Fresno County Board of Supervisors (3/7/23)

March 7, 2023 — Fresno County Board of Supervisors

Documented by Kendra Staub

Here’s what you need to know

• At the March 7 special meeting, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution proclaiming and ratifying a local emergency as a result of the February 2023 winter storms. 
• A media briefing with additional information was slated for 1 p.m. Tuesday.
• Fresno County supervisors and the Sheriff’s Office recommend that residents gather supplies in the next couple of days and avoid driving/traveling in the area once the storms arrive. 

Notes

Roll Call

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Administrative Office

Adopt resolution proclaiming and ratifying a Local Emergency, as a result of the February 2023 winter storms

• Unprecedented snowfall, rainfall and flooding during the last several weeks. More storms are expected in the coming weeks.
• Clear communication and planning is critical during this time 
• Press briefing was held at 1 p.m. with an American Sign Language  interpreter and a Spanish briefing after the 1 p.m. meeting 
• At elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 feet and below the rain will help clear out some snow and driveways/roads
• It’s currently about prioritization right now, we have limited resources 
• Contact the Sheriff’s Office for any needs or concerns, they will do their best to help and address the issue 
• Shelter open on Highway 180 – open but not utilized
  • 168 shelter utilized by some for rest and supplies 
  • Working on opening shelters in the most convenient places, partnering to get this done 
• We do not want people driving or traveling during the storm
• Currently no loss of life as a result of recent storms
• Evacuation warning is a recommendation to prepare and get supplies together, different than an evacuation order
• Avoid travel to Shaver Lake and other areas, even if ski resorts and other places are open. If you get stuck it creates difficulties for the Sheriff’s Office and they need to focus limited resources on residents facing difficulties due to the storm 

David Luchini (Director of Fresno County Department of Public Health)

• Seeking funding for response to the storms
  • Snow removal
  • Overtime costs for staff addressing these issues
  • Funding for shelters
• Anticipating the storm next week and flooding in flood prone areas. 
• Residents need to be prepared and have an evacuation plan ready. Do not take this lightly 

Supervisor Mendes: 

• The last time we had this much flooding/snow was in December of 1907

Supervisor Magsig:

• Sheriff’s Office may need to order warnings 
• Shaver Springs has private roads but public communication equipment there that may be necessary 

Supervisor Brandau:

• The value of declaring this an emergency ahead of time is it gives us a few extra days to prepare and get people ready for the storm 
• Are we doing public service announcements (PSAs) to get this word out?
  • If you need supplies it’s recommended that it’s done by Wednesday. At least 24 hours before the storm
  • Zoom and stream of media briefing to get information and warnings out 
  • Will do additional PSA if needed 

Actions/Discussions/Public comment

• No public comment
• Motion Approved 
• No public presentations 
• Meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Next meeting March 14, 9:30 a.m.

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at fresnodocs@fresnoland.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.