Distribution - eng2.lacity.orgeng2.lacity.org/projects/fmp/pdf/2012AnnualReport.pdfDistribution: Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa, ... Bernard Parks, Councilmember, ... Bob Garcia, BSS

Distribution: Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor Ed Reyes, Councilmember, Council District 1 Paul Krekorian, Councilmember, Council District 2 Dennis P. Zine, Councilmember, Council District 3 Tom LaBonge, Councilmember, Council District 4 Paul Koretz, Councilmember, Council District 5 Tony Cardenas, Councilmember, Council District 6 Richard Alarcon, Councilmember, Council District 7 Bernard Parks, Councilmember, Council District 8 Jan Perry, Councilmember, Council District 9 Herb J. Wesson, Jr., Councilmember, Council District 10 Bill Rosendahl, Councilmember, Council District 11 Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Council District 12 Eric Garcetti, Councilmember, Council District 13 Jose Huizar, Councilmember, Council District 14 Joe Buscaino, Chief of Staff, Council District 15 Andrea Alarcon, Board of Public Works Capri W. Maddox, Board of Public Works Valerie Lynne Shaw, Board of Public Works Jerilyn Lopez Mendoza, Board of Public Works Steven T. Nutter, Board of Public Works Robert Ovrom, General Manager, Building and Safety Ronald O. Nichols, General Manager, Department of Water & Power Michael LoGrande, Director, Planning Geraldine Knatz, Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles James Featherstone, General Manager, Emergency Management Department Enrique C. Zaldivar, Director, Bureau of Sanitation Gary L. Moore, City Engineer, Bureau of Engineering Michael Hornick, Region IX Planner, FEMA Thalia Polychronis, Office of the Mayor Neeraj Bhatnagar, Office of the Mayor Arleen Taylor, BPW Deidre Reyes, CAO David Arkens, ISO/CRS Claire Bowin, DCP Susan Shu, BOE Cindy Pham, BOE Romano Galassi, BOE Carol Armstrong, BOE Norman Mundy, BOE Yalin Tam, BSS Colin Kumabe, DBS Dana Prevost, DBS David Malin, POLA Eric Baumgardner, EMD

Keith Garcia, EMD Martin Adams/Mark Mackowski, DWP Shahram Kharaghani, BOS/WPD Cindy Kovacs, BOS/HRDD Azya Jackson, LA BOS/Watershed Protection David Chang, LADBS Bob Garcia, BSS Street Services John Nelson, BSS Aida Valencia, BSS Stacy Gerlich, LAFD Mark Stormes, LAFD Jack Wise, LAFD Jefferey Elder, LAFD Colleen Briggs, LAPD Paul Snell, LAPD Cora Jackson-Fossett, PAO David Paschal, GSD Deborah Kahen, DCP Guadalupe Duran-Medina, CD 1 Jeremy Oberstein, CD 2 Adrian Garcia, CD 3 Jonathan Brand, CD 4 Roy Forbes, CD 4 Christopher Koontz, CD 5 Emily Williams, CD 6 Jose Rodriguez , CD 7 Purvi Doshi, CD 8 Marie Rumsey, CD 9 Andrew Westall, CD 10 Laura Mclennan, CD 11 John S. Lee, CD 12 Marcel Porras, CD 13 Paul Habib, CD 14 Jenny Chavez, CD 15 Carvel Bass/Ed Demesa, USACE/FMP Planning Committee Clint Simmons, FMP Planning Committee Frank Wada, FMP Planning Committee George De La O/Michael Chen/Rick Sun, LA County/FMP Planning Committee Iovanka Todt, FMP Planning Committee Lisa Sarkin, FMP Planning Committee Mike Greenspan, FMP Planning Committee Pat Rome, FMP Planning Committee Roy Forbes, FMP Planning Committee Dr. Stewart Fliege, FMP Planning Committee Dan McManus, FMP Planning Committee Dr. Clyde Williams, FMP Planning Committee Elena Popp, FMP Planning Committee

Dr. Clyde Williams, FMP Planning Committee Elena Popp, FMP Planning Committee Jose Aguilar, FMP Planning Committee Jose Gutierrez, FMP Planning Committee Marcia Hobbs, FMP Planning Committee Mel Wilson, FMP Planning Committee Nancy Steele, FMP Planning Committee Randall Davis, FMP Planning Committee Ruben Chavez, FMP Planning Committee Tom Horn, FMP Planning Committee Tracey Chavira, FMP Planning Committee

Floodplain

Management Plan Progress Report

2012

H:\FCPlng_NFIP_GIS\FMP\Annual Report\2006 IPR\Front Page cover.doc

CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Reviewed by: an Steering

am gineer

Floodplain Management PlCommittee Prepared by: Bureau of Engineering Street and Stormwater ProgrGary Lee Moore, City En2012

FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN ANNUAL IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS REPORT 2012

Table of Contents Page No.

I. Major Events 2 II. Repetitive Loss Properties 7 III. Latest Information 8 IV. Insurance Policy and Disaster Assistance 9 V. Contact 14 VI. FMP Implementation Progress 14 Appendix A Maps 28 Appendix B Steering Committee Meeting Minutes 45

City of Los Angeles Floodplain Management Plan 1 2012 Annual Implementation Progress Report

CITY OF LOS ANGELES FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN

ANNUAL IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS REPORT 2012

PURPOSE The City’s Floodplain Management Plan (FMP) was first adopted in November 2001 and a subsequent FMP Update was adopted in April 2010 by the Los Angeles City Council. This document is the Implementation Progress Report for the year 2012. I. MAJOR EVENTS

1. Sun Valley Letter of Map Revision

In March 2007, DWR conducted a CAV for the City of LA. As a result of the CAV findings, the City was required to undertake a floodplain study for the Sun Valley watershed area and file a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The City has since completed the Sun Valley Watershed Area flood plain study and the LOMR application has been approved and accepted by FEMA which will change the boundary of the Flood Hazard Area. The effective date for the new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was June 25, 2012. Please refer to the link below for a detailed map.

http://eng.lacity.org/projects/sunvalley/index.htm/

2. Open Pacific Coast Study

In accordance with FEMA’s February 2005 Pacific guidelines for new coastal studies, FEMA is conducting a detailed coastal engineering study and mapping of the Pacific Coast of California. The results of this study will be used to re-map the coastal flood risk and wave hazards for all California counties along the open coast. More information can be found at: http://www.bakeraecom.com/wp-content/upLoads/2010/03/Factsheet-CCAMP-OPC-Study-handed-out-at-Santa-Cruz_021511.pdf and http://www.r9map.org/Pages/CCamp-Main.aspx


3. FEMA RISK MAP Program

FEMA, in partnership with federal, national, state, local, and tribal entities, achieved the goals for Flood Map Modernization and provided 92 percent of the Nation’s population with digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs). DFIRMs for the Los Angeles County was released in 2008. Building on the success of Flood Map Modernization, FEMA is moving forward with the successor program Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning Program (Risk MAP). The vision for Risk MAP is to deliver quality data that increases public awareness and leads to action that reduces risk to life and property.

