Okaloosa County BOCC — October 4, 2013 — October 4, 2013 Special Called Meeting — reading text

October 4, 2013 Special Called Meeting A Special Meeting of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on the Northwest Florida State Campus in Niceville. The purpose of the meeting was to receive a briefing on Tropical Storm Karen and to take any necessary pre-storm action. Members present were Don R. Amunds, Chairman; Dave Parisot, Vice Chairman; Wayne Harris; and Nathan Boyles. Commissioner Kelly Windes was not present. Also present were Gary Stanford, Finance Director; John Dowd, County Attorney; John Hofstad, Interim County Administrator; and Ernie Padgett, County Administrator in an unofficial capacity. Mr. Randy McDaniel, Emergency Management, provided a briefing on Tropical Storm Karen. Current wind speed is 65 mph, moving in a north northwest direction at 11 mph. He advised there is no consistency with models because of uncertainty from wind shear and an approaching cold front. Tropical storm force winds could begin by 7 a.m. on Saturday and continue through noon on Sunday. Rainfall could be between 4 and 8 inches. Downed trees and power lines are possible. Mr. McDaniel reiterated that landfall is not clear. The Governor signed Executive Order No. 13-282, declaring a state of emergency for the entire state. He said the Board will be asked to declare a local state of emergency. Mr. McDaniel said storm surge could be one foot to three feet, depending on time of landfall. There is a slight risk of tornadoes. A major concern is rough surf and rip currents. Local flooding is possible. There is no mandatory evacuation at this time. Full activation of the EOC is not anticipated at this time, Davidson Middle School is on standby as a shelter. Mr. Dino Villani, Public Safety Director, stated flooding is possible, noting that water could breach Highway 98 by tomorrow evening. He requested a local state of emergency be declared in order to handle any situations which arise over the weekend and to receive reimbursement from FEMA, He encouraged all departments to keep good records. At Mr. Villani’s request, each department head reported how they have prepared for landfall of the storm. Tourist Development Director Daniel O’Byrne noted the Board may need to take action October 4, 2013 ~1- Minute Book 70, Page gg Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners on extending the contract for the coastal engineering firm. He stated the current contract expired on September 30, 2013 and the bids are in the review process. Mr. Dowd commented that once the Board deciares a state of emergency, action can be taken on the contract. Mr. Parisot asked if the contract for beach cleaning services should be extended. (The beach cleaning services contract is currently being rebid.) Mr. Hofstad replied the Public Works Department will be able to handle the Situation. Mr. Sunil Harman, Airports Director, reported Delta will probably stop service by mid-day tomorrow. He said the Airports Department will follow Eglin’s lead and when all flights are suspended, the Regional Air Terminal will be closed. He stated Bob Sikes Airport and Destin Airport will also be closed. Mr. Parisot made motion, seconded by Mr. Boyles, to declare a local state of emergency, pursuant to county ordinance and Florida Statutes. 4 yeas. Mr. Dowd noted this state of emergency is adopted on an emergency basis. Mr. Harris made motion, seconded by Mr. Parisot, to extend the contract on an emergency basis with Taylor Engineering for a 30- day period effective today for coastal engineering services. 4 yeas. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:29 a.m. DON W. HOWARD DON R. AMUNDS, CHAIRMAN CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (These minutes were transcribed by Teresa Ward.) October 4, 2013 -2- Minute Book 70, Page 99 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners