HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 08 09 Other - Attached referenced by Mayor John F. Bush during his Report Date: August 9, 2010
The attached was referenced by Mayor John F.
Bush during his Report at the August 9, 2010
City Commission Regular Meeting.
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 (F1O) 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 F1O
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.
provided to the President of BP
Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be
Section P. p
America and the Florida Institute of Oceanography.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Florida League of Cities. Inc., in conference
assembled at the Leagues 84 Annual Conference, at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood,
Florida. this 21 Day of August 2010.
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John Marks, President
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Mayor, Tallahassee
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f1 ATTEST:
Michael Sittig; Executive Director
Florida League of Cities. Inc.
fl Submitted by: City of St. Petersburg
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Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO)
Response Proposal
Executive Summary
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1. 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
1 generates almost $5268 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
11 crucial to mitigate such risk to protect: I) Florida's economy: 2) Florida's environmentally
sensitive coastal habitats. and 3) Florida's coastal communities.
1 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
I release from BP.
II. FIO Response Proposal.
A. FIO ro Response Resources Required. FIO proposes that BP allocate $100 million of the
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$500 million that they have proposed for research relating to the Deepwater Horizon
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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
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Proposal. FIO will interface with existing Florida businesses that may provide services
t! and products for the response operations: and may participate in the commercialization of
developed technologies.
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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. F10 will
I 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
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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
I 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
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contain the spill. There is a real -time need for an independent, science -
based clearinghouse to review and test all available technologies, and
recommend action relating to the current and future spills.
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III. FIO Partnership.
A. FIO. FIO will serve as the coordinator for the FIO Response, partnering with universities
and other marine research organizations throughout Florida. FIO was established by the
State University System to support Florida's coastal marine science, oceanography and
management programs through education, research, and public outreach. FIO facilitates
the activities of educators, scientists, and agencies responding to state, regional, national,
and international issues through provision of centralized facilities and research vessels.
J B. FIO Base of Operations. FIO is based at the Gulf Research Port in St. Petersburg, which
is home to the largest marine science cluster in the southeast United States. Many of
these institutes represented are currently responding to the Deepwater Horizon spill: F1O;
J USF College of Marine Science; SRI International's Marine Technology Program;
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fish and Wildlife Research Institute;
International Ocean Institute — USA; Tampa Bay Estuary Program; and the Port of St.
Petersburg. Also present at the Gulf Research Report are multiple state and federal
agencies that are aligned with this initiative and the mission of F1O, but are not a party to
this Proposal. These include the United States Coast Guard Sector St Petersburg; the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service;
ii and the U.S. Geological Survey Center for Coastal and Wetland Studies. Additionally,
the region hosts substantial other private industry, public, and non - profit marine science
resources (Florida Aquarium, WRS Compass, Mote Marine Laboratory, and many
others).
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II Schedule A: FIO Response Resources Required
Schedule B: Florida Coastal Sentinels Program
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I 2010 -09
A RESOLUTION OF FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.,
RELATING TO EMERGENCY RELIEF PROCEDURES AND
REIMBURSEMENT FOR NATURAL DISASTERS BY THE FEDERAL
I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION (FEMA);
MAKING FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR EXPEDITED FEMA
REIMBURSEMENTS AND AUDITS.
I 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
1 government; and
WHEREAS, the Federal relief effort is normally managed by the Federal
1 Emergency Management Administration (FEMA); and
WHEREAS, in many cases FEMA operates on a cost reimbursement basis
I 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
i 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
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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
I from as far back as 2004; and
WHEREAS local g overnments 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
I 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
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,f;;il: WHEREAS, local governments need relief from federal bureaucracy.
Q NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAG OF
CITIES, INC.:
Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc., hereby encourages state and
local officials throughout the state to request that Congress and the Administration
require:
3 • A timely and prompt reimbursement from FEMA for the initial cost of filing the
claim within a short time after reimbursement requests are filed;
• That FEMA and the State of Florida must perform audits within (3) years
following the date of initial submittal of a reimbursement request.
• Require a timely reimbursement for payment to states and local governments for
claims filed as a result of disasters, said time not to exceed sixty (60) days.
Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Florida Congressional
Delegation, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, the Speaker of the Florida House of
Representatives, the President of the Florida Senate, and the National League of Cities.
