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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/08/2004 September 8, 2004 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County met in Special Session at th the County Commission Chambers, 1840 25 Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, September 8, 2004 to take care of business with regard to Hurricane Frances and a previously advertised preliminary Budget Hearing. Present were Caroline Ginn, Chairman; Arthur R. Neuberger, Vice Chairman; and Commissioners Thomas S. Lowther and Kenneth R. Macht. Commissioner Fran B. Adams was absent. Also present were Joseph A. Baird, County Administrator; William G. Collins, II, County Attorney; Kimberly Massung, Executive Aide to the Board; and Patricia M. Ridgely, Deputy Clerk. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Chairman Ginn delivered the invocation and led the pledge. CALL TO ORDER The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. 1 September 8, 2004 INFORMATION ON HURRICANE IVAN AND UPDATE OF HURRICANE FRANCES RECOVERY STATUS Emergency Management Coordinator Nate McCollum advised that Hurricane Ivan was a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph and is expected to strengthen. He explained that Ivan’s size, wind speeds, and steering currents were much different from Hurricane Frances. At this time, Ivan was expected to hit Jamaica and Cuba and then head into the Gulf of Mexico and not be a problem for the east coast of Florida. th Mr. McCollum reported that Hurricane Frances made landfall on September 4. Highest wind gusts recorded at the County Administration Building were 106 mph and sustained winds were 90 to 95 mph. Frances was officially a Category 2 hurricane. The barrier island received an 8 to 9 foot storm surge during high tide. This storm crossed Florida, became a hurricane again and then made landfall in the Panhandle. Frances involved every county in the state except Monroe (the Keys). Because of this hurricane the county has sustained a lot of property damage but we have had no fatalities and no reportable injuries. The current financial damage for the entire County was estimated by Property Appraiser David Nolte’s office at $750,000,000. Approximately 87% of Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) customers did not have power and approximately 50% of the customers with City of Vero Beach utilities did not have power. He announced the locations where emergency supplies could be found, how to contact FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), how to request debris cleanup and garbage pickup, and that various government agencies will be set up the following week in the large conference rooms in both Libraries. He also advised that the curfew (9 pm to 6 am) was still in effect as was the ban on sales of alcohol and firearms due to the traffic signals and other electrical problems. While the barrier island has been opened to traffic, he discouraged sightseers. He advised the status of the shelters and the desire to get the children back in school as soon as possible. Our community and staff have been tremendously supportive. Coastal Resources Manager Jonathan Gorham reported he had done spot checks of the beach and there has been no dune breach. He noted dune recession averaged 15 to 40 feet. 2 September 8, 2004 There was a profile (elevation) reduction from 4 to 6 feet, or roughly 3 to 5 million cubic yards of sand were lost. At least two homes were destroyed by waves in Sector 7 (Porpoise Point and Moorings area). Some structures in that area are now imminently threatened with structural failure. The Building Department has sent out inspectors and engineers will also be looking at these buildings to see if they need to be condemned or whether emergency repairs can be made. A number of homes and condominiums on the ocean have exposed foundations or other foundation damage. We will be needing some emergency permitting, sand, shoreline and foundation shoring up permits from FDEP. He hoped we would be receiving substantial help from FEMA and the ACOE (Army Corps of Engineers). Contrary to rumor, the Ocean Grill is still standing as it has pilings that go down to the bedrock. There was brief discussion about the success of the PEP Reef. Dr. Gorham reported that there was no recession of the dune or damage to structures in the Sector 1 and 2 project areas. He opined that the recent project prevented a huge amount of damage in that area. County Administrator Baird was very proud of staff and lauded all the agencies, municipalities and personnel for working together to return the community to normal operation as quickly as possible. He called FPL the “weak link” and a “great disappointment”. He did not know why all the FPL trucks passed us by on their way south. He had spoken with Senator Ken Pruitt and Representatives Stan Mayfield and Ralph Poppell who were working to get FPL to Indian River County. He had heard for two days that FPL was sending trucks and he was still waiting to see them. The City of Vero Beach was doing a fabulous job with the electric for their customers. He announced that fees at the Landfill were suspended and transfer stations were open 24 hours a day. Mr. McCollum noted that restoration of electricity is one of the important pieces of the puzzle in resolving many after storm issues. There has been an FPL representative in the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) since the storm started. Mr. McCollum advised that public aid would continue at the