Council delays action on $216,000 flood‑forecasting work order; staff to convene work session

City staff presented Resolution 4737‑26, a proposed work order to deploy a continuous real‑time flood‑forecasting model (hydrologic and hydraulic simulation) for the Little and Big Econ watershed basins in Oviedo. The proposal estimated an initial cost of roughly $216,000 and an ongoing annual maintenance cost of about $40,000.

The presentation described model benefits—forecasting vertical and horizontal flood extents up to four days in advance, running "what‑if" mitigation scenarios (for example temporary flood walls or sandbag placement), guiding road closures, and prioritizing staff deployment. Staff illustrated model validation using Hurricane Ian as an example and showed how the model would have predicted deep flooding locations in Twin Rivers and along Lockwood Boulevard.

Several council members asked detailed questions about calibration, data sources, predictive accuracy, how the model would handle rapidly changing storm patterns, and whether four days' notice would materially change outcomes for residents in severe storms. Some members expressed skepticism that the system would reliably change outcomes in major hurricane events; others highlighted potential savings (for example avoiding pump‑station damage) and urged regional cooperation to lower costs.

A motion to deny the resolution was made then withdrawn; the council ultimately took no action and directed staff to arrange a work session with the consultant, explore grant or regional partnerships, and return with additional information. Staff said the project would not be ready in time to affect the current hurricane season if approved that night.

The matter is on hold pending a targeted work session and additional analysis of costs, scope and potential countywide collaborations.