While FEMA is evaluating the most practical options for establishing a Risk MAP Advisory Committee, FEMA has held a series of Discovery Meetings with communities in the Santa Monica Bay Watershed as part of the Risk MAP effort in late September 2012. FEMA’s objective is to identify the areas of concern and priorities of communities within a watershed in order to consider future flood risk project needs. The focus of future projects within the watershed will depend on available funding and community needs; therefore, all communities in the watershed are encouraged to learn about the Risk MAP program and provide input.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact FEMA’s contractor, Amanda Banks, at (816) 502-9420 or [email protected].

4. FMP Update

The next FMP Update is scheduled to be completed in 2015. Until then, the City will continue to prepare annual implementation progress reports and continue to identify new flood mitigation programs. The purpose of this progress report for the FMP Update is to describe projects and activities taken by various agencies and organizations to reduce and mitigate flood losses. Many of the activities described in the FMP Update adopted in 2010 are ongoing or have been completed as scheduled.

5. Los Angeles Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)

The City’s Emergency Management Department (EMD) is continuing its effort to maintain eligibility to participate in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program by periodically updating the LHMP. This is part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements to maintain the current City of Los Angeles’ Community Rating System (CRS) level of 7.

The latest copy of the LHMP was approved by the California Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in July 2011 and is available through the Emergency Management Department website at: http://emergency.lacity.org/EmergencyCheckList/EmergencyReferencesPublications/index.htm


or by calling 213-484-4800 to request a copy.

6. Elevation Certificates (EC) and Letter of Map Amendments (LOMA)

The most current up-to-date copies of the ECs and LOMAs are located at the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering website at: http://eng.lacity.org/projects/fmp/references.htm The Bureau of Engineering continues to post ECs and LOMAs on an on-going basis.

7. StormReady and TsunamiReady Programs1

During the late 1990s a collaborative effort began across the Midwest, between the federal, state, county and city emergency agencies to improve public safety and readiness during severe weather emergencies for coastal areas. This resulted in the establishment of the StormReady and TsunamiReady Programs. The programs are developed and administered by the National Weather Service (NWS).

On January 27,2011, the City of Los Angeles became the largest city in the United States to be recognized by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Weather Service as StormReady® and TsunamiReady™.

To be officially StormReady and TsunamiReady, a community must: a) Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operation center, b) have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts, and to alert the public, c) create a system that monitors weather conditions locally, d) promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars and e) develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

Becoming a designated StormReady and TsunamiReady community by the NWS is one way to ensure that the community is prepared for localized flooding. It also earns credit points from the CRS under the NFIP.

The StormReady and TsunamiReady designation must be renewed after three years. More information on how your family can be prepared for a tsunami or other natural disaster is available online at: www.stormready.noaa.gov and www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov 1 http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2012/20120127_losangelesstormtsunamiready.html


8. 2011 Community Assistance Visit (CAV)

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted a CAV in December of 2011. The City was found to be appropriately and effectively regulating development in the flood hazard areas. This means that City will continue to maintain a rating of 7 which allows residents located in Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) to obtain flood insurance at a 15 percent discount rate and those that are outside of SFHA receives a 5 percent discount. The visit is conducted every 3 to 5 years to assist and to ensure that the City is pursuing activities to minimize flood related hazards.

9. Ballona Creek Watershed Re-Map

Due to map accuracy concerns raised by the residents of the Park Mesa Heights area of the City, FEMA has started the process to re-map the flood hazard area of the Ballona Creek Watershed. A preliminary 2-D model was constructed to simulate flood hazards during storm events. The initial model runs started in July 2011 and the hydraulic and hydrologic analyses will be conducted prior to the new maps being drafted. Once the results of the analyses and draft maps become available, the City will solicit comments from the community before FEMA finalizes the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) panels.

10. Levee Certification 2

In 2007, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District analyzed the Compton creek and the Dominguez Channel levees to determine if they meet the Federal requirements for flood protection. While the levees are structurally sound, they were found to no longer be able to contain FEMA’s 100-year designated flood. As a result, FEMA will designate these areas as a flood zone, requiring mandatory flood insurance.

Last year, the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works held community meetings to discuss flood risk management issues pertaining to communities near the Compton Creek and Dominguez Channel. The purpose of these meetings was to gather public input and to develop a number of possible solutions for inclusion in a Flood Risk Mitigation Alternatives Study. The Alternatives Study is designed to identify projects that will lead to the recertification of the levees along Compton Creek and the Dominguez Channel, and the restoration of the non-flood hazard status of the affected communities, as required by FEMA.

The original timeline for purchasing mandatory flood insurance has been extended, as FEMA continues to revise its flood hazard maps and mapping guidelines. FEMA’s new mapping guidelines are intended to provide a more accurate depiction of the flood protection provided by the levees, as well as the properties that may be affected by flood hazard zone remapping. At this time, it is not known when the revised guidelines will take effect.


Los Angeles County Public Works engineers have identified potential solutions and sites that can potentially be developed into projects to improve the protection provided by the levees. These potential solutions are now being analyzed in greater detail. The draft Alternatives Study report is scheduled for completion in late fall 2012. As development of the Alternatives Study moves forward, additional community meetings will be held to share the proposed plan of action and final recommendation.

Another issue relevant to the Alternatives Study and FEMA’s Levee Certification Program, is Legislative Bill House Resolution No.1309 (HR 1309), known as the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2011. This Bill contains provisions that may delay the implementation of mandatory flood insurance requirements. To date, HR 1309 has been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. The U.S. Senate has not yet taken final action on the Bill.

For more information on the Levee Certification Program and Alternatives Study, please refer to the Los Angeles County website at:

www.lawatersheds.org and click on the Quick Links for Levee Certification FAQs.

2 www.comptoncity.org/images/stories/pdf/20120530130408298.pdf


II. REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTY (RLP) RLPs are those properties for which two or more losses of at least $1,000 each have been paid under the NFIP within any 10-year rolling period since 1978. Based on FEMA’s records as of December 31, 2011 received by the City in September 2011, there are a total of 151 RLPs in the City of Los Angeles. This information is updated yearly when the information becomes available. In most instances, these RLPs are located in FEMA designated areas considered to be of "minimal flood risk." However, many of these properties are located in fire-prone-hillside-areas that became unstable after a fire event which denuded the vegetation that had previously kept the soils intact.

Since the FMP was first adopted in 2001, the total number of RLPs has increased by 34 for a total of 151 properties. Figure 1 shows the trend of RLPs since 2001. Our records indicate 124 active RLPs and 27 RLPs which are considered inactive. Inactive properties are the ones that have not filed a flood loss claim within the past 10 years and removed by FEMA based on the field investigation and report provided by City staff.

