HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-2005 Special
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CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
February 28, 2005 4:00 PM
Council Chambers
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lewis called the special meeting of the Auburn City Council to
order at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Lewis and the following Councilmembers were
present: Sue Singer, Gene Cerino, Nancy Backus, Bill Peloza, and Roger
Thordarson. Councilmember Wagner arrived at 4:13 p.m.
Staff members present included: City Engineer Dennis Selle, Parks and
Recreation Director Daryl Faber, Police Chief Jim Kelly, Fire Chief Russ
Vandver, Planning and Community Development Director Paul Krauss,
Information Services Director Lorrie Rempher, Public Works Director
Dennis Dowdy, Transportation Planner Joe Welsh, Human
Resources/Risk Management Director Brenda Heineman, and City Clerk
Danielle Daskam.
II. PRESENTATION BY METRO/KING COUNTY AND U S GEOLOGICAL
SURVEY REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING MOUNT RAINIER LAHAR
HAZARDS AND EVACUATION ROUTES
Fire Chief Vandver introduced Shad Burcham and Timothy Doyle from
King County Emergency Management and Tom Pierson from the US
Geological Survey (USGS) to present the Council with information relating
to Mount Rainier lahar hazards and plans for implementing evacuation
routes.
Mr. Pierson, a Research Geologist with the USGS began by describing
lahars and their hazards. Lahars are a slurry of mud, boulders and water
traveling at approximately 40 mph and can be up to 40 to 50 feet in
height. Lahars can travel in excess of 100 miles from its origin. Lahars
can originate from either an eruption event that creates surges of
meltwater or from a massive volcanic landslide.
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City of Auburn Council Meetina Minutes
Februarv 28, 2005
Mr. Pierson displayed a Mount Rainier lahar hazard map. He indicated
the most likely source of lahars is from the west side of Mount Rainier with
flows traversing down the Carbon and Puyallup River valleys. It is less
likely that a mudflow would occur on the White River. However, any
mudflow on the White River would be partially held back by the Mud
Mountain Dam. The USGA and Pierce County have installed a lahar
warning system in Pierce County. Several lahar detection devices have
been deployed on the west side of Mount Rainier and in the upper Carbon
and Puyallup River valleys. The estimated time between the detection of
a lahar and its arrival in the valley is about 40 minutes.
Mr. Burcham spoke regarding King County's efforts to develop a plan to
outline volcano evacuation routes with well-marked signs, along with an
educational program designed to direct residents to higher ground quickly
and safely. King County Emergency Management staff members are
working with several jurisdictions to develop a seamless plan for the
County and region. Volcano evacuation route signs will be placed
throughout the City directing residents and those escaping from the
Puyallup Valley area to high ground. Mr. Burcham reported that routes
are being developed and City staff will participate in the final decision on
the evacuation routes. Mr. Burcham stressed the importance of educating
the community about disaster planning and response.
Mr. Doyle spoke regarding the educational element of the disaster plan
and the citizens' desire for information on the potential hazards and
preparations made by the County and City. Mr. Doyle will be working with
the Fire Department's education officer on community programs to
educate the public on disaster preparedness and evacuation routes.
III. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 4:43 p.m.
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APPROVED THE / j"t---oAY OF APRIL 2005.
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Peter B. Lewis, Mayor
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anielle Daskam, City Clerk
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