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Home My WebLink AboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 15_08/09/2012 M• .. . . . .. . . � " ` . � � .. '�"'aSUe ....: §� ... n • t. ' i. ' . .. _ �.,..� _ ,.,. : . . . �. ._ . .._ ; -.rs. ' _ , . . . : . . .. ,.. .. . . . : _..�': .. _ . . _ _ � " " -- , - . , . _ .. . ... : � .o �..e. - - _-,.. , _. . , .. u .... '. TL°"s . ; -,.. _. _ Q . � _ .. _� �.'�`�".� ... � �, �'. -. . _.. �� _ � � � . .�� ° n'S , t _.. . - - :. VS �,�uE o I�ECEIVED `'�`� � _ �c�r JUL 3 � 2012 �, ��:� i O Q"� . ��E`�n O� � �� , , n VFLLAGE CLERKS OFFICE w � �� 86th Annual Conference ro ose . eso u �ons Westin Diplomat 3555 South Ocean Drive Hollywood, FL 33019 Phone: (954) 602-6000 Y Q�� O � C : �O v, O � ' � Z �,, n � �� Memorandum To: Key Officials From: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Re: Transmittal of the 2012 Proposed Resolutions Date: July 24, 2012 Attached are the proposed resolutions that are being submitted for consideration by the FLC Resolutions Committee, which will convene on Thursday, August 23, from 5:15 p.m. until 6:15 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 25, at 9:00 a.m. 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 (850) 701-3602 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 ♦ Website:www.flcities.com 2012 RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE Chair: Mayor Manuel Marono, City of Sweetwater First Vice President, Florida League of Cities Vice Chair: Councilman P.C. Wu, Ciiy of Pensacola Second Vice President, Florida League of Cities LOCAL AND REGIONAL LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVES Matthew Surrency, Mayor, City of Hawthorne President, Alachua County League of Cities ' Walter Kelley, Mayor, City of Lynn Haven President, Bay County League of Cities Bobby DuBose, Commissioner, City of Fort Lauderdale President, Broward County League of Cities Peter Tarby, Council President, City of Umatilla President, Lake County League of Cities . Sandra Haas-Martens, Commissioner, City of Holmes Beach President, ManaSota League of Cities Luis Gonzalez, Council Vice President, City of Hialeah President, Miami-Dade County League of Cities Mike Borno, Mayor, City of Atlantic Beach President, Northeast Florida League of Cities Charles Baugh, Jr., Council President, City of Crestview President, Northwest Florida League of Cities Sam Seevers, Mayor, City of Destin President, Okaloosa County League of Cities Todd Wodraska, Vice Mayor, Town of Jupiter President, Palxn Beach County League of Cities Richard Hamann, Vice Mayor, City of Auburndale Vice President, Ridge League of Cities Forrest Banks, Councilmember, City of Fort Myers President, Southwest Florida League of Cities Jim Tulley, Mayor, City of Titusville First Vice President, Space Coast League of Cities Sandra Bradbury, Mayor, City of Pinellas Park President, Suncoast League of Cities Shirley Clark, Councilwoman, Town of Branford President, Suwannee River League of Cities JoAnn Faiella, Mayor, City of Port St. Lucie President, Treasure Coast League of Cities Joanne Krebs, Commissioner, City of Winter Springs President, Tri-County League of Cities James Hathaway, Commissioner, City of New Smyrna Beach President, Volusia League of Cities FLC POLICY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES Jack Grasty, Commissioner, City of New Smyrna Beach Chair, Energy and Environmental Quality Coxn.mittee Ronald Allen, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Wildwood Chair, Finance and Taxation Committee Jake Williams, Councilman, City of Cocoa Chair, Urban Administration Committee Joe Durso, Commissioner, City of Longwood Chair, Growth Management and Transportation Committee Richard Gillmor, Councilmember, City of Sebastian Chair, Intergovernmental Relations Committee Georgia Phillips, Councilwoman, City of Rockledge Chair, Federal Action Strike Team MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES Gary Brevoort, Building Inspector, City of Pinellas Park President, Building Officials Association of Florida Kelly Koos, City Clerk, City of Lakeland President, Florida Association of City Clerks Joyce Shanahan, City Manager, City of Ormond Beach President, Florida City & County Management Association James D. Large, Fire Chief, St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue President, Florida Fire Chiefs' Association Marion J. Radson, City Attorney, CiTy of Gainesville President, Florida Municipal Attomeys Association Frank Kitzerow, Chief of Police, Jupiter Police Department Second Vice President, Florida Police Chiefs' Association Joe Denaro, Human Resources Director, City of Titusville President, Florida Public Human Resources Association Marc Mondel, Executive Director, CRA, City of Ocala President, Florida Redevelopment Association Mary Anderson-Pickle, Deputy Finance Administrator, City of Palm Beach Gardens President, Florida Government Finance Officers Association Michael Durham, General Counsel, Highlands County Sheriff's Office President, FL Public Employer Labor Relations Association Melinda Miller, Director, Information Systems, Town of Jupiter Immediate Past President, Florida Local Government Information Systems Association AT LARGE MEMBERS Bob Apgar, Mayor, City of DeLand Hayward Benson, Vice Mayor, City of Lauderhill Scott Black, Commissioner, City of Dade City George Brown, Deputy City Manager, City of Boca Raton Patricia Fairclough-McCornuck, Councilwoman, City of Homestead Lee Feldman, City Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale Yvonne Hinson-Rawls, Commissioner, City of Gainesville Steven Hunnicutt, Commissioner, City of Winter Haven Carol McCormaek, Mayor, Town of Pa1m Shores Roseann Minnet, Mayor, Town of Lauderdale by the Sea Frank Ortis, Mayor, City of Pembroke Pines Ike Robinson, Commissioner, City of West Palm Beach Proposed Florida League of Cities 2012 Resolutions 1. City of Altamonte Springs 2. City Government Week 3. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Expansion 4. Marketplace Fairness Act / Streamlined Sa1es Tax 5. Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (WIFIA) 6. Town of Eatonville Quasquicentennial 7. City of New Smyrna Beach Quasquicentennial 8. Town of Oakland Quasquicentennial 9. City of Punta. Gorda Quasquicentennial 10. City of Rockledge Quasquicentennial 11. City of Tarpon Springs Quasquicentennial 12. City of Titusville Quasquicentennial 13. Town of Welaka Quasquicentennial 14. City of Winter Park Quasquicentennial 2012-01 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLORIDA, FOR ITS SUPPORT OF PATRICIA BATES AS PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES. WHEREAS, Patricia Bates, Mayor of Altamonte Springs, Florida, has served as the President of the Florida League of Cities (FLC), Inc. from 2011 through 2012; and WHEREAS, the citizens, commissioners and staff of Altamonte Springs have been most understanding of the demands placed upon Mayor Bates in her role as President of the League; and WHEREAS, the membership and staff of the FLC recognize that the commitment of the City of Altamonte Springs to Mayor Bates' presidency assured her active participation in League activities and unselfish service to the League, and permitted her to successfully promote the programs, projects and philosophy of the League during the past year; and WHEREAS, the stafF of the FLC also wishes to recognize and personally tha.nk City Manager Franklin Martz and the dedicated Altamonte Springs city staff for their efforts in providing outstanding assistance to President Bates and the FLC staff in coordinating President Bates' duties with the city and with the Florida League of Cities. Mr. Martz and the staff went above and beyond the ca11 of duty, and their outstanding contributions to this effort are applauded and greatly appreciated. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY 'TI� FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.: Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities' membership and staff do officially and personally appreciate the commitment Altamonte Springs' citizens, commission and staff made to President Bates' presidency. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Altamonte Springs City Commission. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25 Day of August 2012. Manuel L. Marono, First Vice President Florida. League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Sweetwater ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff 2012-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. ENDORSING A PROCLAMATION BY THE FLORIDA GOVERNOR AND CABINET DESIGNATING TI� WEEK OF OCTOBER 21-27, 2012, 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 Tl; I'M PROUD OF IT!" ACTIVITIES. WHEREAS, the Florida Gavernor and Cabinet have proclaimed the week of October 21- 27, 2012, 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 ixnpart 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 govemment 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: 1'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 WI�REAS, Florida City Government Week offers an important opportunity to convey to a11 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 a11 city officials, school officials, city employees and citizens to participate in events that recognize Florida City Government Week and to celebrate it throughout Florida. Section 2. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. supports and encourages all city governments to promote, sponsor and participate in "My City: I'm Part of It, I'm Proud of It! " Section 3. That a copy of this resolution be provided to Florida Governor Rick Scott, members of the Florida Cabinet, the Florida School Boards Association and other interested parties. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff 2012-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGIJ� OF CITIES, INC. URGING CONGRESS TO CONSIDER AND PASS LEGISLATION THAT EXPANDS THE USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR PUBLIC SERVICES. WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was enacted and signed into law by President Gerald Ford as the centerpiece of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; and WHEREAS, Community Development Block Grants are an irreplaceable source of funding for municipalities to carry out activities that are tailored to their unique affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization needs; and WHEREAS, currently the CDBG program has a 15% cap that municipalities can use for public services; and WHEREAS, expanding the cap to 25% would a11ow municipalities to target CDBG funds to the immediate and unprecedented needs of families and individuals harmed by the ongoing home foreclosure crisis and general economic downturn; and WHEREAS, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18) are sponsors of federal legislation titled the CDBG Public Services Flexibility Act that would expand the public services cap from 15% to 25%; and WHEREAS, CDBG supported projects and services create a bridge for struggling families to the middle class; and giving localities the discretion to increase spending on public services to 25% will help service providers mainta.in essential support for those families despite persistent decreases in municipal revenues. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY TI� FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.: Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. urges Congress to pass the CDBG Public Services Flexibility Act and express appreciation to the Florida Members of Congress who have signed on as sponsors and co-sponsors of this federallegislation. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Florida Congressional Delegation, the National League of Cities, and the Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86 .Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25`�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff �nite�. �tate� �enate WASHiNGTON, DC 20510 i COSPONSUR THE CDBG PiTBLIC SERVICES FLEXIBILTFY ACT OF 201I i Dear CoIleague: ' I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring 5.887, the CDBG Public Services Flexibilit� Act of 2011. Since i 974, the Communify Development Block Grant program {CDBG) has provided � eligible cities and coun#ies funding for the assistance of !ow to moderate income individuals through a range of different comrnunity based objectives such as economic de�velopment, revitalization and infrastructure improvements. Currently, the law allows local governrnents to a]]ocate up to 15% of their CDBG funding to ; provide public servi�es to their most vt.ilnerable populations if they so choose. The use of CDBG funds for public services is not mandatory. These cxitical public sezvices include praviding ' � meals, clean water, shelter and clothing to law income senior citizens, abused or neglected ; children, the disabled and the homeless, In many areas af the country, especiaily during these ' tough times, the number of people relying on basic public services exceeds the 15% cap. This is - whv I am nraposing that we increase the CDBG pubiic services s�endin� c� to 2S%. � This important legas�ation wonld allow loca.l governznents to spend up to 25% of its CDBG � allocation on essential public services should they determine that doing so is in the besi interest 1 of their communities. The bill does not increase fundinQ to an�part of t}�e CDBG program nor ` does it chan�e the overall program allocation amounts The bill simplv allows local a communities to do more with wha.t they have S. 887 has been endorsed by both the U.S, Conference of Mayo�s and the National League of ` Cities and is undoubtedly a critical � step to heip local governments to ensure that the most � vulnerable wiil continue to receive the mast basic services. I urge you to support this important � legislation. If you have questions or would like to become a co-sponsor, please con#a.ct Stephanie � Mickle in my office at 224-1554 or Stephanie_mickte@billnelson.senate.gov. i S � � Sincerely, _ E � i f ---�� BiLL NELSON = € � � � � � #. 4 � f � F nUTHENTICnTED U.S. GOVENNMENT , INFOFMATION GPO � 112Tx CONGRESS �. �� 1ST SESSION To increase the portion of community development block grants that may be used to provide public ser�rices, and for other purposes. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES NIaY 4, 2011 Mr. NELSON of Florida introduced the fol]ow�ng• bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Bar�king, Housing, and Urban Affairs A BILL To increase the portion of community development block grants that may be used to provide public services, and for other purposes. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 3 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 4 This Act may be cited as the "CDBG Public Sexvices 5 Flexibility Act of 2011". 6 SEC. 2. INCREASE IN PUBLIC SERVICES CAP. 7 Section 105(a)(8) of the Housing and Community 8 Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(8)) is 9 amended— � 2 1 (1) by striking "15 per centum" each place it 2 appears and inserting "25 percent"; and 3 (2) by striking "amount, except" and all that 4 follows through the semicolon at the end and insert- 5 ing "amount;". O •S 887 IS 2012-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, 1NC., URGING CONGRESS TO PASS LEGISLATION THAT WOULD GR.ANT STATES THE AUTHORITY TO COMPEL ONLINE AND CATALOG RETAILERS TO COLLECT SALES TAX. WHEREAS, the use of the Internet as a way to purchase goods and services has been steadily increasing for the past decade; ancl WHEREAS, as the result of court decisions and Congressional inaction, many online and catalog retailers currently aze not obligated to collect sales taxes from consumers; and WHEREAS, this tax loophole is unfairly advantageous toward online and catalog retailers and results in both the loss of tax revenue for state and local govemments and market conditions that are unfavorable for Main Street and "brick and mortar" small businesses; and WHEREAS, the Streamlined Sa1es Tax Project (SSTP) was created in 1999 to assist states in administering a simpler and more uniform sales and use tax system; and WHEREAS, to date, forty-four states, including Florida, have approved the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSUTA), which sets the minimum sales and use tax statutory simplifications required of any sta.te desiring to participate in the simplified system; and WHEREAS, twenty-four of those sta.tes, not including Florida, have amended their sales and use tax statutes to conform to the requirements of the SSUTA; and WHEREAS, bipartisan legislation has been proposed in Congress providing sta.tes, that are members of the SSUTA and in compliance with the federal legislation, with the authority to require online and catalog retailers to collect and remit sales and use taxes on remote transactions attributable to sales in those sta.tes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.: Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. urges Florida Members of Congress to support legislation that would provide states the authority to enforce sta.te and local sales and use tax laws in a fair and equita.ble manner to both in and out of state retailers. Section 2. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc., urges the State of Florida to conform with the SSUTA so that it may be eligible to comply with federal legislation on streamlining the sales and use tax. Section 3. That a copy of this resolution shall be provided to U.S. President Barack Obama, the Florida Congressional Delegation, the National League of Cities, Florida Governor Rick Scott and other interested parties. