Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Leonard Vialpando
Department: Public Works and Environmental Services
Division: Administration
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE form Agreement between Broward County and participating municipalities in substantially the form of Exhibit 1 for participation in the Broward Rapid Alert and Information Network (RAIN), a flood early warning system; authorize the County Administrator to negotiate and approve changes to the form that do not impose additional cost or material additional risk to the County, subject to review and approval for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, and to execute the same; authorize the County Administrator, subject to review and approval for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, to execute amendments to the Agreements that do not impose additional financial obligations on the County; and authorize the County Administrator to take any action necessary to implement the Agreements.
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Why Action is Necessary
Broward County Board of County Commissioners approval is required to execute access agreements with local governments. This action establishes a standardized agreement framework to support municipal participation in the Broward RAIN.
What Action Accomplishes
Approval of this item authorizes Broward County to execute Agreements with municipalities to install, operate, and maintain urban flood monitoring units at various locations within participating municipalities, and monitor the flood conditions at the respective locations as part of the Broward RAIN program. This action enables the County to efficiently expand its flood early warning network, improve roadway flood awareness, enhance emergency response capabilities, and provide real-time flood data to residents and partner agencies throughout Broward County.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☒MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None taken.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
Approval of this item supports the Commission Value of Collaboration by strengthening intergovernmental coordination to address flooding challenges and enhance regional resilience. This item further advances the Commission Goals of a Connected Community by cooperatively delivering an efficient and accessible regional intermodal transportation network, and a Resilient Community by ensuring accessible, seamlessly integrated investments in resilient infrastructure, sustainable practices, and environmental protection.
Broward County operates the Broward Rapid Alert and Information Network (RAIN), a countywide flood early warning system designed to monitor localized flooding, improve situational awareness during severe weather events, and enhance public safety on roadways. The early warning system utilizes urban flood units installed in strategic locations, including catch basins and curb cuts, to collect real-time water level and weather data.
The attached standard form Agreement (Exhibit 1) establishes the terms and conditions under which municipalities may participate in the Broward RAIN. Under the Agreement, participating municipalities provide designated locations and construct certain site improvements, while Broward County installs, operates, and maintains the flood monitoring equipment. Participating municipalities reimburse the County an annual fee per installed flood unit to support program operations.
This agenda item authorizes execution of multiple Agreements using a standardized form, allowing the County Administrator to execute Agreements as municipalities elect to participate, without the need for separate Board action for each municipality. Any future Agreements will be executed in substantially the same form as the attached Exhibit and will not materially alter County obligations or increase costs beyond those contemplated in the Agreement.
The Office of the County Attorney reviewed the Agreement and provided approval as to form.
Source of Additional Information
Leonard Vialpando, Director, Public Works and Environmental Services, (954)357-6677.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Participating municipalities shall pay $1,000 per year per installed urban flood unit to Broward County, as specified in the Interlocal Agreement. Revenues received will offset County costs associated with equipment installation, data management, system maintenance, and ongoing operation of the Broward RAIN program. No additional County General Fund impact is anticipated.