The Administration recommends the Mayor and City Commission adopt the resolution.

Florida Task Force I of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) National Urban Search and Rescue Response Team ("Task Force'') is designed to respond to a variety of disasters, such as building collapses, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and hazardous materials releases where victims may be trapped, lost or injured. Miami-Dade County, as the sponsoring agency of the Task Force, is responsible for recruiting, training, equipment procurement, and organizing members of the Task Force.

The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution No. R-682-21 on July 20, 2021, authorizing the County Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with participating agencies.

The City of Miami Beach, via the  Fire Department, is seeking to be a participating agency in the Task Force. With the adoption of the proposed resolution, the City and Miami-Dade County will execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) allowing the City of Miami Beach to participate in this crucial, lifesaving partnership. All costs incurred by the Fire Department, relating to training, activation and Task Force deployment shall be reimbursed by Miami-Dade County. The MOA is valid for ten (10) years.

LOBBYIST DISCLOSURE

In accordance with Resolution No. 2023-32857, adopted by the City Commission on December 13, 2023, the following information has been provided by the primary item sponsor as it relates to the subject resolution:

1.    Was the Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

2.    If so, specify name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): N/A

The MOA is necessary to allow the operation of the ongoing National Urban Search and Rescue Response Team Florida Task Force I Program. The Interim City Manager recommends the Mayor and Commission approve the new MOA and authorize the Interim City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement.