REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  February  19, 2019
CATEGORY:  BOARD MATTERS-1.

SUBJECT:

Ratification of Local Emergency Proclamation: February 2019 Winter Storms   

Supervisorial District No. :  All

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Eric Magrini, Undersheriff 530-245-6167

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Mike Lindsey, Chief Fiscal Officer

RECOMMENDATION

Adopt a resolution which ratifies the Shasta County Director of Emergency Services' February 13, 2019 proclamation of a local emergency due to the February 2019 winter storms, subject to the requirements of and in accordance with Government Code Section 8630.

SUMMARY

N/A

DISCUSSION

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 8630, a proclamation of local emergency made by the Director of Emergency Services shall not remain in effect for a period in excess of seven days unless it has been ratified by the Board of Supervisors. The recommended action will ratify the Director of Emergency Services' February 13, 2019 proclamation of such local emergency.

A storm event arrived in the County of Shasta on February 12, 2019 causing conditions to be beyond the immediate control of local resources, services, personnel, equipment, and facilities.  These winter storms have brought heavy snowfall to all areas of Shasta County, including areas of the valley floor. The amount of snowfall recorded in Redding has not been seen at this level in 50 years and other areas of the county have recorded significant snowfall levels. These winter storms have downed trees, limbs and power poles, as well as damaged critical infrastructure to include loss of power throughout many areas of the county and interruption of radio repeaters for first responders. Potential damage exists to roadways and other infrastructure, however not all areas have been assessed.

The current forecast calls for continued storms and snow transitioning to rain which will further exacerbate the damage and increase the difficulty of recovery efforts. As rains continue to fall, combined with snow melt, there is great potential for local flooding and mud slides especially in the areas scarred by the Carr, Delta, and Hirz Fires. With high winds and heavy rain forecast the potential for additional damage to areas of Shasta County, including roadways and other infrastructure, is very high.

Due to these events and weather conditions, a local emergency was proclaimed on February 13, 2019 and it is recommended that the Board of Supervisors ratify this proclamation and continue the declaration until such time that the threat of these storms has subsided as there continues to be an elevated risk to life and property at this time.

ALTERNATIVES

There are no recommended alternatives.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

Other agency involvement has included but is not limited to, the Shasta County Department of Public Works, Shasta County Resource Management, Shasta County Fire/CAL FIRE, California Highway Patrol, Redding Police Department, Redding Fire Department, California Office of Emergency Services, California Department of Transportation, Anderson Police Department, County Counsel, Shasta County Administration, and the Shasta County Board of Supervisors.

FINANCING

Revealing all the related damages will take time so this incident is ongoing and costs/cost estimates have not been established. Staff will pursue all available options for cost recovery if such options are available; however, it is anticipated that there will be an impact to the General Fund due to the amount of County resources committed and the high potential for continued application of local resources.