STORM DEBRIS

QUESTION: When will the debris be picked up in our neighborhood?

ANSWER: There is currently a regional resource shortage in Broward County for debris collection. The City of Hollywood is working diligently with the available resources to collect the debris as quickly and efficiently as possible, while making sure the City complies with FEMA regulations so that federal reimbursement for the cost of storm debris cleanup is not jeopardized. Recently, the City has had 35 to 40 crews working on the debris cleanup effort. This is an extensive effort and residents should be prepared for the complete cleanup to take a considerable amount of time. Because of the complexity of the operation, we are unable to offer a specific schedule for debris to be collected for your neighborhood. We do have crews working in all parts of the City in a grid pattern. We ask for patience while we work through this difficult clean-up effort. 

QUESTION: How is the City determining where debris gets collected first? Will it be fairly distributed?

ANSWER: The City has been sectored into8 sections for deploying and tracking debris collection resources. This is to ensure debris removal crews are working in all areas of the City. Every effort is being made to apply all available debris assets in such a manner that all areas receive equitable service.

QUESTION:  Why has my alley not been cleared?

ANSWER:  A regional resource shortage is currently being experienced in Broward County for debris collection. The City of Hollywood is working diligently with the available resources to collect the debris as quickly and efficiently as possible. Recently, the City has had 35to 40 crews working on debris cleanup. The debris contractors will be clearing the alleys, however this requires specialized equipment called skid steer loaders which are currently in short supply. As soon as the resources increase in the City, we will begin working in the alleys to clear brush and debris. We ask for patience while we work through this difficult clean-up effort.

QUESTION: The debris contractors collected my debris, but left the garbage bags I had placed out for collection behind. Will this be collected?

ANSWER: The debris contractors cannot collect debris that is placed into plastic bags due to regulations at the disposal site. A separate truck will be around to collect these items or they can be disposed of in your grey garbage cart.

QUESTION: Do I need to separate brush and tree debris from other storm debris like fencing and household items? 

ANSWER: Yes, the brush and other vegetative debris is hauled and disposed of separately from other types of debris. Piles that are a mix of brush and other type of non-vegetative storm debris will not be collected as quickly as piles that are separated.

QUESTION:  Will I get a refund on my garbage bill due to commingled/garbage/recycling services being suspended?

ANSWER:  While some regularly scheduled services were/are suspended due to the storm, this debris will be collected by the City and services are being provided. While these services are being provided on a different timeline than regularly scheduled service due to the volume of the debris, the City will not be issuing refunds. 

QUESTION: The debris contractor has already come through my neighborhood and collected debris. I have more to place out. What should I do?

ANSWER: The debris contractors will be making future passes through the City to collect debris that is placed for collection.

QUESTION: Is there a pile size limit for bulk pick up?

ANSWER: The regularly scheduled commingled collection service is currently suspended. The City has debris management contractors to collect the storm debris. Storm debris material should be replaced curbside for collection and not in the alley. There is no pile size limit for this storm debris collection. We urge residents not to block the roadway and debris should be cut into 4 foot sections. Tree branches and vegetative debris should be separated from other debris.

QUESTION: Will the City pick up debris placed for collection from businesses/commercial properties?

ANSWER: Debris from businesses/commercial properties will not be collected by the City’s debris management contractors and should not be placed out for collection.

INFORMATION

QUESTION: How can I get more information about debris issues, recycling/garbage cart placement? 

ANSWER: The City of Hollywood has sent out multiple notifications via the City’s e-mail notification service, NotifyMe, as well as several CodeRed emergency notifications via landline phone, cell phone, email and text message. Information on separating debris, debris collections, garbage, recycling and commingled service following Hurricane Irma has been in place and regularly updated on the City’s website since the storm. Additionally, the City has posted and shared this information on its Social Media sites (Facebook and Twitter). Mayor Levy and staff have also participated in multiple media interviews on debris collection.  Please sign up for the City's notifyme e-mail notification service and Code Red, the City's emergency notifications service.  You can do so on the City’s website www. hollywoodfl.org /notifyme. Be sure to sign up for the News and Announcements category in NotifyMe and any other categories of information you would like to receive. There is also a convenient link on the bottom of the home page of the City’s website for the CodeRed sign up.

QUESTION: When will regularly scheduled commingled collections resume?

ANSWER: The weekly commingled collection service from Waste Pro is suspended at this time. The suspension is to assure FEMA reimbursement for storm related debris that is currently mixed-in with commingled materials.  Debris removal contractors are removing these commingled piles as part of the storm debris recovery process. Waste Pro crews are following-up behind the debris management contractors to collect bagged items that cannot be collected by these debris management contractors, per the disposal site restrictions.  

Residents who have additional storm-related debris they need removed from their property are being asked to place those piles curbside. Debris removal contractors will be making a second pass through the City once the initial collection is completed. Regularly scheduled commingled services will resume in a phased approach across the City upon completion of the initial collection. Residents will be notified by WastePro once their area resumes weekly commingled collections. 

FALLEN TREES

QUESTION: I am unable to locate a tree contractor to take care of my fallen trees. Can the City recommend a tree contractor?

ANSWER: The City is not able to recommend any specific contractors, however we recommend residents check with any potential contractor to assure they are licensed and insured.

QUESTION: Trees are down in my gated or private community. Why has the City not been here to clear the trees?

ANSWER: The City is working to gain authorization to remove debris in gated communities. City staff are reaching out to the gated communities to coordinate the proper releases and discuss the process for gaining FEMA approval for the City to collect the debris. Once this approval is obtained, debris from approved gated communities will be collected as debris management contractors collect the debris throughout the City. If you are in a gated community and have questions about the status of this effort, please contact the City of Hollywood’s Emergency Management Coordinator Jaime Hernandez, jahernandez@hollywoodfl.org or 954.921.3053.

QUESTION: Trees in swale (area between the street and sidewalk) fell in resident’s yard (swale to private property). How will the City assist?

ANSWER: The removal of downed trees located in the swale that have fallen onto private property will be addressed by the City as long as these trees have not damaged private property. These removals will be prioritized behind the City-wide debris cleanup effort. Property owners seeking to have downed swale trees cleared sooner should contact a licensed tree removal company. The City's debris contractors will not remove trees on private property or swale trees that have damaged private property including homes and cars.

QUESTION: My neighbor’s tree fell in my yard and caused damages to my property. How can the City assist?

ANSWER: This is a civil matter between yourself and your neighbor. We will allow ample time for residents to address these matters and handle clean up before taking any Code Compliance action.

QUESTION: My tree fell into the alleyway; will I be cited by Code Compliance? Do I need to remove the tree?

ANSWER: You will not be cited by Code Compliance during the storm cleanup period, which will be an extended period of time. Debris contractors for the City will clear debris from public rights-of-way including alleys, but you will need to take care of any portions of the tree on your property. The alleys could take some time for City contractors to clear. If you want the tree cleared more quickly, you are advised to contact a licensed, insured contractor. 

QUESTION: Can the City come to my property to inspect the trees and provide advice on them?

ANSWER: The City arborist is tasked with storm response priorities and will not be available to provide this service. We recommend hiring an independent arborist should you be concerned.

QUESTION: I don’t have the resources to remove the tree that fell on my house and damaged my property, is there any assistance?

ANSWER: Resources are available through the City’s Community Development Division to assist income-eligible, low to moderate income (LMI) residents with removing fallen trees and debris only to the extent necessary to make their dwelling habitable. Meaning, that if a fallen tree blocks the entry or exit to your home or has damaged the structure and made it uninhabitable, then the tree can be removed to resolve the situation or to facilitate repair of the affected area in conjunction with the Emergency Housing Repair Program. 

The key is that assistance from Community Development is available only to LMI residents and the tree debris must affect the dwelling’s habitability. If the caller believes they meet the LMI criteria, they should contact the Community Development Division 954.921.3271.

QUESTION: There is a tree that is leaning or has hanging branches that look like they are going to fall.

ANSWER: Debris management companies are mobilized within the City to mitigate the storm damage. Crews are systematically responding throughout the City to address tree hazards along the public rights-of-way and on other public property such as parks. Due to the high volume of work, we ask for your patience while crews make their way through the City.

QUESTION: Will the City repair a broken sidewalk caused by a fallen tree?

ANSWER: The City of Hollywood annually funds a 50/50 shared cost sidewalk replacement program in partnership with our residents to assist residential property owners with necessary sidewalk repairs for the sidewalk abutting their property. Typical construction costs are approximately $150.00 for a 5’ by 5’ sidewalk section of which the homeowner share would be reduced by 50% to $75.00 per section. Upon request, the City will inspect the sidewalk and provide a firm construction cost estimate for your consideration.

Please indicate your interest in the 50/50 sidewalk program and we will follow up to provide you a detailed cost estimate. Should you have any questions, contact Francisco J. Leon, Project Engineer, via email fjleon@hollywoodfl.org or phone number 954.921.3900.

QUESTION: My tree fell in the backyard and it is cut up for removal. I cannot bring it to the curb in front of the house for collection as the City is requiring. Why can’t I place it in the alley for collection?

