TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Scott Miller, Public Works Director / Airport Manager
SUBJECT:
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Public Works Storm Event Preparations
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RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
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No Action Required. Informational Only.
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SUMMARY:
The attached information is a description of preparations and actions that the Public Works Department conducts each year prior to, and during storm events.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
None.
DISCUSSION:
In addition to normal daily operations, Public Works annually prepares for the upcoming wet-weather and storm season in many ways, both in preventive measures and emergency response. While the current climatology predictions indicate an El Niño year, City preparations are not altered, as staff prepares the same with all past major storm and flooding events.
STREETS
• Increased street tree trimming to mitigate potential for downed limbs and trees
• Once leaves start falling, staff check and clear storm drain drop inlets (DI’s) throughout town
• Coordinates efforts with Fire Department with clearing of vegation in certain drainage channels
• Maintains an inventory of street signs, barricades, and A-frames on a trailer for rapid response to provide traffic control due to road hazards (trees, utility lines, sinkholes), flooding, traffic signal outages, and emergency detours
• Prior to a specific storm event, dump trucks and chippers are emptied, and potential emergency response equipment is fueled, charged, saws are sharpened, and tools checked for proper operation
• Remove the boat dock, lighting, and signages from below flood levels in the park
• Inspects and remove leaves from City facilities’ rain gutters and downspouts
• Remove street banners prior to high-wind events
• For qualifying events, in coordination with the County, stockpiles of sand are made available for emergency public access. Public needs to provide their own bags and perform their own filling of their bags
• Staff are on call, with reserve non-on call personnel notified of potential call-out assist
SEWER COLLECTIONS
• Perform vacuuming operations of storm drain debris in conjunction with Streets Division prior to storm season/events and during blockages to restore flows
• Conduct daily inspections of sanitary system manholes (SSMH) and mains which may experience increased flows and blockages due to rainwater intrusion
• Test emergency backup generators (fixed and portable) for proper operation and fuel levels
• Emergency stockpile of utility parts are confirmed
• Staff reviews Emergency Response Plans
• Staff are on call, with reserve non-on call personnel notified of potential call-out assist
WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
• Test emergency backup generator for proper operation and fuel levels
• Monitor increased influent and effluent levels
• Staff are on call, with reserve non-on call personnel notified of potential call-out assist
WATER
• Test emergency backup portable generators for proper operation and fuel levels
• Emergency stockpile of utility parts are confirmed
• Staff reviews Emergency Response Plans
• Staff are on call, with reserve non-on call personnel notified of potential call-out assist
ENGINEERING
• Participates in regional and local emergency preparation and response meetings with TCSO, CalOES, CalFire, Hospital, TCEH, TCPW, NWS, TC Administration, RBFD, School Admin, Red Cross, NGO’s, and sister communities followed by distribution of information to staff
• Actively monitors NWS sites for rain, wind, and river level predictions. Staff uses the information to direct the removal of banners, boat dock, Dog Island / Samuel Ayers Park restroom closure, and any other relevant preparation measures that may be needed
• Ensures the Airport is situated and provisioned for emergency support for aerial firefighting or medical land-air ambulatory transfers
• Monitors, coordinates, and documents responses to potential Disaster Declaration events to assure cost reimbursement though the FEMA, CalOES, and CalTrans Emergency funding programs.
• Coordinates and conducts distribution of relevant information that may affect the public through the E-notify system
COMMUNITY CENTER
• Under direction and coordination of TCSO EOC, Red Cross, and/or City Manager with qualifying emergency events, the facility is staffed and prepared to accept public as an evacuation center
CITY FISCAL IMPACT:
Impact varies depending on the climate event and response. Generally, costs incurred are regular daily operating costs for each division in performance of their regular duties or specific overtime call outs. For large climate events where a State or Federal Disaster Declaration is made, certain extraordinary, incurred costs, may be reimbursed through the FEMA, CalOES, and CalTrans Emergency funding programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. None.