distribution centers until we have full utilities back (water, sewer and electrical power) and people are able to return to their 3 September 8, 2004 homes. He urged that the new building code be kept intact and pointed out that the homes built under the 2001 code sustained very little damage. County Administrator Baird noted that there was severe damage in west county where several mobile home parks are located. Our building inspectors are out doing inspections to make sure the homes are safe or have to be condemned. He again emphasized the cooperation and hard work put in by all the government agencies and personnel. Sheriff Roy Raymond echoed the great cooperation between agencies. He advised that deputies were out in high winds and were called in about 9 p.m. when power lines began to go down. The worst hit taken by the Sheriff’s Office occurred Saturday at about 2:30 a.m. when the roof covering came off the building; about half of the building was water damaged. Water poured into the communications section onto their equipment. Everyone was mobilized and a “bucket brigade” was formed to move the communications equipment into the records department. Nearly all the equipment was saved. The Sheriff’s dispatchers were transported to the Vero Beach Police Department after the wind subsided and the City of Vero Beach assisted in getting the S.O.’s communications back up and running. Communications are now set up in the auditorium and they are fully operational. The computer-aided dispatch is not yet totally in place. He declared that the Commission could be proud of all the emergency workers who pulled together to make this a successful operation. He then advised of damage to the Jail. He chronicled the problems and methods used for feeding the volume of emergency workers, law enforcement personnel, the cleanup crews, and displaced residents. The food preparation facilities in the Jail were used initially and later moved to the Fairgrounds at Hobart Park. With regard to law enforcement infractions very little looting occurred and a couple of attempted burglaries were thwarted thanks to the curfew. He felt things were proceeding well except for traffic. The National Guard provided a good backup for the deputies but they will begin moving out some of their forces tomorrow. FHP, FDLE, Alcohol & Tobacco, and deputies from Sarasota have come in to assist our people. Intersections are dangerous during the day and night shifts serve security and patrol functions. He noted that the curfew has been very effective and he encouraged the Commissioners to leave it in effect until we get electricity. He also requested 4 September 8, 2004 that the alcohol ban be continued a little bit longer. Sheriff Raymond stated that his deputies were using discretion for those who had legitimate reasons to be out during the curfew hours. County Administrator Baird reported that every one of the 178 traffic lights in the county was knocked down. Power has been an issue with getting lights back up. There is also a shortage of traffic lights and some have to be re-built. Crews are doing a fabulous job but he emphasized the need for caution when driving and for stopping at every intersection. He credited the citizens for their exceptional courtesy and urged patience on the correction of this problem. He recommended continuing the curfew and alcohol purchase prohibition because of safety issues. There have been requests from the business community to extend the hours of the curfew (currently from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.). He could not recommend it at this time but the decision is up to the Commission. The primary goal at this time is safety. County Attorney Collins pointed out that some radio stations were announcing the wrong curfew information and emphasized the importance of getting the correct information out to the radio stations. Also, he had received a call from a local restaurateur who wanted to be able to serve alcoholic beverages with the food. Each Commissioner expressed their desire to continue the ban on sale of alcohol even in restaurants. Mr. McCollum explained that curfew hours in other counties were based on the needs of those communities and ours are based on our needs. Chairman Ginn thanked the people who had done so much for their fine cooperative effort and the protection of people and property. She expressed thanks for all the governmental agencies and Governor Jeb Bush for their response to our emergencies. She had confidence in the rebuilding and looked to the future built on the strengths of our community. Various individuals and employees were singled out for their special deeds. Plaudits were expressed about the EOC (emergency operations center) staff and the team effort. Commissioners expressed frustration and disappointment in the ability to communicate due to the loss of telephone service and cell phone unreliability after the storm. They also expressed appreciation for the School Board and the calmness of our community. 