2007-26474 Reso
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-26474
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE FIRST
AMENDMENT TO THE GENERAL AND ENTERPRISE FUNDS
BUDGETS FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2005/06 TO APPROPRIATE
PRIOR YEAR ENCUMBRANCES AND AMEND CERTAIN
BUDGETS.
WHEREAS, Florida Statutes prohibit the over expenditure of departmental budgets
and funds; and
WHEREAS, the Administration has performed a detailed review and it is anticipated
that the General Fund will have an overall operating budget surplus of $5.6 million. However, it is
necessary to amend the appropriations since our year-end estimates indicate the total budget will
exceed appropriations by $3.5 million, primarily due to hurricane expenses, retroactive payments to
Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department (WASD), and an additional contribution to the Risk
Management Fund. These are more than offset by increased revenues, including reimbursement for
hurricane expenses; and
WHEREAS, additionally, $0.2 million in General Fund prior year encumbrances
require an amendment because certain services and capital items were purchased during FY
2004/05 with FY 2004/05 budgeted funds and were paid during FY 2005/06; and
WHEREAS, the General Fund budget is proposed to be further increased by using
the $5.6 million operating budget surplus as follows: $3.6 million for the Capital Reserve Fund and
$2 million to begin to set aside funds for the City's accrued liability for post-employment (retiree
health) benefits pursuant to new requirements of GASB 45; and
WHEREAS, the Enterprise Funds Budgets of the Convention Center and Sanitation
Departments require an amendment to fund expenditures in excess of their budgets. The
Convention Center shortfall of $1.68 million and the Sanitation shortfall of $4.2 million will be offset
by higher than anticipated revenues and FEMA hurricane reimbursements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the first amendment to the Fiscal
Year 2005/06 General Fund and Enterprise Funds budgets is adopted as follows:
FY 2005/06 Increase/ FY 2005/06
GENERAL FUND Adopted Budget (Decrease) Amended Budget
OPERATING REVENUES
Ad Valorem Taxes $ 111,694,388 $ 0 $ 111,694,388
Ad valorem Taxes-Normandy shore 83,702 83,702
Other Taxes 20,763,300 1,403,000 22,166,300
Licenses & Permits 12,511,013 3,354,000 15,865,013
Intergovernmental 13,020,596 2,547,000 15,567,596
Charges for Services 7,642,800 7,642,800
Fines & Forfeits 1,741 ,000 275,000 2,016,000
Interest 4,240,000 1,554,000 5,794,000
Rents & Leases 2,605,184 2,605,184
Miscellaneous 6,272,901 6,272,901
Other -Resort Tax Contribution 19,571,309 19,571,309
Other - Non-Operating Revenues 7,778,924 7,778,924
Fund Balance-Reserve for Encumbrances 0 217,415 217,415
Total General Fund Revenues $ 207,925,117 $ 9,350,415 $ 217,275,532
APPROPRIATIONS
Department/Function
Mayor & Commission $ 1,343,332 $ (148,000) $ 1,195,332
City Manager 2,177,714 2,177,714
Communications 1,067,074 (120,000) 947,074
Budget & Performance Improvement 1,736,275 (79,000) 1,657,275
Finance 3,976,543 (360,000) 3,616,543
Procurement 765,613 33,000 798,613
Human Resources 1,406,214 (29,000) 1,377,214
labor Relations 223,132 29,000 252,132
City Clerk 1,499,264 (150,000) 1,349,264
City Attorney 3,955,117 (217,000) 3,738,117
Economic Development 863,936 863,936
Building 6,565,945 122,400 6,688,345
Planning 2,910,361 (254,000) 2,656,361
Tourism & Cultural Development 2,623,647 (181,000) 2,442,647
Neighborhood Service 4,486,086 (100,000) 4,386,086
Parks & Recreation 24,842,148 (680,000) 24,162,148
Public Works 6,092,697 (377,000) 5,715,697
Capital Improvement Program 3,179,602 (477,000) 2,702,602
Fire 40,073,894 428,445 40,502,339
Police 67,738,027 965,549 68,703,576
Citywide Accounts 8,231,272 5,370,021 13,601,293
Citywide Accts-Normandy Shores 128,833 128,833
Citywide Accts-Contingencies 1,300,000 (1,044,000) 256,000
Capital Renewal & Replacement 2,529,563 2,529,563
Sub Total General Fund $ 189,716,289 $ 2,732,415 $ 192,448,704
Transfers