The RLP maps in Appendix A show the RLP distribution by Council District and Citywide.

Figure 1 - RLP Trend

10696 95 99 104

117 117126 124117 123 124 127

141154 154 146 148 151

124121

151

020406080

100120140160180

2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012

Year

No

. o

f P

rop

erti

es

Active Total



III. LATEST INFORMATION

1. Rainfall

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, for the second winter in a row, La Nina has influenced weather patterns across the country. This resulted in the Pacific Northwest experiencing a colder and wetter than average winter in 2011–2012, while Southern California experienced a warmer and drier winter than average. Per the County of Los Angeles’ precipitation record for the 2011 -12 year, which began on October 1, 2011 and ended on September 30, 2012, the Downtown Los Angeles gauge located at the University of Southern California will end the year with 7.71 inches of rain, which is about 54% below the normal climate rainfall of 14.28 inches.

2. Flood Loss Data

The United States estimated annual average flood losses in the past 30 years (1981-2011) were $7.82 Billion in damages with 94 deaths per year. In the Water Year 20113 (the time period between October 2010 and September 2011), the flood loss for the entire country was $8,410,469,500 with 113 deaths. Based on the data provided from NOAA’s NWS, there is an increase of over $15.5 billion when comparing the 10-year flood loss averages of 2002-2011 and 1992-2001. However, there were 126 fewer deaths reported in comparisons between the two periods.3 According to the California Emergency Management Agency, in the year 2000, over 5 million Californians, or approximately 15 percent of the total population, lived in a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) designated floodplain. Most of this population resides in expanding urban centers located in floodplains where flooding could result in extensive loss of life and billions of dollars in damages.4 California’s flood losses for the Water Year 2011 was $199,792,000 with three deaths for the entire state.5 Between 1950 and 2004 states of emergency for flooding were declared 483 times in California. Not all flood events are declared emergencies; many floods are local, affecting only small areas or a few watersheds.6

3 The data represented are for water years, starting in October and ending in September. For example, Water

Year 2009 starts on October 1, 2008, and ends on September 30, 2009. Older years generally contain less accurate information than more recent years. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/hic/

4 www.Calema.ca.gov/PlanningandPreparedness/Pages/Floods.aspx

5 www.nws.noaa.gov/hic/summaries/WY2011.pdf (pg. 9)

6 http://www.water.ca.gov/floodmgmt/lrafmo/fmb/docs/CAQG-screen.pdf (pg. 3)

IV. INSURANCE POLICY AND DISASTER ASSISTANCE 1. Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) Eligibility Extension

Due to the recent changes to the flood map which affects the assessment of flood risks; the NFIP’s goals is to ease the transition for property owners with a mortgage, who have been newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone, and the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements that go along with map changes. If your property was recently mapped into a SFHA zone on or after October 1, 2008, you may be eligible for the lower-cost Preferred Risk Policy for up to two years after the latter of the two following dates: The effective date of the map revision; or January 1, 2011

More information can be found at: http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/prp_extension_for_property_owners.jsp or contact your insurance agent.

2. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company (State Farm) and the National Flood

Insurance Program

As of April 2012, State Farm agents will continue to sell flood insurance coverage through NFIP Direct and service existing customers whose policies transfer to NFIP Direct. However, State Farm is no longer servicing those policies. Servicing is now handled instead by FEMA and government designated claims adjusters.

For State Farm flood insurance customers, this means no change in who is providing the coverage. Flood coverage will continue to be provided by the federal government and customers are still able to be assisted by State Farm agents in acquiring the federal insurance. The only change is that policy applications and flood claims are no longer overseen by State Farm. The transfer process took place over a 12-month period beginning October 1, 2010. Flood policyholders have been sent notices of transfer at least 90 days before their policy’s expiration date. State Farm flood policyholders did not have to complete a new application for continued coverage. State Farm still services policies issued or renewed before October 1, 2010, until their next expiration date. State Farm will continue to handle claims occurring before the policies transfer, until April 2012.

More information on the NFIP and State Farm can be found at the web link on the following page.


http://www.statefarm.com/aboutus/_pressreleases/2010/national_flood_insurance_program.asp

3. Disaster Assistance Available From FEMA

FEMA, under the authority of section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §5174 and Title 44 of the Code Federal Regulations (CFR), may provide financial assistance and, if necessary, direct services to eligible individuals and households who, as a direct result of a major disaster, have necessary expenses and serious needs and are unable to meet such expenses or needs through other means. These include: Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time): Money is

available to rent an alternate place to live, or a government provided housing unit when rental properties are not available.

Repair: Money is available to homeowners to repair damage caused by the

disaster to their primary residence that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional.

Replacement: Money is available to homeowners to replace their home

destroyed in the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to help the homeowner with the cost of replacing their destroyed home.

Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for the

construction of a home. This type of help occurs only in insular areas or remote locations specified by FEMA, where no other type of housing assistance is possible.

More information on Disaster Assistance from FEMA is available at:

http://www.fema.gov/disaster-assistance-available-fema

4. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can make federally subsidized loans to repair or replace homes, personal property or businesses that sustained damages not covered by insurance. The SBA can provide three types of disaster loans to qualified homeowners and businesses: Home Disaster Loans to homeowners and renters to repair or replace disaster-

related damages to their home or personal property, Business Physical Disaster Loans to business owners to repair or replace

disaster-damaged property, including inventory, and supplies; and


Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which provide capital to small businesses and to small agricultural cooperatives to assist them through the disaster recovery period.

More information on Disaster Loans can be found at: http://www.mmrs.fema.gov/assistance/process/sba_assistance.shtm

5. Housing Portal

The FEMA Housing Portal is intended to help individuals and families, who have been displaced by a disaster, find a place to live. The portal consolidates rental resources identified and provided by federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Veterans Administration (VA), private organizations, and the public, to help individuals and families find available rental units in their area. FEMA recommends to those who use this portal to contact the number on the listing prior to traveling to the location of the property to make sure the property is still available. This site is updated regularly, and those who use the portal are encouraged to check back often for the most current information. Other helpful housing resources may be available on commercial websites.

1-800-621-FEMA(3362) FEMA Housing Portal can be accessed at:

https://asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm

6. Other than Housing Needs

Money is available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. This includes: Disaster-related medical and dental costs.

Disaster-related funeral and burial cost.

Personal belongings lost in a disaster, such as clothing, household items (room

furnishings, appliances), tools (specialized or protective clothing and equipment) required for your job, and necessary educational materials (computers, school books, supplies).

Fuels needed after a disaster for primary heat source (heating oil, gas). Disaster-related clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier).


Disaster-related damage to vehicle. Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster (moving and storing

property to avoid additional disaster damage while disaster-related repairs are being made to the home).

Other necessary expenses or serious needs as determined by FEMA. Other expenses that are authorized by law.

