Report Prepared by: Stephanie R. Dietz, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution 2023-08 Confirming the Existence of a Local Emergency Within the Territorial Limits of the City of Merced as Proclaimed by the Director of Emergency Services on January 7, 2023 and Again on January 14, 2023 Pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 8.20.070
REPORT IN BRIEF
Asking the City Council to Declare a State of Emergency Due to Severe Storms and Potential Flooding.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2023-08, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, confirming the existence of a local emergency
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code Section 8.20.070
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2022/2023 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
On Wednesday morning, January 4, 2023, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to several powerful storms expected to hit California. On Wednesday afternoon, Merced County activated the Merced County Emergency Operations Center as a precautionary measure.
A heavy storm hit Merced on Saturday, January 7, 2023, and was expected to continue through Tuesday, January 10, 2023. This storm was predicted to cause local creeks levels to rise past flood stage. To this extent, the City of Merced Director of Emergency Services, Stephanie Dietz, declared a local emergency and activated the City’s emergency operation center (EOC). EOC Staff began to hold daily planning and operational meetings with all City departments and local cooperators, such as Merced County, Merced Irrigation District, and Merced School Districts.
The original declaration expired on January 14, 2023 at 1PM. Continued impacts and repercussions from the last storm and continuing storms, the Director of Emergency Services issued a second declaration emergency proclamation. The EOC staff is continuing holding daily planning and operational meetings with all City departments and local cooperators and monitoring the storm activities.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Any costs incurred or needed due to the emergency will be gathered and reported to the City Council in conjunction with any funding and/or appropriation request at a future City Council meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of Local Emergency
2. 2nd Proclamation of Local Emergency
3. Resolution 2023-08