Committee to Adopt FEMA Flood Maps

The Lacey Township Committee will be doing a second reading of an ordinance that will adopt the FEMA elevation maps.

Though Lacey Township Committee members said they don't agree with the interim FEMA flood elevation maps, in March they approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt the guidelines as not to jeopardize federal and other funding.

“There are a lot of people, including ourselves, that are questioning the elevations. Maybe they’re a little high,” Mayor David Most previously said. “You have to understand, if we don’t adopt this ordinance then these people won’t get the funding for the ICC (Increased Cost of Compliance).”

The known flood risk has changed since the last effective community Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for communities in New Jersey. FEMA has created Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFEs) to show a more current picture of flood risk.

The maps provide elevation levels that residents should raise their homes to protect them from future storms and avoid high insurance premiums, Most had said

FEMA designated flood prone areas as zone A Approximate flood zones. Zone A is based on FEMA's best guess of where flooding would occur in a 100-year flood event. The V zone designates a Coastal Velocity Zone, where the hazards of flooding increase because of wave velocity. Homes in a V zone must be raised higher than those in an A zone.

Residents are advised to elevate to the recommended heights, plus one foot, as mandated by the state. Failing to adopt an ordinance accepting the maps would put township residents in jeopardy of not receiving funding to make repairs, rebuild or elevate.

“Whether or not you adopt this, the standard is the standard,” township attorney Lauren Staiger previously said. “The township is only doing this to be sure that people who may be entitled to ICC funding will actually get the funding because insurance companies are getting a little cute with the language.”

Residents whose homes were more than 50 percent damaged will have to rebuild to these new standards, Most previously said. Those with less than 50 percent in damage do not need to elevate but will be subject to hikes in insurance premiums.

The ordinance calls the ABFE standards "unreasonably burdensome" to the residents of Lacey. In addition to adopting the maps, the ordinance amends Cahpter 185, entitled "Flood Hazard Areas" updating definitions, development permit requirements and standards. 

In Superstorm Sandy's wake, Gov. Chris Christie announced in late January that the state would adopt the Advisory Base Flood Elevation maps, which supersedes any municipal ordinances. FEMA officials have said the maps are on the conservative side and could be amended before their final adoption.

Caucus Meeting

1. Proclamation for National Library Week

2. Proclamation for Eagle Scout

3. Request to Post Signs

          a. Sentimental Cruisers - May 18, 2013

4. Special Use Permit

          a. South Main Street - August 18, 2013

5. One-day Social Affairs Permits

          a. Lacey Elks Lodge - May 11, 2013; May 17, 2013; May 25, 2013       

6.    Resolution #2013-101 authorizing the convening of an executive session

Township Meeting

1. Resolution #2013-108 appointing Police Officers for the Township of Lacey
    
2. Resolution #2013-109 appointing Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers

3.  Resolution #2013-110 appointing a Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer 

4. Resolution #2013-111 appointing a Part-time Public Safety Telecommunicator 

5. Second reading of Ordinance #2013-07 amending Chapter 185, Flood Hazard Areas 

6. Resolution #2013-112 approving the Annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration 

7. Resolution #2013-113 requesting the State to include Island Beach State Park in the Dune Protection Project  

8. Resolution #2013-114 amending the contract for the Township Planner 

9. Resolution #2013-115 rejecting all proposals received for the Hybrid Reassessment Program 

10. Resolution #2013-116 authorizing the refund of deposit monies  

11. Resolution #2013-117 authorizing the payment of Township Bills

12. Monthly Reports

13. Motion to approve Township Meeting Minutes for March 28, 2013

14. Motion to approve Caucus Meeting Minutes of March 28, 2013

15. Motion to approve Raffle License Application for the NJSNA Region 6 and Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company

Comments from the Committee

Comments from the Public