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Home My WebLink AboutRes2009-140 Sponsored by: Oates CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2009 -140 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, DECLARING A STATE OF DISASTER EMERGENCY DUE TO STORM SURGE DAMAGE IN THE CITY OF SEWARD AND REQUESTING ASSISTANCE WHEREAS, commencing on December 1, 2009, the City of Seward sustained losses and threat to life and property resulting from a winter storm event with torrential rain and high winds; and WHEREAS, the City Manager of the City of Seward issued a Disaster Emergency Declaration on December 4, 2009; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward is a political subdivision within the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the State of Alaska; and WHEREAS, the following conditions resulted from the disaster: extensive damage to the protective barrier along Lowell Point Road, the protective barrier on the southern shoreline, the protective harrier and infrastructure for water intake for the Alaska SeaLife Center, debris and heavy erosion of the Greenbelt area, as well personal and real property; and WHEREAS, the threat of danger or further damages continues to exist in Seward with storm front anticipated by the National Weather Service; and WHEREAS, the cost of emergency measures taken and to be taken to prevent further damage or loss of life and property within the City of Seward has yet to be fully determined; and WHEREAS, the city's sole sewer line from the City of Seward to the Lowell Point Sewage Lagoon is located along the center line of the Lowell Point Road; and WHEREAS, the loss of the sewage line under the Lowell Point Road would constitute a major threat to public safety and the environment; and WHEREAS, the Lowell Point Road provides the utility corridor for all electrical services to Lowell Point; and WHEREAS, the Lowell Point Road provides the only access to state and federal parks at Lowell Point; and CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2009 -140 WHEREAS, further repair and damage mitigation will be necessary and the severity and magnitude of the emergency is beyond the timely and effective response capabilities of local resources; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward hereby requests financial assistance to deal with the costs of this unexpected event because of the City's diminished financial reserves. The City's undesignated fund balance is lower than the minimum required three -month level as defined by the Seward City Council in its Fund Balance policy, and the City anticipates budgeted revenue shortfalls in excess of $700,000 in 2009 as a result of the economic recession; and WHEREAS, consent by the city council must be obtained if the declaration of disaster is to be continued or renewed for a period in excess of 7 days. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that: Section 1. A disaster emergency per AS 26.23.140; is declared to exist within the City of Seward, as attached hereto. Section 2. It is requested that the Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor declare a disaster emergency to exist as described in AS 26.23 and provide borough assistance to the City of Seward in its response and recovery from this event. Section 3. Further, it is requested that if the Kenai Peninsula Borough exceeds its ability to assist the City of Seward, that they request appropriate support from State agencies and that the Governor of the State of Alaska be requested to declare a disaster emergency as provided for in AS 26.23.020. Section 4. If the Governor of the State of Alaska can not adequately support the response and recovery needed by the City of Seward, it is requested that the Governor request appropriate support from the President or appropriate federal agencies. Section 5. Per AS 26.23.140 this resolution extends the disaster emergency declaration made by the City Manager of the City of Seward. Section 6. This resolution shall take affect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 7 day of December, 2009. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2009 -140 THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA z( Z;;- Willard E. Dunham, Mayor AYES: Valdatta, Bardarson, Amberg, Keil, Shafer, Smith, Dunham NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: -- - J4n Lewis City Clerk „ see sessss � (City Seal) p' 4: r •rc 4 a t y'4�Y��j ., +` F • � J q � w i , s e° CITY OF SEWARD • Main office (907) 224 -4050 P.O. BOX 167 $ - Police (907) 224-3338 • Harbor (907) 224 -3138 SEWARD, ALASKA 99661-016/ ,a • Firo (907) 224 - 3445 taw at. :: ► • City Clerk (907) 224 -4046 • Community Development (907) 224 -4049 ..� • Utilities (907) 224 -4050 • Fax (907) 224 -4038 December 4, 2009 Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Mayor David R. Carey 144 N. Hinkley Soldotna, AK. 99669 Dear Mayor Carey, This letter is formal notification that the City of Seward has declared a State of Disaster for our community due to the damage caused by the winter storm surge on December 1, 2009. The most significant damage is to the Lowell Point Road, the seawall at the Alaska SeaLife Center, and the paved foot and bike path adjacent to the city campgrounds at Resurrection Bay. We will conduct an engineer assessment this weekend to obtain a more precise estimate of the damage. In addition, we are canvassing the community to identify any damage to personal or business property. At this time we do not have a significant threat to life and property. Another storm surge could change this condition. While initial assessments are ongoing, it is clear the damage caused by this storm is going to exceed the recovery and financial capabilities of the City of Seward. Assistance will be required in form of personnel to help conduct damage and repair assessments of roadways, breakwaters, protective wave barriers, and other infrastructure. Photographs and video of the event and some damaged areas are available. I have called a special Council Meeting for Monday, December 7, 2009 to obtain City Council ratification of this declaration. A copy of the resolution from that meeting will be sent to your office on December 8, 2009. We will be asking for your support i.n requesting a State declaration of disaster. Please call me at 907 - 224 -4012 or Cell 907- 362 -1468 if you need additional information. Per our recent telephone conversation, and the visit today to Seward by your Emergency Manager, I do not envision a need for assistance during this weekend. Sincerely, Phillip Oates, DBA City Manager of Seward Uoates u cc: Scott Walden, KPB Hugh Chumley, KPB Claude Denver, SECC Sam Albanese, NOAA Sue Wilcox, KPB