Additional information on Disaster related needs can be found at: http://www.fema.gov/disaster-assistance-available-fema

7. Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

DRC is a readily accessible facility or mobile office where applicants may go for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs, or for questions related to your case.

Some of the services that a DRC may provide include: Guidance regarding disaster recovery.

Clarification of any written correspondence received by FEMA.

Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information.

Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may

provide further assistance.

Status of applications being processed by FEMA.

SBA program information if there is a SBA Representative at the Disaster Recovery Center site.

You can register for assistance at a DRC or you can register online or by calling 1 (800) 621-FEMA (3362). The TTY (Text Telephone) number is 1 (800) 462-7585 for those who are speech- or hearing-impaired.

For a direct access to the DRC nearest you please follow the attached link at:

http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm


8. Additional Services

FEMA provides additional services to those that suffer hardship during a disaster. These include: Crisis Counseling Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Legal Services

Special Tax Considerations

For more detail information on these additional services please follow the attached link at:

http://www.fema.gov/additional-assistance

9. Report False Damage Claims

If you suspect someone is filing false damage claims, please report it. Help FEMA make sure that disaster aid goes only to those who deserve it. It is a violation of federal law to file a false claim.

You may report a false damage claim to any of the following:

Email: [email protected] Write to: DHS Office of Inspector General/MAIL STOP 2600

Attention: Office of Investigations - Hotline 245 Murray Drive, SW, Building 410 Washington, DC 20528

Fax the complaint directly to: 202-254-4292

Or Call: 1-800-323-8603


V. CONTACTS

The official NFIP Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles is the City Engineer, Gary Lee Moore. The tasks associated with the NFIP and CRS are assigned to the Stormwater Group of the Bureau of Engineering. Any inquiries or comments can be directed to 213-485-4820 or by email at: [email protected]

VI. FMP IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS

This chapter reports the progress of the programs identified to meet the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Floodplain Management Plan (FMP) Update adopted in 2010. This report can be found at: http://eng.lacity.org/projects/fmp/final_plan.htm These programs include a total of 77 activities, 3 of which have been completed, 56 are on-going, and 18 are remaining activities.

All programs are listed by implementation categories. These implementation categories are:

Completed and/or On-Going (Regularly)

In Progress but not Yet Completed Not Yet Scheduled

Cancelled

Deferred

The primary funding sources for programs are the Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund and General Fund. Monies from other sources such as grants and fees are not specifically identified, but will be pursued to support the implementation of programs. Each program is described by five fields of information: cost, schedule, policy addressed, responsible agency, and financing. The definition for each of these fields is provided on the following page.


Field Name Definition Cost $ = estimated cost in dollars currently funded

TBD = Cost information to be determined later

Schedule On Going = a continuous program

Start (MM/YYYY) = estimated program start

Finish (MM/YYYY) = estimated program finish

Not Scheduled = no start date has been established

TBD = Schedule information to be determined later

Policy Addressed Policies that relate to the program referenced in the 2001 FMP

Responsible Agency City Departments/Bureaus and outside agencies participating in the program

Financing Funding sources for the identified program

Table 1 HAZARD MITIGATION PROGRAMS Acronyms

2011 HAZARD MITIGATION PROGRAMS FOR THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN

BOE Bureau of Engineering, Department of Public Works

DRP Department of Recreation and Parks

DWP Department of Water and Power BOS

Bureau of Sanitation, Department of Public Works

EAD Environmental Affairs Department

BSS Bureau of Street Services, Department of Public Works

EMD Emergency Management Department

CAO Chief Administrative Office FD Fire Department

DBS Department of Building and Safety HD Harbor Department

DCP Department of City Planning LACDPW Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

DGS Department of General Services LD Library Department

DOA Department of Airports PD Police Department


Program Number

Hazard Mitigation Programs

Staffing Resources

Schedule Policy Addressed

Responsible Agency

Financing

P-1 Participate in the Los Angeles County Operational Area Tsunami Mitigation Task Force

Work being performed by existing staff

On going 1.a.01 EMD, HD General Fund, HD

P-2 Maintain membership in the tsunami warning system



P-3 Maintain Tsunami element in the City’s Emergency Response Master Plan



P-4 Update evacuation plans for those areas potentially affected by a Tsunami event according to Office of Emergency Services maps and the City’s General Plan and forward these evacuation plans to other appropriate agencies for coordination (i.e. Police, Sheriff, Los Angles County, etc).


On going 1.a.04 EMD, FD, PD

General Funds; Possible grants

P-5 Continue to maintain and annually update the Dam and Reservoir Emergency Notification List.


On going 1.a.04 DWP DWP

P-6 Provide dam inundation maps to the public


On going 1.a.03 BOE, DWP DWP, General Fund

P-7 Continue to evaluate reservoirs in terms of earthquake safety and implement necessary mitigation/improvement measures, as required by the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams.




Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-8 Continue to collect and analyze data regarding water volumes and pumping capabilities in water storage facilities provided by the Los Angeles Water Systems Data Acquisition Center to prevent catastrophic events.



P-9 Continue to dispatch reservoir inspection and damage teams following natural disasters to inspect and report the condition of facilities.



P-10 Continue to routinely monitor the existing structural condition of City-owned water storage facilities.



P-11 Maintain a flood warning system for properties located downstream of City owned water tanks.


On going 1.a.04 DWP, EMD DWP

P-12 Prepare/Update emergency plans for water tanks and other non-dam systems


On going 1.a.04 DWP, EMD DWP

P-13 Continue implementing the City's Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair


On going 2.a.04, 2.a.05, 2.a.07

EMD General Fund

P-14 Maintain the City’s web page to provide emergency preparedness information to the general public and media.


On going 2.a.04, 2.a.05, 2.a.07

EMD General Fund

P-15 Distribute information regarding flood prevention and flood insurance at emergency operations and emergency preparedness events.


On going 2.c.03 BOE, EMD General Fund, Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-16 Maintain the City's Emergency Operations Master Plan and Procedures.


On going 2.a.04, 2.a.05, 2.a.07, 2.c.04

EMD General Fund


Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-17 Make sand and sand bags available to flood risk property owners during the wet season, provide notifications of the availability of these materials, and track the distribution of the materials.


On going 2.a.04, 2.b.01, 2.b.04

BOE, BSS EMD, FD

General Fund; Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-18 Maintain and improve the drainage complaint database to help identify flood risks and make it compatible with the assessment methodology adopted in the FMP


On going 2.a.06, 2.a.11, 2.c.05, 2.c.07, 3.a.01, 3.a.02, 3.a.03

BOE Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-19 Maintain and improve a technically based prioritization methodology for use in developing the stormwater capital improvement program.


On going 2.a.06, 2.a.09, 2.a.11, 2.c.05, 2.c.07, 3.a.01, 3.a.02, 3.a.03

BOE, BOS Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-20 Maintain regular contact with surrounding cities, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, State and Federal agencies regarding flood hazard mitigation and the National Flood Insurance Program.


