LTC 456-2017 HURRICANE IRMA - DEBRIS STAGING AREAel_ MIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 456-2017 LE ER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members f the City "mission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: September 13, 2017
SUBJECT: HURRICANE IRMA — DEBRIS STAG G AREA
The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to provide information with regards to the collection
and management of storm related debris. Hurricane Irma has created significant amounts of
debris in the City's roadways, parks, and City facilities. The City will be collecting this debris and is
implementing a plan that will provide for the collection, consolidation, transportation, and disposal
of these materials.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is the right-of-way agent for the public's right-of-
way along Route 1-195, also known as the Julia Tuttle Causeway at Alton Road. At the eastern
most portion of the Julia Tuttle, a large area (over 5 acres) of open space exists. Since this portion
of the public's right-of-way is not used for vehicular use, it has for some time now been an ideal
location for both hurricane debris storage and contractor staging. Historically, the City had
maintained a permit to occupy the site. In addition to construction staging, the site is ideal for
handling storm related debris. Material is brought to the site, sorted, and consolidated or reduced
to minimize transportation costs. This operation is also carefully monitored and documented to
facilitate FEMA reimbursement.
The Administration has been in discussions with FDOT since 2016 when the Alton Road
reconstruction project was nearing completion and the FDOT contractor was vacating the site.
FDOT notified the City last Wednesday that they intended to utilize the site for their storm related
operations. The City offered to not only share the site with them, but to perform debris collection
and disposal associated with the FDOT roadways within the City in exchange for use of the site.
Yesterday, FDOT formally declined all offers and directed us not to use the site. Furthermore, they
directed the City not to pick up the debris on the state roads in the City. They indicated that they
would do so starting today.
In light of this decision, the Administration has evaluated all other open space parcels in the City.
The only location that meets the needs of this operation is the back corner of the Par 3 site
adjacent to the Public Works yard. This will be sited as far from residential properties as possible
to minimize neighborhood impacts.
Debris clearing operations has already begun throughout the City. The portion of the Par 3 site will
be prepared starting tomorrow to receive materials. Handling and removal of this material may
take several months to accomplish. Once the work is complete, the site will be returned to its
present condition unless the construction of the new park is ready to begin.
If you have any questions, please contact myself or Eric Carpenter.
J LM/ETC/JJ F