PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
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CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
Request for approval of a resolution establishing the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) in accordance with Section 6.(1)j of Ordinance No. 1221.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PREPARED BY: Name: Michael Yustin
Title: Senior Project Manager
REQUESTED BY: Board of County Commissioners
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
Ordinance No. 1221 authorized a referendum on the November 5, 2024 ballot on whether to levy a one-half cent government infrastructure sales tax for ten years to acquire environmentally significant lands or perpetual interests in such land via conservation easements within four designated areas in Martin County. The referendum passed. The anticipated revenue from this tax is approximately $190 million dollars.
Section 6(1)j requires the County establish the ELOC to consist of nine Martin County registered voters from each of the specifically defined categories.
Section 2 of the proposed resolution implements this requirement by specifying the organizations which will provide representatives for each category as follows:
a. Four (4) members shall be appointed from the following dedicated environmental organizations with mission focused on education, research, preserving, restoring, acquiring and protecting the public’s local water quality, the natural environment and to enhance and restore local ecosystems:
(1) Martin County Forever
(2) The Everglades Foundation
(3) Rivers Coalition
(4) Audubon of Martin County
b. Three (3) members shall be appointed with one member representing from each of the following:
(1) An organization with a mission focused on fiscal oversight of government budgets and spending: Martin County Taxpayers Association
(2) An organization with a mission focused on the real estate industry: Martin County Realtors Association
(3) An organization with a mission focused on responsible business growth and economic development: Economic Council of Martin County.
c. Two (2) members shall be appointed from the following organizations with a mission focused on educating, promoting and protecting the interests of agricultural farmers and ranchers:
(1) Martin County Farm Bureau Inc.
(2) University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Science Extension Martin County’s 4H Youth Development Program
The resolution also provides for quarterly meetings, terms of the members and requires Sunshine and Public Records law compliance.
ISSUES:
None
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, has identified and addressed legal risks, and has developed strategies for legal defensibility.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board adopt the Resolution regarding the establishment of the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Provide staff guidance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other:
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