On going 1.a.01, 2.a.09, 2.b.02, 2.b.06, 3.d.01

BOE, CAO, EMD

Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund; General Fund

P-21 Network with other agencies and participate in organizations such as the Association of State Floodplain Managers and the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies to remain current in the field of floodplain management.


On going 1.a.01, 2.a.03, 2.a.04, 2.a.05, 2.a.07, 2.b.02, 2.b.05, 2.b.06, 2.c.01


P-22 Provide training and necessary support to foster Certified Floodplain Manager within the Department of Public Works.


On going 1.a.01, 2.a.03, 2.a.04, 2.a.05, 2.a.07, 2.b.02, 2.b.05, 2.b.06, 2.c.01



Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-23 Conduct an annual National Flood Insurance Program seminar for City agencies responsible for applying and enforcing floodplain management regulations.


On going 2.a.01, 2.a.08, 2.b.02, 2.b.04

BOE, DBS, DCP, EMD, HD

Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-24 Based on the annual National Flood Insurance Program seminar, update operational procedures and training materials for staff that apply and enforce floodplain management regulations and provide annual training


On going 1.a.02, 2.a.01, 2.a.02, 2.s.05, 2.s.08, 2.s.10, 2.b.02, 2.b.05, 2.c.06

DBS, DCP, HD

General Fund

P-25 Maintain Geographic Information System mapping and modeling capability to support the stormwater facilities condition assessment program.


On going 2.a.06, 2.a.11, 2.c.05, 2.c.07, 3.a.01, 3.a.02, 3.a.03


P-26 Continue to maintain precise survey bench marks throughout the City.


On going 2.b.02, 2.b.05

BOE General Fund

P-27 Develop and maintain a Citywide list of priority maintenance-related flood problem sites.


On going 2.b.01, 2.b.02, 3.a.01, 3.a.02, 3.a.03, 3.b.01


P-28 Based on P-27, conduct necessary inspection and maintenance at priority maintenance-related flood problem sites prior to the wet season and after significant storms.


On going 2.b.01, 2.b.02, 3.a.01, 3.a.02, 3.a.03, 3.b.01

BOS Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-29 Provide public education about maintaining the stormwater system free of debris and reporting violations.


On going 2.b.02, 3.a.01, 3.b.01, 3.c.02


P-30 Post "No Dumping' signs at points of entry to the stormwater system.


On going 2.b.02, 3.a.01, 3.b.01, 3.c.02

BOS, LACDPW

Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund (City); Benefit Assessment for Flood Control (County)


Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-31 Maintain a map for potential landslide and mudflow areas


On going 2.a.12, 2.b.01, 2.b.04

BOE, BOS, DBS, DCP

General Fund, Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-32 Update the established policy for identifying substantial improvement projects that is consistent with FEMA requirements

Work to be performed by existing staff

On going 2.a.01, 2.a.02, 2.b.02

BOE, DBS General Fund, Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-33 Verify, through the plan check process, that new development compiles with the regulations in the City's Ordinance for the Management of Flood Hazards, Ordinance No. 172,081, including freeboard requirements on new construction and substantial improvements.


On going 1.a.02, 2.a.01,

BOE, DBS, DCP, HD


P-34 Provide information to the Flood Hazard Mitigation Coordinator for preparation of the Annual FMP Evaluation Report that describes the progress made for each Program and any floodplain management regulatory actions and compliance actions conducted during the reporting period, including (a) the number of permits approved in designated flood hazard areas, (b) the number of waivers applied for, (c) the number of waivers approved. The information shall be provided to the Flood Hazard Mitigation Coordinator on July 1 of each year.


On going 1.a.02, 2.a.01, 2.a.08, 2.a.10

BOE, BOS, CAO, DBS, DCP, DWP, EMD, FD, HD


P-35 Maintain a filing system for all Elevation Certificates and evaluate and improve the process for obtaining accurately completed Elevation Certificates.


On going 2.a.01, 2.b.02, 2.b.05

BOE, DBS Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund; General Fund


Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-36 Continue to refine the use of the Plan Check and Inspection System (PCIS) to track high-risk properties and ensure that drainage is adequately addressed through the plan check process.


On going 2.a.01, 2.a.02, 2.a.08, 2.b.01, 2.c.01

BOE, BOS, DBS


P-37 Incorporate floodplain management information into the Zoning Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS).


On going 2.a.01, 2.a.04, 2.a.10, 2.b.02, 2.b.04, 2.d.01

BOE, DBS, DCP


P-38 Annually transfer electronic data regarding structures damaged due to flooding caused by catastrophic events to the Flood Hazard Mitigation Coordinator.


On going 1.a.04, 2.a.12, 2.b.04

DBS General Fund

P-39 Annually transfer electronic data regarding hazardous materials storage (including water reactive chemicals)


On going 1.a.04, 2.a.11, 2.a.12

FD General Fund

P-40 Continue to notify insurance agencies and realtors of the requirement that all lessor or renters give written notice to all prospective and interested parties, including but not limited to, purchasers, lessee and renters, prior to finalization of such a transaction when the subject land and/or structures are located within FEMA designated flood zones. The notice shall comply with the latest version of CRS manual


On going 1.a.02, 2.a.01, 2.a.04, 2.b.02, 2.c.03


P-41 Provide flood zone information to all residents; provide notifications when flood insurance is required; and provide notifications when FEMA designated flood zone changes are made.


On going 2.a.04, 2.b.02, 2.c.03



Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-42 Develop and distribute flood protection information and materials to property owners and developers in high-risk areas.


On going 2.c.03 BOE, DBS, DCP, EMD, FD, LD


P-43 Maintain a list of Critical Facilities throughout the City, provide flood protection information to operators of critical facilities located in FEMA designated flood zones, and encourage the implementation of flood protection measures at such facilities.


On going 2.a.04, 2.a.05, 2.a.11, 2.c.03, 2.c.04

BOE, EMD Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund; General Fund

P-44 Maintain and update a list of City owned/leased properties that are located in FEMA designated flood zones.


On going 2.a.01 BOE, DGS General Fund; Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-45 Continue to investigate Repetitive Loss Properties, as they are identified by FEMA, annually notify Repetitive Loss Property owners regarding local flood hazards and proper protection activities, provide technical advice regarding flood protection and flood preparedness, and distribute a revised Repetitive Loss Property Questionnaire to new Repetitive Loss Properties.


On going 2.d.01, 2.d.02, 2.d.03, 2.d.04, 2.d.05


P-46 Identify High Risk Areas in the City. Provide annual investigation and notification to property owners of High Risk Areas regarding local flood hazards and proper protection activities, provide technical advice regarding flood protection and flood preparedness, and distribute a revised flood hazard Questionnaire to new owners in the High Risk Areas.


On going 2.d.01, 2.d.02, 2.d.03, 2.d.04, 2.d.05



Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-47 Repetitive Loss Properties and High Risk Areas shall be flagged in the Plan Check and Inspection System (PCIS) database for review and approval of building permit applications by the Flood Hazard Mitigation Coordinator.


