HomeMy WebLinkAbout15 97-98 STORM SEASON 10-06-97AGENDA,
DATE:
OCTOBER 6, 1997
Inter-Com
NO. 15
10-6-97
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
1997/98 STORM SEASON PREPARATIONS
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file this report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Equipment purchases identified in this report will be accomplished with existing budgeted funds.
BACKGROUND:
There is increased concem about the ocean warming phenomenon known as E1 Nino and the potential effect of greater
than normal rainfall in California. There does not seem to be any clear consenSUs on the part of the scientists and
meteorologists as to how much rain Southern California can expect, but there is a probability for a greater than normal
rainy season.
In anticipation of the weather conditions, the Public Works and Police Departments have prepared the following report
on the points of concem/Nstorical flood areas, preparatory activities, and equipment requirements.
DISCUSSION:
As in any rainy season, several roadways and other areas of the City have a potential for closure due to flooding or
blockage from debris. Listed below are the most likely areas of concern:
Jamboree Slopes/Transportation Corridor - The construction of the ETC has required the placement of a
large amount of fill din adjacent to Jamboree Road. If there is a sustained rain, the potential saturation of this
newly placed dirt could result in a portion of the slopes failing and moving onto Jamboree Road. The
transportation corridor contractor is in the process of grooming the slopes and installing a straw mat, silt fences
and other erosion control measures. If a slope failure were to occur, City forces and the corridor agency
contractor will act to stabilize the affected areas and keep Jamboree Road open.
Myford & Walnut intersection - This area has a history of flooding during sustained rains. With the
construction on the vacant field at the N/E comer, installation of an underground'storm drain at this
intersection, and the construction of the box culvert for the E1 Modena/Irvine Channel, the problems of the past
should not reoccur. The construction in this area will reduce the flooding that occurred in the past.
West Irvine Boulevard - This street will continue to experience minor flooding until the future Irvine
Boulevard Storm Drain Project is constructed.
I-5 Freeway and Main Street Undercrossing - The storm flows in this area are alleviated using a pump.
The pump has been maintained in operating condition and the area is monitored during all storm events.
· Other potential flood areas - All areas adjacent to the flood control channels, and detention basins operated
by the County are monitored during storm events.-
Preventive and Preparatory, Maintenance Activities
Field Services personnel are undertaking a number of activities in preparation for the upcoming storm season:
· Inspect, and clean all culverts, inlets, and drains, (information to be kept in database for future reference.)
· Update existing "Hot Spots" drain list. ·
· Grade dirt swales and channels to insure adequate flow lines for water.
· Inspect and clean City-owned or managed facilities - Landscape and Lighting district areas, drains at parks,
gutters on buildings, sump pumps in parking garage, windows at City Hall, etc.
· Trim trees in Landscape and Lighting District, Town Center, and Civic Center- should be completed by
January 1998.
Acquisition of Supplies
The following items are being acquired by City in advance of storm season.
· "A" frame barricades - (24 sets) to be used for road closures ($1,500 cost);
· Additional temporary signs- "Road Closed" and "Flooded" ($500 cost);
· Additional sandbags (1500 in stock) will acquire 8500 more, for 10,000 at maintenance yard. 500 filled
sandbags placed at City lot adjacent to Fire Station #43 for emergency use (Total Cost $1,900);
· Purchase 35 tons of sand (Total Cost $200);
· Acquire additional flashlights, plug-in spotlights for vehicles, rain gear, and 3 each small Chain Saws -
(approximate cost $2,000);
· Supplies for City shelter and EOC as needed.
Communications Equipment
Police Department and Fire communications capabilities are adequate. Following is an assessment of
Public Works current communication capabilities:
2-way radio communication - all vehicles are equipped with radios. Public Works will purchase four (4)
hand-held radios - Field Services personnel are often outside the vehicle and cannot hear or communicate.
This is important if personnel are cleaning drains, blocking traffic, inspecting locations away from a vehicle, or
where personnel would have to leave location and return to vehicle to effect communications. Staff requires
three (3) handheld radios for Field Services and one (1) for Engineering.
Cellular telephone - Field Service standby personnel respond to a variety of service calls 24 hours a day.
These include traffic accidents, roadway conditions, downed tree/limbs, spills, fire and burglary alarms,
flooding, etc. The addition of a cellular phone for the standby personnel will allow for more effective
communication, a quicker response and resolution of the problem.
Staff Communication and Coordination
Staff will be initiating or attending a series of internal and interagency meetings and completing a series of actions
to test, review and resolve issues of concern in preparation for the storm season:
· Engineering staff to meet with Silverado Construction/TCA representatives to discuss mutual aid for issues
associated with Jamboree slopes, TCA corridor;
· Police and Public Works staff will attend a County E1 Nino preparedness summit sponsored by the Orange
County Emergency Management Organization on October 2nd;
· Public Works staff will meet with County Flood Control representatives on October 8th to discuss
responsibilities and coordination during flooding scenarios and specific response capabilities;
· Complete revisions to City Emergency Plan by December 1997;
· Emergency Services Coordinator will conduct management and general staff meetings to review emergency
procedures;
· Staff will review the state-wide Public Works Master Mutual Aid Agreement (City is signatory to this
agreement) and review the City/County/State emergency declaration process;
· Conduct a review/update of the Public Works contact list for emergencies;
· Police and Public Works staff will review City procedures for activating the City Emergency Operations
Center;
· City Emergency Services Coordinator x~../ll test the setup of the EOC and assure that adequate supplies are on
hand;
· City Emergency Services Coordinator will review shelter activation procedures with the American Red Cross;
· Review the "call-down tree" for standby personnel to notify/contact management staff;
· Develop staffing plans utilizing Police, Fire and Public Works personnel.
By completing the actions listed above, Staff will have taken all reasonable precautionary measures to prepare for
the upcoming storm season. This process will be periodically revieWed to determine progress and, if necessary,
implement further actions.
Jq~Meyers,
Emergency Services Coordinator
Tim D Seflet,
Public Works Director