Placement: Resolutions
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Resolution 26-R81, Adoption of St. Lucie County Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS)
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Submitted By: Billy Weinshank, Emergency Operations Division Director, Emergency Management
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to provide exceptional services.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS), is a core planning document generated by multiple local government and not-for-profit agencies to guide mitigation processes countywide. The LMS per Federal Regulations (44 CFR§ 201.6) must be monitored, evaluated, and updated every five years, then be adopted by jurisdictions participating in the plan.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council complete the motion in the affirmative.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and complete the motion in the affirmative
2. Move that the Council not approve, and provide staff direction
Background: The Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) is a countywide, multi-agency plan developed collaboratively by St. Lucie County; the Cities of Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce; the St. Lucie County Fire District; and partner agencies and nonprofits. The County submits an LMS update to the State Division of Emergency Management every five years, after which participating jurisdictions and nonprofits adopt the plan. The City of Port St. Lucie last adopted the LMS on September 27, 2021. The City’s Office of Emergency Management uses the LMS to guide mitigation activities including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and to support the Community Rating System (CRS), including the Floodplain Management Plan and the Program for Public Information. The LMS is also referenced in core planning documents such as the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). Through the HMGP, the City has secured approximately $6 million in awards over the past five years, with about $2 million in projects pending. CRS participation currently provides residents up to a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums. Adopting St. Lucie County’s LMS advances life safety, protects property, promotes environmental stewardship, and delivers significant financial benefits.
Issues/Analysis: Adoption of the LMS will allow the City to continue to participate in all the LMS related activities mentioned in the background.
Financial Information: There is no direct cost to the City for adopting the LMS; there will be a loss in revenue for not adopting the LMS.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments: 1) Resolution
2) LMS Plan
3) St Lucie County Resolution
4) Florida Division of Emergency Management Approval Letter
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Daniella Margetic, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.