ANSWER: To speed recovery efforts and minimize the disruption of services due to blocked alleys, the City is requesting material be placed curbside for collection in front of the property until further notice. Should this be impossible, residents are advised not to place material in the alley in a manner that blocks vehicular access. Debris placed for 

collection on the alley side will experience a delay in collection service.

REGULAR GARBAGE/RECYCLING/COMMINGLED COLLECTION

QUESTION: Will Waste Pro be collecting Garbage/Recycle/Commingled on normal pickup days?

ANSWER: Waste Pro is collecting garbage and recycling in the City of Hollywood per the normal collection schedule. All garbage and recycling customers are asked to bring their gray/blue carts to the front of their property until further notice for curbside collection, even if they have an alleyway. Garbage and recycling carts placed in the alley will not be collected. The regular commingled collection services by Waste Pro are currently suspended while debris cleanup is underway. The City has debris management contractors to collect storm debris. All storm related debris should also be placed curbside at the front of your property. To speed recovery efforts, the City is asking residents to separate downed tree limbs, palm fronds and other brush from bulky items damaged in the storm. These materials will be picked up by the City's debris contractors as they make their way across the City. Again, garbage, recycling and all storm debris will be picked up at the curb.

PERMITTING FOR STORM RELATED DAMAGE

QUESTION: Is the City waiving permit fees for storm related damage?

ANSWER: Yes, in an effort to expedite repairs required as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Irma, the Building Division has made changes to its permitting policies and procedures for a 90 calendar day period, effective September 21, 2017. This 90 day grace period will assist the residents and commercial businesses of the City in restoring their property and returning to normal operations as quickly as possible. Fees for certain permits like fences, A/CMore information can be found at http://www.hollywoodfl.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=467 (or go to www.hollywoodfl.org under City News)

FEMA AND OTHER AVAILABLE DISASTER ASSISTANCE

QUESTION: What kind of assistance is available for Hollywood residents?

ANSWER: Individual Disaster Assistance: FEMA has declared Broward County eligible for individual assistance to help support your recovery. To find out what type of assistance is available, go to www.disasterassistance.gov.

Disaster Assistance For Low To Moderate Income Households: The City's Community Development Division can provide grants for rental assistance, security deposits, utility deposits, to make interim repairs to stabilize homes, to mitigate water damage and to assist with paying insurance deductibles.

Community Development has implemented a Disaster Housing Repair Strategy funded by State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) funds in order to provide assistance to low- to moderate-income households impacted by Hurricane Irma. Eligibility is primarily income-based, and total household income cannot exceed $60,950.00 (based on a household size of four).

The City's Community Development Division can provide grants for rental assistance, security deposit, and utility deposit to income-eligible households that have been temporarily displaced from their home due to Hurricane Irma. Grants to income-eligible homeowners whose home has been damaged by the hurricane are also available to make interim repairs to stabilize homes and make it habitable. This includes mitigating water damage and drying-in damaged roof. Grants are also available to assist with paying insurance deductible for income-eligible households damaged by Irma.

Assistance provided through the Community Development Division cannot be used to duplicate assistance provided by other federal/state agencies or private insurance companies.

Applications are available online at the link below. You may also call the Community Development Division at 954.921.3271 Monday through Thursday from 7A-6P for additional information. Please bring completed applications to the Community Development Office at City Hall, 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, 2nd floor Room 203.

QUESTION: Will FEMA be in Hollywood?

ANSWER: FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSAT) have begun visiting Broward County households who have pre-registered online. DSATs provide support to disaster survivors at their homes or in their communities, offering options for how to access programs that can help them move forward in their recovery. DSATS work by grid and are visiting the areas with most storm impact first. DSAT members will be wearing dark blue FEMA vests and must produce a Federal ID. We have not been informed by the county that DSATs have begun working in Hollywood. The county has advised that they will let us know when they begin working in our area. If someone knocks on your door and says they are with FEMA and they do not provide proper identification, please call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866.720.5721.

VOLUNTEERING

QUESTION: I would like to volunteer to help with recovery efforts, how can I assist?

ANSWER: Hands on Broward organizes volunteer opportunities and can be reached at 954-233-1300.

FPL

QUESTION: There is a power pole leaning in my yard/alleyway. 

ANSWER: Please call to report this problem to FPL Customer Care Call Center. The number for Broward County is 866-263-9185. You will need either your full social security number, or your FPL account number and last four digits of your social security number to identify your account. Representatives are available Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 7:30pm and Saturday from 8am-5pm.

If you are having a power outage, this can be reported at 24/7 at 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).