MEMBERS PRESENT:
COUNTY STAFF:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Summary:
After confirming the quorum, Chair Wootten called the hearing to order at 6:15 p.m. A motion was made by Member Hawkins/Glaeser to approve the agenda. The motion was passed unanimously after adding discussion of conducting another public hearing after the language is finalized by counsel.
There was a brief introduction of each member of the CRC.
DJ Williams was recognized for a presentation on the proposed amendments. Language for each of the proposed amendments environmental ordinances prevailing over municipal ordinances, independent auditor, joint planning, and conflicts in the charter was presented.
Member McKnew asked for clarification on the joint planning proposed language. Specifically, whether "adjacent to" meant contiguous. There was consensus for George Nickerson (Independent Counsel) to explain whether the "adjacent to" language has limitations.
Member Thomas explained the CRC's study methodology and community outreach regarding the environmental ordinances prevailing over municipal ordinances.
Member Estes stated his concern about county environmental ordinances prevailing over municipal ordinances. He stated that he felt that the proposed amendment would limit the jurisdiction of the municipalities and expressed concern about the County abusing its regulatory powers to the financial detriment of the smaller municipalities.
Member Hanrahan stated that the fears of the municipalities regarding prevailing county environmental ordinances are unfounded. She said that currently there are county ordinances that prevail over municipal ordinances but there are no complaints. She also stated that municipalities are very compliant in general.
The Chair opened the public hearing.
Jim Konish was recognized. He stated his concern about the enforceability of the County environmental ordinances prevailing over municipal ordinances proposed amendment. He reminded the CRC to consider his proposed language such as adding "and be enforceable by the County within municipal boundaries" to the section 1.04 language.
John Hill was recognized. He recommended that the proposed amendment concerning county environmental ordinances prevailing over municipal ordinances be stricken . He also suggested that the county allow the state to regulate air and water since problems concerning them is statewide.
Gladys Lane, representing Women for Wise Growth, was recognized. She stated that her organization supports the proposed amendment because air and water pollution is not limited to municipalities.
John Martin, Mayor of the City of Hawthorne and representing the League of Cities, was recognized. He stated his concern about the future implications and impacts if the proposed county environmental ordinances prevailing amendment passed. He said that municipalities are capable of change. He proposed that if a municipal ordinance was stricter than that of the county, then municipal ordinances should prevail over the county ordinance.
After extensive discussion, the CRC concluded that George Nickerson's expertise was needed and that further discussion of the proposed amendments would occur at its next meeting.
The public hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Member Glaeser/Hawkins to temporarily select Member Budd as Chair (upon Chair Wootten leaving the meeting and in the absence of the first and second vice-chair). The motion passed unanimously.
There was discussion regarding scheduling a fourth public hearing to consider the final ballot language. After some discussion, this item was deferred to the June 27, 2000. The public hearing adjourned at approximately 7:45 p.m.
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swright@ufl.edu
Last updated: 7/7/2000