BCC Minutes 07/08/2005 E (Hurricane Dennis)
July 8, 2005
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE
COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Naples, Florida, July 8, 2005
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Collier County Board of
Commissioners, in and for the County of Collier, having conducted
business herein, met on this date at 8:30 a.m., in an EMERGENCY
SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex, East Naples,
Florida, with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN: FRED COYLE (Absent)
VICE-CHAIRMAN: FRANK HALAS
JIM COLETTA (Speakerphone)
DONNA FIALA (Speakerphone)
TOM HENNING (Speakerphone)
ALSO PRESENT:
JIM MUDD, County Manager
LEO OCHS, Deputy County Manager
MICHAEL PETITT, County Attorney
Page 1
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
;}
AGENDA
HURRICANE DENNIS
July 8, 2005
8:30 a.m.
Fred W. Coyle, Chairman, District 4 (absent)
Frank Halas, Vice-Chairman, District 2
Donna Fiala, Commissioner, District 1 (telephonically)
Tom Henning, Commissioner, District 3 (telephonically)
Jim Coletta, Commissioner, District 5 (telephonically)
NOTICE: ALL PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON ANY AGENDA ITEM
MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO SPEAKING. SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER
WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER PRIOR TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE
AGENDA ITEM TO BE ADDRESSED.
COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 2004-05, AS AMENDED, REQUIRES
THAT ALL LOBBYISTS SHALL, BEFORE ENGAGING IN ANY LOBBYING
ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ADDRESSING THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS), REGISTER WITH THE CLERK TO
THE BOARD AT THE BOARD MINUTES AND RECORDS DEPARTMENT.
REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON SUBJECTS WHICH ARE NOT ON
THIS AGENDA MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING WITH EXPLANATION
TO THE COUNTY MANAGER AT LEAST 13 DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF
THE MEETING AND WILL BE HEARD UNDER "PUBLIC PETITIONS".
ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THIS BOARD
WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS PERTAINING THERETO,
AND THEREFORE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD
OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE
TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED.
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July 8, 2005
ALL REGISTERED PUBLIC SPEAKERS WILL RECEIVE UP TO FIVE (5)
MINUTES UNLESS THE TIME IS ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN.
IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY
ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING,
YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF
CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLIER COUNTY
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT 3301 EAST
TAMIAMI TRAIL, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112, (239) 774-8380; ASSISTED
LISTENING DEVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED ARE AVAILABLE IN
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE.
1. Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance
2. Updated track information for Hurricane Dennis and its effects on the citizens of
Collier County, Florida (Presented by Emergency Management Director, Dan
Summers)
3. Determination of Necessity of Declaring a State of Emergency
4. Discuss any appropriate action for the Board to take
5. Adjourn
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July 8, 2005
PUBLIC SAFETY
ANNOUNCEMENT
FROM COlliER COUNTY
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
239-774-8444 Fax: 239-775-5008
II\CIDENT: Tropical Storm Dennis Update
STATEMENT NUMBER: 02
DATE: July 6, 2005
VALID UNTIL: July 8, 2005 at 11 a.m. EST
MEETING NOTICE
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO REVIEW THE STATUS OF
TROPICAL STORM DENNIS AND DETERMINE THE NECESSITY OF
DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY
Notice is hereby given that the Collier County Board of County Commissioners will hold a special meeting on FRIDAY,
JULY 8, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. in the boardroom located on the third floor of the W. Harmon Turner Building
(Administration Building F), Collier County Government Center, 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples.
The Board's agenda will include, but is not limited to, the following:
A. Updated track information for Tropical Storm Dennis and its effects on the citizens of Collier County.
B. Determination of Necessity of Declaring a State of Emergency.
C. Discuss any appropriate action for the Board to take.
All interested parties are invited to attend, to register to speak and to submit their objections, if any, in writing, to the
Board prior to the special meeting.
All registered public speakers will be limited to five (5) minutes unless permission for additional time is granted by the
Chairman.
Any person who decides to appeal a decision of the Board will need a record of the proceedings pertaining thereto, and
therefore, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and
evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
Collier County Ordinance No. 2004-05, requires that all lobbyists shall, before engaging in any lobbying activities
(including, but not limited to, addressing the Board of County Commissioners), register with the Clerk to the Board at the
Board Minutes and Records Department.
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are
entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Collier County Facilities Management
Department located at 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112 (239) 774-8380.
-End-
July 8, 2005
MR. MUDD: Ladies and gentlemen, if you'd please take your
seat.
Mr. Chairman, you have a hot mike.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Thank you very much.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is an emergency
meeting of the Board of Collier County Commissioners, this Friday,
July 8th, 2005, in regards to Hurricane Dennis.
And at this time we'll rise and say the American Flag (sic).
