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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09-01-2010TREASURE COAST COUNCIL OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS MINUTES Held Wednesday, September 1, 2010 -10:00 a.m. 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida 34982 St. Lucie County Roger Poitras Administration Annex, Third Fbor Conference Room 3 MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioner Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Vice Chair Dowling Watford, Treasurer Mayor Bill Kenyon Mayor Patricia Christensen Vice Chair Edward Gampi Commissioner Margaret Helton Joel Tyson for Mayor Susan Adams Mayor Richard Gillrnor Commissioner Peter O'Bryan Commissioner Chris Craft Kathryn Hensley ABSENCES: Mayor James Christie, Chairperson Alderwoman Ingrid Van Hekken Secretary Councilmember Ken Oaige Mayor Charles Falcone Mayor Robert Benton Karen Disney-8rombach, brie Shekailo Michael Corbit, OTHERS PRESENT Cherie White, Recording Secretary Jayne Bergstrom ,Director Ralph Poppet Eva O'Donnell Beth Mitchell Sherri McCorkle Tawn of Sewatl's Point City of Okeechobee Town of Indian River Shores City of Port St. Lucie Martin County Okeechobee County City of Fellsmere City of Sebastian Indian River County St. Lucie County St. Lucie County School District City of Stuart St. Lucie Village City of Vero Beach Town of Jupiter Island City of Fart Pierce Chair Indian River County School Board Martin County School Board Florida's Research Coast City of Stuart, City Clerk SFWMD Martin St. Lucie County Srvc Center District 29 State Representative St. Lucie County, Executive Assistant/ C. Craft Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Congressman Rooney representative PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Chairperson Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch called today's meeting to order at 10:00 A.M., followed by the pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OFMIlYUT]ES A) Aug~t 4, 2010 09~'0I 2010 TCCLG Page 1 of 5 MOTION GILMORE/SECONDED HENSLEY TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 4, 2010 MINUTES AS AMENDED TO REFLECT THAT MAYOR BILL KENYON WAS PRESENT AND COUNCILMEMBER KEN DAIGE WAS NOT LISTID BUT WAS ABSENT . MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY TREASURER'S REPORT MOTION CRAF'T~SECONDED CHRISTENSEN TO APPROVE THE AUGUST TREASURER'S REPORT MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS A} Priorities Jacqui Thurlow-lippisd~ said she was disappointed to have missed the last meeting. She noted that at the last meeting Commissioner Craft mentioned that perhaps we could figure out a way to do a regional application for CERP projects and thought that was an outstanding rewmmendation, and over time we can look at how to do that. Commissioner Craft said that it was more along the lines of how to lobby together so that we are speaking as a regional voice. Mayor Kenyon recemmended induding St. Johns to the regional voice. Jacqui Thurlow Lippish said she would try to fellow-up on that herseff to make sure we have St. Johns. She also noted that next month, October is the month we vote for officers. Please think about who you would like as your Chair and Vice Chair. COMMITTEE REPORTS Florida League of Cttks Mayor Christensen said it was a Combined conference of the Florida Mayors and FI League of Cities. She was unable to attend the dasses because she was on the Conference Committee. Richard Gilmore explained that there were many good dasses for the cities. He explained that members get allot of the events just networking with other cities. He said that he met a man at the trade show who does compressed natural gas conversions for municipal vehides. He brought that information back to his city and was very impressive. Many of the members asked if he could pass that information along to them and he said he would. Mayor Gilmore provided further information regarding the natural gas. Mayor Christensen encouraged those members who have never attended a workshop or conference, to do so. She said that the information derived from the other cities was very helpful and to understand different ways they are coping in these hard economic times. 09~01;"LO10 TCCLG Page 2 of 5 IFlorida Association of Counties Ed Ciampi was unable to attend the luncheon meeting. He said that there was a policy meeting last week for the Florida Association of Counties but was unable to attend. He too encouraged those elected affiaal who have never attended a conference to do so. He said the information provided and networking is so helpful. He also asked if the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments could send a letter of condolences to Commissioner Christie on the passing of his brother from all of us. Vice Chair uppish said she would. Commissioner Peter O'Bryan said as far as the Amtrak Rail system, he explained that he followed up with DOT and understood they submitted the application to the fads for funding. He asked if anyone else has heard anything on the matter. He explained that they finally reached an agreement with their firefighters union that they will forgive their step pay and for the next two years all cost of living and step or merit raises until the economy rebounds and we see our tax rates increase 334 percent over the current level. He said the Florida Association of Counties has partnered with the FI League of Cities on a program trying io ask legislature that when they do create legislation to make sure there are no unfunded mandates in the proposal to those governmental entities. Florida Research Coast Michael Corbit was unable to attend. Ed Ciampi said that Martin County is in the middle of a situation where an organized group of people oppose the Counties contributions to the local Business Development Board and contends that the