5 September 8, 2004 County Administrator Baird thanked all the County employees for the exceptional work. There was criticism from the press because the EOC was not opened up to them. We do not do that because the EOC was “doing business” and we would not “parade” the press through the shelters. He thought people should be kept calm and we should never allow the press into our shelters. He thought it was inappropriate and unfair to our citizens. Commissioners expressed their agreement. Mr. McCollum reinforced the comments about the privacy and protection of the people of our community from the press. Penny Chandler , executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed the concerns of various large businesses about their need for restoration of electricity and concerns for their employees who want to return to work to earn their pay checks. She advised of the efforts made by the Chamber and offered the use of their second floor for any government service that might need that space. County Administrator Baird thanked Ms. Chandler for providing maps to the out-of-town workers. He also commented on the fact that the Administration Building’s generator ran the equipment but not the air-conditioning before the power was restored to the building. There was a discussion on retaining and/or changing the curfew hours. Public Works Director James Davis stated that many residents would be asked to sign a “right of entry form” by crews doing debris removal. Workers cannot occupy private property without the owner’s permission. He urged caution in using unlicensed contractors. People should be wary of any contractor asking for payment in advance. Law enforcement should be called if something suspicious is seen. He specified that citizens could find information on the County’s web site about the requirements for out of town contractors to do work in Indian River County. Director Davis also warned everyone to be cautious at FECRR crossings as many of the crossing gates were destroyed. He was unsure when the FEC would commence their train schedules. Dennis Silver , owner of the Bamboo Lounge and representing several bar owners, requested the Board lift the ban on the sale of alcohol during the non-curfew hours citing social 6 September 8, 2004 and economic needs. He understood the concerns but felt the use of alcohol would allow people to sit, talk and unwind. He asked that the prohibition be considered on a day-by-day basis rather than for 7 days. Discussion ensued and concern for alcoholically impaired drivers was voiced. Discussion also was held concerning the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) assistance for small business owners. The decision to lift the ban will be evaluated on a day-by-day basis. Property Appraiser David Nolte specified that his office is in the middle of the TRIM (truth in millage) period now where property owners are talking about their property tax assessment notices. He had gotten word from the State this morning that the time to file petitions is going to be extended for every day that the office has been closed. That would be 5 days as of this time or longer if the County Administration Building is closed more days. Emir Shadab , the president of Macho Products, spoke of his 200 employees who need money to continue their lives. The business did not have electric power yet but the gas station next door did. The business was not damaged; he was frustrated in getting electric back in order to help his people with cash for the next few days. He hoped the Board could help him. County Administrator Baird noted that that it had been mentioned earlier in the meeting about the problems with FPL in the restoration of power. Everyone is at the mercy of FPL. As of yesterday, there were only 3 FPL trucks in the county. There was brief mention of Calpine and County Attorney Collins thought Calpine might be contracting with FPL. RESOLUTION NO. 2004-096 DECLARING A 7-DAY EXTENSION TO THE STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY ON Motion by Vice Chairman Neuberger, SECONDED by Commissioner Macht, the Board unanimously (4-0, Commissioner 7 September 8, 2004 Adams absent) adopted Resolution No. 2004-096 declaring a 7-day extension to the state of local emergency. OPEN BUDGET HEARING AND RECESS TO SEPTEMBER 15, 2004 AT 5:01 P.M. Chairman Ginn announced that she was opening the Budget Hearing and it was being recessed to September 15, 2004, at 5:01 p.m. and would be held in the County Commission Chambers in the County Administration Building. County Attorney Collins advised that the emergency management powers allow political subdivisions the power and authority to waive procedures and formalities otherwise required of the county by law pertaining to the performance of public work. He thought that the Board had the ability to open this hearing a few hours early and delay it because of the emergency. County Administrator Baird announced the preliminary budget hearing would be postponed to the date selected for our second and final budget hearing so as not to conflict with any other government agencies. Budget Manager Jason E. Brown advised that staff was proposing that the final budget hearing should be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2004, at 5:01 p.m. and it will be appropriately advertised in the newspaper in accordance with State requirements. COPIES OF DOCUMENTS EXECUTED BY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BAIRD DURING STORM CONDITIONS ARE ON FILE WITH THE BACKUP FOR THIS MEETING ORIGINALS WILL BE FILED IN OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 14, 2004 8 September 8, 2004 ALL BACKUP DOCUMENTATION IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AND IS HEREBY MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on Motion duly made, seconded and carried, the Board adjourned at 10:27 a.m. ATTEST: ______________________________________ ____________________________ Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk Caroline D. Ginn, Chairman Minutes Approved: _________________________ pr 9 September 8, 2004