2015-17 Address Sea Level Rise RESOLUTION NO. 2015-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA,
ENCOURAGING THE MIAMI-DADE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS TO ADOPT A PLAN OF ACTION TO ADDRESS SEA
LEVEL RISE; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY
OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE MAYOR AND COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, THE MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. AND MUNICIPALITIES IN
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, numerous studies have established that South Florida is comprised
of some of the world's most vulnerable areas to the impacts of sea level rise; and
WHEREAS, scientists believe that the rising sea level will threaten some of the
region's most vital facilities; and
WHEREAS, South Florida's sea level rose about eight inches during the past
century, and is projected to increase by as much as two feet as early as 2048 and could
go up to three feet by 2063; and
WHEREAS, South Florida is exceptionally vulnerable to sea level rise due to its
unique geology that is built on porous limestone, which is slowly filling up as the sea
level rises, making the land, streets and neighborhoods more likely to flood and cause
sewer systems to back up into homes and gardens; and
WHEREAS, southeast Florida's roads, bridges, and businesses already are
facing flooding because of higher sea levels; and
WHEREAS, rising sea level threatens all of South Florida's popular coastal areas
and could alter the freshwater supply that feeds our cities and agriculture; and
WHEREAS, with sea level rise of only three to nine inches, southeast Florida
could lose 70 percent of its drainage capacity in the 28 control structures that protect
the region from flooding and saltwater intrusion; and
City of Aventura Resolution No. 2015-17
Page 2
WHEREAS, parts of Miami-Dade have already experienced an increased
frequency of urban flooding caused by higher high tides, elevated groundwater levels,
and over saturated soils; and
WHEREAS, the Miami-Dade Sea Level Rise Task Force ("SLRTF") reviewed the
relevant data and prior studies, assessments, reports, and evaluations of the potential
impact of sea level rise on vital public services and facilities, real estate, water and
other ecological resources, water front property, and infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the SLRTF issued a report with their findings on July 1, 2014, that
included a comprehensive assessment of the likely and potential impacts of sea level
rise and storm surge over time, to be used to help develop a set of recommendations
relative to amendments to the Comprehensive Development Master Plan, capital
facilities planning, budgetary priorities, and other County programs as necessary, to
ensure that Miami-Dade County is taking all appropriate actions to address sea level
rise and to ensure its resiliency to the increase in sea level rise, storm surge and related
impacts which are expected to occur; and
WHEREAS, the SLRTF set forth numerous recommendations in their report that
could aid Miami-Dade County in coping with sea level rise; and
WHEREAS, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners will discuss the
adoption of various resolutions to move the recommendations of the SLRTF into action.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, THAT:
Section 1. Recitals. That the above- stated recitals are hereby adopted and
confirmed.
City of Aventura Resolution No. 2015-17
Page 3
Section 2. Call to Action. That the City Commission hereby encourages the
Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners to adopt a plan of action, taking into
account the recommendations of the Sea Level Rise Task Force, to address sea level
rise and its current and future effects on coastal and inland communities.
Section 3. Directions to City Clerk. The City Clerk is hereby directed to
transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Mayor and County Commissioners of Miami-
Dade County, Florida, the Miami-Dade County League of Cities, Inc. and municipalities
in Miami-Dade County.
Section 4. Effective Date. That this Resolution shall become effective
immediately upon adoption hereof.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner Landman, who moved
its adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Weinberg, and upon being
put to a vote, the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Enbar Cohen Yes
Commissioner Denise Landman Yes
Commissioner Marc Narotsky Yes
Commissioner Robert Shelley Yes
Commissioner Howard Weinberg Yes
Vice Mayor Teri Holzberg Yes
Mayor Enid Weisman Yes
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 3rd day of March, 2015.
City of Aventura Resolution No. 2015-n
Page 4
jdf
ENID WEISMAN, MAYOR
.�� \\
ATTEST:
ELLISA L. HORVATH,
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
CITY ATTORNEY