Scotts Valley City Council unanimously ratified a local emergency declaration on Nov. 19, approving temporary repairs to stabilize a slide on Glenwood Drive and authorizing staff to pursue state reimbursement. The council adopted Resolution 2079 at a special meeting to confirm an emergency proclamation made earlier this month.

A city official who identified themselves as the director of civil defense and disaster told the council the city declared the emergency to preserve eligibility for financial assistance from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The official said the emergency was proclaimed on Nov. 19 and that, per Cal OES timelines, the council must ratify that proclamation within seven days to pursue potential assistance.

Staff said they have been working with geotechnical consultant Anderson Pacific and coordinating with Fish and Wildlife because a stream runs below the slide area. For immediate stabilization, the city plans a temporary repair consisting of rock-filled baskets and backfilling under the roadway; staff estimated the temporary measure could last up to a year while a permanent design is developed. "The plan, at this point, is to install a temporary solution, which is essentially big baskets of rocks to keep further erosion from occurring and then backfilling under the roadway," the official said.

The city presented initial cost estimates: about $220,000 for the temporary repair and roughly $500,000 for a permanent repair, with the permanent estimate contingent on soil testing results. Staff cautioned the permanent number could change after full geotechnical work. Public works staff reported ongoing monitoring and said, "as of right now, the road has stabilized," but urged prompt work ahead of forecasted rain.

Staff said Anderson Pacific could mobilize within two weeks, though holiday scheduling may cause delays. Procurement will use a time-and-materials contract for the temporary work under the emergency declaration; staff explained that emergency procurement authority limits the city to making only the repairs immediately necessary to stop the emergency, and that a separate, standard public works bidding process would be used for permanent construction.

On reimbursement, staff said the city has opened discussions with Cal OES and will submit damage estimates through the county portal; a county liaison has been assigned and the city will update assessments as actual costs materialize. Finance Manager Reid was identified as tracking costs and confirmed the city had created a project code and was monitoring staff time; only overtime is currently eligible for reimbursement.

No members of the public commented during the meeting. After brief discussion and questions from council members about cost stacking, alternative access during potential road closures and outreach to affected residents, the council voted to adopt Resolution 2079. The motion to ratify the emergency was moved and seconded and passed unanimously.

The council directed staff to continue monitoring the site, pursue necessary coordination with Fish and Wildlife, upload damage assessments to the county/Cal OES portal, and return with updates as costs and design details develop. The meeting adjourned with thanks to staff for quick action during the holiday period.