Posted on September 27, 2017
Town of Davie Storm Debris Removal Update
We are all frustrated by the effects of Irma and agree that the debris clean-up is going way too slow. The Town Council and staff are reaching out and responding to as many people as possible to explain the situation, how we are addressing issues beyond our control and how we are responding. This is not an excuse, but a reality. In summary, the Town has emergency debris contractual services in place and is financially positioned to address any declared emergency. The issue is not related to expenditure of tax dollars, but one of available resources. Here is what has occurred:
- Irma impacted 48 counties in Florida all of which declared a state of emergency within 24 hours.
- Miami-Dade County made a decision to double the debris hauling prices enticing subcontractors to vacate other Florida cities and counties (including Davie).
- The debris contract market was already thinned out by the devastation in Houston.
- Davie and other municipalities requested State approval to renegotiate our current contracts to remain competitive with Miami-Dade County pricing to bring resources back. This request has been denied and we, along with every other municipality are seeking a reconsideration. Oddly enough, the State will allow us to pay additional pricing to contractors with no performance history. Even with this option, we are finding that the resources are not available and this would create a price war among every municipality. Even so, we are exploring this as an option.
- In the meantime, the Town of Davie is using our staff and retrofitting equipment to continue debris removal and considering other extraordinary options and evaluating the risks.
- Following Hurricane Wilma in 2005, FEMA has initiated requirements for private communities. This requires the execution of “right of entry and indemnification form” by each Homeowners Association (HOA) and/or each private property owner not residing in an HOA. The Town has been collecting these but this is a daunting task as we have over 100 private HOA’s in the Town and we have over 100,000 residents.
- Davie is 37 square miles and the largest land mass in Broward County. We have proudly received the Tree City USA Award for decades. Our lush greenery is unique, however, this results in significant debris in a storm of its magnitude. What makes us beautiful and green pre-storm, wreaks havoc in the aftermath.
Thankfully, Davie was spared the loss of life and property devastation others will be dealing with for the unforeseeable future. We can only hope these words and explanations resonate appropriately with all residents. Rest assured, the Davie Town Council is aggressively participating, at the local, state and federal levels seeking relief and support for resources. Our Davie website, www.davie-fl.gov, Facebook at TownOfDavie, Twitter at TownofDavie, and Instagram at townofdavie are providing constant updates and are valuable resources.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this process.