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Review the December 27, 2024, Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to the December 2024 Winter Storms; and Adopt a resolution confirming the need for continuing the Local Emergency
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Review the December 27, 2024 Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to the December 2024 Winter Storms; and
2. Adopt a resolution confirming the need for continuing the Local Emergency.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On December 21, 2024, Assistant County Administrator, Ian Goldberg, acting as the Director of Emergency Services, proclaimed a local emergency in response to conditions caused by the December 2024 Winter Storms, which began on December 13, 2024 with King Tides. These events created a significant threat to the lives and property of county residents, and/or the environment in Solano County. The Board of Supervisors ratified the Proclamation of Local Emergency at a special meeting on December 27, 2024.
Since the initial proclamation of local emergency, the County has experienced continued storm activity, further complicating recovery efforts. Soil saturation continues to be a concern, and the levee system faces ongoing risk. Reclamation Districts have continued temporary mitigation measures, such as placing plastic sheeting and sandbags over the levee crown to prevent further erosion. Damages may include, but are not limited to, levee slips, seepage, erosion, wave wash, cracks, and breach(es). However, the full extent of damages will not be known until after the winter season ends, and crews can better assess damages and implement repairs.
Pursuant to California Government Code section 8630, the Board is required to review the Proclamation and approve its continuance, at least once every 60 days, until such time as conditions warrant terminating the local emergency. Staff will return to the Board at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant to terminate the local emergency.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no additional financial impact to the County by continuing the Local Emergency Proclamation; however, without it, the County and Reclamation Districts could be ineligible for State and/or Federal assistance if funding for this event becomes available. The County and Reclamation Districts have requested recovery assistance from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
Solano County Office of Emergency Services (Solano OES) continues to support reclamation districts by providing flood fight materials from its existing supply, as requested. Any additional costs would arise from the replenishment of these materials to maintain readiness throughout the wet season and ensure ongoing support to the Solano Operational Area.
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to continue the proclamation and terminate the local emergency; however, with the full extent of damages unknown at this time, this alternative is not recommended, as terminating the proclamation could jeopardize the County and Reclamation Districts’ eligibility to receive State and/or Federal assistance or limit the amount of assistance.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Solano OES, Solano County Resource Management, and the County Administrator’s Office have coordinated recovery efforts with Cal OES and the California Department of Water Resources and will provide updates to the Board as appropriate while recover efforts continue.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION