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CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: JANUARY 10, 2023
DEPARTMENT: OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
FROM: CHRISTOPHER A. CALLIHAN, CITY ATTORNEY
PATRICIA M. BARAJAS, CITY CLERK
TITLE: RATIFICATION OF PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
RECOMMENDATION MOTION:
A motion ratifying the Director of Emergency Services’ Proclamation of a Local Emergency, first declared on January 4, 2023, due to the winter storm/atmospheric river that occurred on January 4 and 5, 2023, and finding that the emergency has abated because the actual and threatened conditions that led to the emergency no longer exist.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On January 4, 2023, pursuant to Salinas Municipal Code section 11A-6, the City Manager, acting as the Dir ector of Emergency Services, issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency due to the severe winter storm/atmospheric river that occurred on January 4 through January 5, 2023. A copy of the Proclamation is attached to this Report for reference. Pursuant to sect ion 11A-6, the City Council must ratify the Proclamation within seven days of its issuance and because the conditions that led to the issuance of the Proclamation no longer exist, the City Council is also asked to find that the emergency no longer exists.
DISCUSSION:
On January 3, 2023, the National Weather Services issued a Flood Watch for Monterey County in effect from late Tuesday (January 3, 2023) to Thursday (January 5, 2023) afternoon. The National Weather Services predicted severe rainfall and associated flooding, among other perils: “A potent Pacific storm will bring substantial rainfal l to the Bay Area and Monterey Bay Region on top of already saturated soils. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. As a result, [residents are encouraged to] look for rapid rises in area creeks, streams, and rivers. In addition, strong gusty winds will bring branches and trees down, which may cause localized damming of water ways.” Similarly, the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services issues a local proclamation and placed a Flood Watch in effect from January 4, 2023, at 4:00 A.M. until January 5, 2023, at 4:00 Page | 2
P.M. and issued a High Wind Warning to be in effect from January 4, 2023, at 4:00 A.M. until January 5, 2023, at 10:00 A.M.
As a result of these conditions, the Director of Emergency Services found that conditions and threatened conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons or property existed within the city of Salinas, caused by the January 4 and 5, 2023, winter storm/ atmospheric river. Based on his findings, and because the City Council was not then in session, the Director issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency which allowed him to take certain actions, as necessary, to protect the City and its residents and businesses from the effects of the emergency. The Director’s Proclamation also allows the City to recover its costs associated with mitigating the impacts and the effects of the emergency . Once the City Council determines the emergency has ended, the Director’s emergency powers will also come to an end.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
The City Council’s review and acknowledgement of the need for continuing the local emergency is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). (CEQA Guidelines section 15378)
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The City Council’s acknowledgement of the continued existence of a local emergency supports the City Council’s goal of Public Safety.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The City Council’s ratification of the Proclamation of Local Emergency does not have a direct fiscal impact on the City, but will allow the City to recover its own costs in responding to the emergency.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION
All of the City’s departments coordinated in the City’s response to the January 4-5, 2023, winter storm/atmospheric river emergency.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proclamation of Local Emergency