ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from City Manager and Public Works Director with Request to RECEIVE AND FILE this Status Report of the JUNE 2015 STORM AND FLOOD DAMAGES AND COSTS.
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BACKGROUND: On June 7, 2015, the City of Peoria experienced the beginning of several severe storms and strong winds. The National Weather Service reported 60-75 mph wind gusts in the City of Peoria. Tree limbs and trees up to 2 feet in diameter were uprooted and blown onto power lines, homes and other property. The resulting wind, rain damage, and debris required multiple man-hours from Public Works Department crews and contractors in clearing debris from the right-of-way, removing unsafe, broken trees and limbs, and repairing unsafe walking/roadway surfaces due to drainpipe failures and sinkhole hazards. With the rains continuing in the region, waterways and river levels began to become a concern, with the Illinois River reaching flood stage in Peoria on June 14th and directly impacting riverfront structures June 17th. (This year’s event was the 8th highest flood on record.)
Sand bagging operations and construction of a temporary floodwall utilizing a new ribbed sand bag system began by the following week, on June 15. While not as severe as the magnitude of the damage and costs incurred by the flood from April 2013, the current flood presents similar challenges in terms of financing a labor-intensive flood control operation. Current costs estimated for both the June storm and flood events, as of Tuesday, July 7, 2015, is reported as follows:
STORM 6/7/15 FLOOD 6/15/15 COMBINED TOTAL
Labor Hours 2,327 4,757 7,084
Labor Costs $74,524 $173,934 $248,458
Equipment Costs $67,148 $55,357 $122,504
Materials $21,669 $19,885 $41,555
Contractors $19,061 $406,594 $425,655
Equipment Rentals $10,284 $64,820 $75,104
Event Total $192,686 $720,590 $920,360
Projected Additional Costs for Riverfront Clean-up (Est. July 8 - July 15):
Labor Hours 968
Labor Costs $38,881
Equipment Costs $37,368
Materials $1,595
Contractors $89,285
Estimated Total $167,129
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Public Works Department’s budget projections include regular operating costs, with consideration for weather events. However, extreme weather events are not included in the Department’s budget and, therefore, cause unplanned expenditures and budget overages. To date, the overtime budget for handling future weather events is anticipated to be insufficient for the upcoming winter season and will need to be addressed in the near future.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Through labor-intensive efforts, riverfront restaurants and businesses were able to remain open, the riverfront Farmer’s Market was successfully relocated twice and served interested patrons, and the annual Steamboat Days and 4th of July fireworks event, Red, White & Boom, were able to take place as planned.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: N/A. Receive and file.
IMPACT IF DENIED: N/A. Receive and file.
ALTERNATIVES: As Council directs.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
2. Vibrant Downtown: Riverfront/ Central Business District/ Warehouse District
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works