On going 2.d.03 BOE, DBS Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund; General Fund

P-48 Request that FEMA modify the Repetitive Loss Property list based on mitigation projects already implemented by the owner of other responsible party


On going 2.d.02, 2.d.03, 2.d.04


P-49 Identify possible sources of funding including Increase Cost of Compliance funds and mitigation grant funds among others, and provide this information to Repetitive Loss Property owners.


On going 2.d.05 BOE, BOS Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-50 Establish standards and/or incentives for the use of structural and non-structural techniques that mitigate flood-hazards and manage stormwater pollution.


On going 3.c.01, 3.c.02


P-51 Plan and design stormwater projects so that water quality is protected and flood risks are reduced both on and off site.


On going 3.c.02, 3.d.01, 3.a.04


P-52 Continue to require environmental review in the development process to provide for the protection of natural resources.


On going 3.e.01 BOE, DBS, DCP

General Fund

P-53 Continue to implement environmentally sensitive property management at City owned sites.


On going 3.e.02 DGS, DOA, DRP, DWP, HD

Various


Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-54 The Floodplain Management Committee will meet at least one time during the year to develop the Annual FMP Evaluation Report and recommend any updates to the Plan


On going 2.a.12, 2.b.01, 2.b.04

BOE, CAO, FMP Committee


P-55 Update a City-wide Watercourse Permit Manual


On going 2.c.01, 2.d.04

BOE General Fund, Possible grants

P-56 Update the web site to promote the awareness of National Flood Insurance Program


On going 2.a.04 BOE, EMD General Fund, Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-57 Identify and maintain a list of high-risk properties that could be acquired for conversion into open space.


TBD 2.a.03, 2.c.02

BOE, BOS, DBS, DCP, DGS

General Fund, Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-58 Develop regular stormwater facilities condition assessment program to identify the physical and hydraulic condition of the system and to support infrastructure management needs

TBD TBD 2.a.06, 2.a.11, 2.c.05, 2.c.07, 3.a.01, 3.a.02, 3.a.03

BOE, BOS, Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-59 Conduct a systematic evaluation of FEMA designated flood zones and revise/update designated flood zones to reflect current conditions.

TBD TBD 2.a.03, 2.a.12, 2.b.01, 2.b.02, 2.b.03

BOS, BOE Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund

P-60 Evaluate current development regulations, including the grading ordinance, to determine whether the standards provide sufficient protection for adjacent (downstream or down slope) development.


TBD 2.a.02, 2.c.01

BOE, BOS, DBS, DCP



Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-61 Update the Map of Hillside Areas (BOE Basic Grid Map A-13372) to more accurately reflect areas subject to hillside regulations based on latest data and regulations (CF 09-1390 and related documents)


TBD 2.a.12, 2.b.01, 2.b.04

BOE, BOS, DBS, DCP

Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund;

P-62 Study and recommend solutions to conflicts between height limitations and flood mitigation elevation requirements for structures.


TBD 2.a.01, 2.a.02, 2.a.05, 2.a.12, 2.c.01, 2.d.01

BOE, DCP Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund; General Fund

P-63 Research and continue to improve Municipal Code regulations regarding soil stability and erosion abatement.


TBD 2.a.07 BOE, DBS, DCP


P-64 Require that all land division proposals within FEMA designated flood zones include base flood elevation data.

TBD TBD 2.a.01, 2.a.08, 2.a.10, 2.c.06, 3.a.01, 3.a.04, 3.e.02

BOE, DBS, DCP


P-65 Distribute a revised Flood Hazard Assessment Questionnaire to an additional sector of the population to gather flood damage data.


TBD 2.a.03, 2.c.02, 3.a.02, 3.a.03, 3.b.01


P-66 Evaluate flood hazards to City owned/leased properties located in FEMA designated flood zones and develop mitigation recommendations.


TBD 2.a.01 BOE, DGS Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund


Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-67 Develop a model educational program for hillside properties in general and Mandeville canyon in particular. Target audience should be at minimum residents and real estate agents.

TBD TBD 2.a.03, 2.a.08, 2.a.12, 2.b.01, 2.b.04, 2.c.01, 2.c.03, 2.d.02, 2.d.03, 2.d.04, 2.d.05

BOE Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund, Grants

P-68 Develop an annual inspection program of watercourse obstructions and revetments in Mandeville Canyon

TBD TBD 2.a.03, 2.a.08, 2.a.12, 2.b.01, 2.b.04, 2.c.01, 2.c.03, 2.d.02, 2.d.03, 2.d.04, 2.d.05

BOE, BOS, BSS, CAO, City Attorney; Council Office District 11

General Fund, Grants

P-69 Identify high-density-vulnerable /low mobility population and sources of public safety hazards caused by a Tsunami event and develop evacuation/response plans.

TBD TBD 1.a.04, EMD; FD, PD


P-70 Develop evacuation plans for those areas potentially affected by a catastrophic dam failure as identified in the Dam Inundation Map of the General Plan, and forward these evacuation plans to other appropriate

Angeles County, etc.).

TBD TBD 1.a.04 EMD; FD, PD


agencies for coordination (i.e. Police, Sheriff, Los

P-71 Identify high-density-vulnerable /low mobility population and sources of public safety hazards caused by a catastrophic dam failure and develop evacuation/response plans.

TBD TBD 1.a.04 EMD; FD, PD


P-72 Soto Street Steep Hillside Mudslide Mitigation

$8M (Est.) TBD 2.b.01 BOE General Funds; Possible grants


Program Number


Staffing Resources


Responsible Agency

Financing

P-73 Tujunga Wash Stream bank Protection Project

$600,000 Minimum

TBD 2.a.08, 2.a.09, 2.a.11

BOE Army Corp of Engineers; Possible grants

P-74 Conduct regular coordination meetings with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to communicate the City’s list of priority stormwater projects, to discuss watershed management programs, and to develop Countywide standards.

Work performed by existing staff

TBD 2.a.09, 3.a.02

BOE, BOS, LACDPW

Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund; Benefit Assessment for Flood Control (County)

C-1 Develop an official Mandeville Canyon flood risk map and recommend the City Council to include this map into the local Flood Hazard Map New Floodplain Study

Work performed by existing staff

Completed 2.a.03, 2.a.08, 2.a.12, 2.b.01, 2.b.04, 2.c.01, 2.c.03, 2.d.02, 2.d.03, 2.d.04, 2.d.05

BOE Stormwater Pollution Abatement Fund, General Fund Stormwater Group

C-2 Implement the 2007 Griffith Park Fire Recovery Plan

$5,500,000 (est.)

Completed 3.e.02 DRP General Fund; Grants

C-3 Maintain adequate flood insurance on public structures located in FEMA designated flood zones.

