facilities ● Federal Prison and major railways
● Castle Airport Aviation and Development Center (CAADC) ­ Academy
­ Airport
­ Aviation
­ EOC
­ Fire
­ Fuel
­ Sheriff
­ Water Facilities/Utilities/Sewer/Communications/Lightning ● Castle Air Museum
● Veteran’s Memorial, Veterans Services
● Animal shelter
● Public Library
● Atwater CLEO
● Laboratories (Bess Test Labs, Castle Analytical Lab)
Critical facilities also include major roadways which may serve as principal evacuation routes. The table that follows lists the critical facilities and other community assets identified by the county’s Planning Team as important to protect in the event of a disaster.

There are also several designated shelters in Atwater for use in an emergency event including the Veterans Memorial Building, recreation centers/parks, high school gyms and school cafeterias.

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
The following historical resources are located in the City of Atwater:
● Bloss Mansion – National Register (listed 9/3/1981) and Point of Interest (listed 3/15/1974)

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 11 Natural resources are important to include in benefit-cost analyses for future projects and may be used to leverage additional funding for projects that also contribute to community goals for protecting sensitive natural resources. Awareness of natural assets can lead to opportunities for meeting multiple objectives.

For instance, protecting wetlands areas protects sensitive habitat as well as attenuates and stores floodwaters.

2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Dam Incidents
Protection from flood hazards created by dam failures is critical to the safety and well- being of Atwater residents. A failure of one of the dams operated by the Merced Irrigation District (MID) that generate electricity could affect supply to the CAADC site, within which the Castle Medical Center is located. Should more of the City choose MID as its electricity supplier and distributor, those customers would likewise be affected.

A dam vulnerability assessment was completed during the 2021 update, following the methodology described in Section 4 of the Base Plan. Dam inundation areas from the New Exchequer and Yosemite dams with the City of Atwater are shown in Figure 2-1 and Table 2-3 and Table 2-4 summarize the values at risk within each inundation area, respectively. Not represented in the mapping is inundation from the Castle Dam, a high hazard dam to the northeast of the City, which likely poses the greatest risk. Both the New Exchequer and Yosemite dam are rated as high hazard. Yosemite dam is also rated as Extremely High by the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams. Extremely High rated dams are expected to cause considerable loss of human life or result in an inundation area with a population of 1,000 or more. Areas of future development, located within the City’s Sphere of Influence are most vulnerable to dam inundation events, as noted in Table 2-5 and Table 2-6. One critical facility, categorized as a Transportation Lifeline, is located within a dam inundation area.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 12 Figure 2-1 City of Atwater Potential Dam Inundation Areas (except for Castle Dam)

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 13 Table 2-3 New Exchequer Dam Inundation
Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count
Residential 37 37
Total 37 37
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor’s Office Table 2-4 Yosemite Dam Inundation
Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count Population Commercial 1 2
Residential 20 21 67
Total 21 23 67
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor’s Office Future Development
The results of the sphere of influence and dam analysis are shown in and Table 2-5 and Table 2-6.

Table 2-5 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to New Exchequer Inundation Property
Type
Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count Population
Agricultural 8 10
Residential 2 2 7
Total 10 12 7
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Atwater Table 2-6 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to Yosemite Dam Inundation Property
Type
Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count Population
Agricultural 4 4
Commercial 3 3
Exempt 1 1
Residential 34 36 120
Total 42 44 120
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Atwater

2.3.2 Earthquake
The City of Atwater and surrounding areas historical earthquake activity is below California’s state average. No known faults are located in the Atwater area. The nearest known fault is the Kings Canyon Lineament, approximately 10 miles south of Atwater, however geological evidence would show this fault is not active. There is no record of any seismic activity originating within the City; however, the County of Merced has been shaken by earthquakes originating elsewhere. There is documented evidence of six earthquakes that shook the area, those of 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989. Major damage occurred in Atwater in 1906, with minor damage recorded throughout the county from other occurrences.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M 6.0 have been recorded in the City of Atwater or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 14 Merced County, and the City of Atwater, was 16 miles east north-east of King City at a magnitude of 5.3 on October 20, 2012. Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including a M3.1 aftershock. This quake was preceded by two earthquakes located approximately 100 miles from Merced County, the 1982 New Idria earthquake (M5.4) and the 1983 Coalinga quake (M6.5). There was low level ground shaking reported.

Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for Merced County and the City of Atwater, due to the proximity to the San Andreas Fault, and the history of shaking with no surface rupture, means the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Atwater is considered as occasional. Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.3 Flood and Levee Failure
The primary types of flood events in Merced County that may impact the City of Atwater are riverine and urban. Flooding could also occur as a result of dam failure, however, there is no evidence to indicate that flooding due to dam failure is likely. Regardless of the type of flood, the cause is often the result of severe weather and excessive rainfall, either in the flood area, upstream, or from winter snowmelt.

Areas in the eastern part of the City of Atwater have been determined to be in the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area or 100-year floodplain. The physical risks associated with potential flooding and the regulatory requirements for floodplain management are important considerations when decisions are being made regarding future land use throughout the City of Atwater. Most of Atwater lies outside the 100-year floodplain designated by FEMA. Based on the history of flooding in the County of Merced, the City of Atwater and surrounding areas are considered likely to have the hazard potential for future flooding.

A flood vulnerability assessment was completed during the 2021 update, following the methodology described in Section 4 of the Base Plan. Flood hazards for the City of Atwater are shown in Figure 2-2 and Table 2-7 summarize the values at risk in the City’s 100-year floodplain, respectively. These tables also detail loss estimates for each flood.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 15 Figure 2-2 City of Atwater 100-year floodplain

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 16 Table 2-7 City of Atwater FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by Property Type Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value Estimated
Loss Population
Commercial 4 8 $446,109 $446,109 $892,218 $223,055
Exempt 7 7 $0 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 1 1 $16,651 $24,977 $41,628 $10,407
Residential 342 344 $87,919,330 $43,959,665 $131,878,995 $32,969,749 1,094 Total 354 360 $88,382,090 $44,430,751 $132,812,841 $33,203,210 1,094 Source: Merced County Assessor’s Office; National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 12/2/2008; FEMA; Wood analysis Based on this analysis, the City of Atwater has 354 improved parcels located within the 100-year floodplain for a total value of over $132 million. The potential loss is estimated at $33 million if these areas were inundated by the 1% annual chance flood. No parcels were found to be located in within the 500-year floodplain. Population at risk was calculated for the 100-year based on the number of residential properties at risk and the average number of persons per household (3.32). There is an estimated 1,094 persons at risk to flooding in the City of Atwater.

Critical Facilities at Risk
Critical facilities are those community components that are most needed to withstand the impacts of disaster as previously described. Table 2-8 lists the critical facilities in the City’s 100-year floodplains and Figure 2-3 shows the location of the critical facilities. There are a total of 10 facilities potentially exposed to a 1% annual chance flood events, including the Station 42 of the Atwater City Fire Department (categorized as Safety and Security). The impact to the community could be great if any of these facilities are damaged or destroyed during a flood event.

Table 2-8 Critical Facilities at risk of 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by FEMA Lifeline FEMA Lifeline Count
Communications 2
Energy 2
Food, Water, Shelter 1
Safety and Security 1
Transportation 4
Total 10
Source: HIFLD, FEMA NFHL