Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2501-4000CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Monday, February 10, 2025 Council Chambers & Hybrid 5:30 PM     Agenda Item     17.Palo Alto Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annual Update for Calendar Year 2024; CEQA Status: Not a Project City Council Staff Report From: City Manager Report Type: INFORMATION REPORTS Lead Department: Office of Emergency Services Meeting Date: February 10, 2025 Report #:2501-4000 TITLE Palo Alto Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annual Update for Calendar Year 2024; CEQA Status: Not a Project RECOMMENDATION This is an informational report as a status update on the Palo Alto Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. No Council action is required. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Office of Emergency Services provides this Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) annual report to share the progress the City has made as of December 2024 on LHMP projects over the prior twelve months. The purpose of this information report is to provide an update on the City’s implementation of the mitigation actions identified in the 2023 Santa Clara County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Palo Alto Annex. It should be noted that the Council will see updates specifically on wildfire related plans separately from this update. BACKGROUND The City of Palo Alto, as part of the Santa Clara County multi-jurisdictional planning process (including participating local cities and special districts), developed a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan from 2022- 2023 to meet Federal guidelines and thereby reduce risk from all hazards by identifying resources, information, and strategies for risk reduction. The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans as a condition for federal disaster grant assistance. The performance period for the 2023 Santa Clara County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan, Volume 1 became effective in February 2024 with the final approval of the plan by FEMA. FEMA approved the City of Palo Alto Local Jurisdictional Annex, Volume 2 in July 2024, and the Palo Alto City Council adopted both Volumes 1 and 2 on October 7, 2024. The performance period for this plan is five years. The 2023 MJMHP Base Plan - Volume 1 and the Palo Alto Annex -Volume 2 which articulates our local natural hazards and mitigation activities can be viewed online at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Emergency-Services/Plans-and- Information/Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan ANALYSIS OES coordinated this update with departmental staff members responsible or knowledgeable of each of the projects on this list. As of this reporting period, the performance period for this plan is considered to be 30% complete (including complete and ongoing projects). This includes 17 actions that were part of the previous 2017 LHMP that were not completed, and 10 new actions. Each action provides a description of the action, what hazard(s) applies to the action, the lead agency for the action, potential sources of funding, expected timeline for completion, the priority assigned to the action, and current status of the action. •1 out of 27 initiatives (4%) have been completed. •7 out of 27 initiatives (26%) indicated work is conducted as an ongoing capability. •16 out of 27 initiatives (59%) reported progress toward completion. •2 out of 27 initiatives (7%) reported having not started. •1 out of 27 initiatives (4%) is closed and not will not be continued. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT No additional resource impact is expected at this time. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT OES coordinated this update with departmental staff members responsible or knowledgeable of each of the projects on this list ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This item is presented only for Council’s information and therefore it is not a project subject to environmental review by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: City of Palo Alto LHMP Update CY2024 APPROVED BY: Chief Ken Dueker, Director Office of Emergency Services City of Palo Alto Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annual Update Reporting Period The reporting period for this progress report is from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 Background This is an annual update of the status of identified projects/actions listed in the City of Palo Alto Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023. The City of Palo Alto, as part of the Santa Clara County multi-jurisdictional planning process (including participating local cities and special districts), developed a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan from 2022- 2023 to meet Federal guidelines and thereby reduce risk from all hazards by identifying resources, information, and strategies for risk reduction. The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans as a condition for federal disaster grant assistance. To prepare the plan, the participating planning partners organized resources, assessed risks from natural