HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 16_08/05/2010 VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
AGENDA ITEM TRANSMITTAL FORM
1. VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING:
Meeting Date: Meeting Type: Regular Ordinance #: Click here to enter text.
8/5/10
Consent Agenda: No Resolution #: Click here to enter text.
Originating Department: Manger
2. AGENDA ITEM TITLE: (Wording form the SUBJECT line of your staff report)
Council Discussion and Action on Florida League of Cities Proposed Resolutions
3. BUDGET / FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Account #: N/A Amount of this item: N/A
Current Budgeted Amount Available: Amount Remaining after item:
N/A N/A
Budget Transfer Required: No Appropriate Fund Balance: No
4. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF MAJOR ISSUES: (This is a snap shot description of the agenda item)
Council Discussion and Action on Florida League of Cities Proposed Resolutions
5. APPROVALS:
Dept. Head: Finance Director: ❑ Reviewed for Financial
Sufficiency
❑ No Financial Impact
Attorney: (for legal sufficiency) Yes ❑ No ❑
Village Manager: �—
• SUBMIT FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
• APPROVE ITEM: ❑
• DENY ITEM: ❑
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Memorandum
RECEIVED
To: Key Officials
JUL 2 6 2010
From: Michael Sittig, Executive Director
VILLAGE CLERKS OFFICE
Re: Transmittal of the 2010 Proposed Resolutions
Date: July 20, 2010
Attached are the proposed resolutions that are ' being submitted for consideration
by the FLC Resolutions Committee, which will convene on Thursday, August 19,
from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., in conjunction with the League's Annual
Conference at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood Florida
The Resolutions Committee is charged with considering official resolutions
relating principally to constitutional, congressional and commemorative issues.
The committee will review and vote on each resolution and then forward the
committee's recommendations to the League's membership at the Business
Session, which will take place on Saturday, August 21 at the Westin
Diplomat.
It is at the Business Session where the League's voting delegates vote on the
Report of the Resolutions Committee. Please forward this packet to your city's
voting delegate in preparation for the Business Session. Please note proposed
resolutions are subject to change by the resolutions committee.
Proposed resolutions may also be submitted directly to the Resolutions Committee
or the Business Session. These resolutions will be considered late -filed and will
require a favorable two -thirds vote of the committee or the voting delegates,
respectively, in order for them to be considered. Therefore, additional resolutions
may be proposed at the conference.
Should you have any questions, please contact Allison Payne at the League office
at (800) 342 -8112 or e-mail: apayne @flcities.com.
Attachments
301 South Bronough Street ♦ Post Office Box 1757 ♦ Tallahassee, FL 32302 -1757
Telephone (850) 222 -9684 ♦ Suncom 278 -5331 ♦ Fax (850) 222 -3806 ♦ Websitemww.flcities.com
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84th Annual Conference
Proposed
Resolutions
Westin Diplomat Resort &Spa
35 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
Phone: 954- 602 -6000
Please bring this packet - with you to the meeting
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2010 RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
Chair: Mayor Joy F. Cooper, City of Hallandale Beach
First Vice President, Florida League of Cities
Vice Chair: Mayor Patricia J. Bates, City of Altamonte Springs
Second Vice President, Florida League of Cities
LOCAL AND REGIONAL LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVES
Louie Davis, Mayor, City of Waldo;
President, Alachua County League of Cities_
Robert Ginsberg, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Mexico Beach
President, Bay County League of Cities
Joseph Varsallone, Mayor, City of Margate
Representative, Broward League of Cities
Karen LeHeup- Smith, Mayor, City Eustis
President, Lake County League of Cities
Richard Clapp, Mayor, City of Sarasota
President, ManaSota League of Cities
Shirley Gibson, Mayor, City of Miami Gardens
President, Miami/Dade County League of Cities
Mike Borno, Jr., Mayor,. Atlantic Beach
President, Northeast Florida League of Cities
Kenneth Nelson, Councilman, Panama City Beach,
Northwest Florida League of Cities
Charles Baugh, Council President, City of Crestview
Vice - President, Oknloosa County League of Cities
Tom Lynch, Mayor, Village of Golf
President, Palm Beach County League of Cities
Marlene Wagner, Mayor, City of Lake Hamilton
President, Ridge League of Cities
Jim Jennings, Councilman, City of Sanibel
President, Southwest Florida League of Cities
Georgia Phillips, Councilwoman, City of Rockledge
President, Space Coast League of Cities
Michael Yakes, Mayor, City of Gulfport
President, Suncoast League of Cities.
