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Leave Donations to the Hurricane Iota Relief Efforts in All Affected Central American Countries Except Nicaragua - Directive No. 202426

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Date: To:Honorable Chairman Jose �Pepe� Diaz
and Members, Board of County Commissioners
From:Daniella Levine Cava
Mayor
Subject:Leave Donations to the Hurricane Iota Relief Efforts in All Affected Central American Countries Except Nicaragua - Directive No. 202426

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
On Tuesday December 15, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) adopted Resolution No. R-1260-20, sponsored by then Commissioner Jose �Pepe� Diaz, to allow County employees to donate the value of accrued holiday and annual leave time to the County�s Emergency Disaster Relief Fund for use towards Hurricane Iota relief efforts in all affected Countries (in Central America), except Nicaragua. The resolution further directed the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to evaluate options for the donated funds and provide a recommendation to the Board. At that time, as customary, an appeal to County employees went out asking them to consider donating their accrued Annual or Holiday leave to this cause. Collectively, employees donated over 200 hours to these causes.

Background on Hurricane Iota
On November 16, 2020, Hurricane Iota made landfall in Central America as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph; an additional 2 mph would have made it a Category 5. The impact of this hurricane further devasted the region, which was just recovering from the effects of Hurricane Eta which had occurred just days earlier, with resulting flooding, landslides and unheralded heavy rains. Over 30 people were killed, and 300 others were injured. Additionally, approximately 250,000 homes and thousands of other structures were damage or destroyed.

Recommendation
In accordance with Resolution No. R-1260-20, I authorized the following employee contributions of earned annual and holiday leave time for the purpose listed below based on the total net amount Miami-Dade County employees donated.

* Hurricane Iota Relief - $8,170.36

Because the effect of the devastation caused from this hurricane still lingers, I believe it is important to provide contributions where they will have the most impact to those affected by this disaster. Of the various organizations that aided and continue to, The Salvation Army has been very effective in responding to the various needs resulting from the Iota Hurricane disaster. This organization is experienced in responding to disasters of these kind and have the resources and infrastructure to respond on an international scale. Additionally, consistent with the instructions of Resolution No. R-1260-20, they have committed to utilizing the proceeds in continued disaster assistance in the region, except Nicaragua.

I would like to recognize and thank our County employees who generously donated their personal leave to the Iota Hurricane Relief funds and made these donations possible.

Pursuant to Ordinance No. 14-65, this report will be placed on the next available Board meeting agenda. Should you require any information regarding the donations, please contact Edward Marquez, Deputy Mayor, at 305-375-1451.

c: Geri Bonzon-Keenan, County Attorney
Gerald K. Sanchez, First Assistant County Attorney
Jess M. McCarty, Executive Assistant County Attorney
Office of the Mayor Senior Staff
Barbara Gomez, Deputy Director, Finance Department
Arleene Cuellar, Director, Human Resources Department
Melissa Adames, Director, Clerk of the Board
Jennifer Moon, Chief, Policy and Budgetary Affairs
Yinka Majekodunmi, Commission Auditor
Eugene Love, Agenda Coordinator





Honorable Chairman Jose �Pepe� Diaz
and Members, Board of County Commissioners
Page 2