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.)
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: At this point in time we'll check
and see if the -- our following -- the following commissioners are on
line.
Commissioner Fiala?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes, I'm here.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I'm here.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Commissioner Henning?
Commissioner Henning?
Commissioner Coyle?
Commissioner Coyle?
At that point, I'll turn this whole meeting over to Dan Summers.
Dan, if you'd give us a rundown on what's taking place at the
present time.
MR. SUMMERS: To the commissioners that are joining this
telephonically, good morning.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Good morning, Dan.
Item #2
UPDATED TRACK INFORMATION FOR TROPICAL STORM
DENNIS AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE CITIZENS OF COLLIER
COUNTY - DISCUSSED
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July 8, 2005
MR. SUMMERS: Good morning.
Dan Summers. I'm the Director of the Bureau of Emergency
Services for Collier County and your Emergency Management
Director of Record.
MR. MUDD: Dan, I think Mike Pettit's got to put a couple of
things on the record before we start.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Go ahead. Thank you.
MR. PETTIT: Thank you, Jim.
This is Mike Pettit, Chief Assistant County Attorney.
Under Chapter 38 of our code of laws and ordinances and
Ordinance 2002-50 and Florida Statutes, it's clear that Commissioner
Halas, as the sole commissioner present and also as the Vice-Chair,
has the power to proclaim a state of emergency if that's what's
determined at the end of this meeting is the appropriate thing to do.
I want to address the fact in this case we have some
commissioners on the telephone. I note that the Florida Attorney
General has determined that participation by Board members by
telephone is appropriate where there is a quorum physically present
and also in extraordinary circumstance.
Now, we don't have a quorum physically present. I do believe
this is an extraordinary circumstance. The hurricane came upon us
quickly. It's during the Board summer recess.
In any event, Commissioner Halas, you have the authority to
proclaim the state of emergency, if that's what's determined to be
done, on your own, so it's my opinion that it's appropriate for those
Board members on the telephone to participate and vote.
And the only thing I would ask Commissioner Halas is do you
agree that there are extraordinary circumstances justifying that
participation by telephone?
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Yes, I do.
MR. PETTIT: Thank you.
MR. MUDD: Mr. Summers?
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July 8, 2005
MR. SUMMERS: Thank you.
Commissioners, I have a number of graphics on the display, but I
will do my best to give that information to you so that you can
interpolate what we're seeing today.
Again, the goal here is to address what I think is a very serious
situation with Hurricane Dennis.
At this particular point, I have an illustration right now of
Hurricane Dennis, which is the radar, satellite loop, as Hurricane
Dennis is now making -- the eye of Hurricane Dennis is starting to
make landfall in central Cuba.
We have a Class Category 4 hurricane event. We have a storm
that's over 260 miles wide. This particular hurricane has significant
outflow.
In other words, it is a very well-patterned, well-developed storm.
The hurricane center has -- yesterday -- I should say yesterday we
were very concerned that we saw a very close track with Hurricane
Dennis parallel to the Southwest Florida coast.
Overnight we have seen, again, a jog to the west and the models
from the National Hurricane Center generally favor this north,
northwest track and what we hope after it crosses Cuba will be a
northwest track.
However, because of the severity of this particular storm, and we
all experienced the zig and the zag and the -- the jog from Hurricane
Charlie, we want to be on the safe side.
We feel like that we have a potential here for lack of a better term
if this storm does change course late this evening of kind of a
snakebite scenario where we will have to react very quickly.
So, that is the radar loop.
Let me go a little bit and show the -- the -- the forecast cone puts
the edge of the cone just due west of Collier County only by about 35,
45 miles.
So, again, this track, this path ultimately just takes this storm into
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July 8, 2005
Pensacola and west and as a result of that line from central Cuba to
just west of Pensacola again keeps Collier County presently only in a
tropical storm warning.
There is not a hurricane warning issued yet for Collier County
and we don't expect one at least until-- if one does occur, it would not
occur until later this afternoon, possibly in the intermediate advisory
around 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.
But if the forecast track holds true, it does keep Collier County
just east of the cone, the forecast cone.
The next area of concern that we use or the next tool that we use
to strike probabilities and you have to -- these are subjective in their
interpolation of storm making landfall within -- or affecting the
community within 65 nautical miles.
It is apparent that this storm will pass -- the eye of the storm will
pass less than 30 miles west of -- I'm sorry -- 30 miles west of Key
West, and as a result of that, the strike probability for Key West at this
hour is 48 percent, Marco Island 29 percent and Fort Myers 25
percent.
Any time that we see a forecast strike probability where we have
a probability greater than 15 percent, it really requires our action.
So, although we hope to see a glancing blow at maximum, and
we hope to see more deviation to the west, the fact that the hurricane
center continues to give strike probabilities for portions of Collier
County warrants our reaction.
The -- what I'm attempting to load right now on the screen here,
as you can see, this is current radar 600 miles out. Key West is just
beginning to get the first feeder bands, the outside bands, from this
particular storm.
So, again, they started evacuation activities yesterday and right
now are focusing on airlifting patients from their two hospitals via
C-130. That action is taking place today.
The next graphic that I have is the Hurri- V ac software and, again,
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July 8, 2005
this illustrates -- there is -- if you remember, we had different color
lines, circles around Collier County . We have a large black line,
which is what we refer to as our decision arc.
And that decision arc is sort of the -- the time mark that we need
in order to make any evacuation recommendations or take protective
actions.
So, currently, I have the storm just south of Cuba, and as I
advance the storm where the two rings meet, we're already at 10:00
a.m. Friday is decision point time for us, and as I advance the storm
even further, based on the current track, it puts the eye of the storm
just west of Key West at 3:00 a.m. Saturday morning, but it also puts
the storm force winds just off Marco Island at 3:00 a.m.
So, my concern here again is if we see any deviation back to the
east, that we may have a storm surge event after midnight, and we
know that we don't like to do that activity in the dark.
We're going to -- my recommendation is to err a little bit on the
side of safety and do as much as we can today as we see conditions
deteriorate throughout the day and, most importantly, be in as safe a
posture as we can after midnight in the event that we have any change
in track.
The storm has yet to hit its warmest water. We expect -- we are
seeing sea surface temperatures greater than 85 degrees just north of
Cuba, so we know that may generate some additional intensification
of the storm.
Also, the outflow pattern that I mentioned earlier, just to some
comparison, it's fair to say right now that this storm may be six to
eight times the size that Charlie was as it approached Charlotte
Harbor, so a much different storm in terms of its profile and
characteristics.
Just as I advance on up a little bit, I now have -- let's put the eye
of the storm just due -- due west of and slightly northwest of Collier
County.
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July 8, 2005
What I'm concerned about, that's 1 :00 p.m. Saturday afternoon, is
that with the significant southern outflow of this storm or the backside
of the storm, may in fact push storm surge values into Marco,
Everglades City, maybe even Naples Bay between two and four feet.
So, we could be looking at a significant problem. Two to four
feet would impact obviously canals, the bays, and could cause some
problems for us along our roadways.
But, again, it may push a lot of water but not be a big wind event
as we work that out from there.
So, let's -- let those thoughts settle for a minute, and if I could, let
me go ahead and make some general recommendations from -- to you
and then I'll answer your questions, if that's all right.
I do recommend that -- or let me make sure that you're aware that
the EOC has been partially activated yesterday . We have deployed
our disaster response units to shelters, so we have that equipment on
standby.
The Governor did declare a state of emergency yesterday and did
sign the executive order. We remain in a tropical storm warning and,
again, our action is prudent because we're looking at a -- at a close
proximity Category 4 storm.
I do not see significant impacts for the Immokalee area at this
time based on this forecast and I'd like to make the following
recommendations to the Board, that they do declare a state of
emergency effective immediately and, again, Mr. Pettit will have to
read the formal language of the resolution.
However, I am recommending a voluntary precautionary
evacuation recommendation to the general public effective 2:00 p.m.
today, and I need to read this carefully to avoid any confusion,
effective at 2:00 p.m. today for manufactured home residents and
persons with special needs desiring safe refuge from the areas south
and west of U.S. 41.
This area includes, but is not limited to, Goodland, Marco Island,
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July 8, 2005
Everglades City, Chokoloskee and other tidal areas such as Henderson
Creek.
Now, it will be up to the City, Marco City, for their formal
declaration to take place by their board, but it's just a
recommendation, and we have not had time to brief their board this
mornIng.
The shelter location for those residents who are desiring refuge
will be Palmetto Ridge High School located at 1655 Oil Well Road.
No special protective actions, again, are recommended for Immokalee
at this time.
And if I may restate this for the audience that's here, this includes
but is not limited to Goodland, Marco Island, Everglades City,
Chokoloskee and other tidal areas as such and Henderson Creek. And
that is effective as of 2:00 p.m. today.
Now, that -- as part of that and, again, we're starting quickly this
morning, I'm going to recommend that -- request that our Board of
Education District Schools assist us at Palmetto Ridge along with the
Red Cross and our Health Department to make ready that facility for
anyone that desires that assistance.
I do expect to see rainfall in excess of five inches in some areas,
ensuring water covered roadways and tax storage drainage systems.
And after we conclude the resolution, I do have a need for a budget
authorization to deploy some emergency equipment and we'll come
back to that after the resolution.
So, let me stop right there and address any questions or concerns.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Dan?
MR. SUMMERS: Yes, sir.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: This is -- Commissioner Coletta,
is that you?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes.