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.
3 John Marks, President
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Mayor, Tallahassee
ATTEST:
Michael Sittig, Executive Director
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Submitted by: City of Rockledge
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1 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
I TO ASSIST CITIES IN FUNDING INNOVATIVE ENERGY SAVING
STRATEGIES.
I WHEREAS, the nation is facing energy challenges, including escalating energy
, nd 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
I natural resources and support the economies of their cities and the nation; and
WHEREAS, cities have taken the lead in adopting energy - saving and
I 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
I 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
the EECBG first received funding WHEREAS, g under the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA), but has not since received additional funding; and
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WHEREAS, many Florida cities were awarded grants through the EECBG,
specifically S64 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.:
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I Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. urges Congress to maintain
adequate funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant and for
municipal energy conservation and environmental protection programs.
Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Florida Congressional
3 Delegation, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, the National League of Cities and the U.S.
Conference of Mayors.
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.
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I John Marks, President
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Mayor, Tallahassee
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I ATTEST:
Michael Sittig, Executive Director
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
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Submitted by: FLC Staff
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FEDERAL ACTION STRIKE TEAM
League of Cities 2010 Federal Action A
Florida eague o C es Agenda
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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
I initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meeting present community needs
without compromising the well-being of future generations.
I 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
Governor's 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).
I 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.
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3C South Bronough Srreet • Suite 300 • °.0. Box ' 757 • Tallahassee. FL 32302 -1757 • (850) 222.9684 • Suntom 278 -5331 • Fax (85C; 222 -3806 • www fltitie< -tom
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2010 -07
I A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC. URGING
CONGRESS TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL JOBS FOR AMERICA ACT TO
I PROVIDE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO MUNICIPALITIES AS THEY SEEK
TO PROTECT ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND AVOID ADDITIONAL
I LAYOFFS OF MUNICIPAL WORKERS.
WHEREAS, our nation is going g oin through one of the most difficult economic times in its
I history with the national unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent; and
WHEREAS, despite signs of an economic recovery at the national level, economic
I 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
I WHEREAS, Florida's unemployment rate as of June 2010 is approximately eleven
percent; and
I 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
I 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
I 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
I 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
I 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:
II • 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 econom■
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II Section 2. That the Florida League of Cities urges Congress and the President to adopt
the Local Jobs for America Act immediately so that cities and towns across America can retain
existing employees and provide employment opportunities in the public and private sectors.
Section 3. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Florida Congressional Delegation,
Florida Governor Charlie Crist, and the National League of Cities.
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.
I Mayor, Tallahassee
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ATTEST:
Michael Sittig, Executive Director
1 Florida League of Cities, Inc.
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Submitted by: FLC Staff
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FEDERAL ACTION STRIKE TEAM
Florida League of Cities 2010 Federal Action Agenda
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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
I work by restoring these services in local communities.
The Local Jobs for America Act will create a million public and private jobs in
I 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.
I 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,
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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
I local communities deem most necessary, the bill will help local governments avoid having to
choose between eliminating services and raising taxes.
I 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
I spur additional jobs for local small businesses.
The Local Jobs for America Act will fund salaries for private sector on- the -job
I 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
I • 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
• S 1.18 billion to put 5.500 law enforcement officers on the beat
• S500 million to retain, rehire, and hire firefighters
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3O South Bronaugh Street • Suite 300 • P 0 Box 1737 • Tallahassee FL 32302 -■757 • (ESC) 222 -9684 • Suncom 278 -3331 • Fax 1850; 222 -3806 • www ;luhes rom
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1 2010 -06
I A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, INC.,
URGING CONGRESS TO OPPOSE LEGISLATION THAT PREEMPTS
STATE AND LOCAL LAWS OVER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
I FOR PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES.
