Title
Approval of a Resolution Declaring an Emergency for Flooding at 28th Avenue
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution declaring an emergency for completing mitigation measures to address flooding on 28th Avenue.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution declaring an emergency for completing mitigation measures to address flooding on 28th Avenue.
Staff Contact:
Jeff Johnstone, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8290
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In the last several years 28th Avenue, west of Cooper Point Road, has experienced periodic localized water over the roadway which requires people who live off 28th Avenue and Aztec Drive to drive through standing water.
During December 2025, the City of Olympia received a historic amount of rainfall as a series of atmospheric rivers impacted the region. As a result of these storms, 28th Avenue has been in a continual state of flooding which poses a risk to the public traveling through the area. The depth of the water in late December was approximately 6 inches in some areas and the edges of the road and adjacent ditches could not be seen. This is the only route to access the neighborhood. It is a safety hazard to expect residents, service and emergency vehicles, and other users of 28th Avenue to drive through standing water.
RCW 39.04.280 defines an emergency as "unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the municipality that either: (a) Present a real, immediate threat to the proper performance of essential functions; or (b) Will likely result in material loss or damage to property, bodily injury, or loss of life if immediate action is not taken." RCW 39.04.280 also provides for an exemption from competitive bidding requirements for public works in the event of an emergency.
The City Engineer determined that the situation at 28th Avenue const...
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