Myra Valentine, Commissioner, City of Madison
President, Suwanee River League of Cities
Patricia Christensen, Mayor, City of Port St. Lucie
President, Treasure Coast League of Cities
Gary Bruhn, Mayor, City of Windermere
President, Tri- County League of Cities
Jeff Allebach, Councilmember, City of Orange City
President, Volusia League of Cities
AT LARGE MEMBERS
Gary Resnick, Mayor,.City of Wilton Manors*
Teresa Heitmann, Councilwoman, City of Naples
Howard Wiggs, Commissioner, City of Lakeland
Sam Seevers, Mayor, City of Destin
Yioset De La Cruz, Mayor, City of Hialeah Gardens
Bobby DuBose, Commissioner, City of Fort Lauderdale
William Brooks, Mayor, City of Belle Isle
Procedures for Submitting Resolutions
Florida League of Cities' 84"` Annual Conference
Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Fl
August 19 — 21, 2010
In order to fairly systematize the method for presenting resolutions to the League
membership, the following procedures have been instituted:
(1) Proposed resolutions must be submitted in writing, to be received in the
League office by July -13, 2010, to guarantee that they will be included in the
packet of proposed resolutions that will be submitted to the Resolutions
Committee.
(2) Proposed resolutions will be rewritten for proper form, duplicated by the
League office and distributed to members of the Resolutions Committee.
(Whenever possible, multiple resolutions on a similar issue will be rewritten to
encompass the essential subject matter in a single resolution with a listing of
original proposers.)
(3) Proposed resolutions may be submitted directly to the Resolutions Committee
at the conference; however, a favorable two- thirds vote of the committee will
be necessary to consider such resolutions.
(4) Proposed resolutions may be submitted directly to the business session of the
conference without prior committee approval by a vote of two- thirds of the
members present.
(5) Proposed resolutions relating to state legislation will be referred to the
appropriate standing policy committee. Such proposals will not be considered
by the Resolutions Committee at the conference; however, all state legislative
issues will. be considered by the standing policy committees and the
Legislative Committee, prior to the membership, at the annual Legislative
Conference each fall. At that time, a state Legislative Action Agenda will be
adopted.
Cities unable to formally adopt a resolution before the deadline may submit a letter to
the League office indicating their city is considering the adoption of a resolution,
outlining the subject thereof in as much detail as possible, and this letter will be
forwarded to the Resolutions Committee for consideration in anticipation of receipt of
the formal resolution.
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Proposed Florida League of Cities
2010 Resolutions
1. City of Tallahassee
2. City Government Week
3. City of Inverness Veterans Award
4. Local Comprehensive Plans
5. Class Size Requirements for Public Schools I
6. Mandatory Collective Bargaining for Public Safety
Employees
7. Local Jobs for America Act
8. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
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9. FEMA Reimbursements
10. Florida Institute of Oceanography
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2010 -01
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA, FOR
ITS SUPPORT OF JOHN MARKS AS PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA
LEAGUE OF CITIES.
WHEREAS, John Marks, Mayor of Tallahassee, Florida, has served as the
President of the Florida League of Cities, Inc. from 2009 through 2010; and
WHEREAS, the citizens, commissioners and staff of Tallahassee have been most
understanding of the demands placed upon Mayor Marks in his role as President of the
League; and
WHEREAS, the membership and staff of the League recognize that the
commitment of the City of Tallahassee to Mayor Marks' presidency assured his active
participation in League activities and unselfish service to the League, and permitted him
to successfully promote the programs, projects and philosophy of the League during the
past year; and
WHEREAS, the staff of the Florida League of Cities also wishes to recognize and
personally thank Dr. Carrie Blanchard, M'Lisa Ingram and Ramon Alexander for their
efforts in providing outstanding assistance to President Marks and the Florida League of
Cities' staff in coordinating President Marks' duties with the city and with the Florida
League of Cities. Carrie, M'Lisa and Ramon went above and beyond the call of duty and
their outstanding contributions to this effort are applauded and greatly appreciated.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF
CITIES, INC.:
Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities' membership and staff do officially
and personally appreciate the commitment Tallahassee's citizens, commission and staff
made to President Marks' presidency.
Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Tallahassee City
Commission.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference
assembled at the League's 84 Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood,
Florida, this 21" Day of August 2010.
Joy Cooper, First Vice President
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Mayor, Hallandale Beach
2010 -02
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.
ENDORSING A PROCLAMATION BY THE FLORIDA GOVERNOR AND
CABINET DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 17 -23, 2010, AS
"FLORIDA CITY GOVERNMENT WEEK, " AND ENCOURAGING ALL
FLORIDA CITY OFFICIALS TO SUPPORT THIS CELEBRATION BY
PARTICIPATING IN THE "MY CITY. I'M PART OF II; I'M PROUD OF IT!"
