COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager’s Office

 

DATE:

July 31, 2006

BOARD MEETING DATE:

August 15, 2006

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

John L. Maltbie, County Manager

SUBJECT:

Continue Declarations of Emergency for San Mateo County due to multiple winter storms

 

RECOMMENDATION:

Resolution making a finding to continue and consolidate three declarations of local states of emergency caused by the:

 

A.

2004-2005, winter storms that caused additional damage to the 1998 slide area and subsequent declaration (April 12, 2005 Board adopted Resolution 067242);

   

B.

December 31, 2005 storm and subsequent declaration (January 24, 2006 Board adopted Resolution 067772); and

   

C.

March 27, 2006 storm and subsequent declaration

   

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all

Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors

 

BACKGROUND:

In 1998, winter storms caused a landslide in La Honda that destroyed or damaged seven homes during what became a federally declared disaster. With federal assistance, the County purchased those seven homes. With the significant amount of rainfall experienced in the winter of 2004, the area sustained additional damage.

 
 

On December 31, 2005, the County was hit by another series of winter storms resulting in an estimated twenty million dollars in damage to public facilities alone. The County declared an emergency and was included in a Federal Declaration two weeks later. The damage is currently under repair and jurisdictions and special districts are working closely with the State Office of Emergency Services and Federal Government to complete projects.

 

On March 27, 2006, the County was hit yet again by another series of strong storms. Unprecedented amounts of rain resulted in saturated hillsides. A mudslide in Broadmoor Terrace, an unincorporated area of Daly City, has resulted in several homes being deemed uninhabitable. One home continues to move from its foundation sliding downhill on a path towards three other homes located directly below. The County has experienced damage to parks and roads; the most serious impact has been the closure of Devil’s Slide on Highway 1 for an indefinite period.

 

DISCUSSION:

The purpose for the consolidation and continuation of the three declared states of local emergency ensures the County remains eligible for State and or Federal disaster assistance. These funds are used for emergency protective measures, emergency construction repair and restoration, and Small Business Administration loans for business suffering losses. The continuing declarations retain the County’s eligibility for state assistance. Additionally, it offers the County an opportunity to recuperate a portion of the money the County must expend over the coming months to respond to the ongoing emergencies. It also affords the County special powers under the declarations should a need arise.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The continuing extension of the county states of emergency has no impact on the County General Fund. It provides a potential avenue of reimbursement for current and future costs.