HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-1 (2)EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION NO. 2009-1
A PROCLAMATION BY MAYOR PETER B. LEWIS
ISSUED PURSUANT TO CITY OF AUBURN
RESOLUTION 4519 WAIVING CERTAIN STATUTORY
CONTRACTING AND BUDGET REQUIREMENTS,
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO IMPLEMENT EMERGENCY
PURCHASING PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO CITY
CODE, AND TO MAKE CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL
DETERMINATIONS, AND TAKE OTHER STEPS IN
RESPONSE TO THE EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, after the January, 2009, record storm event, the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers discovered sinkholes and rapid seepage of water through an
earthen abutment next to the Howard Hanson Dam up river from the City of
Auburn; and
WHEREAS, the Corps of Engineers recently warned of potential major
flooding while the dam is being repaired, and has warned that it is unlikely the
dam will be able to hold back flood level waters in a major storm, meaning - in a
worst case flood scenario - some 26,000 people would need to be evacuated
from the region; and
WHEREAS, the Corps has advised all down stream communities to take
advance measures to protect life and property and has set specific limits for
down stream communities to raise existing levies not to exceed a flood itow of
13,900 cubic feet per (CFS) second with three feet of freeboard; and
WHEREAS, the existing levee system within the Green River Valley was
only designed to protect communities from flows up to 12,000 CFS, as measured
at the Auburn gage; and
Proclamation No. 1
October 8, 2009
Page 1 of 4
WHEREAS, City representatives have been involved at the regional level,
with state, county and other Green River cities to address the anticipated flooding
threats, in accordance with state law, including RCW 38.52, in an effort to
develop a consistent, coordinated strategy to respond to the flood threat,
including an on-going public information campaign; and
WHEREAS, on August 31, 2009 the Mayor and City Council adopted
Resotution 4519, declaring a local emergency relating to the flood control
capabilities of the Howard Hanson Dam and possible flooding on the Green River
during the 2009 and subsequent flood seasons; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has determined that it is necessary for the City of
Auburn to take actions authorized under Resolution 4519 and under Auburn City
Code Chapter 2.75, Emergency Preparedness, and Revised Code of
Washington ("RCW") Chapter 38.52, Emergency Management, including, but not
limited to the definitions of RCW 38.52.010, the authorizations of RCW 38.52.070
and RCW 38.52.110, the liability immunity and indemnification provisions of
RCW 38.52.180, et seq.; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has determined that these actions must be taken
quickly to avoid and protect against an imminent threat to public health and
safety, to prevent an imminent danger to public and private property, to protect
property from damage by the elements, and to prevent an imminent threat of
serious environmental degradation.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY PROCLAIMS as follows:
Proclamation No. 1
October 8, 2009
Page 2 of 4
Section 1. In accordance with Auburn Resolution No. 4519, and its
findings, and pursuant to state law, including but not limited to RCW 38.52, I
declare an emergency relative to the Howard Hanson Dam flooding threat.
Section 2. Pursuant to ACC Section 2.75.090, I hereby assume the
authority to enter into contracts and incur obligations, and to take any other
appropriate action, necessary to address and respond to the emergency
declared in Resolution 4519 and this proclamation, to protect the health and
safety of persons and property, and to provide emergency assistance to the
victims of such disaster.
Section 3. Such powers shall be exercised in the light of the exigencies
of the situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities
prescribed by State statute and rules, and by City ordinance (excepting
mandatory constitutional requirements), including, but not limited to, budget law
limitations and requirements of competitive bidding and publication of notices
pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring
of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the
purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes, City-performed or
directed work in areas of the City that are subject of moratoria and the
appropriation and expenditures of public funds.
Section 4. Department heads and their designees are hereby delegated
the authority to solicit quotes and estimates for contracts necessary to combat
the emergency declared in Resolution 4519. Department heads may enter into
such contracts in an amount not to exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars
Proclamation No. 1
October 8, 2009
Page 3 of 4
($25,000.00). Contracts in excess of this amount shall not be valid unless signed
by the Mayor.
Section 5. The City shall take whatever action it deems appropriate to
respond to the emergency conditions, and the Department heads and their
designees are hereby directed to implement the emergency purchasing
procedures under ACC 2.75.110 for any supplies, materials, and equipment
necessary to combat the emergency declared in Resolution 4519.
Section 6. I declare that the actions authorized by this Proclamation are
necessary to avoid an imminent threat to public health or safety, to prevent an
imminent danger to public and private property, to protect property from damage
by the elements, and to prevent an imminent threat of serious environmental
degradation, and must be undertaken within an appropriate time to respond to
the emergency.
Section 7. As soon as practicable I will advise and consult with the City
Council with respect to all actions taken pursuant to the Proclamation, and any
contract entered into pursuant to the Proclamation shall at the earliest practicable
time be presented to the City Council for review and appropriate legislation.
Section 8. That this Proclamation shall take effect and be in full force
on the date hereof, and shall continue in effect until rescinded by the Mayor.
Dated and Signed this g~A
day of , 2009.
CI A N
~
r.-
~
PETER B. LEWIS
MAYOR
Proclamation No. 1
October 8, 2009
Page 4 of 4