MB Homeowner's Dividend Fund $ 3,269,120 $ 3,269,120
Capital Reserve Fund 2,500,000 3,618,000 6,118,000
Pay-As-You-Go Capital Fund 5,000,000 5,000,000
Capital Investment Upkeep Account 1,500,000 1,500,000
Info & Comm Technology Fund 1,000,000 1,000,000
Risk Management Fund 1,000,000 1,000,000 2,000,000
GASB 45-Post Empl retiree benefits 0 2,000,000 2,000,000
11 % Emergency Reserve Contribution 3,939,708 3,939,708
Sub Total Transfers $ 18,208,828 $ 6,618,000 $ 24,826,828
Total General Fund $ 207,925,117 $ 9,350,415 $ 217,275,532
ENTERPRISE FUNDS
APPROPRIATIONS
Convention Center $ 15,483,829 $ 1,682,000 $ 17,165,829
Parking 22,060,072 22,060,072
Sanitation 11,429,965 4,295,995 15,725,960
Sewer Operations 29,266,508 29,266,508
Stormwater 8,250,000 8,250,000
Water Operations 21,178,028 21,178,028
Total Enterprise Funds $ 107,668,402 $ 5,977,995 $ 113,646,397
Total General and Enterprise Funds $ 315,593,519 $ 15,328,410 $ 330,921,929
INTERNAL SREVICE FUNDS
APPROPRIATIONS
Central Services $ 792,543 $ 0 $ 792,543
Information Technology 12,069,723 12,069,723
Fleet Management 6,801,594 6,801,594
Property Management 8,250,873 8,250,873
Risk Management 18,230,032 18,230,032
Total Internal Service Funds $ 46,144,765 $ 0 $ 46,144,765
PASSED and ADOPTED this 14th day of February, 2007.
A~1 r~~
CITY CLERK
Robert Parcher
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
2 Jo I()_
~
COMMISSION ITEM SUMMARY
Condensed Title:
A resolution to adopt the first amendment to the General and Enterprise Funds Budgets for Fiscal Year
(FY) 2005/06 to appropriate prior year encumbrances and amend certain budgets.
Ke Intended Outcome Su orted:
Ensure expenditure trends are sustainable over the long term
Issue:
Whether to adopt the first amendment to the FY 2005/06 General and Enterprise Fund s Budgets?
Item Summary/Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Commission adopt the attached resolution amending the General and
Enterprise Funds Budgets based on year-end preliminary budget to actual comparisons.
It is anticipated that the General Fund will have an overall operating budget surplus of $5.6 million.
However, it is necessary to amend the appropriations since our year-end estimates indicate the total
budget will exceed appropriations by $3.5 million, primarily due to hurricane expenses, retroactive
payments to Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department (WASD), and an additional contribution to the Risk
Management Fund. These are more than offset by increased revenues, including reimbursement for
hurricane expenses.
Additionally, $0.2 million in General Fund prior year encumbrances is required because certain services
and capital items were purchased during FY 2004/05 with FY 2004/05 budgeted funds and were paid
during FY 2005/06.
Finally, the General Fund budget is proposed to be further increased by using the $5.6 million surplus as
follows: $3.6 million for the Capital Reserve Fund and $2 million to begin to set aside funds for the City's
accrued liability for post-employment (retiree health) benefits pursuant to new requirements of GASB 45.
It is recom mended that Enterprise Funds Budgets of the Convention Center and Sanitation Departments
be amended to fund expenditures in excess of their budget. The Convention Center shortfall of $1.68
million and the Sanitation shortfall of $4.2 million will be offset by higher than anticipated revenues and
Hurricane FEMA reimbursements.
Advisory Board Recommendation:
I
Financial Information:
Source of Amount Account Approved
Funds: 1 $ 9,350,415 General Fund
~ 2 5,977,995 Enterprise Funds
Total $15,328,410
Financial Impact Summary:
City Clerk's Office Legislative Tracking:
I
Si n-Ofts:
Department Director
Assistant City Manager
City Manager
m
~
MIAMI BEACH
AGENDA ITEM R 7 G-
DATE~
~
MIAMI BEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission
~:::: ~:,n:~~, Ci~ ManagerJ ~ 0/
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
GENERAL AND ENTERPRISE FUNDS BUDGETS FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY)
2005/2006 TO APPROPRIATE PRIOR YEAR ENCUMBRANCES AND AMEND
CERTAIN BUDGETS.