ACTIVITIES.
WHEREAS, the Florida Governor and Cabinet have proclaimed the week of October 17-
23, 2010, as Florida City Government Week; and
WHEREAS, city government is the government closest to the citizens, the one that is
administered for and by its citizens, and the one that is most dependent upon the commitment to
its citizens and their understanding of its many responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, city government officials and employees share the responsibility to impart
their understanding of municipal service and its benefits to the public; and
WHEREAS, Florida City Government Week is an opportune time to recognize the
important role played by city government in the lives of Florida's citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Florida League of Cities, Inc. and the Florida Institute of Government
have joined together to teach students about municipal government through a project titled "My
City: I'm Part of It, I'm Proud of It! "; and
WHEREAS, "My City: I'm Part of It, I'm Proud of It!" includes, among other things, a
series of activities for students in grades K -12 that provides hands -on experience in elections,
city administration and political decision - making; and
WHEREAS, this project's success depends upon the participation of city and school
officials, community leaders and others; and
WHEREAS, Florida City Government Week offers an important opportunity to convey
to all the citizens of Florida that they can and do shape and influence government through their
civic involvement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES,
INC.:
Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. encourages all city officials, school
officials, city employees and citizens to participate in events that recognize Florida City
Government Week and to celebrate it throughout Florida.
2010 -03
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.
CONGRATULATING AND RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF INVERNESS AS
THE 2009 STATE OF FLORIDA, AND 2009 NATIONAL "CITY OF THE
YEAR" AS PROCLAIMED BY THE NATIONAL 40 AND 8 VETERANS
ORGANIZATION, AND ENCOURAGING OTHER CITIES TO PROMOTE
AWARENESS OF VETERAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
WHEREAS, the City of Inverness has demonstrated and continues a steadfast and
resolute advocacy of our nation's veterans; by taking multiple steps to bestow deserved
recognition with parades, ceremonies and events; by supporting structures /monuments honoring
those killed or wounded in combat; and rallying community support for veterans' needs through
various causes; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, the City of Inverness was nominated and honored with the award of
the State of Florida "City of the Year" by the 40 and 8 Organization of the Voiture 1219 of
Citrus County for accomplishing "significance" for veterans; and
WHEREAS, also in 2009, the City of Inverness was nominated and honored with the
award for the National "City of the Year" by the 40 and 8 Organization for veteran
accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, the 40 and 8 veterans organization was founded in 1920 by American
veterans returning from France. Originally an arm of The American Legion, the 40 & 8 became
an independent and separately incorporated veteran's organization in 1960 whose membership
comprises honorably discharged veterans and honorably serving members of the United States
Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, the membership and staff of the Florida League of Cities recognize that
these awards are bestowed upon those communities with exceptional commitment to a most
patriotic and worthy cause.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES,
INC..
Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities' membership and staff do officially and
personally recognize the City of Inverness on their meritorious award and designation of "City of
the Year," both at the state and national level, by the 40 and 8 Veterans Organization and
congratulates the City of Inverness and its citizens for their accomplishment.
Section 2. That the membership of the Florida League of Cities are encouraged to join
together to support and increase awareness to all citizens, especially our youth, regarding the
sacrifices our veteran soldiers have made throughout the world to protect our freedoms by paying
tribute to veterans at each and every community gathering and event.
i
Ft y City of Inverness
Administration Office
V
212 W. Main Street
Inverness, Florida 34450 -4149
Administration@lnverness
F[OR1O
(352) 726 -2611 Fax (352) 726 - 0607 ----
July 7, 2010
Gail Dennard
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Post Office Box 1757
Tallahass .32302 -1757
Re: Voting Delegate
Proposed Resolution
Dear Gail:
The Inverness City Council has selected a Voting Delegate for the 84` Annual
Conference in August (see attached form), as well as approved a proposed resolution.
The attached proposed resolution is being submitted for review by the Resolution
Committee.
Our elected body is extremely proud of the action taken by this Veteran's organization.
They wish to encourage other cities to increase awareness and educate the youth and
public in general of the sacrifices our veteran soldiers have made throughout the world to
protect our freedoms.
We look forward to your consideration gf this resolution.
Thank you.
/A&� A�Kw
Deborah Davis
City Clerk
City of Inverness
2010 -04
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. OPPOSING
AMENDMENT 4 ON THE 2010 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT, WHICH
PROPOSES AN AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION
REQUIRING THAT EVERY AMENDMENT TO A CITY'S OR COUNTY' S
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BE SUBJECT TO A VOTE OF THE RESPECTIVE
CITY' S OR COUNTY'S ELECTORATE.