Do you also need a declaration from the City of Everglades City
to them -- for them to be able to go forward or do you have that
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July 8, 2005
already covered?
MR. SUMMERS: Sir, I would prefer that they go ahead and
meet and make that declaration and they may piggyback their
declaration off the county's activities, if they so desire.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Okay. And the other -- the
other issue that I got that I'm extremely concerned is the residents of
Plantation Island who live in trailers almost at the water's edge.
I hope a special effort is made to convince them to leave their
homes.
MR. SUMMERS: Sir, we'll add that to our public announcement
recommendation.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Thank you, sir.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Chairman Halas?
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Yes, Commissioner Fiala. Go
ahead.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yes. I have a question.
Now, say, for instance, these people in these mobile homes and
so forth do evacuate and -- for their own safety, yet when the storm is
finished, there's no reason for them not to get back home, but -- but
they're prevented from doing that.
Is that going to be the case this year?
MR. SUMMERS: I have not reviewed this with the Sheriffs
Office, but I do not expect any prohibitions or curfews or restrictions
in reentry.
Any of that reentry concern will be based on any damages that
are assessed in that area.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Well, that was one of the biggest
problems that we had last year with the storms, and I had so many
people tell me themselves, because of the other area's problems as
well as some of our very own people weren't allowed to get back to
their homes for three, four, five days.
MR. SUMMERS: Yes, ma'am.
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July 8, 2005
COMMISSIONER FIALA: They said that they would prefer to
stay home rather than deal with that, and I was just wondering if -- if
there's some way in your press release you could -- you know, if that's
the case, and -- and they will-- there's been no damage to their
neighborhood or to their block or whatever, that -- that we say
something about them being able to get back to their homes.
MR. SUMMERS: Ma'am -- yes, ma'am. That's exactly the case
because this is a voluntary. This is not a mandatory evacuation. This
is voluntary.
If folks are uncomfortable with the event, we want to have
options available to them. That would -- that may be more likely the
case if this was mandatory but our recommendation is voluntary.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Okay. Thank you.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Commissioner Fiala, maybe we
can shed a little more light on this, and that is that if there's no damage
or anything, people can normally go right back to their homes.
But if there's substantial amount of damage to the point where it
may cause them problems as far as health, safety and welfare, that's
why a lot of times people are prohibited to go back until at such time
as power lines and stuff of this nature are taken care of so that they
can enter back into their homes.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Yeah.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: So, I hope -- I hope that helps
clear up some of the thoughts and concerns that you may have in case
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I -- that -- that I -- I did understand.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Okay.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Confusion-wise with those that try
to get to their homes that aren't in any kind of a state of emergency
such as you just mentioned and they can't get back there anyway.
And -- but we'll have to see how that one works out. I just -- as
long as it's not mandatory and they can get back to their homes, I think
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July 8, 2005
it's important for people to know that so that they'll leave.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Are there any other
commissioners on line that have any questions?
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Commission Halas,
Commissioner Henning on the line.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Go ahead, Commissioner
Henning.
COMMISSIONER HENNING: What would the -- Dan, what
would be projected winds, and what would be the projected winds if it
deviates to the west, say 50 --
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Hello?
COMMISSIONER HENNING: -- 50 miles?
MR. SUMMERS: I'll restate your question, Commissioner, to
make sure I understood you.
What would be the concern -- what would be the estimated wind
speed based on the current track and what might be wind speeds with
worst case scenario --
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Right.
MR. SUMMERS: -- if that's correct?
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Yes, sir.
MR. SUMMERS: The -- the current wind speeds, I expect winds
20, gusts to 40, based on the current track, winds to 20, gusts to 40;
however, if we see significant deviation of this storm back to the east,
we could easily see storm force winds, hurricane force winds, closer to
70 miles per hour and then, heaven forbid, if we get much closer than
that.
Then we are subj ect to the full effect of this storm right now,
which is sustaining winds at 130.
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Thank you.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Okay. Dan, I have a question for
you.
As the hurricane travels over Cuba, is there any terrain there that
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July 8, 2005
could cause -- cause a change in the course that's predicted at this
point in time?
MR. SUMMERS: The -- how the -- the models do not give us
rock solid guarantees as to the storm's behavior; however, because we
have so much heat, we have so much -- the storm is so large, the
outflow is so significant that the hurricane center is forecasting
minimal impact or minimal reduction in this storm as it passes Cuba,
because it will immediately have the opportunity to feed on warmer
water once it crosses Cuba.
MR. MUDD: So, they're basically saying it's a Category 4.
When it crosses Cuba, it will drop to a three. As soon as it hits the
gulf, they believe it will go back up.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Dan?
MR. SUMMERS: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Commissioner Coletta.