hazards, developed planning goals and objectives, reviewed mitigation alternatives, and developed an action plan to address probable impacts from natural hazards. By completing this process, these jurisdictions maintained compliance with the Disaster Mitigation Act, achieving eligibility for mitigation grant funding opportunities afforded under the Robert T. Stafford Act. Volume I of the County plan provides the analysis of natural hazards for the Operational Area. It provides the content that informs the Palo Alto LHMP. The 2023 MJMHP Base Plan - Volume 1 and the Palo Alto Annex -Volume 2 which articulates our local natural hazards and mitigation activities can be viewed online at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Emergency-Services/Plans-and-Information/Local- Hazard-Mitigation-Plan Purpose The purpose of this information report is to provide an update on the implementation of the mitigation actions identified in the 2023 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Palo Alto Annex. The objective is to maintain a planning process that will keep the Santa Clara County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan dynamic and responsive to the needs and capabilities of the City of Palo Alto and its stakeholders. Summary Overview of the Plan’s Progress The performance period for the 2023 Santa Clara County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan, Volume 1 became effective in February 2024 with the final approval of the plan by FEMA. FEMA approved the the City of Palo Alto Local Jurisdictional Annex, Volume 2 in July 2024, and Page 2 of 5 the Palo Alto City Council adopted Volume 1 and 2 on 7 October 2024. The performance period for this plan is 5 years. As of this reporting period, the performance period for this plan is considered to be 30% complete (including complete and ongoing projects). The Palo Alto Volume 2 includes hazard mitigation actions to be pursued during the 5-year performance period. This includes 17 actions that were part of the previous LHMP that were not completed, and 10 new actions. As of the reporting period, the following overall progress can be reported: ●1 out of 27 initiatives (4%) have been completed. ●7 out of 27 initiatives (26%) indicated work is conducted as an ongoing capability. ●16 out of 27 initiatives (59%) reported progress toward completion. ●2 out of 27 initiatives (7%) reported having not started. ●1 out of 27 initiatives (4%) is closed and not will not be continued. Review of the Action Plan Appendix 1 provides the action plan, reporting the status of each initiative. Actions PA-2 through PA-32 were actions carried over from the previous 2017 LHMP. Actions 1-10 are new as of the 2023 LHMP. In the table, each action provides a description of the action, what hazard(s) applies to the action, the lead agency for the action, potential sources of funding, expected timeline for completion, the priority assigned to the action, and current status of the action. Public review notice The contents of this report are considered to be public knowledge and have been prepared for total public disclosure. Copies of the report may be provided to the governing boards of all planning partners and to local media outlets. Any questions or comments regarding the contents of this report should be directed to: City of Palo Alto OES, 650-617-3197 or lhmp@cityofpaloalto.org. Next Plan Update The Office of Emergency Services will provide a Calendar Year 2025 update in early February of 2025. Appendix 1: Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023: Calendar Year 2024 Update of Activities Action Item Number Action Item Description Hazard(s) Mitigated Lead Position, Office, Department, or Division Responsible for Implementation Potential Funding Sources Expected Timeline for Completion Priority Status Calendar Year 2024 Status Comments: Currect project status & anticipated actions over next 12 months PA-2 * San Fransicquito Creek Upper Reach Flood Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project to widen channel, improve floodwalls, and replace the Pope-Chaucer Bridge Flood, Heavy Precipitation/Atmospheric River San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority General Fund, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Short-Term High In Progress The capacity of the creek was analyzed and it was determined that the creek has less capacity than what was previously concluded. This is partly due to the bulking that occurs with the natural debris accumulates at choke points. The consultant is working with staff to evaluate creek widening alternatives to improve the creek capacity, reduce the velocity and minimize flooding. The JPA is moving forward with the next steps of the outreach to select the alternative that is feasible. PA-3* Newell Creek Bridge replacement project to accommodate a 100-year flood event. Flood, Heavy Rain, High Wind, Atmospheric River Public Works - Engineering CALTRANS/ Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) Short-Term High In Progress Right-of-Way(ROW) acquisition is complete, Caltrans approved ROW and Utility Certification. Permits from Regulatory Agencies (Army Corp of Engineers, Water