WHEREAS, a proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Florida Hometown
Democracy, Inc. will be placed on the 2010 general election ballot as "Amendment 4 "; and
WHEREAS, this proposed constitutional change would subject every amendment to a
city's or county's comprehensive plan to a vote of the local government's electors; and
WHEREAS; planning and growth management decisions in Florida's municipalities are
presently made through a representative form of democracy in which elected governing bodies
are entrusted to make policy decisions on behalf of their constituents; and
WHEREAS, in 1985, the Florida Legislature enacted Chapter 163, Part II, Florida
Statutes, the "Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation
Act," mandating that each municipality adopt a comprehensive plan to manage and guide the use
and development of property within the municipality; and
WHEREAS, the intent of the Act is to empower local governments, including
municipalities, to preserve, promote, protect and improve the public health, safety, comfort, good
order, appearance, convenience, law enforcement, fire prevention and general welfare; to prevent
the overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate the adequate
and efficient provision of transportation, water supply, sewer treatment, schools, parks,
recreational facilities, housing and other services; and to conserve, develop and protect natural
resources within their jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the Act requires extraordinary public notice, review, comment and hearings
before a comprehensive plan may be adopted or amended by a municipality; and
WHEREAS, municipal comprehensive plans are adopted and amended by a municipal
governing body only after significant review and input from the public, professional planners and
municipal staff; and
WHEREAS, the elected body's decision to amend, or the manner in which to amend, a
comprehensive plan is based upon legal requirements as well as policy issues that require a
balancing of the needs and desires of the overall community; and
WHEREAS, the Florida League of Cities, Inc. finds that the Hometown Democracy
amendment will trample minority interests and ignore the community's long -term planning
ATTEST:
Michael Sittig, Executive Director
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Submitted by: FLC Staff
2010 -05
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.
SUPPORTING AMENDMENT 8 ON THE 2010 GENERAL ELECTION
BALLOT, WHICH PROPOSES AN AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA
CONSTITUTION TO REVISE CLASS SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC
SCHOOLS.
WHEREAS, in 2002 Florida voters amended Article IX, Section I of the Florida
Constitution to establish maximum class size requirements for public schools; and
WHEREAS, implementation of Article IX, Section 1 has successfully reduced class size
averages at the school district and individual school levels and is deemed a significant success at
its current level of implementation by the Florida School Boards Association, the Florida
Association of District School Superintendants, and the Florida Association of School
Administrators; and
WHEREAS, beginning with the 2010 -2011 school year, Article IX, Section 1 will
impose additional "classroom" level caps beyond the current school district and individual
school level caps; and
WHEREAS, implementation of the additional "classroom" level caps will require the
construction of more classrooms and the addition of more student stations, even though there
currently are 825,000 student stations sitting empty across Florida in every school district and at
every grade level; and
WHEREAS, the additional "classroom" level caps may force school districts to
significantly increase property taxes in order to pay for the construction of additional classrooms
and student stations; and
WHEREAS, property taxes levied by school districts already account for almost half of
all property taxes paid by Floridians; and
WHEREAS, since 2007, the authority of cities, counties, and school districts to impose
property taxes has been significantly limited due to actions taken by the state legislature and also
by constitutional amendments adopted by Florida voters; and
WHEREAS, Florida voters and state policymakers have expressed a strong desire to
minimize the level of property taxation; and
WHEREAS, school district levies have been exempted from recent constitutional
proposals to reduce property taxes but city and county property taxes have not; and
WHEREAS, city and county property taxes will likely be targeted for any future
statewide property tax reduction proposals even if the largest portion of any property tax increase
is attributable to school district levies; and
John Marks, President
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Mayor, Tallahassee
ATTEST:
Michael Sittig, Executive Director
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Submitted by: FLC Staff
ENROLLED SJR 2
2010 Legislature
20102er
30 adequate provision to ensure that, by the beginning of the 2010-
31 2011 2010 school year and for each school year th ereafter, there
32 are a sufficient number of classrooms so that:
33 (1) Within each public scho the average ma*!-me number
34 of students assigned per class to each teacher who is
35 teaching in pu bl ie prekindergarten through
36 grade 3 does not exceed 18 students and the maximum number of
37 students assigned to each teacher in an individual classroom
38 does not exceed 21 students;
39 (2) Within each public sc hool, the average maitimum number
40 of students w he-e-re assigned per class to each teacher who is
41 teaching -�
grades 4 through 8 does
42 not exceed 22 students and the maximum number of students
43 assigned to each, teacher in an individual classroom does not
44 exceed 27 students and
45 (3) Within each public sc hool,_ the average ma**ffmfa number
46 of students whe-a*e assigned per class to each teacher who is
47 teaching '�' ^` '^ grades 9 through 12
48 does not exceed 25 students and the maximum number of students
49 assi ned to each teacher in an individual classroom does not
50 exceed 30 students
51
52 The class size requirements of this subsection do not apply to
53 extracurricular or virtual classes. Payment of the costs
54 associated with meeting
,, � -- - these
55 requirements is the responsibility of the state and not of local
�^ ^ ^� & districts. n '-^ t r 2093 004 r:..
