CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH

MEMORANDUM

DATE: November 7, 2007

TO:                  D. Mike Good, City Manager

FROM:            Earl S. King, III, Acting Director, DPW/Utilities & Engineering

SUBJECT: A Resolution of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Adopting the Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan Developed by the Floodplain Management Plan Committee and Adopting the 2007 Annual Floodplain Management Plan Evaluation Report CAD#030/03

PURPOSE:

Seek Commission adoption of the:

· Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan; and,

· 2007 Annual Floodplain Management Plan Evaluation Report.

BACKGROUND:

On November 20, 2006, the Commission passed a resolution establishing a Floodplain Management Plan Committee to develop a Floodplain Management Plan for the community of Hallandale Beach.  This committee, comprised of both staff members and community residents, has done a thorough job of reviewing and discussing the many facets of the City’s floodplain challenges as well as other natural hazards.  The proposed plan is intended to help this community address flooding and other natural hazards.  In addition, it is intended to help the City of Hallandale Beach improve its standing in the Community Rating System.  

The Floodplain Management Plan Committee is composed of the following members:

Earl King, Acting Director of Public Works/Chair

Tony Gonzalez, Building Official/CRS Coordinator

Bruce Griswold, Assistant Fire Chief

Joe Sher, Vice Chairman of Public Transportation/Flood Mitigation Board/Resident

Patricia Brennan, Member of Public Transportation/Flood Mitigation Board/Resident

Monique Serres, Resident who has been impacted by flooding

The plan has been adopted by the committee, reviewed by other agencies and discussed in a community forum.

DISCUSSION:

The development of the Floodplain Management Plan entailed a 10-step process, which has taken the committee approximately one year to complete.  The most crucial step of the plan is the formulation of an action plan, which designates certain individuals or parties to accomplish various tasks within a specified period of time. 

The proposed action plan designates specific tasks for the following responsible parties:

· City Commission

· City Engineer

· Director of Development Services

· Building Official

· Fire Chief

Because the City Commission has been proactive toward reduction or elimination of flooding and other hazards in recent years, the implementation of the majority of the recommendations made in the action plan have already begun.  The one recommendation for the Commission is the purchase of property for additional parks.  The Commission’s recent purchase of property to expand Bluesten Park is one major step toward the fulfillment of this recommendation.

On Tuesday, November 6, 2007, the Floodplain Management Plan Committee made a presentation of the plan to the community in fulfillment of one of the steps in the process.  The response of the community members present was favorable.

In addition to adopting the proposed City of Hallandale Beach Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan, staff is also requesting adoption of the 2007 Annual Floodplain Management Plan Evaluation Report.   These documents are attached to this report.

The adoption of the plan will establish a framework for prioritization of hazard mitigation in the community and for implementation of activities designed to further reduce the hazards.  With the adoption and subsequent submittal of the Floodplain Management Plan, staff anticipates the City will garner a sufficient number of points in the Community Rating System program to obtain a Class 6 rating.  If successful, this will increase the discount in flood insurance premiums from 15% to 20% for all residents and businesses within the City’s flood zones, effective October 1, 2008.  As a direct result of the City’s participation in the CRS program, currently residents and businesses save over $500,000 each year in reduced flood insurance premiums.  When the City obtains a Class 6 rating, the savings will be over $667,000.

Staff is very appreciative of all the support the Commission has given over the years for this important program.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the Resolution adopting the proposed City of Hallandale Beach Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan and the 2007 Annual Floodplain Management Plan Evaluation Report.

Reviewed:

_______________________________                                                          __________

D. Mike Good, City Manager                                                                             Date

_____Approved                _____Disapproved                _____Hold for Discussion