The Oakland Flood Commission meeting held on Monday, February 10, was open to the public and attended by members of the Flood Commission including Chairman Lew Levy, members Dot O’Connor, Ted O’Grady, Anthony Smid, Gina Steele and Bill Farley, Flood Commission recording secretary Lois Smid, as well as Mayor Linda Schwager and Borough Council Flood Commission Liaison Chris Visconti.
Topics discussed were:
Rising Cost of Flood Insurance – Residents are currently awaiting a decision on delaying the pending increased cost of flood insurance at a rate of 25% per year, over five years. According to the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) secondary residences are already seeing the increase (example: vacation and shore homes). Homes with mortgages are required to secure flood insurance up to $250,000 maximum depending on the value of the home. The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 is designed to make the currently insolvent NFIP, self-sustaining. For example, flood insurance premiums currently costing $2,000 per year will eventually go up to approximately $6,000 per year by the end of the five year period. Flood insurance is based on first floor living space – for those who have a basement (whether finished or not, with a ceiling height of 5-feet or higher) the rate of flood insurance will be based on this elevation in comparison to the Base Elevation which is determined by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Base flood elevation information is available at the Borough of Oakland or at the federal government website www.msc.fema.gov – simply enter a U.S. address.
Elevating a House – FEMA offers a special program for Severe Repetitive Loss Homes (those structures with four claims over $5,000, or two or more claims exceeding the value of the structure within a ten year period) that would allow owners to qualify for an ICC (Increased Cost of Compliance) grant of up to $30,000 to structurally raise the home. Homeowners may only submit an application for payment upon certificate of occupancy approval. The Borough of Oakland in conjunction with Flood Commission Chairman Lew Levy and engineer Nick Agnoli, who has been retained to process the borough’s Community Rating System (CRS) application, are asking that all residents who qualify and are interested in learning more about this program, contact the Flood Commission (leave a message at Borough Hall or email flood@oakland-nj.org) The cost to the homeowner will be based on factors such as the number of participants in the program, the number of feet the structure must be raised to be above flood elevation, and grants sustained.
CRS Application – The Consumer Rating System is a program sponsored by FEMA to which Oakland has applied. Based upon completion of information required, this program will help homeowners obtain a reduced flood insurance premium rate based on a percentage scale. For example, if Oakland is successful in achieving a rating of 5 in the CRS program, residents would realize a 25% discount in flood insurance premium rates. The volunteer members of the Oakland Flood Commission are working hard to complete as many checkpoints as possible in order to qualify for the best possible rating. Engineer Nick Agnoli, having successfully achieved positive CRS ratings in other communities has been hired to assist with the borough’s application and review process.
Trout Unlimited Project – Millennium Strategies is in the process of seeking grants to fund a maintenance project for the river in the much needed area from the Lenape Bridge downstream to the railway trestle at River Road. Trout Unlimited, a highly accredited organization, has presented a scope of work to the Borough of Oakland that would naturally restore the flow of water in the channel of the river in order to prevent further bank erosion.
Oakland Flood Website/Mailer notification – Oakland will initiate its Flood Website on March 1. This will enable direct access to information at www.oaklandflood.com or through the Borough website www.oakland-nj.org. Here, residents will be able to access pertinent information regarding: The National Flood Insurance Plan – FEMA – Floodsmart – Elevation Certificates – Flood Commission contact information – Registration to receive email – Flood Gauges – Charitable Organization etc. Information on the website will be updated regularly and emergency messages will be posted during significant weather and flood events. A town-wide mailer will be sent containing flood information and an introduction of the website. Creation of the website and the mailer are two components needed to achieve a positive rating in the CRS program and, in turn, reduce the cost of flood insurance premiums.
Volunteers – The Oakland Flood Commission is looking for dedicated, qualified volunteers to participate in many activities and work needed with regard to the incidence of flooding and flood related issues. Anyone wishing to be considered for membership is asked to contact the Oakland Flood Commission.
Oakland Flood Commission Meetings, which are always open to the public, are held the second Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., at the Senior Center on Lawlor Drive.
The Oakland Flood Commission