HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2022-068 Declaring Emergency for LP Road Landslide Sponsored by: Bower
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2022-068
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THE CITY OF
SEWARD DUE TO A LANDSLIDE ON LOWELL POINT ROAD AND
REQUESTING ASSISTANCE
WHEREAS,on May 7, 2022, at approximately 7:40 pm, the City of Seward experienced
a very large landslide on Lowell Point Road that resulted in the Lowell Point community being cut
off from road access to Seward; and
WHEREAS, fortunately, there were no injuries reported; and
WHEREAS,estimates indicate the landslide is more than 200 feet high and 300 feet wide,
containing over 40,000 cubic yards of debris; and
WHEREAS, Lowell Point Road is a critical infrastructure for the City of Seward and the
residents of the Lowell Point community; and
WHEREAS,city wastewater and electric lines are in Lowell Point Road; and
WHEREAS,until the landslide site becomes stabilized, the extent of potential damage to
the road and infrastructure, and cost estimates for removing debris remains unknown; and
WHEREAS,the city manager declared an emergency on May 7, 2022; and
WHEREAS,consent by the City Council must be obtained if the declaration of disaster is
continued or renewed for a period in excess of seven days; and
WHEREAS, the city found finds that an emergency exists due to the landslide with the
public due to road closures, financial injury to the Seward and Lowell Point local businesses, and
the continued threat to persons and property from these conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward hereby requests financial assistance as the costs of this
unexpected event are far beyond the City's expertise and funding availability.
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.
Section 2. It is requested that the Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor declare that a disaster
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2022-068
emergency exists as described in AS 26.23 and provides borough assistance to the City of Seward
in its response and recovery from this event.
Section 3. Further, it is requested that if the borough exceeds its ability to assist the City
of Seward,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 cannot 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. The City Manager's Declaration of Emergency which went into effect on May
7, 2022, is hereby extended by the City Council of the City of Seward,beginning May 12, 2022,
and shall remain in effect until recovery efforts have concluded.
Section 6. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 12th
day of May,2022.
E I O Y. .,.i :11 ' •
/ /
• risty Terry • or
AYES: Calhoon, McClure, Casagranda, DeMoss, Osenga, Terry
NOES: None
ABSENT: Wells
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
renda J. Ballou, MC
City Clerk e .*y�eeasoaa
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(City Seal) °°C
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City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: May 12, 2022
To: City Council
From: Janette Bower, City Manager
Agenda Item: Resolution 2022-068: Declaring A State of Emergency in the City of Seward
Due to a Landslide on Lowell Point Road and Requesting Assistance
Background and justification:
On May 7, 2022, at approximately 7:40 pm, the City of Seward experienced a very large landslide on
Lowell Point Road that resulted in the Lowell Point community being cut off from road access to
Seward. The landslide is estimated at more than 200 feet high and 300 feet wide, containing over
40,000 cubic yards of debris.
Lowell Point Road is a critical infrastructure for the City of Seward and the residents of the Lowell
Point community. The City's wastewater and electric lines are in Lowell Point road.
On Saturday, May 7, 2022, the city manager declared on emergency. Consent by the City Council
must be obtained if the declaration of disaster is continued or renewed for a period in excess of
seven days.
The resolution formally declares an emergency by the city council and requests the Kenai Peninsula
Borough Mayor declare that a disaster emergency exists as described in AS 26.23 and provides
borough assistance to the City of Seward in its response and recovery from this event. The
resolution also requests the Kenai Peninsula Borough request the Governor to declare a disaster
emergency. The city manager has been informed that the Governor is standing by to receive the
request and supports the request.