Board, CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife) and Encroachment permits from East Palo Alto and SCVWD were secured. Caltrans HQ is reviewing the Request for Authorization (E76) and Advance Construction Funding. Their response is anticipated by March 2025. Project will be advertized for construction in Spring of 2025. PA-6* Storm Drain System Replacement and Rehabilitation to maintain the integrity of the storm drain system of deteriorated storm drain infrastructure to eliminate potential pipeline blockages that could cause street flooding Flood, Heavy Rain, High Wind, Atmospheric River Public Works - Engineering Capital Improvement Project (CIP): SD- 06101 Ongoing Medium Ongoing Broken and deteriorating pipes were replaced in various locations including Middlefield Rd./ Oregon Expwy, Fielding Dr./Louis Rd, Forest Ave./Bryant St. as part of Capital Improvement Projects. Other repairs were done in-house by staff at Alester Drive and Page Mill Road. Staff will continue to monitor the system and repair or replace pipes when funding is available. PA-7* Recycled Water Pipeline Expansion Project to expand the recycled water purple pipeline within South Palo Alto towards Stanford Research Park. Drought, Climate Change Utilities- Engineering/WGW CIP: WS-07001 Short-Term Medium Closed - Not completed. It is unlikely the City will be recommending any further expansion of recycled water during this planning cycle. The One Water Plan is a framework the Council may use to consider water supply projects and conservation activities to address future water supply reliability. PA-8* Continue to maintain good standing and compliance in the NFIP and improve Community Rating System Class to provide higher CRS premium discounts. Flood, Heavy Rain, High Wind Public Works - Engineering General Fund Long-term High Ongoing CRS review was completed and FEMA's CRS specialists determined that staffs actions met the requirements to guarantee a CRS rating of 6. Residents continue to receive a 20% saving on flood insurance. The next review / inspection is determined by CRS Specialist and currently scheduled for Fall 2026. PA-10* Construct new public Safety Building to mitigate current risks to public safety essential services. Earthquake, Terrorism Public Works - Engineering CIP: PE-15001 Short-Term High In Progress Construction of the new Public Safety Building is nearly complete and the anticipated move in date is early 2025. PA-11* Rebuild Fire Station 4 to reduce impact from seismic events Earthquake, Terrorism Public Works - Engineering CIP: PE-15003 Short-Term High In Progress The design of Fire Station 4 is currently underway. Construction of the temporary fire station is anticipated to start at the end of January 2025, with construction of the new station scheduled to begin in spring 2025. PA-13* Replace the Baylands Tide Gate to reduce flood hazards in the Palo Alto flood zone. Flood, Heavy Rain, High Wind, Atmospheric River, Dam and Levee Failure, Tsunami Santa Clara Valley Water District Santa Clara Valley Water District funds Long-term Medium In Progress Palo Alto staff reviewed and commented on 90% plans in May 2024. Valley Water is working on the revised plans and intends to submit the 100% Construction Documents in early 2025 for review. The project is still on track to start in Fall 2025. PA-15* Implement Wastewater Long-Range Facilities Plan to improve facilities for treatment and discharge of waste; and to improve water recycling opportunities Flood, Heavy Rain, High Wind, Extreme Heat, Earthquake, Sea Level Rise Public Works - Environmental Services CIP: WQ-10001 Ongoing High In Progress The local salt removal facility (AWPS) will improve recycled water quality for both Palo Also and Mountain View (both distribute recycled water). The improved quality will enable Mountain View to expand their recycled water distribution to new commercial customers that are building facilities near Mountain View’s recycled water distribution system. Palo Alto City Council approved on May 13, 2024 the construction of the $63-million salt- removing plant. Construction should begin in early 2025 and conclude in the summer of 2027. Page 2 of 5 PA-19* Install Fiber Optic Service to Black Mountain Radio Repeater Site to improve public safety communications along Skyline Drive. Earthquake, Heavy Precipitation/Atmospheric River, High Wind, Wildfire, Space Weather Utilities - Engineering/Electric CIP: TBD Short-term Low In Progress Substructure for Phase 1 was completed in Spring 2022 and the substructure for Phase 2 was completed in June 2023. Phase 3 substructure installation is currently in progress. Phase 4 construction is currently paused for an easement relocation from Mid-peninsula Open Space. Will resume construction early next year when the easement paperwork is completed. Phase 5 substructure installation along Arastradero road is currently in progress. PA-21* Construct a second electrical transmission interconnection to PG&E using a new corridor to reduce the single dependency of our connection to the electric grid. Wildfire, Power Outage, Heavy Precipitation / Atmospheric River, Extreme Heat/Extreme Cold, High Wind, Space Weather Utilities - Engineering/Electric