Title
Consideration of and action on an ordinance ratifying the mayor’s emergency disaster declaration of August 25, 2017, and extending the disaster for community recovery.
Body
Summary:
Forecasts from the National Weather Service predicted record-setting rainfall amounts in the Deer Park area from Tropical Storm/Hurricane Harvey. At the request of the City Manager, the Mayor issued an emergency disaster declaration beginning at 3:00PM on Friday, August 25. Between that time and Wednesday, August 30, the City of Deer Park received over 45 inches of rainfall (some accounts suggest 55 inches). There were several dozen homes, and potentially some commercial buildings, that sustained damage from floodwater infiltration. Emergency operations during the periods of rainfall included rescuing residents from their vehicles on flooded roadways, placement of portable pumps to prevent additional structural flooding, and emergency debris removal to ensure that the drainage system remained clear and the roadways remained passable by emergency responders. The community was also asked to support an emergency shelter for displaced residents of neighboring communities. Our city leadership, and the community as a whole, responded immediately and wholeheartedly.
Due to the extensive rainfall and the damage sustained within the community, the disaster declaration should continue during community recovery operations.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
Emergency response and recovery costs associated with Hurricane Harvey will be linked to a specific Project Fund within the City’s reserve funds. An application will be made for Public Assistance reimbursement through FEMA.
Recommended action
Staff recommends approval