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution
ANAL YSIS
The first amendment to the FY 2005/06 General Fund and Enterprise Funds Budgets,
appropriates funds to cover prior year encumbrances, and amends certain department
budgets.
Prior Year Encumbrances
A detailed review was performed to identify all outstanding prior year (PY) encumbrances
that will require a carry forward of their funding from FY 2004/05 to FY 2005/06. This is
required because certain services and capital items were purchased during FY 2004/05 with
FY 2004/05 budgeted funds and were paid during FY 2005/06. We have identified
encumbrances totaling $217,415 within the General Fund and $43,995 within the Sanitation
Fund. The source of funding for encumbrances within the General Fund has already been
recognized as a reservation of Fund Balance and does not constitute additional
expenditures or liabilities. The source of funding for the Sanitation Fund is their Retained
Earnings.
Details of the PY Encumbrances amendment follows:
Department
Reappropriation of
PY Encumbrances
Purpose
GENERAL FUND
Revenues
Fund Balance-Reserved
for encumbrances
Total Revenue Increase
$217.415
$217,415
GENERAL FUND (continued)
Department
Expend itu res
Building Department
Citywide Accounts
Fire Department
Police Department
Total Expenditure Increase
Reappropriation of
PY Encumbrances
Purpose
18,400
100,021
53,445
45.549
$217,415
Professional Services
Operating Expenses, Capital
Professional Services
Professional Services
SANITATION FUND
Revenues
Retained Earnings
Total Revenue Increase
43.995
$43,995
Expenditures
Sanitation
Total Expenditure Increase
43.995 Professional Services, Capital
$43,995
Additional Appropriations
In addition, LTC No. 036-2007 Analysis of Budget to Preliminary Actual Revenues and
Expenses for the Year Ended September 30,2006, reflects that the General Fund will have
an overall operating budget surplus of $5.6 million. However, it is necessary to amend the
appropriations since our year-end estimates indicate the total budget will exceed
appropriations by $9.1 million, primarily due to hurricane expenses, retroactive payments to
Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department (WASD), and an additional contribution to the Risk
Management Fund. These are more than offset by increased revenues.
GENERAL FUND
The General Fund departmental increases will be funded from additional franchise/utility tax
revenues ($1,403,000), sales tax revenues ($872,000), FEMA hurricane reimbursements
($1,675,000), BuildinglTrade Permit revenues ($3,250,000), Building Training Surcharge
($104,000), code enforcement violations ($275,000), interest revenues ($1,554,000), and
reductions in the expenditure appropriations of various departments ($3,216,000). The
Citywide Accounts increase is due primarily to (1) costs of $4.1 million associated with
hurricane non-debris removal; (2) as referenced in the Manager's Budget Message for the
FY 2006/07 Adopted Budget and as presented at the various meetings, $1,168,663 in
retroactive payments to W ASD on behalf of residents to offset otherwise necessary fee
increases; (3) an additional $1 million to the Risk Management Fund to address the increase
in liability as shown in the actuarial report received at year-end. We must increase the
expenditure appropriation for various departments. The Fire and Police Departments'
increase is due primarily to higher than anticipated overtime usage. The Procurement and
Labor Relations Departments are primarily due to staffing reallocations. The Building
Department increase is primarily due to the use of outside professional services to cover
vacant positions and will be funded from the Building Training Surcharge. Additionally, the
budget is proposed to be further increased by using the $5.6 million surplus as follows: $3.6
million for the Capital Reserve Fund; and $2 million to begin to set aside funds for the City's
accrued liability for post-employment (retiree health) benefits pursuant to new requirements
of GASB 45.
GENERAL FUND
Revenue Appropriation
Building Training Surcharge
Building/Trade Permit Revenue
Franchise Taxes-Electricity
Utility Tax-Electricity
Utility Tax-Telephone
Sales Tax Proceeds
Local Gov 1/2 Sales Tax
Code Enforcement Violations
Interest Earnings
Hurricane Reimbursement (FEMA)
Total Revenue Increase
Expenditure Appropriation
Mayor & Commission
Communications
City Clerk
Finance
Office of Budget & Perf. Improve.