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida. League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida. League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff 3' 4, Nfarketplace Fairness Ac� WHAT IS THE MARKETPI.�CE FAIRNESS ACT? � � The Marketplace Fairness Act grants states the authority to compel online and catalog reta.ilers ("remote sellers"), no matter where they are located, to collect sales tax at the time of a transaction - exactly like local retailers are already required to do. However, rhere is a caveat: States are only granted this authoriry after they have simplified their sales tax laws. Simplification is required because of two Supreme Court rulings (Bellas Hess anc! Quill, described below) cite concern that collecting sales tax for multiple states would be too difficult. The Marketplace Fa.irness Act requires that states must simplify their sales tax laws in order to ease those concerns and make multistate sales tax collection easy. Specifically, states seeking collection authority have two options for simplifying their sales t� laws. Option 1: A state can join the twenty-four states that have already voluntarily adopted the simplification measures of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSUTA), which has been developed over the last eleven years by forty-four states and more than eighty-five businesses with the goal of making sales tax collection easy. Any state which is in compliance with the SSUTA and has achieved Ftill Member status as a SSUTA implementing state will have collection authority on the first day of the calendar quarter that is at least 90 days after enactment. �ption 2: Alternatively, states can meet essentially five simplification mandates listed in the bill. States that choose this option must agree to; • Notify retailers in advance of any rate changes within the state • Designate a single state organization to handle sales tax registrations, filings, and audits • Establish a uniform sales tax base for use throughout the state • Use destination sourcing to determine sales tax rates for out-of-state purchases (a purchase made by a consumer in California from a retailer in Ohio is taxed at the California rate, and the sales tax collected is remitted to California to fund projects and services there) • Provide sofiware andlor services for managing sales tax compliance, and hold retailers harmless for any errors that result from relying on state-provided systems and data With states adhering to these provisions or the similar measures in SSUTA, reta.ilers across the country will find coltecting sales tax for multiple states much easier than it has ever been in the past. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE l-("1"TI'://MAR.KE"1'PLACEEAIi2N�S5.ORG �� ¢�r°�w��r ]� The 19G7 Supreme Court case National Bellus Hess v. Illinois Department of Revenue set the stage for the debate on taxing internet sales when, in its majority (5 to 4) opinion, the coutt ruled that: "the many variations in ��`�, in allowable �� and in administrative and � ��r� could entangle [the companyJ s interstate business in a virtual welter of complicated obligations to locul jurisdictions" (emphusis added). This quote demonstrates the ruling's basis in complexiry and burden, which has rippled forward to create today a tidal wave of unanticipated consequences. Since Bellas Hess, out-of-state retailers have been shielded from the obligation to collect sales tax, based purely on the notion that it would place Coo much of a burden on their businesses. To provide a sense of perspective, keep in mind that the year this ruling was issued was the same year the floppy disk was invented at IBM. It was also one year before the first plans were developed at MIT to create ARPANET, which laid the foundation for the internet we know today. In 1992, the matter of sales tax on remote sales came before the high court again in Quill v. North Dakota. This time, the court re�rmed the earlier Bellas Hess decision (8 to 1), primarily on the basis of scare decisis ("to stand by decision," a doctrine that requires the coun to respect the precedent set by prior rulings). The ruling went on to state, `[OJur decision is made easier by the fact that the underlying issue is not only one that Congress may be better qualifzed to resolve, but also one that �s �� ja�vva�° �� No matter how we evaluute the burdens that use taxes impose on interstute commerce, r�B� ��s��e with our conclzuions" (emphasis added). �� The retail world is a very different place today, forty-four years after Bellas Hess, and almost twenty years after Quill. Today, keeping track of a few thousand local t� rates is no longer an insurmountable technical, administrative, or financial burden - certainly no more difficult than calculating real-time-shipping, a common feature on most web sites and online sales marketplaces. Thus, the basis for the Bellas Hess ruling no longer applies and the Maxketplace Fairness Act will help the many states now facing significant budget shortfalls. Although some suggest these States have a"spending problem" racher than a"revenue problem," it is important to recognize that these States have already been reducing their spending levels year-over-year and increasing collection and enforcement effons based upon their e�cisting sales and use tax laws. However, a State can only enforce these laws within its own borders unless (or until) Congress recognizes the significant advances made by "man and his ingenuity with machines" over the last 44 years. Simply put, without the Marketplace Fairness Act, our States are unable to require remote reta.ilers to collect the existing sales or use tax already approved by that state's residents. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE HTTP://MAIiKETPLACEFA(RNESS.ORG 2012-OS A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES SUPPORTING THE CREATION OF A LOW COST FINANCING MECHANISM FOR CITIES TO MEET LOCAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS AND LEVERAGE FUNDING FOR DRINKING WATER, WASTEWATER, FLOOD CONTROL, AND STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE. WHEREAS, Florida's water infrastructure must be updated to continue providing clean and safe drinking water and waterways; and WHEREAS, the federal Environmental Protection Agency reports that $530 billion is needed nationally to invest in water and wastewater infrastructure ixnprovements over the next 20 years to ensure the provision of safe water; and an additional $202.5 billion is needed for publicly owned wastewater systems-related infrastructure needs over 20 years; and WHEREAS, the municipal bond market and State Revolving Fund programs are the primary sources of financing for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and flood control projects, but current fmancing levels are insufficient; and WHEREAS, customer rates and local charges are the primary means of paying for water service and infrastructure, but upfront investrnent needs are simply too high to be met with traditional financing means alone; and WHEREAS, an uinovative financing mechanism modeled after the Transportation ' Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program offers a means to provide direct loans and loan guarantees for water infrastructure projects at minimum cost to the federal government; and WHEREAS, a Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (WIFIA) modeled on the TIFIA program would target the current gap in funding for large, regionally significant projects; and WHEREAS, enacting WIFIA would substantially benefit the nation's drinking water and wastewater systems by reducing borrowing costs and thereby accelerating infrastructure investment; and WHEREAS, a WIFIA program would benefit all water infrastructure projects by also making available direct loans to State Revolving Funds for a program of smaller projects; and WHEREAS, such legislation also works within the existing structure for water infrastructure finance by (1) maintaining the primary responsibility of local governments for the nation's water infrastructure; and (2) leveraging federal credit assistance to make it easier and less expensive for local governments to access public and private capital; and WHEREAS, such legislation will help meet the nation's water infrastructure needs while creating tens of thousands of jobs at minimal cost to the federal government. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.. Section l. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. urges Congress to pass WIFIA and create a new and innovative financing mechanism to help meet the nation's critical water infrastructure needs. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Florida. Congressional Delegation, the National League of Cities, the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Spri.ngs ATTEST: Micha.el Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. � Submitted by: FLC Staff I�Il��er Environm�nt �' Federatit��' �� " ��'�� the wa#er quality people' �� A Wat�r infrastructure Financing fnnovation Act (WfFiA) and Other Infrastructure Financing Tools , Actit�n Requested: • From House members, contacf Congressman Bob Gibbs, chair afi the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, and teil him you want to be an origina! cosponsor of his Water Infrastruct�re Finance Innovation Act. � • From senators, contact your respective leadership and leader�hip of ths Committee on � Environment and Public Warks and let them know you would like to see WIFIA legislation � introduced and passed in the Senate. ; • From both House and Senate, support funding of the drinking wa#er and clean water state � revol�ing loan fund (SRF) program, at least at the previous year's appropriated levels. The SRF is a vital tooi in the toolbax of water infrastructure finance, particularly for small to med'+um-sized systems. , Background: High-quality drinking water and wastewater systems are essential to public health, ' business, and quality of life in the United States. The American Water Works Associatian (AWWA), Water Environment Federation (WEF) and others have documented that our water and wastewater � infrastructure is aging and that many communities must begin to increase their leveis of investment ; in the repair and rehabifitation of water infrastructure in order ta pratact public health and safety and � to maintain environmental standards. � ; In addition, having a reliabie water supply and a means of treating wastewater before returning it to the environment are necessary to economic development. Rehabilitating and replacing that infrastructure produces jobs. The U.S. Department of Commerce has estimated that every dollar spent on water infrastructure generates $2.62 in the private economy. For every job added to the water workforce, abut 3.68 jobs are added nationally. ln February 2D92, AWWA released its latest report on drinking water infrastructure needs, "Buried No Longer: Confronting America's Water Infrastructure Challenge." This report reveals that the country will need to spend $1 trillion over the next 25 years tQ maintain our current level of water service. This figure does not count above-ground infrastrucfure, such as tanks or improvements to water treatment necessary fo meet new standards. Nor does it include wastewater infrastructure needs, which have been shown to be as large as drir+king water needs. Financing Water Infrastructure: AWWA and WEF have long believed