I -- sir, would you recommend that people board up their homes
at this point in time or should they wait for another advisory?
MR. SUMMERS: I think today during daylight hours, any
protective action that the general public would like to take is a good
idea to begin that now.
We -- we're dealing with a very hot and humid day, so we should
pace ourselves with any of that outdoor activity today and, again,
better safe than sorry.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Dan, I have a question.
As the hurricane breaks through Cuba and enters into the gulf, do
you think that we'll have a real good idea of exactly what the
trajectory is going to be at that point in time so that we can alert
citizens in case it veers a little to the right, which would be to the east?
MR. SUMMERS: Yes, sir, I do. I think that once the 11:00
o'clock advisory is available to us, we'll be conference calling directly
with the National Hurricane Center shortly after that.
So, we'll have their -- the forecaster's background information in
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July 8, 2005
terms of how the models are behaving, what comfort level, what
confidence level they have in that model's track.
However, as we have seen in the past, we have to monitor this
carefully throughout the day and the evening for any -- any compass
deviation in this track so that we can respond.
I do know that the hurricane center is adding additional aircraft
and reconnaissance flights today and so they -- their -- they have a full
core press on monitoring the progress of the storm.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Can I clarify?
When you said 11 :00 o'clock, were you referring to 11 :00 o'clock
this evening or 11 :00 o'clock this morning?
MR. SUMMERS: Sir, there will be an additional advisory
available for us at 11 :00 a.m. today --
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Okay.
MR. SUMMERS: -- another one for the EOC at 5:00 p.m. today,
and then there will be an 11 :00 p.m. advisory also. And we'll continue
to monitor every advisory.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: But the 11 :00 p.m. is probably the
most important one. Is that correct?
MR. SUMMERS: That's correct. At 11 :00 p.m. tonight, this is
where we have to pay special attention tonight in the event that we get
this compass deviation and it has significant impact on Collier County.
We have to be ready to respond tonight.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Are there --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Dan--
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: -- other questions out there for the
commissioners?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes. If I may, Dan, the--
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Commissioner Coletta? Is this --
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Thank you. If I may, Dan, the
-- the ground itself is fairly saturated. I -- I know that it's not going to
take much more water to cause some flooding in some areas.
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July 8, 2005
Do you have any recommendations in general for the public at
this time, what they should be looking for, where they should be
concerned?
MR. SUMMERS: If they have experienced localized flooding in
the past, they need to be paying special attention, especially late this
afternoon and this evening.
What we don't want to occur is someone to get locked into their
property because of localized flooding. So, if you've experienced
localized flooding in the past, later on this afternoon, this evening,
monitor this forecast carefully, and as we see additional rainfall or
changes in the storm's behavior, be ready to leave that area quickly.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: And going on top of that, Dan,
have you got a report recently from the Big Cypress Basin as far as the
capacity left in the canals?
MR. SUMMERS: I do not have that information presently, sir,
but we'll make sure we're in contact with those individuals this
mornIng.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Thank you.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Any other questions from the
commissioners on the phone?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Not from me. Thank you.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Commissioner Henning?
COMMISSIONER HENNING: No thanks.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Commissioner Coletta?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: No. Thank you very much.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Okay.
Item #3
RESOLUTION 2005-263: DECLARING A STATE OF
EMERGENCY - ADOPTED
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July 8, 2005
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, I -- I need to get -- I need to get a
motion to proclaim an emergency, a state of emergency, but I'd like
for Mr. Pettit to read that particular resolution.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Mike, would you go ahead and
read that and then we'll make a vote on this?
MR. PETTIT: Certainly.
Proclamation of the Board of County Commissioners of Collier
County to declare a state of emergency for all territory within the legal
boundaries of Collier County, including all incorporated and
unincorporated areas.
WHEREAS, Hurricane Dennis has the potential for causing
extensive damage to public utilities, public buildings, public
communication systems, public streets and roads, public drainage
systems, commercial and residential buildings and areas;
And, WHEREAS, Collier County Emergency Management
Officials are recommending that a state of local emergency be
declared due to the current and predicted path of Hurricane Dennis;
And, WHEREAS, Chapter 252.3(a)(5), Florida Statutes, and
Collier County Ordinance Numbers 84-37, 2001-45 and 2002-50,
codified at Sections 38-56 through 38-70 in the Collier County Code
of Laws and Ordinances provide for a political subdivision such as
Collier County to declare a state of local emergency and to waive the
procedures and formalities otherwise required of political subdivisions
by law pertaining to;
One, performance of public work and taking whatever prudent
action is necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the
community;
Two, entering into contracts;
Three, incurring obligations;
Four, employment of permanent and temporary workers;
Five, rental of equipment;
Six, utilization of volunteer workers;
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July 8, 2005
Seven, acquisition and distribution with or without compensation
of supplies, materials and facilities;
And, eight, appropriation expenditure of public funds.
