CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA

MEMORANDUM

DATE:                      August 26, 2009

TO:                           D. Mike Good, City Manager

FROM:                     William M. Brant, P.E., Director, Utilities & Engineering

SUBJECT:               Consideration of Approval of the 2009 Annual Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan Evaluation Report. CAD #030/03

PURPOSE:

City Commission consideration of the 2009 Annual Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan Evaluation Report.

BACKGROUND:

On November 21, 2007, the Commission adopted the City of Hallandale Beach Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Not only does this plan serve to enhance the City’s emergency management efforts but it also fulfills one of the City’s requirements in the Community Rating System (CRS) program.

DISCUSSION:

Prior to October of each year, the City must perform an evaluation of its Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan and develop a report summarizing the findings and recommendations.

The report shall include:

§ A review of the original plan

§ A review of any floods that occurred during the previous calendar year

§ A review of the action items in the original plan, including how much was accomplished during the previous year

§ A discussion of why any action items were not completed or why implementation is behind schedule

§ Recommendations for new projects or revised action items.  Such recommendations shall be subject to approval by the City Commission as amendments to the adopted plan

On August 25, 2009, the Floodplain Management Plan Committee met, discussed and adopted the attached 2009 Annual Floodplain Management Plan Evaluation Report.  Following is a summary of the report.

Ø  Because the current plan is less than two years old, the committee does not recommend any major revision of the plan adopted by the Commission in November 2007.

Ø  Though much of the past year was characterized by drought, there was significant rainfall in the month of May and exceptionally high rainfall in June 2009, which registered a total of 14.07 inches.  A total of 4.16 inches fell on June 24, 2009, causing some flooding of streets.

ØA review of the Action Plan reveals that significant progress has been made since the adoption of the Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan in the goals set forth in the Plan.  The items listed below are only a few examples:

· Commission acquired additional property for parks within the Special

Flood Hazard Areas both in the northeast quadrant and the southwest quadrant.

· City Engineer is overseeing the implementation of several major

drainage improvement projects and pursuing design and construction of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program project in the NE quadrant. 

· Director of Development Services has pursued the adoption of EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report) Based Amendment to its Comprehensive Plan that designates all park parcels as Open Land Space.

· The Building Division has scheduled the implementation of a signed form by contractors requiring the securing of construction sites, equipment and materials from high wind events.

· The Fire Chief has implemented an annual review of condominium Emergency Operations Plans.

Ø As a whole, the action plan has been successfully implemented and the items have been either pursued or completed effectively. 

Ø Rather than attempt new projects, the recommendation of the Floodplain Management Plan Committee is to focus upon implementation of the action plan that has already been adopted by the Commission.  The Committee is, however, recommending the City consider adoption of freeboard in Special Flood Hazard Areas, requiring new construction to be built one foot higher than the base flood elevation.  It is understood, however, that a decision concerning this must take into account a number of other considerations, including cost and environmental issues.

RECOMMENDATION:

The City Commission approve the 2009 Annual Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plan Evaluation Report.

Prepared By:  _____________________

                                                                                                  Earl S. King, III

                                                                      Deputy Director of Utilities and Engineering

Reviewed:

_______________________________                                                          __________

D. Mike Good, City Manager                                                                           Date

_____Approved                _____Disapproved                _____Hold for Discussion