Human Resources
City Attorney
Tourism & Cultural Development
Neighborhood Services
Parks & Recreation
Planning
Public Works
Capital Improvement Program
Citywide Contingencies
Building
Fire Department
Police Department
Procurement
Labor Relations
Hurricane Wilma
WASD retro pymt
Risk Management Fund
Post Employment Benfits (GASB 45)
Capital Reserve
Total Expenditure Increase
$104,000
3,250,000
1,073,000
230,000
100,000
707,000
165,000
275,000
1,554,000
1,675,000
$9,133,000
(148,000)
(120,000)
(150,000)
(360,000)
(79,000)
(29,000)
(217,000)
(181,000)
(100,000)
(680,000)
(254,000)
(377,000)
(477,000)
(1,044,000)
104,000
375,000
920,000
33,000
29,000
4,101,000
1,169,000
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,618,000
$9,133,000
In the Enterprise Funds, the Sanitation and Convention Center Fund Budgets must be
amended. The Sanitation Fund is over $4,200,000 primarily due to debris removal
expenses in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma. These expenses will be offset primarily
from reimbursements from FEMA and by higher than anticipated revenues from Sanitation
Franchise and Roll-Off Fees. The Convention Center Fund is over by $1,682,000 due to
higher personnel and electricity expenses associated with a higher volume of events and
Hurricane expenses. These expenses will be offset by revenues from a higher than
previously anticipated volume of events.
ENTERPRISE FUNDS
Sanitation Fund
Revenue Appropriation
Hurricane Reimbursement (FEMA)
Franchise Taxes
Total Revenue Increase
$3,887,092
364,908
$4,252,000
Expenditure Appropriation
Hurricane Expenses
Total Expenditure Increase
$4,252,000
$4,252,000
Convention Center Fund
Revenue Appropriation
Rents and Leases
Concessions & Services
Miscellaneous Income
Interest Earnings
Hurricane Reimbursement (FEMA)
Total Revenue Increase
$638,000
545,000
299,000
124,000
76,000
$1,682,000
Expenditure Appropriation
Payroll & Fringes
Electricity
Hurricane Expenses
Total Expenditure Increase
$905,000
457,000
320,000
$1,682,000
CONCLUSION
The attached Resolution will allow the first amendment to departmental appropriations within
the General Fund and Enterprise Funds Budgets to be enacted. This action is necessary to
comply with Florida Statutes which stipulate that we may not expend more than our
appropriations provide.
JMG:KGB:JC
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MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION
MEMORANDUM
t". "
TO:
Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Mana~er
Jerry Libbin, Commissioner CfJ1-\yr
February 13, 2007
_.__.t
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT: Commission Agenda item R7G
I am requesting consideration of the establishment of a Resident's Home Improvement Fund
to assist property owners in Miami Beach in single family homes, multifamily units, as well
as condominiums to strengthen their property against potential storms, and to encourage
Energy Conservation (Greening of our City) measures.
I would suggest that we defer making a decision on what to dd with the $2,016,000 collected
in Fines and Forfeits (see page 406 in the agenda package) and that we discuss the
possible use of these funds by our residents for the purposes stated above.
I am attaching a copy of a recent article in the Herald about ways to harden your home, and
I would ask you to look specifically at the 3rd page where the box announces that the State
offers free inspections. This is a program that I am suggesting that we can model ours after
but with different guidelines. I suggest that we refer this to our Neighborhoods Committee
first and then to Finance before it comes to the Commission.
Cc: Mayor and Commission
e.'\ce//eni
end sC;/r2rV
\;\:/10
Agenda Item
cme! pic'v Our I, Date
R7G-
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n'-'ITII:: CXLlI:.~IUI~
mhc .Riimn i 1I:lcml~ m SUNDA v, ""UARV 11, 2DD7 I FDITOR' TERESA MEARS tm","oIM',m,H" .Id.com I JOS.]
Who's afraid
of the big bad wolf?
A Miami Herald inspection at three homes.
built in different eras. found ali were strong.
Veteran inspector John Fischer, president
of the Boca Raton-based Pro Tech Inspec-
tions, Il1L'lC1e these findings'
1949 one-story ranch
in Miami Springs
· OVE'rilll, the hO.lse is solid
· Front door opens to the inside and needs
bracmQ or shuttGrs
· Several hurricane straps missing from
roof
· Some straps were missing nails.