CIP, HMGP, Pre- Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Long-Term Medium In Progress CPA staff submitted a 2nd application to CAISO for a new transmission project. Staff is expecting a response by July 2025. PA-27* Address hazardous fuels and reduce structural ignitability in the Foothills region in accordance with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Foothills Fire Management Plan. Wildfire, Extreme Temperature Community Services Department - Parks and Open Space General Fund, HGMP Short-Term Medium Ongoing In 2024, the FFMP working group performed the required wildfire mitigation activities in Foothills and Arastradero Nature Preserves with a combination of city resources and contracted vendors. Additionally, the Public Works Department Urban Forestry Division contracted for electrical line clearance of the above ground lines in the Foothills. The Palo Alto Fire Department conducted their annual defensible space home assessments for the residential properties in the Palo Alto WUI. Our team also installed 17 new smoke detection sensors throughout the Foothills (among 50 total sensors) in concert with the Fire Safe Council, Stanford University and Town of Woodside. in 2024 we also updated the Community Wildfire Protection Plan/Foothills Fire Management Plan as part of a county wide process. PA-29* Consider a policy for Seismic Retrofitting of earthquake prone structures. Earthquake Planning and Development Services General Fund Short-Term Low In Progress City council approval of contract for services in ealry 2025, project beginning in March 2025 with final project results anticipated in 24 months. PA-32* Conduct public education that raises awareness of Palo Alto threats and hazards and improves community resilience. All hazards, including Earthquake, Dam Failure, Flood, Wildfire, Landslide, Tsunami, Heavy Rain, High Wind, Extreme Heat, Drought Palo Alto Office of Emergency Services Staff Time; General Fund Ongoing High Ongoing Public Safety departments continue to engage our community at various events throughout the year to rasie awareness, lower personal risks, and increase preparedness. This includes social media messaging, classes, conversations at events, emergency messaging, and online content. PA-36* Where appropriate, support retrofitting, purchase or relocation of structures located in high hazard areas and prioritize those structures that have experienced repetitive losses. All hazards, including Earthquake, Flood, Dam Failure, Heavy Rain, High Wind, Wildfire Planning and Development Services HMGP, PDM, FMA Short-Term Medium Ongoing The city maintains a record of repetitive loss structures in high hazard areas but the City is not considering purchase or relocation of these structures in the next 12 months. PA-37* Integrate the hazard mitigation plan into other plans, ordinances and programs that dictate land use decisions within the community. All hazards, including Earthquake, Flood, Dam Failure, Wildfire, Landslide, Tsunami, Heavy Rain, High Wind, Extreme Heat, Drought Planning and Development Services Staff Time; General Fund Ongoing High Ongoing The LHMP will be incorporated by reference into applicable city planning processes as applicable including the Comprehensive Plan Elements, the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, and area plans, as well as ordinances and programs that dictate land use decisions. PA-38* Actively participate in the plan maintenance protocols outlined in Volume 1 of the hazard mitigation plan. All hazards Palo Alto Office of Emergency Services Staff Time; General Fund Short-Term High Ongoing The City is in compliance with the stated maintenance protocols. Page 3 of 5 1 Seismic retrofit two existing potable water storage reservoirs. Foundation work and anchorage will be retrofitted along the lower sections of the tank shell to restrain the tank against uplift, The tanks have a combined storage capacity of 2.0 million gallons, and they are planned to store emergency water storage for the City of Palo Alto. Earthquake, Landslide Utilities- Engineering/WGW CIP, HMGP, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Short-Term High In Progress Engineering condition and coating assessment of Park Tank completed. Condition assessment and engineering seismic analysis of Park and Dahl Tank planned for FY2025, subject to funding. 2 Replace non-seismically restrained potable water piping in liquification zones with new fused and fully restrained piping. 10 miles of unrestrained pipe within a liquification zone will be replaced with fused HDPE piping. Earthquake Utilities- Engineering/WGW CIP, HMGP, BRIC Short-Term Medium In Progress Seismic retrofit of a water supply facility and 1.5 miles of water main replaced in 2024. About 1 mile of water main planned for FY2025, subject to funding. 3 Install two permanent standby stationary generators at Dahl and Park Pumping Potable Water Stations. These stations are located in WUI areas and service other WUI designated properties. Power lines are deenergized during wildfire events and standby stationary generators will be imperative to ensure power supply and continued operation of critical pumping facilities during a wildfire event. Earthquake, Wildfire, Power Outages, High Wind Utilities- Engineering/WGW CIP, HMGP, BRIC Short-Term High In Progress Portable generators procured for greater operational flexibility. Generators purchased and currently being fabricated. Deployment planned for 2025. 