CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
January 29, 2024 {{section.number}}{{item.number}}
RESOLUTION TO RATIFY AND EXTEND A LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION IN THE
CITY OF CORONADO DUE TO THE SEVERE RAIN, FLOODING AND DAMAGE FROM THE STORM OF JANUARY 22, 2024
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the Resolution to ratify and extend the Director of Emergency Service’s Declaration of a Local Emergency due to the severe rain, flooding and damage from the storm of January 22, 2024.
BACKGROUND:
On the morning of January 22, 2024, a rainstorm of extreme and unpredicted severity struck the City of Coronado and other areas of San Diego County. Coronado received a historic 4.25 inches of rain. The storm dropped hundreds of millions of gallons of rainwater on Coronado in just a few hours. This tremendous volume of rain, coupled with the higher tide inundated the storm drain system and extensive flooding occurred across the City.
Flooding overtook streets, entering homes and businesses and created dangerous conditions.
Cars stalled in submerged street intersections and water levels rose to impassability. Public safety officials worked to protect life and property, effecting several rescues from vehicles and homes.
The Parker Pump Station, which propels stormwater and wastewater from the northwest portion of the City, was overwhelmed by the storm events and was rendered inoperable. This prompted the loss of sewer services to hundreds of homes and sunk a section of Eighth Street and adjacent streets underwater.
Downtown businesses were affected with floodwaters entering and fouling interiors. City Facilities were damaged by the rain and flooding, prompting the ongoing closures of several facilities.
ANALYSIS:
On the night of January 22, 2024, the City Manager, acting in the capacity as Director of the Emergency Services, proclaimed a local emergency due to the conditions of extreme peril and substantial damage throughout the City. Under state law this emergency declaration will expire within seven (7) days of issuance unless ratified by the City Council.
Given the ongoing conditions of damage and risk of peril with future storm systems as the city recovers from the severe January 22nd storm, the City Council is recommended to ratify and extend the Declaration of a Local Emergency.
Maintaining the State of Emergency allows the City to obtain needed resources more quickly and is a prerequisite for state and federal assistance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Declaring the State of Emergency allows state and federal assistance to be granted to the City of Coronado.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council may choose to not ratify and extend the emergency declaration in which case the State of Emergency would terminate on January 29, 2024.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not Applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 2024-07
Submitted By: City Clerk's Office / Kelsea Holian