Subject:
Title
Delegation of Authority for 2023 Hurricane Season
End
Fiscal Impact:
None
Dept/Office:
Emergency Management
Requested Action:
Recommendation
In order to facilitate prompt preparation and response to an impending tropical cyclone during the 2023 season, Emergency Management is seeking specific delegation of authority as described below beginning immediately and ending on December 31, 2023. This action is similar to the procedure approved by the Board of County Commissioners last year. Specifically,
• Allow the current chair or vice-chair of the BoCC to have authority to declare a Local State of Emergency for any tropical cyclone event during the 2023 season after obtaining input from the County Manager, Emergency Management Director and/or the Emergency Coordination Group; and
• Allow the County Manager and/or his designee to sign extensions to any Local State of Emergency; and
• Allow the current chair or vice-chair of the BoCC to have the authority to order Emergency Protective Actions, including implementing any restrictions necessary to protect life and property as a direct result of storm impacts after obtaining input from the Emergency Management Director and the Emergency Coordination Group. This would include but is not limited to issuing Evacuation Orders (area included, timing, effective date and termination) and Shelter Operations decisions (which shelters to open and timing). If the current chair or vice-chair is not available, this authority would then be delegated to the County Manager.
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
Under the adopted Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), Emergency Management must call a special meeting to request that the BoCC issue a Local State of Emergency when Brevard County is under a threat of a tropical cyclone. This step requires at least 24 hours’ notice. Given the complexities of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from hurricanes, combined with the need for timely actions, Emergency Management is seeking specific delegations of authority to streamline normal response processes. The intent is to obtain critical input from the Emergency Management Director and key stakeholders from the Emergency Coordination Group, such as representatives of the municipalities, Department of Health, the Brevard County Sheriff and School Board offices, and implement necessary actions in a coordinated and timely fashion. The CEMP specifically authorizes this type of limited delegation of authority.
The delegation of authority is sought for the remainder of the current calendar year (ending December 31, 2023) and can be revoked by the BoCC at any time with a majority vote.
Clerk to the Board Instructions: