CC – Item 6A – Staff Report – Preparations for Predicted Additional Rainfall Due to El Nino Conditions ....-E-M.....
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TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
FROM: FRANK G. TRIPEPI, CITY MANAGER_,?:421:_i7
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DATE: OCTOBER 7, 1997
RE: PREPARATIONS FOR PREDICTED ADDITIONAL RAINFALL DUE TO EL
NINO CONDITIONS
This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Mayor Pro Tern Bruesch. As the members
of the Council are aware, the National Weather Service has been monitoring the water temperature
in the Pacific Ocean,trade winds and other atmospheric conditions over the past several months and
concluded that an"El Nino"weather condition is developing. Traditionally, El Nino conditions have
resulted in significantly larger than normal rainfall totals in the Southern California area. And, while
increased rainfall is not a certainty this Winter, the City of Rosemead is preparing for that eventuality
with the expectation that rainfall totals will be significant. The following is a list of the efforts
undertaken by staff in preparation for the Winter months:
• County Flood Control and Road Maintenance crews have been instructed to clean all
storm drains and catch basins within City limits. Work will be completed on that project
within the next few weeks.
• Staff has instructed Evan's Tree Service to trim a number of large trees in the community
that might become unstable during heavy rainfalls and strong winds.
• Recreation and Parks staff and City Hall staff will stockpile a large number of sandbags
at the City Yard and City Hall for residents who may need them this Winter. In addition,
staff is working with the County in making sand available to residents at one or two
locations in the City.
• Staff has prepared for an increase in emergency CDBG grant application to repair leaky
roofs for qualified residents. Thus far, one person has taken advantage of the program
and qualified for the grant. Her roof will be repaired within two weeks. �I
•
COUNCIL AGENDA
•
OCT 141997
ITEM-NBr_>4__
El Nino Status Report
October 7, 1997
Page 2.
• Staff has notified persons with unimproved storm drains and swales on their property that
they should ensure that the drainage systems are functioning normally.
• Staff has prepared an article for the upcoming City newsletter dealing with El Nino and
reminding residents to prepare themselves for the potential of heavy rainfall.
In general, the City of Rosemead is prepared to meet the challenges that may be presented by the El
Nino condition. The Council,over the past decade, has prioritized the construction and maintenance
of the community's infrastructure. As a result, the City's storm drain system is nearly complete and
should accommodate the anticipated water runoff from upcoming Winter storms. That, coupled with
the measures mentioned above, should leave the community in good shape this Winter season.
RECOMMENDATION:
No action is required on this item.