56 school e� - �
57 , The legislature shall provide sufficient funds to maintain
58 the average number of students required by_
Page 2 of 4
CODING: Words are deletions; words underlined are additions.
ENROLLED
2010 Legislature SJR 2
20102er
88 retroactively to the beginning of the 2010 -2011 school year.
89 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following statement be
90 placed on the ballot:
91 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
92 ARTICLE IX, SECTION 1
93 ARTICLE XII, 31
94 REVISION OF THE CLASS SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC
95 SCHOOLS. —The Florida Constitution currently limits the maximum
96 number of students assigned to each teacher in public school
97 classrooms in the following grade groupings: for prekindergarten
98 through grade 3, 18 students; for grades 4 through 8, 22
99 students; and for grades 9 through 12, 25 students. Under this
100 amendment, the current limits on the maximum number of students
101 assigned to each teacher in public school classrooms would
102 become limits on the average number of students assigned per
103 class to each teacher, by specified grade grouping, in each
104 public school. This amendment also adopts new limits on the
105 maximum number of students assigned to each teacher in an
106 individual classroom as follows: for prekindergarten through
107 grade 3, 21 students; for grades 4 through 8, 27 students; and
108 for grades 9 through 12, 30 students. This amendment specifies
109 that class size limits do not apply to virtual classes, requires
110 the Legislature to provide sufficient funds to maintain the
111 average number of students required by this amendment, and
112 schedules these revisions to take effect upon approval by the
113 electors of this state and to operate retroactively to the
114 beginning of the 2010 -2011 school year.
Page 4 of 4
CODING: Words n are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2010 -06
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.,
URGING CONGRESS TO OPPOSE LEGISLATION THAT PREEMPTS
STATE AND LOCAL LAWS OVER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
FOR PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES.
WHEREAS, many Florida cities are responsible for staffing and maintaining their
own municipal police departments and fire departments; and
WHEREAS, Article I, Section 6 of the Florida Constitution provides that public
employees have the right to collectively bargain as part of the terms and conditions of
their employment; and
WHEREAS, H.R. 413, by Representative Dale Kildee, S. 1611, by Senator Judd
Gregg, and S. 3194, by Senator Harry Reid are all titled the Public Safety Employer -
Employee Cooperation Act of 2009; and
WHEREAS, this summer, the bill language was also amended to H.R. 4899, a
war supplemental appropriations bill; and
WHEREAS, this legislation would place the federal government in charge of
establishing the rules and procedures governing collective bargaining requirements for
states and local governments; and
WHEREAS, this legislation would allow the Federal Labor Relations Authority to
audit all labor relations agreements to determine compliance with the new law; and
WHEREAS, this legislation would direct every state — even if it currently
recognizes employee collective bargaining rights — to conform to federal regulations
around mandatory collective bargaining within two years of the bill's effective date and
without regard to state or local laws; and
WHEREAS, this preemptive legislation violates the inherent Home Rule powers
of municipal governments; and
WHEREAS, Florida has the Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC) to
resolve employee disputes for public employees and it has proven to be a successful
model to address employee relations in the state;
WHEREAS, the federal government should not undermine municipal autonomy
with respect to making fundamental employment decisions by mandating specific
working conditions; and
WHEREAS, this legislation has raised concerns that it would violate the 10
Amendment of the US Constitution, which specifies that "the powers not delegated to the
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FEDERAL ACTION STRIKE TEAM
Florida League of Cities 2010 Federal Action Agenda
Mandatory Collective Bargaining for Public Safety Employees -
oppose H.R. 413 and S. 3194
The Public Safety Employer- Employee Cooperation Act would force municipalities to enter
into collective bargaining arrangements with their public safety employees, regardless
of state and local laws. This legislation would place the federal government in charge of
establishing the rules and procedures governing the terms and conditions of public safety
employment at the municipal level. The National League of Cities, the Florida League of
Cities and other state and public sector employer organizations oppose this legislation
because it would place the federal government in charge of collective bargaining — an issue
that historically has been reserved for state and local governments.
H.R. 413 and S. 3194 would:
• Grant every police officer, firefighter and emergency medical technician at the state or
local level the right to form and join a labor union;
• Direct local governments to recognize the employees' labor union;
• Require cities and towns to collectively bargain over hours, wages, and the terms and
conditions of employment other than pensions;
• Require states and municipal governments to establish an impasse resolution process;
• Require that state courts enforce the rights established by this mandatory collective
bargaining bill; and
• Direct every state — even if it currently recognizes employee collective bargaining
rights — to conform to federal regulations around mandatory collective bargaining
within two years of the bill's effective date and without regard to state or local laws.
Florida has the Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC) to resolve employee disputes
for public employees. The PERC is an effective means for employee relations and federal
legislation is not needed to interfere with a process that is already working.
301 South Bronough Street • Suite 300 • P.O. Box 1757 • Tallahassee, FL 32302 -1757 • (850) 222 -9684 • Suncom 278 -5331 • Fox (850) 222-3806 - 1ww.flcI1ies.cam
2010 -07
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. URGING
CONGRESS TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL JOBS FOR AMERICA ACT TO
PROVIDE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO MUNICIPALITIES AS THEY SEEK
TO PROTECT ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND AVOID ADDITIONAL
LAYOFFS OF MUNICIPAL WORKERS.
WHEREAS, our nation is going through one of the most difficult economic times in its
history with the national unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent; and
WHEREAS, despite signs of an economic recovery at the national level, economic
conditions in cities and towns across the country continue to worsen with more municipal
governments facing significant budget shortfalls and increased demand for services; and
WHEREAS, Florida's municipal employees provide critical services to our residents
ranging from public safety, community and economic development, infrastructure maintenance,
trash collection, and waste water treatment; and
WHEREAS, Florida's unemployment rate as of June 2010 is approximately eleven
percent; and-
WHEREAS, many Florida cities are facing budget shortfalls and are having to choose
between laying off employees, eliminating municipal services, and raising taxes to balance
budgets; and
WHEREAS, H.R. 4812 and S. 3500, the Local Jobs for America Act, would direct $75
billion to cities, towns, and counties over the next two years to create or save an estimated 1
million public and private sector jobs, prevent further layoffs, and help restore access to key
community services; and
WHEREAS, the Senate version, S. 3500, also includes $23 billion to support 300,000
education jobs, $1.2 billion to put 5,500 law enforcement officers on the beat, and $500 million
to retain, rehire, and hire firefighters and provides for on-the-job training subsidies for workers
entering private sector jobs who still need skills training; and
WHEREAS, federal assistance is necessary to help cities avoid public service worker
layoffs including fire and police, teachers and other important city workers or significant
increases in taxes to pay the salaries of these employees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES,
INC.:
Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. supports the Local Jobs for America
Act because it will:
help ensure that cities can continue to provide services;
help prevent state and local tax increases, while helping governments avoid making the
choice between eliminating services and raising taxes; and
• help stimulate local businesses and create more jobs in the local economy
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FEDERAL. AQION STRIKE TEAM
Florida League of Cities 2010 Federal Action Agenda
Local Jobs for America Act - Support H.R. 4812
During these tough economic times. Florida's cities are still struggling to meet fiscal needs
and provide essential services their citizens deserve. The recession is forcing states and
municipalities to cut jobs that are critically important. including public safety. The Local Jobs
for America Act will provide our economy a shot in the arm by putting a million people to
work by restoring these services in local communities.
The Local Jobs for America Act will create a million public and private jobs in
local communities this year. Support will be targeted directly to states and municipalities
with the greatest number of people out of work to restore important local services.
The Local Jobs for America Act will help ensure that local communities can
still operate essential services. Because of the recession, many local communities
have cut back on public safety, libraries, parks and recreation and transportation. As a result,
families who rely on these services are suffering the cost of these cutbacks.
This bill will help prevent state and local tax increases. By supporting the services
local communities deem most necessary, the bill will help local governments avoid having to
choose between eliminating services and raising taxes.
Creating local jobs will stimulate local businesses and create more jobs in the
local economy. By increasing employment in local communities, families will be able to
start spending again at their neighborhood businesses and favorite restaurants. This will help
spur additional jobs for local small businesses.