board needs to operate and meet in the sunshine. He explained fat many public officials sit on the board and that the County attorney has advised that they should no longer partiapate in the meetings. He said the Business Development Board has been front runner in creating the Job Tool Kit for Martin County. He said they have brought jobs to the area. He said that it is very disturbing for Martin County. He also said that Martin County has taken a position on Amendment 4 by referendum for tax abatement, which did pass. Prior to the election a lawsuit was filed against the Business Development Board stating that the language was inappropriate. That is a classic example of what Amendment 4 will bring us. Floriida Association of School Boards Kathryn Hensley announced a new program called "Children's Movement of Florida". The paramount obligation in the constitution in the State of Florida is its education of its children. She said there will be a rally held on the Treasure Coast Wednesday September 15, 2010 at 6:30 pm. She said the web site is located at www.childrensmovementflorida.ora. She said the group wants to make a statement because comments were made that "We don't expect too much from the Treasure Coast." She encouraged attendance. 0901.'2010 TCCLG Pagc 3 of 5 PROGRAM PRESENTATION {Arranged by Msyor Bill Keryon, Town of Indian River Shores) Mayor Kenyon gave a brief introduction of the guest speaker, Florida State Representative Ralph Poppet to the Board. State Representative Poppet gave a brief overview of his fife. He said he has been in the area for over SO years, and feels very strong that if, you want more employees you need more emplayees. He said it is very simple. He said there are too many constitutional amendments that could cripple this state. He said he does not defend somethings that the legislature does. He noted recently the Florida Legislature adopted a bill that allows for no sales tax for any boat over the $300,000 threshold. He did not support the bill. He said he passed a bill recently called dynamic scoring. Mouse Bill 121, it passed through as a Senate number 1178. What this bill does it allows the State of Florida to operate like a genuine business. The bill allows for the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate can select bills that they think have a great opportunity of helping change the scope of Florida in the business world, and generate more revenue for our state. They can review those bills and offer those bills up, and repass them. He noted an environmental bill that he presented which passed through all committees and both chambers, and was vetoed by the Governor because of a Commissioner from Dade/eroward County who opposed the bill. This bill will help clean up the environment and save billions of dollars. He also encouraged support to the Space program which is at jeopardy of ending. He ended by saying that he strongly believes in what the Board is doing and who they are. He said "I feel like the legislature should do everything that they can. The League of Cities, Association of Counties, I have their numbers, !know the people, I talk to them all the time. I have bounced things off of them and asked what are we really going to be doing if do certain things?" He added that he understands as elected official locally they have a huge responsibility and he appreciates what they do. Commissioner Craft asked him about a couple of issues that are important to St. Lucie County. He explained that they have been asking the legislature over the years to limit the amount that a hospital can charge local government for emergency care of inmates at the county jail. He explained that currently Lawnwood Medical Center is charging St. Lurie County 50096 of what medicare is. The state passed a bill that exempted themselves from it, but the excluded local government. How do we get them to understand that the local citizens have to pick up the tab. State Representative Poppei said they should work very dose with your Senator or Senators, and bring this to their attention. He added that we need to get the attention of the taxpayers who are footing the bills. He also said there is waste in the school lunch program because they have to prepare enough food for students who might show up. Commissioner Craft said that the problem today is, the lobbyist have a stronger relationship with the legislature than do we the local government. We have tried to talk with our legislation and they don't listen. Mr. Poppet also recommended speaking with your lobbyist, association of counties, and see to it that their helping you. 0901!20 [ 0 TCCLG Page 4 of 5 OLD BUSINESS Vice Chair Thurlow lippish asked Sherri McCorkle of Congressman Rooney's Office if there was anything she needed from the Board or did she want to share anything with the group. Sheen McCorkle said she was just observing and reporting back to Congressman Rooney's office. Dowling Watford said that the 10-12 County Coalitions is holding a meeting in Okeechobee on September 24, 2010 to discuss water quality issues. The County will be streaming it live if you are unable to attend. It is about the lake Issues. Joel Tyson ,Felismere asked If the County could provide more information on the Outdoor World. Beth Mitchell, Indian River County Chamber of Commerce explained the project to the Board. She said there would be additional information forthcoming in the future. NEW BUSIIVESS ADJOURNMENT: Z 2:00 pm NOTICE: This k a Publk iNeetlr~g. Should amr interested party seek to appeal any decision made by the Council with respect to any matter considered at such meeting a hearing, he wpl need a record of the proceedMgs and that, for such purpose he may need to ensure that a record of the prooaadings is made, whkh record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. 09/01: ZO 10 TCCLG Page 5 of 5