Now, THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED by the Board of County
Commissioners of Collier County, Florida in special session this 8th
day of July, 2005 that Hurricane Dennis poses a serious threat to the
lives and property of residents of Collier County and that a state of
local emergency be declared effective immediately for all territory in
the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Collier County;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Collier
Commissioners hereby exercise as its authority pursuant to Collier
County Ordinance Numbers 84-37,2001-45 and 2002-50, and waives
the procedures and formalities required by law of a political
subdivision as provided in Chapter 252.3(a)(5) Florida Statutes,
including authorization for purchasing director to waive existing
purchasing card limitations during the declared emergency;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of County
Commissioners hereby declares that during an emergency, it shall be
unlawful and an offense against the county for any person operating
within the county to charge more than the normal, average retail price
for any merchandise, goods or services sold during the emergency.
The average retail price as used herein is defined to be that price
at which similar merchandise, goods or services were being sold
during the 30 days immediately preceding the emergency or at a
markup, which is a larger percentage over wholesale cost and was
being added to wholesale cost prior to the emergency.
This proclamation resolution adopted after motion and second of
a majority vote favoring same this 8th day of July, 2005.
And I would just add that what -- if the board approves this, that
we would identify those commissioners voting by telephone on the --
on the document.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: I have one question.
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July 8, 2005
It doesn't really clarify in the last paragraph in regards to price
gouging for hotel rooms in case that's needed.
Where is that covered?
MR. PETTIT: I -- I believe it is covered in the notion of -- of
.
servIces.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Okay.
MR. PETTIT: And I think it would be covered in -- in --
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Covers it over that whole blanket,
that --
MR. PETTIT: Right.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: -- whole umbrella.
Okay. Do I entertain a motion?
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Motion to approve by
Commissioner Henning.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Second by Commissioner Fiala.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: All those in favor?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Aye.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Aye.
All those opposed by like sign?
(No response.)
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: The -- the motion passes
unanimously with Coletta on the telephone, Commissioner Coletta on
the telephone, Commissioner Fiala on the phone and Commissioner
Henning on the phone and I, myself, residing here, Commissioner
Halas.
Any other --
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, I need an authorization for a
budget amendment to support the EOC during this time of emergency
of $30,000.
It will -- it will be pulled from reserves for -- for all transactions
Page 1 7
--,-".~
July 8, 2005
in support of the EOC operation under current procurement
authorizations and denoted and obligated by a purchase order.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Motion to approve?
COMMISSIONER HENNING: I'll second the motion, by
Commissioner Henning.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: All those in favor, say aye.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Aye.
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Aye.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: And that's -- the following is
again Commissioner Coletta, Commissioner Fiala --
MR. MUDD: You need to ask if there's any opposed.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Is there any opposed to this?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: None.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Is that a --
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Not -- not from me.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Okay. So, let's go through this
process agaIn.
Commissioner Henning approved, Commissioner Coletta
approved and Commissioner Fiala approved, and also Commissioner
Halas approved.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Now, if that money isn't needed,
may I ask then does it go back into the general fund?
MR. MUDD: Yes, ma'am.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Okay.
MR. MUDD: It will only be -- it will only be used based on
purchase order when we need it.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Are there any public speakers at
this time?
If not -
Item #4
Page 18
July 8, 2005
RESOLUTION 2005-264: ALLOWING A BUDGET AMENDMENT
FOR FUNDING - ADOPTED
MR. MUDD: Don't close yet, commissioner. Let's talk about--
let's talk about services.
Tomorrow, because we could have winds between 20 and 40
miles per hour, the weather channel says it's from 25 to 50 miles per
hour, we are -- I recommend that we do not have garbage collection
tomorrow, on Saturday, and that the landfill and recycling centers be
closed.
No need to add an insult to injury and having garage blowing all
over Collier County.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Do you need a motion on that?
MR. MUDD: No, sir. I just need to make sure -- I guess maybe
we'll -- we'll do it by, is there any Commissioners opposed to it?
Normally I get nods.
And I --
COMMISSIONER HENNING: The -- we're leaving that
discretion up to the County Manager or are we just saying we're not
going to have garbage pickup?
MR. MUDD: Commissioner, I'm going to make the
announcement now that we're not going -- my recommendation is that
we not have garbage collection on tomorrow, Saturday, 11 July, and
that the landfill and the recycling centers be closed.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: That the landfill what?
MR. MUDD: That the landfill --
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Hello.
MR. MUDD: -- and the recycling centers--
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Hello?
MR. MUDD: -- be closed. And -- and the reason for that is
because of the --
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Hello?
Page 19
July 8, 2005
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Hello.
Yes, Commissioner Fiala. Go ahead.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: I think Commissioner Fiala lost
her -- her end of the contact.
