Strategic Priority: Safe and Resilient Community

Strategic Focus Areas:  

  • Emergency Management | Provide a framework for supporting the Town of Palm Beach before, during, and after a natural or man-made disaster. 
  • Water Resources | The Town’s drinking water is healthy for consumption and the environment. It is readily available without worry or limitations. The utility infrastructure is sound and meets current and future needs for reliable and sustainable drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater management.

Strategic Objectives:

  • Minimize the vulnerabilities of the Town to natural disasters.
    • Complete Townwide Utility Undergrounding (TWUU). 
      • Bid TWUU Phase 7 North and South. 
      • Finalize design permitting and bid for Phase 8.
      • Complete construction of ongoing phases. 
  • Establish a modern and secure Information Technology/digital infrastructure that optimizes and coordinates software to meet the increasing demands of Town operations. 
    • Enhance digitalization by converting all existing paper records townwide into secure and easily accessible digital formats.
    • Deploy the multi-factor authentication, DUO. 
    • Install new Townwide network infrastructure. 
    • Ensure redundant internet connections include additional fiber circuits and Starlink. 
    • GIS planning and implementation of asset layers in various software, including the Tyler Technologies Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Fire Hydrants Annual PM, CrisisTrack Software GIS Layer Update, WinCan Sewer Pipe Video Uploads, asset management of Water Resources in Lucity, Town-wide AEDs, IT Fiber Network, and Public Works-owned Fire Extinguishers.
    • Streamline FEMA reimbursement applications by ensuring comprehensive documentation for all claimed expenses to prevent denials, using Crisis Track and F-ROC software.
    • Optimize interactive emergency service software solutions, such as the Town’s first-in-county use of Prepared Live. 
    • Operationalize a state-of-the-art public safety communication command center. 
    • Optimize self-serve options and information resources on the internal TownNet site.
    • Utilize advanced technology to gather evidence at crime scenes and in controlled laboratory settings, aiding crime prevention through the identification of suspects via fingerprint and DNA analysis.
      • Modernize a modern fingerprint lab with ALS. 
      • Employ innovative measures to gather and analyze intelligence proactively.
    • Upgrade the outdated CAD/RMS system with advanced technology. 
    • Upgrade sUAS Drone program hardware and software using FDLE-provided grant funds.
    • Leverage Axon BWC, In-Car Video, Interview Room, and drone solutions to streamline operations and provide effective oversight.
  • Expand the use of the tracking software Procare across all programs to manage participants’ locations, special needs, and allergies. 
  • Enhance the marina’s safety and security. 
    • Improve marina security by utilizing surveillance cameras and installing covert and dome cameras.
    • Update Emergency Operations “Panic” File in order for staff to promptly respond to a fuel or oil spill.
    • Conduct quarterly training sessions on spill response at the marina and provide detailed information on effective response strategies and procedures. 
    • Earn Safe and Resilient Marina Designation.
  • Develop and implement an emergency response support system to minimize the Town’s vulnerabilities and expedite mobilization and rapid responses to emergencies. 
    • Proactive review of Ordinances and application of best practices. 
    • Implement Florida Milestone Inspection Program.
    • Ensure consistent administration of the Flood Prevention Code. 
    • Participate in the Community Rating System (CRS). 
    • Establish an emergency communication system with hazard-specific plans for efficient information-sharing while enhancing the Town’s communication library, tools, and partnerships.
  • Identify emergency service and public safety needs based on trending analytics. 
    • Build dashboards with specific criteria for data analysis and develop training programs to meet identified needs. 
    • Deploy new state-of-the-art Motorola radios to enhance the department’s communication and response readiness. 
    • Increase the efficiency and consistency of emergency response services. 
    • Identify areas at high risk for cardiac events and install AEDs in public spaces. Collaborate with Community Outreach to raise awareness and offer training in CPR and AED usage.
    • Identify high-risk locations for emergencies using historical data and trends, ensure rapid response times for critical medical situations, enhance overall response efficiency by setting clear benchmarks for personnel, and increase the use of essential medical interventions such as aspirin and CPR training.
  • Review and update emergency management policies, practices, and staffing levels for increased preparedness. 
    • Execute “tabletop” exercises with emergency management staff.
  • Coordinate with the local governments and the Palm Beach County School District on emergency preparedness issues.
  • Complete the water feasibility study that evaluates the water supply and distribution options, emphasizing service needs, quality, and cost.
  • Establish and maintain reliable drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater contracts.
  • Enhance the Town’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System for storm and sanitary sewer pumping stations. 
  • Proactively manage stormwater collection and pumping to minimize unexpected equipment failures. 
  • Investigate the Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) lining through TV inspections to ensure the mitigation of groundwater infiltration into the sanitary sewer collection system.
  • Monitor 811 on-call and locate existing lines to prevent damage during construction and repairs. 
  • Ensure the safe management of the Town’s sanitary sewage through efficient collection, transport, and disposal while maintaining sewer systems to minimize equipment failures and effectively address clogs, backups, and overflow risks.