· Walls lack rebals In the concrete blocks
· One window shutter had missing bolts
· Gar age door has weak metal sheeting
and only three braces
1978 two-story
townhome in
Hollywood
· Well-built. would pass most bUilding
codes tOday
. Steel-reinforced walls and concrete
walls to the gabled roof ends
· Roof adequately nailed
· Properly attached and nailed hurricane
straps
· Up-tn-COde accordion shutters for
largE-~ windows and patio doors
. OW/lers conslderinq replacing front
door, which opens lo the mside -
lOGO tW~''';jl:ory house
in Pf\mbrol-w Pines
· Surprisingly strong, built above the
tough codes imposed after Hurricane
Andrew.
· 5/8 Inch plywood for roof sheafing
Instead of minimum 1/2 inch
· Roof nails placed every four inches
Instead of mandatory six inches
· Gabled roof properly braced
· Walls reinforced. with mostly concrete
walls for the second floor
· Up-to-code and well-braced garage
doors
· Home's doors open to the outside
· Up-to-code steel shutters
. It'
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PATRICK FARRELL/MIAMI HERALD STAFF
J. ALBERT DIAZ /MIAMI HERALD STAFF
;-376-3674 or 954-764-7026 ext. 3674 NO
~:'::::'::::=:.::.:::::-.::::=:=:::.:=:::::=::=:::.::::.:;:;----_._-
BY DONNA GEHRKE-WHITE
dgehrke@MiamiHerald.com
Think o( it this way: Strong winds
don't last, but strong houses do.
Like the Third Little Pig, South
Floridians can enjoy homes that will
outlast all the huffmg and puffmg of a
hurricane.
"When a home is hurricane-ready,
they are going to get minimal dam-
age," says veteran inspector John
Fischer, president of the Boca Raton-
based Pro Tech Inspections.
Of course, there are no promises
in life, he adds, and your fortress
could be toppled by a wild tornado
flung by a Category 5 hurricane.
But generally your home will sur-
vive if you have a sturdy roof, walls,
garage door, front door and window
protection.
Whether you retrofit an older
house or buy
a new house
built under
the tougher
codes, you
can take steps
to ensure you Hurricanes
will have a
safe home.
After Flor-
ida's recent
slew of hurri-
canes caused
billions of
dOllars of
damage, the
Legislature
and insurance
companies
have taken
closer looks
at what saves
homes.
Indeed, the
state is pro-
viding free
inspections,
while (or-
profit compa-
nies are offer-
ing inspec-
tions that
they say not
only will ensure peace of mind but
also provide insurance discowlts.
"You need to look critically at
your house and know hoW. is 11' going
to do during a storm," ~ays Leslie
Chapman-Henderson, president o(
the Federal Alliance for Safe Home in
Tallahassee (FLASH).
If you are buying a home, you
should hire an engineer to check it
rust, recommends Eugenio Santiago,
an engineer and chi,e( bUilQ'jng offi-
cial (or the Village of Key Biscayne.
"The good news in Miami-Dade
and Broward," Chapman-Henderson
adds, "is that your codes are maHng a
diflerence. "
They are the toughest in a fotate
that has the toughest in the na'ion,
she adds. Statewide, homes built
under the more stringent hurricane
codes have fared better than older
homes, Chapman-Henderson says.
Current building codes in South
Florida protect homes fram a Cate-
gory 3 storm. You can upgrade with
even stronger doors and shutters.
fiJ
may huff
and pUffJ
but your
house can
be strong
en.ough to
resist
Ii1
.TURN TO PREPARE, 14H
'ATR1C111 fAlIHll/HlA"" HI:RAlO StArr
MEASURING: FIScher and PBt Perrota measure an impact
resistant window as part of their hUrricane-readiness
check at a Miami Springs home.
J. AlIII' DI.lIN.... HlIt"lD ST.rF
IN THE RAFTERS: Fiset1e.- Inspects the roof of a Pembroke
Pines home and rinds that it is built above code, with
5/8,inch of sheathing ilnd nails put in every four inches,
'.nnu fA"ltUUtUA",Hl'AlD STArr
CI.OSE LOOK: Fisc her checks an older gar;lge door and
fInds that it nel'ds more bolts. New garages have more
reinforcement fu help the door withstand hurricane
wOlds.
1. "'II:ItT DlAl,"'A"' NfRAlD Sf""
HOLDING ON: A hurricane strilp at a Hollywood
townhouse is properly secured to help keep the roof
from blowing off during a hUrricane,
'ATWtCI 'AIIIU/MI.... Ht:IAlD STAFF
METAL FINDER: Fischer uses an instrument to detect rebar
in the walls, New homes are required to have the steel
remforcement, but older homes may lack It
. "K~P'''"II:, ,.",," In
Miami-Dade and Broward
first enacted the codes in
1994. Today, new homes auto-
matically come with the
improvements. Hut if you are
buying a home buill in the
mid- or lale-1990., check first
to see if your home was built
under the new codes. At that
time, many builders had
already pulled permits to
build under Ihe old codes;
hence, these houses and
townhomes may not have the
hurricane-resistant improve-
ments.
