THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
On June 5, 2007 (Item No. 31), the Board approved a License Agreement with WeatherFlow, Inc. (WeatherFlow) for installation of a weather station at Port Everglades atop the Operations Center for the recording and dissemination of weather data. The Agreement was for an initial term of five years with an option to extend for two additional years. WeatherFlow exercised the option to extend in 2012 with the Agreement expiring on June 4, 2014. WeatherFlow, by letter dated March 13, 2014 (Exhibit 3), has requested the License Agreement be renewed.
The existing agreement with WeatherFlow allowed for the installation of a full-function, self-sustaining, solar-powered weather recording station at Port Everglades at no cost to the Port. Installation was performed by WeatherFlow and the equipment has been maintained and upgraded by them during the seven years of the License Agreement. As consideration for the County providing the location for the equipment, WeatherFlow furnishes through their password protected website, the data collected to County staff. In addition to use by designated Port Everglades Department staff personnel, data access is also provided to the Broward County Emergency Management Division and the Port Everglades Pilots’ Association. Users also have access to more than thirty-five other WeatherFlow stations in Florida.
Forecasts and historical data are also valuable elements of the system. The former allows for the planning of ship movements and container crane use, and the latter should there be a weather event, such as a tropical storm or hurricane, where damage to facilities caused by high winds results in insurance and/or FEMA claims.
With approval of the new License Agreement, WeatherFlow will continue to maintain the current weather station on the Operations Center. Additionally, under the same terms and conditions, WeatherFlow will install a second weather station at the south end of the port away from all obstructions and operations. This installation will be hurricane hardened on a concrete pole set at the world meteorological height above ground of ten meters. Data from the second weather station will also be made available to Broward County at no cost.
The License Agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by Risk Management and the Office of the County Attorney. The term of the License Agreement is for five years, with an option to extend for an additional three year period.
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