The Local Jobs for America Act will fund salaries for private sector on- the -job
training to help local businesses put people back to work. Specifically, the Local
Jobs for America Act invests:
■ $75 billion over two years to local communities to hire vital staff
■ Funding for 50,000 on- the -job private- sector training positions
The bill also includes provisions already approved by the House:,
■ $23 billion this year to help states support 250,000 education jobs
■ $1.18 billion to put 5,500 law enforcement officers on the beat
■ $500 million to retain, rehire, and hire firefighters
301 s BTOnaugh Street Suite 300 • 111 Box 1757 •Tallahassee, FL 32302 1751 • (8501 222 -4684 • Suncom 278 -5331 • fax (850) 222 -3806 • www.fldties.com
2010 -08
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.
URGING CONGRESS TO MAINTAIN FUNDING TO THE ENERGY
EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
TO ASSIST CITIES IN FUNDING INNOVATIVE ENERGY SAVING
STRATEGIES.
WHEREAS, the nation is facing energy challenges, including escalating energy
costs, and critical choices about energy resources that will affect the nation's future
economic well-being and security; and
WHEREAS, many cities have implemented energy conservation and
environmental protection programs and similar innovations to conserve energy, protect
natural resources and support the economies of their cities and the nation; and
WHEREAS, cities have taken the lead in adopting energy - saving and
environmental- friendly practices, including smart growth solutions, clean and alternative
energy options, green building techniques, more fuel efficient vehicles, and other
innovations for improving energy efficiency; and
WHEREAS, many cities have not been able to expand or implement several
energy - saving and environmentally - friendly strategies due to budgetary constraints; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, Congress passed legislation creating the Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Block Grant ( EECBG), which was modeled after the successful
Community Development Block Grant; and
WHEREAS, the EECBG was created to provide grants to municipalities to update
energy - efficiency provisions in building codes, renovate old buildings using energy -
efficiency technologies, adopt renewable - energy solutions, create incentives for citizens
to use transportation alternatives, and implement energy- saving campaigns; and
WHEREAS, the EECBG first received funding under the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA), but has not since received additional funding; and
WHEREAS, many Florida cities were awarded grants through the EECBG,
specifically $64 million for entitlement cities, with populations over 35,000, and $18.6
million for non - entitlement cities, under 35,000 population; and
WHEREAS, many more Florida cities were not awarded funds under EECBG due
to lack of funding.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF
CITIES, INC.:
G
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FEDERAL ACTION STRIKE TEAM
Florida League of Cities 2010 Federal Action Agenda
Support Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Efforts
For years, cities have been leading the charge towards sustainable development by
implementing innovative energy conservation and environmental protection programs to
support both their communities and the national economy. Today, city leaders find themselves
at the epicenter of the sustainability movement creating "green" jobs, actively pursuing
initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meeting present community needs
without compromising the well -being of future generations.
The federal government can, and should be, a full partner in all of these efforts, providing
national leadership when appropriate and supporting innovation that can only happen at the
local level. A prime example of such support is the $2.7 billion in funding Congress and the
Administration included for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)
program as part of the historic $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Many Florida cities have been awarded grants through the EECBG. Several Florida
entitlement cities, with populations over 35,000, received direct federal funding totaling over
$64 million. For non - entitlement cities, under 35,000 population, cities applied through the
Governors Energy Office and the Florida Energy and Climate Commission (FECC). The
FECC grant was awarded in two categories: $12.3 million for Category 1 and $6.3 million for
Category 2 (for cities under 15,000 and counties under 50,000 unincorporated population).
Request: The Florida League of Cities urges Congress to provide $2 billion for the EECBG
program in fiscal year 2011 to further these important local efforts.
301 South Bronough Street • Suite 300 • P.O. Box 1757 • Tallahassee, FL 32302.1757 • (850) 222 -9684 • Suncom 278 -5331 • Fax (850) 222 -3806 www.flcities.com
2010 -09
A RESOLUTION OF FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.,
RELATING TO EMERGENCY RELIEF PROCEDURES AND
REIMBURSEMENT FOR NATURAL DISASTERS BY THE FEDERAL
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION (FEMA);
MAKING FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR EXPEDITED FEMA
REIMBURSEMENTS AND AUDITS.