MR. MUDD: Okay. Okay. Again, my recommendation is that
the -- the garbage collection be canceled for tomorrow, Saturday, 11
July, and that the landfill and the recycling centers be closed.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Do I have an approval from the
Commissioners on line?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: You do from me. Commissioner
Coletta here.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Commissioner Henning?
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Well, I mean I have a little
concern about whether it's truly needed. You know, 20 to 40 miles an
hour, I'm not sure it's going to be a hazard and I just need to be
convinced of that.
MR. MUDD: Well, Commissioner, what they're basically
recommending folks to do on the -- and it's July 9th. My correction,
please. I said 11 th, I meant 9th.
The -- the news and everything is basically recommending that
folks bring in their lawn furniture, tie down their trash cans and things
like that so that they're not blown around.
If you've got recycling day, you've got open bins that are sitting
on the street. 25, 40 mile an hour winds, you'll have papers and you'll
have cans and plastic flying all over the neighborhood.
My recommendation is you just cancel the collection, let folks
know that they tie up their trash cans, get them in the garages and you
close down the facilities that would collect particular garbage and
recycling for that day.
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Well, I appreciate that. The
news media is making those recommendations but I need
recommendations from people that are --
Page 20
July 8, 2005
COMMISSIONER FIALA: I'm sorry. I couldn't hear that.
MR. DELONY: For the record, Jim DeLony, Public Utilities
Administrator.
It's my recommendation as the Administrator of Public Utilities,
therefore responsible to solid waste in Collier County, given the
predictions that we have from our own internal emergency
management operations function, as well as that from outside sources,
that in -- in the area of prudence and safety for not only the individuals
who pick up the garbage for the county and operate the facilities
associated with our solid waste operations, but also to mitigate any
potential with regard to wind-blown garbage or debris, it is my
recommendation we do not collect garbage tomorrow, Saturday, the
11 th of July, and that we do not -- not -- the 9th July, and that we do
not operate the landfill because I need that landfill buttoned up tight in
terms of its -- as a facility to ensure that we don't get any damage to
the -- to the -- to that operation and also to preclude any safety
concerns I would have for the people operating that facility.
And that is my recommendation as the staff.
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Chairman Halas --
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Commissioner Halas?
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Yes.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: May I ask if this is going to be
inserted into the press release? I think that would be a smart idea.
MR. DELONY: Yes, ma'am, we'll do that.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Okay. Thank you.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Commissioner Halas--
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Commissioner Henning, did that
answer your concerns?
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Yes, it did.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Okay.
COMMISSIONER HENNING: It did and if you need a motion,
I -- I so move to approve.
Page 21
July 8, 2005
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS : We just think we just --
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Second.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: -- we just needed nods on that.
That was all.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Oh, okay.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Can you see me --
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Anything--
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: -- nodding?
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Pardon?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: You could see me nodding?
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Yes.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Okay. Good.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: We got -- we got vision television
here.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Well, actually, I'm watching
you on television right now through our video screening off the
government channel.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Is it working good?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Well, there's -- there's -- it's a
little confusing. There's about a 90-second delay, but, I mean, you get
to see the maps and everything else. It's working well enough.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Is there any information from the
Transportation Department that we need to address at this point in
time while we got everybody here?
MR. FEDER: Commissioner, Norman Feder, Transportation
Administrator for the record.
I just spoke to our folks in stormwater that are working with Big
Cypress Basin, the water management district.
The major canals and our canals, the weirs, are open. They're not
fully open. They're operational. They're taking down the water level.
And I asked if they could handle four to 6 inches and they said, yes.
They'll continue to monitor.
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July 8, 2005
The crews are ready to open up further as need be and to
coordinate that with Big Cypress Basin, the water management
district.
Traffic operations is out. We've got emergency backup
generators, other issues out and ready to go should the event require it.
Again, maintenance crews are ready and so everything's in
preparation and in order.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Commissioner Coletta, did that
answer your question in regards to Great Cypress Basin?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Yes, it did. Thank you very
much.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Okay. Any other comments or
questions from the commissioners on line?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: None.
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Yes, sir. Commissioner Halas?
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Yes, Commissioner Henning. Go
ahead.
COMMISSIONER HENNING: Is there any recommendations
for the Board to reconvene in the near future?
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: That's -- we haven't covered that
yet and I'm going to leave that up to both the Emergency Manager
Director and also the County Manager.
And I believe that coming to the podium right now is Dan
Summers. Maybe he can fill us in on that.
Dan?
MR. SUMMERS: Let me -- I was distracted there. Let me make
sure I understand the question and that is to discuss reconvening at a
later date if it --
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: That's correct.
MR. SUMMERS: -- becomes necessary.
I think -- I am certainly flexible. We will be here to -- to support
you with that emergency information recommendation.
