REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to amend Resolution 21-8989, “Proclamation of a Local Emergency Due to Extreme Drought Conditions in the City of Santa Clara” to Restrict Outdoor Watering to a Maximum of Two (2) Days per Week to Address the Severe Drought Emergency.
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote Sustainability and Environmental Protection
BACKGROUND
California is in the third year of a drought and has had a record dry period for January and February 2022 with March seeing minimal amounts of rain as the climate continues to change. Many of the State’s reservoirs are below average levels and as a result the State Water Project is projected to substantially reduce anticipated deliveries to wholesale agencies like Valley Water. In response to the Governor’s Order of March 28, 2022 and the extreme and expanding drought conditions and in recognition of actions taken by the City’s water supply partners, the City Manager, in her role as Director of Emergency Services, acted on July 12, 2021 to proclaim that the City of Santa Clara was in emergency drought conditions. Section 2.140.060 of the City Municipal Code requires that the City Council take action within seven (7) days to ratify such action. Council took action on July 13, 2021 to approve the emergency declaration and to implement actions that encourage and achieve water conservation as outlined in Stage 2 of the City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan approved on June 22, 2021, as part of the City’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan <https://www.santaclaraca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/74073/637606452907100000>.
DISCUSSION
The City Water & Sewer Utilities Department proposes to reduce the current three (3) days per week outdoor watering restriction to two (2) days per week in accordance with Stage 2 of the City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan to further reduce City water use. The reduction of watering days will assist with meeting our conservation goals to reduce water consumption by 15%.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed action has no fiscal impact beyond the cost of staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Amend Resolution 21-8989, to Restrict Outdoor Watering to a Maximum of Two (2) Days per Week to Address the Severe Drought Emergency.
2. Do Not Amend Resolution 21-8989 and Leave in Place a Maximum of Three (3) Day per Week Outdoor Watering Restriction.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1: Amend Resolution 21-8989 “Proclamation of a Local Emergency Due to Extreme Drought Conditions in the City of Santa Clara” to Restrict Outdoor Watering to a Maximum of Two (2) Days per Week to Address the Severe Drought Emergency.
Staff
Reviewed by: Gary Welling, Director, Water & Sewer Utilities
Approved by: Office of the City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Resolution Amending Resolution No. 21-8989
2. Resolution No. 21-8989