Title
Resolution Opposing Pending Legislation (B)
This item involves a Resolution opposing pending legislation that will prohibit local governments from enacting fertilizer ordinances such as adopted by the City of Gainesville.
Explanation
On April 15, 2010 the City Commission adopted Resolution 090813 opting into Alachua County's Ordinance 09-06 adopted on September 22, 2009 in response to the Florida Legislature's enactment of Chapter 2009-199 encouraging local governments to adopt and enforce the State's Model Ordinance for Florida-Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscape or an equivalent requirement for protecting surface and groundwater quality. The ordinance is intended to be a tool to reduce sources of nutrients coming from urban landscapes.
The current Florida Legislature has pending HB 457 and SB 606 that will prohibit local governments from enacting fertilizer ordinances such as the one currently in place for Alachua County and the City of Gainesville.
The draft Resolution opposes pending legislation and authorizes the City Manager to forward copies of the Resolution to the Governor, House and Senate Speakers, members of the local legislative delegation as well as the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties and the Florida Stormwater Association.
Fiscal Note
Minimal administrative costs of less than $25 associated with the adoption of the resolution will be covered by the PW operating budget in Stormwater management utility fund.
Recommendation
The City Commission adopt the Resolution.
Alternative Recommendation A: The City Commission not adopt the Resolution.