title
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO DECLARE A WATER EMERGENCY, AND IMPOSITION OF WATER USE RESTRICTIONS (B)
ORDINANCE NO. 0-01-09
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE AMENDING SECTION 2-67 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY CREATING SUBSECTION 2-67(b) AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO DECLARE A WATER EMERGENCY AND IMPOSE WATER USE RESTRICTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE DEFINITION OF NON-ESSENTIAL USES, ENFORCEMENT BY CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OF THE CITY, RELIEF FROM WATER USE RESTRICTIONS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AND DIRECTING THE GENERAL MANAGER FOR UTILITIES TO ADOPT RULES FOR DISCONTINUING WATER SERVICE TO PERSONS VIOLATING WATER USE RESTRICTIONS; PROVIDING PENALTIES; AMENDING SECTION 2-339 BY ADDING VIOLATIONS OF EMERGENCY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS TO THE LIST OF ORDINANCES ENFORCEABLE BY CIVIL CITATION; A REPEALING CLAUSE AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
recommendation
The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.
explanation
Background:
In the spring of 2000, the City of Gainesville experienced a severe drought, necessitating temporary water use restrictions. As a drought is a naturally occurring event, it is possible that similar conditions may be encountered in the future. Considering that timely issuance of water use restrictions is a critical factor in successfully managing such situations, staff believes that an ordinance enabling immediate action by the Mayor is a prudent contingency to enact at this time. Additionally, appropriate enforcement mechanisms need to be established to ensure the effectiveness of implemented water use restrictions. Staff believes allowing provisions for civil citations would assist in water use restriction enforcement. Accordingly, staff recommended, and the Commission at its January 22, 2001 meeting, authorized the preparation and advertising of the subject ordinance.