TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Marjorie G. Craig, P.E., Utilities Director
THROUGH: Chief Neal de Jesus, Interim City Manager
DATE: August 15, 2017
Title
MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT - FLORIDA'S WATER/WASTEWATER AGENCY RESPONSE NETWORK
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to Approve a Mutual Aid Agreement authorizing the City's water utility to participate in the Water/Wastewater Mutual Aid Program established by Florida's Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN).
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Background:
The City of Delray Beach has been a member of Florida's Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN) for more than a decade. Created in April of 2005, FlaWARN is the formalized system of "utilities helping utilities" to address mutual aid during emergency situations. These incidents may be man-made or natural disaster. The project's infrastructure consists of a secure web-based data bank of available resources and a practical mutual aid agreement designed to reduce bureaucratic red tape in times of emergency. The goal of FlaWARN is to provide immediate assistance, as quickly as possible, to impacted utilities by whatever means necessary until such time that a permanent solution to the devastation may be implemented.
The Mutual Aid Agreement is aimed at facilitating rapid emergency response amongst FlaWARN member utilities. Signing the Mutual Aid Agreement is not mandatory for basic FlaWARN registration; however, members are encouraged to enter into the Mutual Aid Agreement. Utilities staff is recommending the City of Delray Beach sign the Mutual Aid Agreement at this time. Having the Mutual Aid Agreement on file with FlaWARN prior to an emergency will facilitate planning and prioritizing by agencies responding to requests from the City of Delray Beach for help in time of need.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Finance Department Review:
Finance recommends approval.
Funding Source:
N/A
Timing of Request:
Timely approval...
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