that Americans are best served by water and wastewater systems that are self sustaining through rates and other local charges. However, we recognize that at present, some communities need assistance due to hardship or special economic circumstances. In addition, the need to replace ar upgrade existing infrastructure may require access to a large amaunt of capital in a relatively short time frame, placing great stress on locai rates and charges. Although 95 percent of spending on water and wastewater has been fram local sources, the federal government can play an important role by lowering the cost of capital for water and wastewater investments. Almost 70 percent ofi American communities use bonds to finance local infrastructure. They pay bilii�ns of dollars in interest costs each year. Lowering the cost of borrowing for water and wastewater infrastructure is an important way to leverage local funding and help America rebuild and rehabilitate our aging water infrastructure. A Navel Approach: The Water Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act Congressman Bob Gibbs, chair of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, is actively addressing water infrastructure finance issues. He held a hearing on February 2$ to look at innova#ive �nance tools, and is now preparing to introduce a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. The act would create a finance mechanism modeled after the successful Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovations Authority (commonly called TIFIA) and provide access to lower-cost capital for invesfinents in watar infirastructure. This mechanism would � have no or little long-term effect on the federal budget defici#. As in TIFlA, WIFIA would, under the I Federal Credit Reform Act, only require appropriated funding sufficient to cover the subsidy cost, or i risk, af loans. Fitch Ratings, a top credit rating agency, calculates that the historical default rate on ; water bonds is 0.04 percent. Indeed, water service providers are among the m�st fiscally ; responsible borrowers in the United States. Moreover, those states that leverage their SRF programs all have AAA or,4A bond ratings and no history of defiaults, placing them among the strongest credits in the country. WIFIA would access funds from the U.S. Treasury at Treasury rates and use those funds to suppart loans and other credit mechanisms for water projects at or near Treasury rates. Althaugh interest fluctuates, such rates are currently signifi�antly better than municipal bond rates. The benefit to local communities of lower interest rates is significant. Lowering the cost of borrowing by 2.5 percent on a 30-year loan reduces the lifetime project cost by almost 26 percent, the same result as a 26-percent grant. WIFiA loans wouid be repaid ta the Authorify — and thence to the Treasury — with interest. Gonsequently, WIFIA — because it would involve loans that are repaid — would invalve minimal risks and minimal long-term costs to the federal government. The Water Infrastructure Finance Innovatians Act wou{d create a mechanism to: • �ffer laans, loan guarantees, and other credit support for large water infrastructure projects and those with national or regional importance. These projects aften find it difficult ar impossible ta access loans from the existing SRF program, due in part to inadequats capitalization of the SRFs. � • Reduce the cost of leveraging for SRF programs by lending ta them directly. A federal water infrastructure finance authority could lend to those SRFs wishing to leverage their capitalization grants at the lowest possible interest rates. This would ailow SRFs to make more loans and would increase their ability ta affer specia! assistance to hardship communities if they chose to do so. Currently, 31 states leverage their SRF programs on the bond markets. WIFIA loans ta an SRF would offer an additional option to accomplish the same goal and, by lowering the cost of capital, make such a practice more aftractive to additional states. America faces the need to begin a significant and sustained increase in its investr�ent in water and waste water infrastructure, or risk deteriorating water and waste water services. The tenets outlined in this paper provide a path towards truly sustainable water infrastructure for all Americans. A more detailed description of WIFIA and a copy of AWWA's report, "Buried No Longer" are included in this packet. AWWA 1300 Eye St NW WEF Suite 701W 601 Wythe St. Washington, DC 20005 Alexandria, VA 22314 202 628-8303 $00 666-0206 u��v✓vv.awwa.arq warvr. �vef.orq �� l�l�O �1 �a► �11� n � l� �SU� I � ; ; E � � � � �� s i � I � �'► �" � � � , � � � � } �� r �6i p�� l.ca�n �ur�t� � �� i ' 2012-06 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. HONORING THE TOWN OF EATONVILLE FOR ITS QUASQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY. WHEREAS, the Town of Eatonville was i.ncorporated in 1887 and is known as the nation's first incorporated black town and was formed after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation; and WHEREAS, Eatonville is named for Union Army Captain Josiah Eaton and in 1887 twenty-seven African American men established this black settlement "in the name of freedom and self government;" and WI�REAS, the Town of Eatonville was known for its music and arts, and in 1897 the Robert Hungerford Normal and Industrial School was founded where boys and girls from all over the state came to learn about great poets, writers, painters and composers; and WHEREAS, Eatonville is proud to have been the home of notable writer and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston who has been described as the "Genius of The South;" and WHEREAS, Eatonville is perhaps best known for its annual showcase of arts, literature and culture; and WHEREAS, the year 2012 is the 125th anniversary of the Town of Eatonville, which is an occasion worthy of special recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.. Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. congratulates the Town of Eatonville on its 125�" anniversary. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the Town of Eatonville. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President - Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Micha.el Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff 2012-07 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. HONORING THE CITY OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH FOR ITS QUA5QUICENTENNIAL ANNNERSARY. WHEREAS, the City of New Smyrna Beach was incorporated on June 6, 1887; and WHEREAS, New Smyrna Beach occupies a notable place in Florida's past, being the site of an historic attempt to create a colonial settlement in 1768, and Dr. Andrew Turnbull's farming experiment was instrumental in the settlement of coastal Florida; and WHEREAS, the area was home to a rich native American culture, and the European settlers were drawn to the vast natural resources present in the rivers, lagoons and inlets; and WHEREAS, the settlement suxvived Florida's transformations from Spanish to English to becoming part of the United States, and following the Civil War, resettlement of the area led to incorporation in 1887 and rapid growth thereafter due Flagler's railway; and WHEREAS; New Smyrna Beach's fishing businesses, tourism and citrus industries also caused expansion throughout the 1900s, leading to today's charming blend of historic buildings, revitalized business district, and natural attractions; and WI�REAS, the year 2012 is the 125th anniversary of the City of New Smyrna Beach, which is an occasion worthy of special recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.. Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. congratulates the City of New Smyrna Beach on its 125�` anniversary. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the City of New Smyrna Beach. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�` Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff 2012-08 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. RECOGI�TIZING THE TOWN OF OAKLAND FOR ITS QUASQUICENTENTTIAL ANNIVERSARY. WHEREAS, the Town of Oakland was incorporated in 1887, was founded on the southern shore of Lake Apopka and was named for the town's beautiful canopy of oak trees; and WHEREAS, after the Civil War, orange groves replaced cotton fields and oranges were shipped by barrel on boats across Lake Apopka for the northern markets; and WHEREAS, in 1886, the Orange Belt Railroad came and established the Town of Oakland as the railroad's headquarters and with speedier shipments of oranges, the town thrived and became a booming commercial center; and WI�REAS, in 1885, the "Golden Age" came to sudden and disastrous end when freezes killed the citrus trees and in the late 1890's a fire swept through and completely destroyed the business district; and WHEREAS, the Town of Oakland is now a quiet close-knit town with residents that have a strong sense of volunteerism that has helped preserve the small-town way of life; and WHEREAS, the year 2012 is the 125th year of incorporation of Oakland, which should be given special recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.. Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. congratulates the Town of Oakland on its 125�' anniversary. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the Town of Oakland. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by; FLC Staff 2012-09 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. HONORING THE CITY OF PUNTA GORDA FOR ITS QUASQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY. WHEREAS, the City of Punta Gorda was incorporated on December 7, 1887 and was named after the old Spanish designation for the landmark meaning "fat point" which sits on the southern shore of Charlotte Harbor; and WHEREAS, in the 1890's, the City of Punta Gorda became an important port for the shipment of cattle to Cuba and later became a premier location for gill net fishing for mullet, Spanish mackerel and channel bass; and WHEREAS, most of Punta Gorda's downtown was destroyed by fire in 1905 and after this disaster, the city council mandated that all new business structures be constructed of brick or concrete; and WHEREAS, in 2004, Punta. Gorda was extensively damaged by Hurricane Charley — damage that included many of its homes, structures and historic landmarks; and WHEREAS, the city rebounded after the hurricane and underwent a revitalization resulting in restored buildings, which are hurricane resistant, and preserved the city's rich history; and WHEREAS, the year 2012 is the 125th anniversary of the City of Punta Gorda, which is an occasion worthy of special recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, 1NC.. Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. congratulates the City of Punta Gorda on its 125�' anniversary. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the City of Punta Gorda. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�` Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff 2012-10 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. HONORING THE CITY OF ROCKLEDGE FOR ITS QUASQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY. WI�REAS, the City of Rockledge was incorporated on August 6, 1887 and is named for the many ledges of coquina rock that line the Indian River; and WHEREAS, the City of Rockledge began as a resort town, and up until 1911, access to Rockledge was only available via boat and rail; and WHEREAS, since its incorporation, the population of Rockledge has increased from its 1887 population of 150 to more than 25,000 in 2012 and the community grew along with the space coast's expansion; and WHEREAS, during its growth, the Rockledge community is proud to have maintained its comfortable hometown ambiance, ever realizing the value of its remarkable heritage and rich history while assuring its future; and WHEREAS, the year 2012 is the 125th anniversary of the City of Rockledge, which is an occasion worthy of special recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.. Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. congratulates the City of Rockledge on its 125 anniversary. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the City of Rockledge. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff 2012-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. HONORING THE CITY OF TARPON SPRiNGS FOR ITS QUASQUICENTENNIAL ANNNERSARY. WHEREAS, the City of Tarpon Springs was incorporated on February 12, 1887, thus becoming the oldest incorporated municipality in Pinellas County; and WHEREAS, the City of Tarpon Springs was a prominent location for winter homes in the 1870's and visitors often spotted tarpons jumping in the Gulf of Mexico; and WHEREAS, the City of Tarpon Springs is proud of its unique mix of Greek culture and Victorian architecture, and is known internationally for its sponge industry; and WHEREAS, Tarpon Springs is called the "Venice of the South" and has been a prominent arts destination since the early 1900s; and WHEREAS, Tarpon Springs is perhaps most famous for its 100-year old annual Epiphany celebration involving young Greek Orthodox men diving for a cross that is thrown i�to Spring Bayou; and WHEREAS, the year 2012 is the 125th anniversary of the City of Tarpon Springs, which is an occasion worthy of special recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.. Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. congratulates the City of Tarpon Springs on its 125�` anniversary. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the City of Tarpon Springs. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25 Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs T 2012-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. HONORING THE CITY OF TITUSVILLE FOR ITS QUASQUICENTENI�TIAL ANNIVERSARY. WHEREAS, the City of Titusville was incorporated on July 13, 1887 and is named after Confederate Colonel Henry Theodore Titus who donated generous acres of land for church and civic use; and WHEREAS, the City of Titusville is rich in history as a prominent shipping location for citrus in the 1880's and is a neighboring city to the Kennedy Space Center, which was built in the 1960's; and WHEREAS, the City of Titusville now stands on the threshold of new challenges and proudly embraces its tourism, new industries, and above all the citizens of Titusville; and WHEREAS, the year 2012 is the 125th anniversary of the City of Titusville, which is an occasion worthy of special recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.. Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. congratulates the City of Titusville on its 125�` anniversary. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the City of Titusville. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff 2012-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. HONORING - THE TOWN OF WELAKA FOR ITS QUASQUICENTENNIAL ANNNERSARY. WHEREAS, the Town of Welaka was incorporated on June 21, 1887; and WHEREAS, Welaka means "river of lakes" to the Native Americans of northeastern Florida, which is their name for the St. Johns River; and WHEREAS, at the outbreak of Civil War, Welaka's population was over 100, but at the end of the war, fewer than 20 residents remained; and WHEREAS, by the mid-1880's Welaka had become a resort town attracting visitors seeking medicinal cures from the many mineral springs and later became famous for its "heali.ng waters," and the town thrived; and WHEREAS, the year 2012 is the 125th anniversary of the Town of Welaka, which is an occasion worthy of special recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.. Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. congratulates the Town of Welaka on its 125�' anniversary. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the Town of Welaka. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25 Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff 2012-14 A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. HONORING THE CITY OF WINTER PARK FOR ITS QUASQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY. WHEREAS, the City of Winter Park was incorporated on October 12, 1887 and received its name from Loring Chase and Oliver Chapman who desired the name to be reflecting a park in winter; and WHEREAS, the City of Winter Park is famous for its stately trees, abundant parks, brick- lined streets, museums, vibrant lakes and fine shops along Park Avenue; and WHEREAS, Winter Park was originally developed as a winter resort for northerners and has been able to maintain its natural beauty throughout the years; and WHEREAS, Winter Park is home to Rollins College, the oldest college in Florida; and WHEREAS, the year 2012 is the 125th anniversary of the City of Winter Park, which is an occasion worthy of special recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.. Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc, congratulates the City of Winter Pazk on its 125�` anniversary. Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the City of Winter Park. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities, Inc., in conference assembled at the League's 86�' Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida, this 25�' Day of August 2012. Patricia Bates, President Florida League of Cities, Inc. Mayor, Altamonte Springs ATTEST: Michael Sittig, Executive Director Florida League of Cities, Inc. Submitted by: FLC Staff 1