4 Wildfire hardening of critical utilities infrastructure. This action would remove and replace the existing roof and install a new roofing system, soffit, fascia, and front door with WUI compliant materials, systems, and techniques. All vent screens will be removed and replaced with WUI compliant mesh. All vegetation within 30-feet of the structures will be removed and trees limbed for adequate defensible space around each structure. There is a total of four structures located at four different sites, located in and round the Foothills Nature Preserve Area in the City of Palo Alto. Wildfire, Smoke, Air Quality, High Wind Utilities- Engineering/WGW CIP, HMGP, BRIC Ongoing Low Not Started Will be studied in the Water System Comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan. New Actions from 2023 Planning Process 5 Conduct an assessment for electrification of City facilities to achieve at least an 80 percent reduction in current natural gas usage by 2030. This assessment will provide a schedule, cost estimate, and timeline of what facilities this electrification must occur at to achieve the goals of the SCAP per this scenario. Climate Change Public Works - Engineering CIP, HMGP, BRIC, Federal Energy Related Grants Long-Term Low Complete The electrification assessment for City owned-city maintained, city owned - leased to others to maintain and leased buildings was completed. 6 Apply mitigation techniques to approximately 11 miles of overhead line to mitigate the possibility of a wildfire due to overhead electric lines. This could include the utilization of more robust equipment or construction practices; rerouting to avoid vegetation and improve access for inspection and maintenance; or converting the overhead lines to underground where feasible. Wildfire, Smoke, Air Quality, High Wind Utilities - Engineering/Electric CIP, HMGP, BRIC, Cal Fire Wildfire Mitigation Short-Term High In Progress Electrical undergrounding is proceeding through the project area, with work completed on Arastradero Road, and work continuing along Arastradero Creek Trail. Substructure for Phase 1 was completed in Spring 2022 and the substructure for Phase 2 was completed in June 2023. Phase 3 substructure installation is currently in progress. Phase 4 construction is currently paused for an easement relocation from Mid-peninsula Open Space. Will resume construction early next year when the easement paperwork is completed. Phase 5 substructure installation along Arastradero road is currently in progress. 7 Study a location of historic seepage from the Foothills Nature Preserve Dam. This project will investigate and monitor the seepage flow by channelizing seepage flow and potentially installing weir(s). Dam-Levee Failure, Earthquake, Flood, Landslide, Climate Change Public Works - Engineering CIP, HMGP Short-Term High In Progress In fall 2024, City’s consultant completed a field assessment identifying location of a seepage weir on the downstream side of the Foothill Nature Preserve Dam as requested by the Department of Water Resources’ Division of Safety of Dams. The weir is anticipated to be installed by early 2025 which will allow the City to collect quantitative measurements of the seepage flow. The quantitative data would further assist in better understanding of the seepage trend and guide if future long-term solution is required. 8 Restore the width and height of the earthen flood levee between Harbor Road near the Baylands Interpretive Center and the perimeter levee of the airport to six inches above its original height. Dam-Levee Failure, Flood, Tsunami, Climate Change Community Services Department - Parks and Open Space CIP Long-term Low Not Started A permanent CIP is not likely to occur in the next several years. The Army Corps of Engineers determined the cost to benefit ratio does not support federal funding for this project currently. They will re-evaluate in 2040. 9 Improve the quality of the tertiary-treated recycled water by microfiltration or ultrafiltration followed by reverse osmosis to reduce the level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Drought, Climate Change Public Works - Environmental Services CIP Long-Term Medium In Progress The Salt Removal Facility has a current active RFP and staff believes that construction will commence in 2025 with completion in 2028. 10 Evaluate options for protecting electric substations from outside vandalism and intrusion. If necessary, fences and other protections will be repaired. Security lighting will be designed and issued for construction. Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction, Active Shooter Utilities - Engineering/Electric CIP, HMGP, Federal- State Physical Security Funding for Utilities Short-Term Medium In Progress 7 of 9 electric substations have new security lighting and cameras installed. The engineering design and the IFB for contract construction is in progress. Construction is estimated to be completed Summer 2026.