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July 8, 2005
My only concern might be if we get into the evening hours, we
see a change in the storm's profile and we need to react quickly, how
long might it take to reconvene or would that be better to let the
commissioner that is here and the county manager have the authority
based on our recommendation to take other mandatory evacuation
recommendations if that becomes necessary based on the storm's rapid
development?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: If I may?
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: I -- excuse me. Let me talk to --
turn this over to the County Attorney.
I believe the ordinances are such that we do have that power and
then, Commissioner Coletta, after we get the answer from the County
Attorney, I'll turn the mike back to you.
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: Thank you.
MR. PETTIT: Commissioner Halas, Mike Pettit, Chief Assistant
County Attorney.
Let me turn to the right provision.
I believe you do have the ability to order and promulgate a series
of emergency measures on your own.
I -- I would just for purposes of public information attempt to put
a notice out at the time that you appeared here to do that, so the public
would participate, but I think on your own you can make those
decisions.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Go ahead, Commissioner Coletta.
Did that answer any of your concerns?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: For the most part, it did, but I
just wanted to mention the fact that I feel very confident with Jim
Mudd being there and, of course, you, Commissioner Halas, have had
two years of personal FEMA training, so I -- I'm sure that you
understand the situation as well as an average person could ever
understand it.
So, I have total confidence in Jim Mudd, the staff, and you being
Page 24
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July 8, 2005
present to be able to see that we do everything the right way.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Any other comments out there
from commissioners?
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Nothing.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Commissioner Henning?
COMMISSIONER HENNING: No. None from me.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: County Manager Mudd.
MR. MUDD: Unless there's any other questions, commissioner,
I -- we're pretty well done for today, but I want to -- I want Dan to
restate six -- bullet number two again for the -- for the viewing public,
and how about reading that one more time, Dan.
MR. SUMMERS: Thank you.
Under our state of emergency proclamation, we're making the
following recommendation: A voluntary precautionary evacuation
recommendation is effective today at 2:00 p.m. for manufactured
home residents and persons with special needs desiring safe refuge
from the area south and west of U.S. 41.
This area includes, but is not limited to Goodland, Marco Island,
Everglades City, Chokoloskee. We'll also want to reference
Plantation Island and other tidal areas such as Henderson Creek.
The shelter location for those residents, again stressing voluntary,
but the shelter that we'll have available after 2:00 p.m. today will be
Palmetto Ridge High School located at 1655 Oil Well Road.
And presently we have no special protective action
recommendations for Immokalee.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Dan, would you mind adding to that
Isles of Capri?
MR. SUMMERS: Yes, ma'am. I'll be glad to do that.
COMMISSIONER FIALA: Thank you.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Is there any discussion in regards
to if we're going to reconvene at a later time at this point?
COMMISSIONER COLETTA: The only thing I might say is
Page 25
July 8, 2005
that any time that you want me to be ready for a meeting, I'm more
than willing to be there.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Thank you very much,
Commissioner Coletta.
Dan Summers, go ahead.
MR. SUMMERS: One -- sir, thank you.
One additional point. For those that need new -- additional
information, our Collier hurricane information hotline number is
774-8444. That's 774-8444. Thank you.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Let me just say that what Dan
basically said, so that we have -- it's very clear in regards to what our
intentions are, that anybody that's west and south of U.S. 41 and are
living in mobile homes and is susceptible to a flooding, need to have
voluntary evacuation starting at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon.
Is that correct, Dan?
MR. SUMMERS: Yes, sir. That is correct.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Just to make sure that we get the
message out there. And this is right at this point in time, it's a
voluntary evacuation.
MR. SUMMERS: That is correct.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: And could you again clarify what
the potential of surges are at this moment in time?
MR. SUMMERS: Based on the preliminary model information
that we have right now, that we -- as we see the storm, actually the eye
of the storm becomes due west of Collier County, we may see storm
surge generated by the backside of the hurricane, which could give us
storm surge elevations of two to four feet.
Again, depending on the storm's intensity, its forward track and
also tide tables, tide times.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: Thank you very much, Dan.
MR. SUMMERS: Thank you.
VICE-CHAIRMAN HALAS: If there's no other business to be
Page 26
July 8, 2005
brought forward, we'll adjourn at this time.
******
There being no further business for the good of the County, the
Emergency Meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 9:10 a.m.
BOARD OF THE COLLIER
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
.:~~
Frank Halas, Vice- aIrman
A"' '";f' ..
A TT~ST: ""'. · ~¡ '.. (
DWiGHT E:'BROCK, CLERK
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These minutes approved by the Board o~ _ 13 l ó{)(SS- , as
presented""'---- or as corrected
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF GREGORY COURT
REPORTING SERVICES, INC., BY ROSE WITT.
Page 27