Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Tracy Jackson
Department: Regional Emerg Svcs & Comm Division: Emergency Management
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Administrator to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with The School Board of Broward County (SBBC) for the use of SBBC facilities as public hurricane evacuation shelters during a declared state or local emergency, including appropriate staffing of such shelters, in substantially a form approved by the Office of the County Attorney as to legal sufficiency.
body
Why Action is Necessary
Board approval is required to delegate authority to the County Administrator to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with the School Board of Broward County for hurricane shelters and shelter staffing.
What Action Accomplishes
Provides authority to the County Administrator to negotiate and execute an agreement with The School Board of Broward County for the use of school facilities and staffing of hurricane shelters.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
As part of the County’s coordination role, facilities owned by The School Board of Broward County are utilized to protect the health and welfare of residents that reside in the unincorporated and incorporated areas of Broward County in the event of an emergency, such as a hurricane.
Historically, the staffing of shelters was performed by the American Red Cross. Prior to the 2017 hurricane season, the County was informed by the American Red Cross that, due to a decrease in volunteer activity, they could no longer provide shelter staffing for all of the shelters that would be needed during an hurricane. The American Red Cross committed to staff seven shelters, which commitment would be evaluated for continuation on an annual basis.
In response to this notification, the County notified and discussed with The School Board the need to provide additional staffing for hurricane shelters. During Hurricane Irma, County employees were utilized to provide for shelter operations with some employees from SBBC providing cafeteria services and performing facility related duties. This placed a significant strain on County employees. The County cannot provide sufficient staff to properly operate shelters without the participation of the SBBC.
To avoid a repeat of the situation from Hurricane Irma, County staff has engaged in extensive discussions with SBBC on the need for shelter staffing.
This agenda item provides for authorization for the County Administrator to negotiate and execute an agreement with SBBC on staffing support for evacuation shelter operations and use of facilities, and the County’s agreement to reimburse certain expenses.
The SBBC has not yet approved the form of the agreement, but the meeting between the County Administrator and the Superintendent on March 5, 2020, made material progress and resolved the more material outstanding issues in principle, and staff discussions are continuing on the final form of the agreement. The form of the agreement to be considered for approval in substantially that form will be circulated as Additional Material.
Source of Additional Information
Tracy Jackson, Director, Regional Emergency Services and Communications, (954) 831-3908
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
At this time, the total financial impact cannot be determined.