WHEREAS, many Florida cities are responsible for staffing and maintaining their
I own municipal police departments and fire departments; and
WHEREAS, Article I, Section 6 of the Florida Constitution provides that public
I employees have the right to collectively bargain as part of the terms and conditions of
their employment; and
I 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
1 WHEREAS, this summer, the bill language was also amended to H.R. 4899, a
war supplemental appropriations bill; and
1 WHEREAS, this legislation would place the federal government in charge of
establishing the rules and procedures governing collective bargaining requirements for
I states and local governments; and
WHEREAS, this legislation would allow the Federal Labor Relations Authority to
I audit all labor relations agreements to determine compliance with the new law; and
WHEREAS, this legislation would direct every state — even if it currently
1 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
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WHEREAS, this P reemptive legislation violates the inherent Home Rule powers
of municipal governments; and
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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
I 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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United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the
States respectively, or to the people;" and
3 WHEREAS, this federal intrusion into state and local decision - making sets a
dangerous precedent that could impact future state and local matters.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF
CITIES, INC.:
Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc. opposes this unwarranted
preemption of local Home Rule authority and urges Congress not to pass this legislation.
Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to the Florida Congressional
Delegation, the National League of Cities, Florida Governor Charlie Crist and other
I interested parties.
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.
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John Marks, President
j Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Mayor, Tallahassee
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I ATTEST:
Michael Sittig, Executive Director
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
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Submitted by: FLC Staff
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FEDERAL ACTION STRIKE TEAM
I Florida League of Cities 2010 Federal Action Agenda
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Mandatory Collective Bargaining for Public Safety Employees -
Oppose H.R. 413 and S. 3194
1 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
I 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
I because it would place the federal government in charge of collective bargaining — an issue
that historically has been reserved for state and local governments.
I 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:
N • 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.
N 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.
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30' South ivonough Street • Suite 300 • ° 0 Box 757 • Tallohossee. Fl 32302 -1757 • 18501 222 -4684 • Sunxom 278 -5331 • Fax t85C) 222 -3806 • www fl(ities tom
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1 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
I 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
I 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
I 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
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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
I currently are 825,000 student stations sitting empty across Florida in every school district and at
every grade level; and
0 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
I and student stations; and
WHEREAS, property taxes levied by school districts already account for almost half of
all property taxes paid by Floridians; and
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WHEREAS, since 2007, the authority of cities, counties, and school districts to impose
I property taxes has been significantly limited due to actions taken by the state legislature and also
by constitutional amendments adopted by Florida voters; and
I WHEREAS. Florida voters and state policymakers have expressed a strong desire to
minimize the level of property taxation: and
I 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
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WHEREAS, the state growth management act mandates that cities enter interlocal
agreements with school districts and to implement school concurrency in their local
comprehensive plans to ensure that adequate classroom space is available concurrent with the
development of land; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of additional "classroom" level caps in Article IX,
Section 1 could make it more difficult and costly for cities to comply with school concurrency
mandates; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 8 on the 2010 General Election ballot proposes revisions to the
current class size reduction requirements of the Florida Constitution by authorizing each public
school to achieve class size goals by using the average number of students who may be assigned
to a teacher at the school level, with maximum caps set on the number of students who may be
assigned to a particular teacher; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 8 could alleviate some of the potential property tax burden and
school concurrency costs associated with implementing the "classroom" level cap as currently
required by the constitution; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 8 is supported by the Florida School Boards Association, the
Florida Association of District School Superintendants, and the Florida Association of School
Administrators.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES,
INC.:
Section 1. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc., encourages Florida voters to
acknowledge the success of Article IX, Section 1 in reducing class size averages at the school
district and individual school level, and recognize the potential fiscal and tax policy
consequences of implementing the additional "classroom" level caps beginning in 2010 as
required by Article IX, Section 1.
Section 2. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc., encourages Florida voters to support
Amendment 8 in order to help balance Floridians' desire to minimize their overall property tax
burden with their desire for reasonable limits on maximum class sizes in public schools.
Section 3. That the Florida League of Cities, Inc., encourages the citizens of the State of
Florida to support Amendment 8 to reduce the additional burden to taxpayers that may result
from city and school district efforts to comply with both school concurrency comprehensive
planning mandates and the "classroom" level class size caps in current law.
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.
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I John Marks, President
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
Mayor, Tallahassee
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I ATTEST:
Michael Sittig, Executive Director
Florida League of Cities, Inc.
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ENROLLED
2010 Legislature SJR 2
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20102er
li 59 clacoroom by at -cast two otudento per year until the maximum
60 number of ctudcnts per cloocroom does not exceed the
61 rcquircmcntc of this subsection.