Regardless of the year your
home was built, all owners
share an issue: keeping out a
hurricane.s water, says Jaime
Gascon, chief of the product
control division for Miami-
Dade County.
That's why you need 10
maintain your roof and pro.
vide window protection,
whether it is buying up-to-
date shutters or impact.resis-
tant windows, he says.
Doors also h;lve 10 be pro.
teeted - especially older
ones not reinforced according
to today's code. Those ate
more vulnerable to a hurri.
cane pushin~ them open - or
even out of your home.
"You want to protect your
opcning~ right Idf the bat,"
Gascon says,
Here's a clOSt'c look at
what makes home:. strong and
how you can improve your
home:
DOORS
A relatively incx ,"Hsive
improvement is to buy up.to-
code doors.
Today's doors are steel-re-
inforced and bolted morc
securely to prevent a bad
storm from forcing irs way in.
They can "l~o help keep water
from seeping into the door~
way, Santiago says.
New homes come with the
impro\ ed doors. Somc new
homc", are also provided shut-
ters to place over doors for
more protection.
Fur other houses, sCores
offet the hurricane-resistant
doors at prices that start from
about $130. Shutter panels, 86
inches tall and about a (001
wide - some now on sale -
start at about 515.
If you're willing to pay
morf', }.{1I.J {":tn hcl .!olconger
above~code doors, with heavi-
er-gauge sleel Ihal should
protect you even more,
inspector Fischer says.
GARAGE DOORS
Another relatively inex-
pensive improvement is
installing reinCorced garage
doors.
This is one of the most vuJ-
nerable spots in older humes
because many precode garage
doors have weak melal brac-
ing and sheeting that wouldn't
likely protect homes during a
major hurricane, inspeclor
Fischer says.
A new door would cost
(rom SI,OOO (or a one-car
garage and $1,300 for a Iwo-
car door.
Again, you can get stronger
doors if you pay more.
WINDOWS
Many homeowners may
have a false sense of security
with shutters that aren't up to
code.
Even shutters boughe after
Hurricane Andrew in 1992
may not be built to withstand
high wind. if they do not have
a sticker or insignia that indi-
cates they passed South Flor-
id, buildinl codn. Fischer
:~~ee::~il~tl~h~~~:~~~~rl~
1994, he add..
New homes, of course, are
required to provide up-eo-
code shutters or impacl~resis~
tant windows. But if you are
STRONG ENOUGH? John Fischer looks - and finds - a seal on a hurricane shutter that
shows it has been built under the new tou<"h building codes, The owners had stored
theIr shutters in the garage of their Pembroke Pines house.
,.---
State offers free inspections
As early as next month,
the state will begin signing
up homeowners (or free
inspections that determine
how a house would (are
during a hurricane.
Already, 50,000 are on a
waiting list and the Florida
Department of Financial
Services expects to sign up
another 50,000, said spokes-
won1an Tara Klimek.
About 14,000 bomes
were inspected during a
piJ('"It program last year.
The st.te ezpects to have
enough funding to inspect
100,000 more homes, Kli-
mek said
Inspections wiu begin as
:;000 as soon as the Depart.
meat of Financial Services
awards contracts (or com-
panies to conduct them, Kli-
mek said
That will probably be in
late Marcb or early April.
If a home does well, then
insurance companies n'ay
Use the inspection report .0
lower hurricane premiums.
If improvements are
needed, the state will match
up to $5,000 for every $1 the
homeowner invests in hur.
ricane-prooling their home,
as long as the home is val.
ued WIder $500,000, Klimek
said
People with low incomes
-y be able to get their hur-
ricane-proofing free, she
said
For more information
about the inspection pro-
gram, go to www.mysa(e_
floridahome.com or call
800-342-2762.
Homeowners who don't
Want to wait {or the free
inspection can ask their
insurance agent for Dames
of lor-fee inspection compa.
rues.
DONNA GEHRKE-WHITE
,.
"
buying a used home, check
the shutters for rhe insignia,
New shutters. with some
now on sale during the 000-
hurricane season, can cost as
little as $10 or Jess per panel
and can be another inezpen-
sive improvement.