Not Applicable

Completed 2.a.01 CAO, DGS General Fund;


APPENDIX A – MAPS Appendix A MAPS Repetitive Loss Properties (Citywide and by Council District)



















APPENDIX B – Meeting Minutes Appendix B – Meeting Minutes 2012 Floodplain Management Plan Planning Committee Meeting Minutes


2012 Floodplain Management Plan (FMP) Planning Committee Meeting

At Los Angeles – Glendale Water Reclamation Plant

Conference Room October 24, 2011 from 1 to 2:30pm

I ATTENDEES A total of 11 members attended the meeting (residents and City Staff)

UNameU URepresentingU UPhoneU UE-mail Susan Shu CLA/BOE 213-485-4493 [email protected] U Cindy Pham CLA/BOE 213-485-4578 [email protected] U Romano Galassi CLA/BOE 213-847-0405 [email protected] U Bill Stutsman LADBS 213-482-0453 [email protected] Emily Williams CD - 6 213-473-7006 [email protected] U Julie Jacobe CLA/BOS 310-770-1303 [email protected] Christian Lim LADPW 626-458-4392 [email protected] U Dr. Stewart Fliege Brentwood HOA Mike Greenspan North Hills CCC Roy Forbes Resident of CD - 4 Dr. Tom Williams Sierra Club Water Committee

II CALL TO ORDER Mr. Galassi asked everyone to introduce themselves and started the meeting. III PURPOSE OF THE MEETING

This was the 2nd meeting after the completion of the 2009 FMP Update which was adopted in 2010 by the Los Angeles City Council. The purpose of the meeting was for the committee members to provide comments, recommendations and approval for the 2012 FMP Progress Report (Draft) and to evaluate the progress of the implementation for the recommended programs under the FMP adopted in 2001 and 2009 Update. A draft report was sent to the members for their review prior to the meeting.

IV DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Dr. Fliege wanted to know the status of the projects listed in the FMP as “To Be

Determined” (TBD). Mr. Galassi stated that many of these projects are on the “wish list” carried over from previous FMP Progress Report and nothing has been done because the City doesn’t have the funding or resources to do the work. Ms. Shu stated that the Stormwater Group staffing has been cut almost in half in the past few years. Ms. Shu stated, however, that if there are any projects that the members think are urgent and needed to be done right away then perhaps the City could take a look to see what could be done. The City has very tight


resources right now; when the rainy season starts, working on emergency projects is the City’s highest priority.

2. Dr. Williams wanted to know why there are catch basins (CB) that are not cleaned

by the 1st of November. Ms. Shu stated that if anyone sees these problems, they should call 311 or 800-974-9794 and request for City services. Dr. Williams stated that it should not be a “call-in” for the CB cleaning. Mr. Galassi stated that BOS cleans all CBs at least annually. Ms. Shu added that beyond that Bureau of Sanitation (BOS) relies on citizens to call in to report problems and adjust service frequency. If there are certain areas designated by BOS as “hot spots”, BOS would go out more than once a year to clean the CB. Residents are encouraged to call 311 for City services whenever necessary.

3. Mr. Galassi presented highlights of the new developments in the FMP Progress

Report

a. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiated the Risk Map, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program after the successful completion of the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) in 2008. FEMA will take the next step to reduce flood hazards by increasing public awareness and reducing risks to life and properties in the event of heavy storms or tsunamis.

b. The City’s Emergency Management Department (EMD) periodically updates the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP); this document is required for the City to be qualified for various federal disaster grants. Keeping LHMP up to date also helps the City to obtain credit points under the Community Rating System (CRS) so that the City can maintain the 15 percent discount on insurance premiums for people living in flood zones.

c. The City continues to maintain the Elevation Certificates (EC) and Letter of Map Amendments (LOMA) on its website.

d. As of January 27, 2011, the City of Los Angeles (CLA) became a designated StormReady and TsunamiReady community designated by the National Weather Services (NWS). This recognition allows the City to receive extra credit points under CRS and will benefit the City’s residents.

4. Mr. Galassi stated that FEMA hired a consultant to certify and recertify the City’s

CRS credit points and annually review the CRS level. The purpose of the CRS audit is to verify various activities that the City actually carried out to minimize flood hazards, so the residents in the City receive insurance premium discounts accordingly. The City has received the 2012 CRS certification for level 7 in October 2012. This CRS certification review is similar but not the same as the FEMA’s Community Assistant Visit (CAV). The purpose of the CAV is to ensure the City meets the minimum requirements under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and identify deficiencies or improvements that the City can take to minimize flood hazards. The latest CAV was conducted in 2011 by the FEMA with the assistance from the California State Department of Water Resources


(DWR). The City would like to increase credit points and provide further discounts for the residents; however, due to resource constraints, the City has a long way to go to reach the next level.

5. Mr. Greenspan wanted to know if everyone pays the same rate on their flood

insurance premium. Mr. Galassi stated that the insurance cost varies. The Preferred Risk Policy is for people who buys flood insurance but are not living in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The premium can be as low as $129 a year. The premium cost also depends on your property value. The maximum coverage is $250,000 for the structure. If your property is on the Repetitive Loss Property (RLP) list, you don’t get any discounts on your insurance premium. Mr. Galassi also indicated that most of these RLPs in the CLA are not located in SFHA. Most are located in the hillside areas. Residents should contact their insurance agent to get a quote for their flood insurance.

6. Mr. Forbes wanted to know what criteria the City needs to meet to reduce the

CRS level from a 7 level to a 6 level. Ms. Shu stated that FEMA has a CRS Coordinator’s Manual which lists all the activities and their maximum corresponding credit points. Depending on how many points you accumulated you will receive the corresponding rating level. FEMA is in the process to release the 2013 version of the Coordinator’s Manual. The City will review the proposed manual and report the impact of the CRS level to the Committee. There are certain activities, such as convert private property in SFHA to open space. It’s easier for certain communities to earn higher credit points, such as the City of Roseville, who has a population of about 120,000 and has the best CRS rating in the nation. However it is almost impossible for the CLA to earn such credits.