62 (b) Every four -year old child in Florida shall be provided
63 by the State a high quality prekindergarten prc kindergarten
II 64 learning opportunity in the form of an early childhood
65 development and education program which shall be voluntary, high
I 66 quality, free, and delivered according to professionally
67 accepted standards. An early childhood development and education
68 program means an organized program designed to address and
69 enhance each child's ability to make age appropriate progress in
70 an appropriate range of settings in the development of language
71 and cognitive capabilities and emotional, social, regulatory,
72 and moral capacities through education in basic skills and such
1/ 73 other skills as the Legislature may determine to be appropriate.
74 (c) The early childhood education and development programs
II 75 provided by reason of subsection -subparagraph (b) shall be
76 implemented no later than the beginning of the 2005 school year
1 77 through funds generated in addition to those used for existing
78 education, health, and development programs. Existing education,
79 health, and development programs are those funded by the State
80 as of January 1, 2002, that provided for child or adult
81 education, health care, or development.
82 ARTICLE XII
83 SCHEDULE
I I 84 SECTION 31. Class size requirements for public schools. -_ ^e
amendment to Section 1 of Article IX, relating to class size
86 recuui rements for public schools, and this section shall take
effect _.00h approval ty the electors and shall operate
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88 retroactively to the beginning of the 2010 -2011 school year.
89 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following statement be
11 90 placed on the ballot:
91 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
92 ARTICLE IX, SECTION 1
11 93 ARTICLE XII, SECTION 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
11 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
11 104 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
1.08 for grades 9 through 12, 30 students. This amendment specifies
109 that class size limits dc not apply to virtual classes, requires
"eCji:lreS
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
1 13 electors of this state and to operate retroactively to the
114 beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.
I
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2 A joint resolution proposing an amendment to Section 1
3 of Article IX and the creation of Section 31 of
4 Article XII of the State Constitution to revise class
5 size requirements for public schools and to provide an
6 effective date.
7
11 8 Be It Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Q
J
10 That the following amendment to Section 1 of Article IX and
11 the creation of Section 31 of Article XII of the State
12 Constitution are agreed to and shall be submitted to the
13 electors of this state for approval or rejection at the next
14 general election or at an earlier special election specifically
15 authorized by law for that purpose:
� 6 ARTICLE IX
17 EDUCATION
18 SECTION 1. Public education. —
19 (a) The education of children is a fundamental value of the
20 people of the State of Florida. It is, therefore, a paramount
21 duty cf the state to make adequate provision for the education
22 of all children residing within its borders. Adequate provision
23 shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and
24 high quality system of free public schools that allows students
25 to obtain a high quality education and for the establishment,
26 maintenance, and operation of institutions of higher learning
27 and other public education programs that the needs of the people
may require. To assure that children attending public schools
29 obtain a high quality education, the legislature shall make
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li 30 adequate provision to ensure that, by the beginning of the 2010-
31 2011 2010 school year and for each school year thereafter, there
II 32 are a sufficient number of classrooms so that:
33 (1) Within each public school, the average flia-ii number
34 of students who arc assigned per class to each teacher who is
II 35 teaching in public school classrooms for prekindergarten through
36 grade 3 does not exceed 18 students and the maximum number of
II 37 students assigned to each teacher in an individual classroom
38 does not exceed 21 students;
39 (2) Within each public school, the average maximum number
40 of students who arc assigned per class to each teacher who is
II 41 teaching in public school classrooms for grades 4 through 8 does
42 not exceed 22 students and the maximum number of students
il 43 assigned to each teacher in an individual classroom does not
44 exceed 27 students; and
45 (3) Within each public school, the average maximum number
46 of students who are assigned per class to each teacher who is
47 teaching in public school classrooms for grades 9 through 12
II 48 does not exceed 25 students and the maximum number of students
49 assigned to each teacher in an individual classroom does not
50 exceed 30 students.
1 51
52 The class size requirements of this subsection do not apply to
11 5 3 extracurricular or virtual classes. Payment of the costs
54 associated with meeting _educing class sizc to meet these
II 55 requirements is the responsibility of the state and not of local
56 school schoola districts. 3cginning with the 2003 2004 fic -al
57 yoar, The legislature shall provide sufficient funds to maintain
58 rcdu cc the average number of students required by in cacti-
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