HomeMy Public PortalAbout039_MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TybeeMEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
AND
CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND
PURPOSE
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (hereafter DCA) and City of Tybee Island is designed to formalize the WaterFirst Community
Program Designation that has been granted to City of Tybee Island for being an environmental steward. This MOU delineates responsibilities and conditions pertaining to the benefits
and responsibilities of being a WaterFirst Community.
BACKGROUND
The WaterFirst Community Program is a voluntary partnership between local governments, state agencies, and other organizations working together to enhance the quality of life through
the wise management and protection of water resources.
INTENT
It is DCA’s goal to provide assistance to local communities that wish to manage their water resources wisely and to acknowledge and reward those communities that are pursuing environmental
excellence beyond what is required by law.
FINANCIAL
There are no application or membership fees associated with being a WaterFirst Designated Community.
DCA’s RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide resources, tools and support to help meet water management goals
Provide State-wide recognition for being environmental stewards including but not limited to being listing on DCA’s:
Website;
WaterFirst Outreach Flier;
WaterFirst Presentations;
Press announcement and periodic releases; and
Case studies.
Provide two road signs and authorization to use the WaterFirst trademarked logo.
Annual eligibility to apply for DCA Community Block Development Grants for water related projects.
Host special “issue retreats/workshops” addressing critical water stewardship issues.
Work with federal and state agencies to maintain and identify and solicit additional WaterFirst program incentives.
CITY OF TYBEE ISLAND RESPONSIBILITIES
Continue to strive for environmental excellence in all areas of water resource management.
Implement best management practices that pertain to Tybee from the adopted Coastal Regional Water Plan.
Study water use by sector and establish benchmarks to reduce water consumption.
As required, adopt new regulations necessary to comply with the 2010 Water Stewardship Act (S.B. 370 enacted during the 2010 Legislative Session.)
Participate in the WaterFirst Community Program by supporting City of Tybee Island staff member participation as a WaterFirst Reviewer.
Provide support and encourage City of Tybee Island staff to attend or participate in at least one WaterFirst function over the 5 year term.
Notify DCA’s WaterFirst Program Coordinator of any water permit violations or significant water management issues that occur.
Maintain eligibility as a qualified local government by having an approved Comprehensive Plan, and Service Delivery Strategy.
Maintain an approved Solid Waste Management Plan.
ELIGIBILITY
Subject to the terms and conditions of the granting agency, City of Tybee Island shall be eligible for the WaterFirst program incentives, including but not limited to:
A 1% point interest rate reduction from the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) state loan program for water related projects.
Access to WaterFirst peer network and resources.
Access to special “issue retreats/workshops” addressing critical water stewardship issues.
Bonus points on the Environmental Protection Division’s 319 Grant applications.
Use of the WaterFirst trademark and signs.
EFFECTIVE DATE
The Effective date of this MOU shall commence upon the date signed by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and Mayor of Tybee Island.
TERMS
The term of this MOU shall commence upon the date City of Tybee Island was re-designated a WaterFirst Community, __day of ____, 2011, and subject to the conditions of this MOU being
fulfilled, shall remain in effect for a period of five (5) years. Upon review and approval of a renewal application from City of Tybee Island this MOU may be renewed in five year increments.
TERMINATION
If for any reason City of Tybee Island has its status of a Qualified Local Government revoked, they shall be immediately terminated as a WaterFirst Community and forfeit all rights and
eligibilities granted to a WaterFirst Community.
Either party may terminate this MOU at any time with thirty days notice in writing to the other party. Such notice shall be given by personal delivery or by certified mail, return receipt
requested. This MOU may also, be terminated by mutual written consent of the parties specifying the termination date herein.
At the time of termination under Sections 9 or 10 of this MOU, all benefits will be withdrawn and the use of the WaterFirst logo and signs shall no longer be displayed or used by City
of Tybee Island. City of Tybee Island shall have 30 days to remove the WaterFirst designation signs and cease using the WaterFirst logo or risk sanctions from the DCA, including but
not limited to loss of eligibility as a qualified local government.
NOTICES
Notices regarding the terms and conditions of this MOU shall be considered given by personal delivery or by certified mail, return receipt requested to the following:
Director,
Office of Planning and Environmental Management
Department of Community Affairs
60 Executive Park South, NE
Mayor, Tybee Island City Council
P.O. Box 2749
Tybee Island, GA 31328
Atlanta, GA 30329-2231
ATTEST
All terms of this Memorandum of Understanding are hereby acknowledged and agreed to, as certified by the signature of the duly authorized officers and agents affixed hereby.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
_____________________________ _______________________
Mike Beatty Date
Commissioner
City of Tybee Island
____________________________ _______________________
Jason Buelterman Date
Mayor