Impact-resistant windows
also bave to be code-ap-
proved, with a sticker or
insignia on the window.
Those will protect you from
Ilooding aod glass shallering.
But the window may still
be damaged i( bit by a hurri-
cane's l1ying debris.
Wilma, a Category 2 storm,
(or ellmple, damaged some
impact-resistant windows in
condo high-rise.. The win-
dows did not break and tbey
protected buildings from
wind and water damage. But
the windows Were disfigured
(rom tbe debris and bad to be
replaced.
Homeowners also bave to
make sure their shutters and
impact-resistant windows are
properly installed.
Some homeowners com-
plained that their accordion
shutters opened during
Wilma. I!ngineers blamed tba.
on improper installation or
faully locking of the shullers.
"Proper deployment 01'
attachment is going to be crit-
ical," Miami-Dade's Gascon
says.
The accordion shutters"
slide rods bave to be inter-
locked, be say.. uThe latch
alone is not going to do it."
The steel shuUen also
bave to be ""Ited properly to
a house so they will wirhst....nJ
a hurricane's winds, Gascon
adds.
"Sometimes you might
tighten three bolts lIDd (orget
a (ourtb," be says. Double-
check your work.
AWNINGS, OVERHANGS
If a Category 2 or greater
hurricane threatens. home-
owners should remove any
decorative window awnings,
inspector Fischel' recom-
mends, as tbey could become
tlying debris - a danger [or
the owner or neighbors.
WALLS
Today'. new construction
requires steel-reinforced con-
crete columns and a steel-re-
inforced top bar that "glues"
the walls together.
That's to ensure houses
will stay put during a storm.
Inspectors can Use metal
detectors to determine if
houses have the proper rein-
forcement.
Older homes may not have
the rebars or steel poles that
help keep the concre'e walls
together. "On rare occasions
you will rmd it," says Fischer.
UTa retrofit it is almost
impossible." Still, he add.,
most older homes are solidly
built even wit bout the rein-
forced steel.
"They've survived many
hurricanes," he says.
ROOFS
All.i1es or shingles sbould
J. AllI_f DIAl/......... HHlAlD SfA'-,-
be securely in place. loose
ones not only make your
home more vulnerable to
leaks, but they can also
become deadly debris during
a storm.
Ii you have an older roof,
consider having it inspected
- and replaced if needed, as
roofs are the most vulnerable
part of a house during a hurri-
cane. Don't go cheap: Replace
an old root's tar paper and
})Iywood. Remember, the
c"des have changed to offer
ml're protection, requiring.
for 'xample,tbat rooling ply_
Woo 1 is at least hat( an inch
thick.
Ina ced, What's underneath
the rO<. f is just u important u
its tile .r sbingles.
I( yo have gables, make
SUre th. l.:uJs are properly
braced. engineer Santiago
advise J. "That was probably
one ot' Ihe biggest problems
during Hurricane Andrew,"
he S;IYS. Some were braced,
but too higb up '0 protect
hOJlIes, he adds.
d you have gable ends easy
to see. you can check and pos-
sibly correct flaws.
But if tbe gable ends are
hard to get to, says Santiago,
au JU.J.Y not be able to do
'ything until the roof is
il1aced.
The roofs plywood may
need to be reinforced, the
engineer adds, if the house is
mucb longer than wider.
Also, check: to make SUre
your home has hurricane
straps that belp keep tbe roof
attached to the house during a
severe hurricane, says
Fischer.
Straps oeed 10 be nailed
securely to the roof and upper
parI o[ tbe bouse, be says.
During Andrew, the lack o(
straps led to roofs tlying off
and demolishing houses.
In South Florida, older
homes may have enough
straps or may be- missing nails
in the straps.
"Back then they Weren't
required to put them on," says
Fischer. He recently eJ:am-
ined a 1949 house thai bad few
straps.
The straps and nails can be
added - often inexpensively
- as long as it is not too hard
for the roofer to get to the
area. he says.
Otherwise, homeowners
may need to wait 10 retrofil
when their roof is replaced,
he says.
Consumers may also have
to wait to ensure their homes
bave the required nail pel'
every six inches of roof line.
Roofers can nail in extra
nails - or replace missing
ODes - but, again., that can. be
ezpeDsive if the roof area is
bard to gel '0.
"You may bave to wait for
a new roof,.' Filcher says.