Melbourne Council adopts county and local hazard-mitigation plans; clerk to file FEMA notice for siren grant

On Jan. 17, 2022, the Melbourne City Council unanimously approved two resolutions to align the city with county hazard-planning efforts and preserve eligibility for federal mitigation funding. The council accepted the Marshall County Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Plan (Resolution 22-01-07) and adopted the Melbourne Hazard Mitigation Plan (Resolution 22-01-08).

Mary L. Pothast, the city clerk, presented the first resolution, saying that acceptance of the county plan is required to qualify for hazard-mitigation grants administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Councilmember Lucas Hauser moved to approve Resolution 22-01-07; Councilperson Carrie White seconded, and the motion passed with all ayes.

Pothast then presented the local plan. The clerk said the Melbourne plan will be updated yearly to reflect contact changes and credited Kim Elder and county and Homeland Security representatives with contributing to the work. Councilman Gary Fricke moved to adopt Resolution 22-01-08; Councilperson Beth Smith seconded, and the council voted all ayes.

With both plans approved, Pothast said the clerk will file a Notice of Interest (NOI) with FEMA to pursue an 85/15 tornado siren grant that requires local mitigation plans be in place. The council did not take further action on specific grant applications at the meeting.

The approvals were procedural steps to maintain eligibility for federal hazard-mitigation funds; the clerk and staff will carry the next steps for grant pursuit and plan maintenance.