Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 09-08-2009 regular — reading text

July 21, 2009 Re: Local Mitigation Strategy Update Background Okaloosa County is threatened by a number of different types of natural hazards that endanger the health and safety of the population of the county, jeopardize its economic vitality, and imperil the quality of its environment. In compliance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act ( 42 USC 5121 -5207) and the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 ( 44 CFR 201) and in order to proactively address natural disasters, Okaloosa County and its municipalities have jointly adopted a Local Mitigation Plan and Local Mitigation Strategy. The Local Mitigation Strategy and Plan were developed by the county /municipalities' Comprehensive Plan Committee created in 1990 which also serves as the Local Mitigation Strategy ( LMS) Committee. The LMS committee meets regularly and is open to the public. Through the LMS committee the private sector contributed substantially to the development of the Local Mitigation Plan and Local Mitigation Strategy. The Board adopted the Local Mitigation Strategy by Ordinance No. 99 -27 which was amended by Ordinance No. 05 -39. This amendment was to update the LMS for compliance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 ( DMA2K) as outlined in 44CFR, Part 201. Ordinance 06 -61 signed July 5, 2006 represents the final version of the LMS which completes the update and meets the requirements of DMA2K. For credit under the Community Rating System, this memo must be distributed to the media and be made available to the public. It is being sent to the Northwest Florida Daily News. Copies of this report and the of the LMS plan update are available for review at the Okaloosa County Water & Sewer Administrative 2nd Complex, 1804 Lewis Turner Boulevard, Floor, Okaloosa County Department of Growth Management, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, or Okaloosa County Department of Growth Management, 812 James Lee Blvd., Crestview, Florida. 2009 LMS Update for BCC Page 1 of 14 15- LMS Plan Action Items The Okaloosa County LMS Plan contains the compilation of the proposed mitigation initiatives that are the result of -the earlier planning efforts by the LMS Committee. This compilation serves to fulfill the requirements of 44 CFR Parts 201 and 206 Interim Final Rule in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 ( DMA2K). The compilation is provided in three sub -sections to directly address the four criteria listed in § 201. 6( c)( 3): 1) Local Hazard Mitigation Goals: As directed in § 201. 6( c)( 3)( i), this subsection shall include... " a description of mitigation goals to reduce or avoid long -term vulnerabilities to the identified hazards." 2) Identification and Analysis of Mitigation Actions: As directed in 201. 6( c)( 3)( ii), this subsection shall..." identify and analyze a comprehE.,nsive range of specific mitigation actions and projects being considered to reduce the effects of each hazard, with particular emphasis on new and existing building and infrastructure." 3) Implementation of Mitigation Actions and Multi- jurisdictional Mitigation Actions: As directed in § 201. 6( c)( 3)( iii), this subsection shall..." include an action plan describing how the actions identified in section c)( 3)( ii) will be prioritized, implemented, and administered by the local jurisdiction. Prioritization shall include a special emphasis on the extent to which benefits are maximized according to a cost benefit review of the proposed projects their and associated costs." As directed in 201. 6( c)( 3)( iv) and pertaining to the multi -jurisdictional aspects of this plan i. e. the inclusion of the County and its municipalities), this subsection shall... " include identifiable action items specific to the jurisdiction requesting FEMA approval or credit of the plan." LMS Plan Goals The LMS Plan includes the following goals that provide the broad range vision of what is to be accomplished during the five -year planning period from 2005 through 2010 by the LMS Steering Committee: Goal 1 — Continually provide mechanisms for local government jurisdictions and the public: to accomplish mitigation activities in Okaloosa County. Accomplish by: Maintain bylaws that define membership and public participation methods. Holding regularly scheduled LMS Steering Committee and Working Committee meetings. Steering Committee meetings will be held quarterly at minimum. Forming Working Groups for sub -regions, municipalities, or for specific hazards named in the plan to reduce or eliminate vulnerability. 2009 LMS Update for BCC Page 2 of 14 16-  Maintaining a staffing presence to the LMS Steering Committee through contract or through staff hire or appointment. Providing communications to county and municipal contacts and through media outlets to advertise opportunities to attend and participate in mitigation functions, consistent with the Florida Sunshine Law. Holding meetings throughout the County and in various municipalities to encourage local participation. Goal 2 —Maintain communication between the LMS Steering Committee and key County and Municipal departments to coordinate intra- and inter- departmental mitigation activities among various jurisdictions, and with the public. Accomplish by: Ensuring all interests of various departments are represented by the appointed staff to the Steering Committee Ensuring all interests are aware of Working Groups and a need to represent their own interests concerning various geographical areas or to address various hazards. Maintaining up -to -date e -mail and postal addresses and phone numbers to ensure communication. Establishing a website on the County' s web server that discusses the LMS program. Goal 3 — Update the LMS plan, as necessary, to identify change to hazards, vulnerability, goals, initiatives /priorities accomplishments /withdrawal /additions /pending, update of funding sources, current disaster declarations, and adoption of revisions. Accomplish by: Having the Steering Committee direct staff to update plan sections, tables, maps, etc., based upon current activities, trends, or issues. Providing LMS staff feedback that provides localized information that is current. Continually reviewing the comparing it to other planning plan and requirements ( emergency management plans, comprehensive land use plans, community rating system plans) that contain mitigation provisions or may otherwise help to assert or hinder mitigation initiatives. Notifying staff to the committee regarding issues that arise that may need their consideration or to solicit opinion. Identifying and documenting potentially new hazards, including technological and homeland security issues not otherwise analyzed as a result of DMA2K. Goal 4 —Assist property owners, residents, businesses, non -profits and others in understanding and knowing of their eligibility for grants, loans and services that may help to mitigate hazards that directly affect their interests,. 2009 LMS Update for BCC Page 3 of 14 17- Accomplish by: Working with existing programs within the County and Municipalities building inspections, local Community Rating System /National Flood Insurance Program, emergency management, chambers of commerce, etc.) to connect mitigation to these efforts. Being perceptive of and proactively engage new opportunities to promote mitigation interests. Developing a website that conveys updated information about mitigation activities on a continual basis. Staying abreast of available funding and service opportunities through participation in meetings, conferences, seminars, and research. Maintaining initiatives /priorities and contact persons lists to facilitate rapid notification of assistance availability. Goal 5 — Reduce or eliminate hazards identified to at risk locations in the County and its municipalities. Accomplish by: Targeting mitigation efforts and activities towards areas where hazards exist. Working with agencies, professionals, and the public to develop the best solutions for identified hazards. Examining and implementing appropriate technologies to identify, model, or otherwise simulate risks and zones of risk and incorporating these Tinto the LMS iplan. Analysis of Mitigation Actions Each of the hazards identified hats various ways and methods of mitigation. Section 4 of the plan demonstrates that a wide variety of hazards and risks exist throughout the County and in its municipalities. Section 5 provides an analysis of the potential for damages to community -wide infrastructure ( including public and private sector interests). Section 6 of the Local Mitigation Strategy Plan discusses the types of known mitigating actions that can be taken to reduce or eliminate future losses throughout Okaloosa County. The mitigation actions suggested here are not exclusive, but instead should be viewed as a means of stimulating thought and creativity towards creating a more disaster -resistant community. Hurricane/Tropical Storm The current LMS planning process was initiated prior to the landfall and subsequent impact of Hurricane Ivan on September 15 -16, 2004. Okaloosa County was all severely impacted by this Category 3 hurricane. All aspects of Okaloosa County were impacted. Homes, businesses, governmental buildings, schools,