TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Susan Goebel-Canning, Director Public Works
FROM: Missie Barletto, Assistant Public Works Director
THROUGH: Mark R. Lauzier, City Manager
DATE: February 12, 2019
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 53-19 TO ADOPT OF THE STORMWATER MASTER PLAN UPDATE FOR ITS USE AS A TOOL FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (CIP) TO IMPROVE FLOOD PROTECTION IN THE CITY AND ADAPT THE CITY’S INFRASTRUCTURE TO RISING SEA LEVELS.
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Approval of Resolution No. 53-19 to adopt of the Stormwater Master Plan Update for its use as a tool for planning and implementing Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) to improve flood protection in the City and adapt the City’s infrastructure to rising sea levels.
Body
Background:
City of Delray Beach (City) consultant, ADA Engineering, has completed the first update of the City’s Stormwater Master Plan since 2001. The plan utilizes hydrologic modeling to address current and future conditions of the City’s stormwater management infrastructure and provides recommendations necessary to address future impacts of climate change on the City’s infrastructure. This plan looks at future sea level rise and its impacts on the City’s ability to keep the City and its residents from flooding conditions.
Along with the Seawall Vulnerability Study, which recommends raising seawalls, lining pipes and installing valves to seal the tides out of the City; the Stormwater Master Plan recommends installing pumps, replacing and increasing stormwater pipes and raising roads to keep up with rising sea levels over a 30-year planning horizon.
This action will help lower the Community Rating System (CRS) rating in order to lower homeowner’s insurance for City residents.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
Failure to adopt the Stormwater Master Plan Update will result in the City not receiving credit in the Community Rating System (CRS) for updating the plan every five years, which can contribute to higher homeowner insurance rates for residents within the City limits. Additionally, adoption of the Stormwater Master Plan Update allows the City with opportunities to apply for a variety of stormwater management related grant opportunities that can assist with offsetting the cost of projects designed to maintain and/or improve the City's Level of Service for stormwater management. Among these grant opportunities are Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Flood Hazard Mitigation Program (FMGP) grants that provide 50 percent match on costly projects that protect from flooding hazards. Adopting the plan will still require projects to go through the budget process for funding and implementation.
Timing of Request:
This request is not time sensitive.