7. Dr. Fleige wanted to know if we have been able to pick out the items listed as

TBDs and compare them to the FEMA list to see which items are the most critical. Ms. Shu stated that the City has not compared the TBD list with the proposed 2013 CRS manual. She then asked for input from the committee members. Dr. Fleige suggested that the City should rank the TBDs in the order of priorities. Mr. Galassi stated that this could be done but the bottom line is that the City does not have the funding and resources to do the work at this time. Mr. Forbes wanted to know if these items have associated CRS rating points. Ms. Shu stated that the CRS rating gives you a range of points depending on the completeness of an activity. For example, if the City were to send out newsletters to all of the residents, about 4 million total, more points would be awarded than what the City receives now, but it is not really economical to do so, and the City only gets funding to mail fliers out to people living within the SFHAs which is about 10,000 residents. Mr. Forbes wanted to know if the City could look at the criteria and determine if some of the items on the TBDs list are worthwhile doing. Ms. Pham indicated that those activities shown as “On-going” on the FMP Progress Report were determined to have higher priority based on Committee Members input at previous meetings. The City will review “TBD” items based on Committee Members’ request or when resources become available. In order to move from


level a 7 to a level 6 rating is going to take a lot more work. Mr. Galassi stated that the City is working with FEMA’s CRS consultant to identify necessary activity changes to maintain the current level based on the new manual since FEMA is revising the points relating to current activities and will be adding new activity items. Mr. Forbes suggested that the City ask congressional representatives with franking privileges to help the City send the mailers paid for by tax payers. This is a service to their community and can be done individual district. Ms. Shu stated that the City can definitely look into this suggestion by contacting local congressional representatives. These are the type of ideas the City would like hear from the public. The City asked FEMA to see how much more big cities, like the CLA, can do to obtain more credit points. It seems that for a big city like Los Angeles, level 7 rating is pretty good compared to the rest of the Country. Mr. Forbes suggested that for future meetings we should take all the TBDs and match them up against all the new FEMA standards and indicate all the range of points for the TBDs. The City can then prioritize them to get the maximum points possible. Mr. Galassi stated that it’s a good idea and he can work on it.

8. Dr. Williams indicated that the Ballona Creek discharges into the ocean is

designated as a 100-year flood zone. However citizens also voted for the Playa Vista real estate development, which is in a 500-year flood zone. The Planning Department and others are contributing to the stormwater runoffs without mitigation measures. Ms. Shu stated that is why FEMA is doing the re-map for the Ballona Creek Watershed.

9. Mr. Greenspan wanted to know if the City were to mail out the FMP to all the

people in the CLA would there be an increase in enrollees pertaining to flood insurance. Ms. Shu stated that the FMP Progress Report will be posted online, but the CLA has not been able to get information from FEMA as to how many people have flood insurance in the CLA. Mr. Forbes indicated that it doesn't matter how many people get flood insurance as long as we can lower our rating from level 7 to level 6 which means that overall the City has done a better job of planning and mitigating the effects of flooding. Ms. Shu agreed and stated that the whole idea of the CRS is that FEMA wants local agencies to do more to reduce their hazards. Dr. Fliege wanted to know if one of the completed items was for the City to maintain adequate flood insurance on public structures in FEMA designated flood zones and how is the City paying for this insurance. Ms. Shu stated that the City is self insured which means that if a City’s property gets damaged the City will repair it. Mr. Forbes wanted to know if the City set aside reserve funds for this work. Ms. Pham stated that the City has a reserve fund set aside for non-budgeted emergency needs, but the City does not need to buy flood insurance because we own our facilities.

10. Mr. Forbes wanted to know if the main issue with the “TBDs” has to do with

resource limitations. Mr. Forbes stated that hopefully the City can get more funding to work on the “TBDs”. Mr. Forbes also wanted to know if in terms of funding, is the City looking a Federal, State and City monies or is the City looking


for funding from non governmental sources as well. Ms. Shu stated that most of the funding comes from the City’s budget only. Federal grants have a lot of restrictions that prevents the City from qualifying. The City initially obtained a grant from the Federal Government to prepare the first 2001 FMP. However, the City has not been able to find grants that fit the work under TBDs. If any capital improvement projects are identified that can mitigate flood hazards, the City can apply for federal grants. The City currently has a grant application for a project that costs about $500,000 for construction. The federal government has requested a lot of information but hasn’t promise any money and hasn’t indicated when the money can be expected. The City feels that for $500,000 grant, we probably have spent twice that amount for staff to prepare necessary documents submitted for grant agency review. Mr. Forbes wanted to know which congressman is responsible for that district and if the City has worked with the congressman. Ms. Shu stated that the federal government told the CLA that the $500,000 is an earmark. However, FEMA is telling the City that they don't have people to review the grant application. Mr. Forbes stated that an earmark is not a bad thing because it's going help the citizenry. Mr. Forbes also stated that he would be happy to look for private foundations that are doing things for public safety. Mr. Galassi indicated that it would be great if he knows of some private foundations that are willing to help. Mr. Galassi also indicated that FEMA doesn't look at the City as a priority in comparison to Louisiana and New Orleans.

11. Ms. Williams asked what areas were being discussed when referring to

congressional offices. Mr. Forbes stated that one of the challenges is that there is not enough staffing and resources to do certain projects in the TBD items in the FMP. One of the “On-going” projects that is being held up by FEMA because the $500,000 grant request has been tied up. He would like to get help from a congressional member for FEMA to expedite the funding release. Ms. Williams wanted to know if this is for all 15 Council Districts. Ms. Shu stated that this particular grant funding is for one location in Council District 15.

12. Regarding funding, Dr. Williams stated that the Board of Public Works approved

the stormwater fees increase proposal but the City Council cancelled the idea a few years ago. Ms. Shu stated that the County is working on a County-wide fee increase proposal. The County Supervisors have approved about $1 million for a consultant contract to promote public awareness, and to handle the voting process. Home owners in the County are expected to vote the fee increase by mail in spring of 2013. Dr. Williams stated that the stormwater fees have not increased in 20 years. He stated that the Prop O $500 million bond was approved by the voters in 2004, but it is estimated that $8 billion is needed for an overall stormwater program for the CLA. Ms. Williams felt that a Special Assessment District would be a good way to fund flood control projects and maintenance because people who will not benefit from it will not want to pay. Dr. Williams indicated that all of these discussions are irrelevant because if you can’t get the stormwater fee increase, you can’t pay for Prop O future maintenance or this TBD list in the FMP.


13. Mr. Forbes stated that under the guise of flood risk abatement which is part of

FEMA criteria, the CLA is striving to achieve higher credit points so that citizens can get a lower flood insurance rate as well as be better prepared for future flooding risks. He felt that in order to qualify for extra credit points, the CLA needs to mail out the yearly newsletters to everyone in the CLA since the City has 4 million residents, but currently the CLA only mails out to the people in the floodplain. Congressional franking privileges, under the guise of public safety, can provide funding for the newsletters to be mailed to every property owner in the CLA. Ms. Williams stated that she can bring it up in the near future with Doane Liu who is Joe Buscaino current Chief of Staff as something to consider. Mr. Greenspan also stated that this will help increase the number of enrollees in the flood insurance program which may help lower the insurance rates.

14. Dr. Fleige wanted to know what the remaining issues are. Mr. Galassi stated that

the members need to approve the FMP Progress Report. The meeting minutes will be included in the final version of the report. Mr. Forbes made a motion to approve the 2012 FMP. All the members approved. Ms. Shu stated that if anyone has any questions to contact Mr. Galassi. The FMP Steering Committee adjourned until next year.


Documents

Distribution - eng2.lacity.orgeng2.lacity.org/projects/fmp/pdf/2012AnnualReport.pdfDistribution: Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa, ... Bernard Parks, Councilmember, ... Bob Garcia, BSS