CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
March 19, 2024 {{section.number}}{{item.number}}
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TERMINATING THE LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO THE JANUARY 22, 2024 STORM
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider adoption of the resolution terminating the local emergency due to the storm event of January 22, 2024 (Attachment 1).
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. 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.
The California Emergency Services Act, including but not limited to Government Code section 8630 and Coronado Municipal Code Chapter 2.50, empower the City Council to proclaim the existence or threat of a local emergency. On January 22, 2024, the City Manager acting in her capacity as Director of Emergency Services declared a local emergency due to the severe storm.
On January 29, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-07, ratifying and continuing the disaster declaration (Attachment 2).
Both the Governor of California and the President of the United States declared the existence of a disaster in the San Diego region as a result of the January 22, 2024 storm, which provides access to state and federal resources.
ANALYSIS:
Government Code section 8630 requires governing bodies to evaluate the need for continuing the local emergency every 60 days, and as conditions warrant, to continue or terminate the local emergency.
The City of Coronado experienced three consecutive storm systems from late January to February 2024 that damaged public infrastructure and private residences and businesses. While repair and restoration from those storms is ongoing, the immediate life safety and risk to persons and property has abated. Mutual aid is no longer needed. The City properly filed documentation with Cal-OES, FEMA and insurance providers and is the process of applying for reimbursements.
Continuation of a local emergency from the January 22, 2024 storm is no longer warranted. Adoption of the attached Resolution will terminate the local emergency.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact related to the adoption of the resolution.
ALTERNATIVE:
Do not adopt the resolution or provide direction as needed.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not a project under CEQA.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 2024-14
2. Resolution No. 2024-07
Submitted By: City Clerk's Office / Kelsea Holian