REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Note and File the 2021 Evaluation Report of the Hazard Mitigation Plan
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara’s Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) was adopted by the City Council on December 19, 2017 as Annex L of the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determined Volume 2 of the HMP to also be the City’s Floodplain Management Plan during the 2018 audit of the City’s National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). Consequently, an Annual Evaluation of the HMP is required by FEMA as part of their annual audit of the City’s CRS.
The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. Flood insurance premium rates for residents and businesses are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk. The City is currently designated as CRS Class 7, which means the City’s residents and businesses in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) are eligible for a 15% insurance premium discount, and others in the City not in a SFHA are eligible for a 5% insurance premium discount.
DISCUSSION
The Evaluation Report of the HMP documents the City’s progress on hazard mitigation objectives that were determined in 2017. The report was prepared by the City’s Office of Emergency Services with input from the Hazard Mitigation Review Committee comprised of City Department leaders and private sector partners who met on January 25, April 26, and June 28, 2021. Although quarterly meetings had been in recess during 2020, they resumed in 2021 once Emergency Operations Center activities decreased in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Flood preparedness will continue to increase as the newer objectives reach completion. These involve restoring the original storm water storage capacity of the Eastside Retention Basin, “rehabilitating” the Laurelwood Storm Pump Station, and the recent completion of the Westside Storm Pump replacement in 2020.
Other 2020/21 highlights for the City of Santa Clara include the following:
• A consultant was hired who completed a Water Utility Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) by March 31, 2020 and an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) by September 30, 2020 for the City’s Water/Sewer Utility. The consultant conducted a thorough review of all critical assets and risk assessment of the water system. The purpose of the RRA and ERP is to identify City response actions during an emergency that will maintain the expected quantity of water, maintain water treatment, protect employees, minimize disruption to the public, preserve property, and maintain community trust in the City. The consultant’s recommendations will be incorporated into future Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
• The City’s proclaimed emergency for COVID-19 continues as does the City's proclaimed emergency for extreme drought. The Water Shortage Contingency Plan is implemented as part of the City drought response.
• The Fire Department developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capability for hazard mitigation surveys and post-disaster damage assessments, and developed policies, procedures, and staff training guidelines for UAV use. The Fire Department completed the purchasing process for a drone and took possession in May 2021. The Certificate of Authorization (COA) process is actively being worked on by a consultant to guide the department through the full FAA authorization process. The Fire Department has a Drone Working Group and they are actively working on operational procedures. Six personnel have completed a drone pilot process and are authorized to fly under those regulations.
• The citywide generator replacement project continues. Emergency generators for Fire Stations 1, 7 and 8, and for the EOC are in phase I of a generator replacement project. The phase I generator replacement project has been awarded for construction and is in pre-construction phase. The Phase II generator replacement project includes two storm pump stations and two water well sites and is in design phase.
• The City addressed sustainability by hiring a Sustainability Manager in January 2021.
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
There is no fiscal impact other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, City Manager’s Office, Silicon Valley Power, Water & Sewer Utilities, Community Development, Police, and Public Works Departments.
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> .
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and File the 2021 Evaluation Report of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Staff
Reviewed by: Ruben Torres, Fire Chief
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2021 Evaluation Report of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
2. 2017 Annex L, Hazard Mitigation Plan, Volume 2