WHEREAS, when a natural disaster occurs, such as a hurricane, the Federal
government will many times make emergency financial relief available to state and local
government; and
WHEREAS, the Federal relief effort is normally managed by the Federal
Emergency Management Administration (FEMA); and
WHEREAS, in many cases FEMA operates on a cost reimbursement basis
wherein state and local government tracks its expenses and costs, converts the expenses
and costs into a special Federal format for reimbursement with supporting data, and
submits an application for reimbursement; and
WHEREAS, monitoring of debris removal with documentation as required by
FEMA is an extraordinarily costly process for state and local governments; and
WHEREAS, the cost of monitoring debris removal based on a current proposal
costs a local government from $2,000 to $2,560 per hour; and
WHEREAS, the cost reimbursement is subject to lengthy time delays and reviews
by FEMA; and
WHEREAS, some state and local governments are still awaiting reimbursements
from as far back as 2004; and
WHEREAS, local governments are continually subject to time consuming and
involved audits from FEMA for period of times as far back as 5 years; and
WHEREAS, the time delay in making payments and completing audits is so
lengthy that numerous changes in FEMA personnel occur, requiring local governments to
start all over justifying a reimbursement request to the new, substituted personnel; and
WHEREAS, FEMA reimbursements are intended to be made quickly to assist
state and local governments that have suffered major disasters, but the FEMA monitoring
requirements, constant changing of reporting methods, and time delays in making
reimbursements has turned the entire process into an ordeal for state and local
government hindering prompt reimbursement; and
2010 -10
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC., IN
SUPPORT OF BP ALLOCATING $100 MILLION TO THE FLORIDA
INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY TO RESEARCH AND MONITOR
IMPACTS TO THE GULF OF MEXICO AS A RESULT OF THE
DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL.
WHEREAS, the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill has leaked over 180 million
barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico; and
WHEREAS, Florida has over 1260 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico
consisting of fragile and precious ecosystems, a strong fishing industry and many other
tourist destinations; and
WHEREAS, BP has pledged to devote $500 million over the next decade to
research the impact of the oil in the Gulf; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is requesting $100
million from BP to monitor the oil's impacts in the Gulf and develop better technologies
to capture and mitigate oil spills; and
WHEREAS, the FIO has the scientists and expertise needed to adequately study
and monitor the evolving conditions in the Gulf that have and will be affected by the oil
spill.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF
CITIES, INC.:
Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. supports BP awarding the FIO
with $100 million to research the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and find
solutions to mitigate the impacts the oil spill will have in the Gulf of Mexico.
Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the President of BP
America and the Florida Institute of Oceanography.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference
assembled at the League's 84 Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood,
Florida, this 21 Day of August 2010.
John Marks, President
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Mayor, Tallahassee
Florida Institute of Oceanography MO)
Response Proposal
Executive Summary
I. Implications of the Oil Industry in the Gulf of Mexico.
A. Vulnerability of Florida's Economy. The Gulf of Mexico is a substantial economic asset to
the state of Florida. From beach tourism to the fishing industry, this vital natural resource
generates almost $526B annually. With over 1800 miles of coastline along the Gulf of
Mexico, more than 3800 oil drilling rigs in the Gulf, and 11,000 tankers traversing the State's
adjacent waters annually, the state of Florida is exposed to substantial oil -spill risk. It is
crucial to mitigate such risk to protect: 1) Florida's economy; 2) Florida's environmentally
sensitive coastal habitats, and 3) Florida's coastal communities.
B. Response Needs The Deepwater Horizon incident has made clear the need for a robust
system of monitoring Gulf oil spills and their unique impacts on Florida. FIO is responding
to address these urgent needs; and respond to the questions identified in a May 24, 2010 press
release from BP.
U. NO Response Proposal.
A. FIO Response Resources Required FIO proposes that BP allocate $100 million of the
$500 million that they have proposed for research relating to the Deepwater Horizon
incident, directly to Florida to enable FIO to begin implementation of the FIO Response
Proposal. The initial $100 million for Florida would be allocated as recommended by
FIO's governing board in order to implement the tasks identified on Schedule A to this
Proposal. FIO will interface with existing Florida businesses that may provide services
and products for the response operations; and may participate in the commercialization of
developed technologies.
A. FIO Response FIO is a partnership of twenty -one universities and other marine science
organizations throughout Florida. FIO will address the needs described above as follows:
1. Florida Coastal Sentinels Program The Florida Coastal Sentinels
Program is a monitoring system for the Florida's coastal waters. FIO will
immediately deploy and maintain the system of coastal, surface,
subsurface and deep water monitors in order to: a) continually evaluate
the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill; b) monitor the recovery
of impacted areas; and c) establish a permanent capability to monitor the
impacts of any future oil spills. Impacted areas include fisheries,
beaches, habitats, coral reefs, marine life, and many others. FIO's
Florida Coastal Sentinels Program is outlined in Schedule B attached to
this Proposal.
2. Oil Spill Mitigation FIO will coordinate the evaluation and further
development of current and emerging technologies that improve the
ability to capture and mitigate oil spills in the open Gulf and coastal area-
BP has indicated that it has received thousands of suggestions on ideas to