Agenda Item Wording:
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Continue Resolution 2023-05, ratified by Visalia City Council on March 20, 2023 proclaiming the local emergency that was declared on March 13, 2023, due to the threatened existence of conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within said city caused by excessive past and expected rainfall and snowfall, resulting in uncontrolled waters coming from local rivers and streams.
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Deadline for Action: 6/5/2023
Submitting Department: Fire Department
Contact Name and Phone Number: Dan Griswold, Fire Chief
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends City Council continue Resolution 2023-05 proclaiming the local emergency that was declared on March 13, 2023, due to unprecedented snowpack in the Sierras and the potential impact to Visalia's waterways of the subsequent snowmelt.
Background Discussion:
City Staff attended a meeting with the Department of Water Resources on Friday, March 24, 2023. Information from the meeting confirmed record levels of snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The impacts of the snowmelt resulting from this record amount of snowpack are not clear. Given the uncertainty of how this record snowmelt could affect Visalia's waterways, Staff is recommending the 60-day continuance of the emergency declaration. Staff continues to monitor Kaweah Reservoir levels as well as the waterways within the City of Visalia in coordination with local, state, and federal water resource agencies.
To continue the resolution, Council must act upon the original Resolution every 60 days or less.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Prior Council Action: On March 13, 2023 the City of Visalia declared a local state of emergency for this flood event. The March 13 declaration was confirmed by City Council on March 20, 2023.
Other: None
Alternatives: City Council can decide not to continue Resolution 2023-05.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected...
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