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Council designates Tom Varn Park as preauthorized disaster‑debris site; clarifies use and FEMA reimbursements
Summary
Council adopted a resolution to acknowledge FDEP preauthorization of Tom Varn Park as a temporary disaster debris management site (DDMS) for qualifying disasters; staff said the site is for city debris during emergencies and that FEMA reimbursement processes apply for disposal costs.
Council approved a resolution acknowledging the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s preauthorization of Tom Varn Park as a temporary disaster debris management site (DDMS) to be used following a qualifying major storm event. Staff explained the resolution streamlines emergency response, shortens debris operations, and helps the city comply with state requirements for disaster recovery staging areas.
Council members asked whether the site could be used by outside haulers and whether the city would incur landfill costs; staff replied the preauthorization is for city debris generated during qualifying disasters and that debris disposal costs are typically eligible for FEMA reimbursement if federal criteria are met. Staff noted Tom Varn Park had been used for debris staging during past hurricanes, and recommended the city keep the preauthorization in place for emergency preparedness.
After brief public input and council discussion confirming the limited, temporary scope, council voted 5–0 to adopt the resolution.
