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Agenda 09/11/2012 Item #11Ag,, V-91 - Ifer- ' . L. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to accept a staff report on the progress to date of the RESTORE Act settlement between BR and the US Government, to designate a representative to act on behalf of Collier County in future discussions on a proposed Consortium and Interlocal Agreement and to approve funding of up to $1,120 for this p6rpose. OBJECTIVE: Brief the County Commission on the status of a proposed monetary settlement as a result of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill as part of the RESTORE Act that was recently approved by the US Government. CONSIDERATIONS: As a result of the BP Sulf Oil disaster during the summer of 2010, the Clean Water Act provides for a settlement with BP that will range between $5 billion and $20 billion, de Deriding on the severity of the environmental pollution caused by the oil spill. The proceeds will be split among the States of Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, M ssissippi and Texas, with Louisiana getting the largest share due to their impact from the spill. 80% of the settlement will be divided between these five states arid 20% will go into a trust fund for future impacts that might not be know at the present time. There are three primary ways the States and Collier Co my will receive funds from this settlement: "County Allocation" (35 %) Divided equally among the 5 states 75% of Florida's share of the RESTORE Ac settlement will go directly to the 8 Florida Panhandle Counties affected the most from the oil spill. 25% of Florida's share will be divided between the 15 less affected Gulf Coast counties, including Collier. This allocation will go directly to each of the 23 Florida Counties affected by the oil spill based on a formula establish d by the Federal Government that includes 2010 Census Population, distance from the oil rig and per capita sales tax collections. Based on calculations doe by FAC, Collier's share of the settlement based on the above formula cr teria could be within the following range depending on the total settlement amount: Settlement $5 Billion $10 Billion $15 Billion $20 Billion Collier Share $4,921,602 $9,843,203 $14,764,805 $19,686,406 "Federal Allocation" (30 %) This is a competitive allocation based on pre determined projects set up by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to implement a comprehensive recovery and restoration plan for the Gulf Coast as a result of the oil spill. Collier will need to develop projects to fit the criteria set up by the Restoration Council and receive reimbursement for those projects, from this part of the settlement. Packet Page -701- 9"; Item "State Allocation (30 %) This allocation is designated to go to each of the 23 Florida Counties affected by the oil spill and will be competitive in nature. The qualifying projects will be governed by a legal entity called a Consortium. This Consortium will be governed by an Interlocal Agreement that will need to be agreed to by the County Commission and will include a small financial contribution to pay for administration of the settlement. Each county's share of this allocation will be based on restoration projects planned for and approved by their respective counties using guidelines agreed to by the Consortium. Interlocal Agreement: The attached Interlocal Agreement has been drafted by FAC for consideration by all 23 Florida Counties affected by the oil spill. The agreement stipulates how the Consortium will be formed and operated. The overall purpose of the Consortium is to agree to mutually beneficial projects, programs and improvements that will enhance the ecosystems and economy of the Consortium member counties. Next Steps: • A meeting is scheduled for September 19 in St. Petersburg, FL to further discuss the formation of the Consortium. Staff requests the BCC designate a representative to attend this meeting with the authority to speak on behalf of Collier County concerning our participation in the Consortium. • County Attorney review of the draft Consortium Interlocal Agreement and provide comments to our . Collier representative (s) attending the September 19 meeting. • Hear a brief presentation on September 11 from a FAC representative on the RESTORE Act, the importance of the Consortium and why we should be a part of the Interlocal Agreement. • Authorize staff and /or a County Commissioner to represent Collier County in the S.W. Florida regional group to further discuss the Consortium and the project guidelines to be included in the "State Allocation" described above. FISCAL IMPACT: The cost to Collier County between July 1 and December 1, 2012 for the administrative costs of the Consortium is $1,120. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no impact to the Growth Management Plan from this action. Packet Page -702- 91111/2012 Item 1, ' ./-,. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is legally sufficient and requires a majority vote for Board approval. —JW RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation to accept a staff report on the progress to date on the RESTORE Act settlement between BP and the US Government, to designate a representative to act on behalf of Collier County in future discussions on a proposed Consortium and Interlocal Agreement, and to approve funding up to $1,120 for this purpose. PREPARED BY: Jack Wert, Tourism Director ATTACHMENTS: Interlocal Agreement Draft Packet Page -703- 9'11/2012 Item. I' .L. COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 11.A. Item Summary: Recommendation to accept a staff report on the progress to date of the RESTORE Act settlement between BP and the US Government, to designate a representative to act on behalf of Collier County in future discussions on a proposed Consortium and Interlocal Agreement and to approve funding of up to $1,120 for this purpose. Meeting Date: 9/11/2012 Prepared By Name: GreenKelly Title: Tourist Development Tax Coordinator,Tourism 8/29/2012 2:48:18 PM Submitted by Title: Director - Tourism,Tourism Name: WertJack 8/29/2012 2:48:20 PM Approved By Name: WertJack Title: Director - Tourism,Tourism Date: 8/30/2012 8:37:30 AM Name: WrightJeff Title: Assistant County Attomey,County Attorney Date: 8/30/2012 10:52:09 AM Name: KlatzkowJeff Title: County Attorney Date: 8/30/2012 11:10:37 AM Name: FinnEd Title: Senior Budget Analyst, OMB Date: 8/30/2012 5:21:58 PM Packet Page -704- Name: OchsLeo Title: County Manager Date: 9/1/2012 2:29:35 PM Packet Page -705- 9l' 1 /2012 Iterr 1 'L .�.. g`',, r70,1-' IteCr".; ' *'.. /-. NGN Draft No.4 8/15/12 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GULF CONSORTIUM Among TINSERT COUNTY NAMES] Dated as of , 2012 Packet Page -706- 9!111/2012 Item; ` `. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS. 3 ARTICLE II THE CONSORTIUM SECTION 2.01.. CREATION. 5 SECTION 2.02. PURPOSES. 5 SECTION 2.03. CONSORTIUM MEMBERS. 6 SECTION 2.04. DURATION OF CONSORTIUM. 6 ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP AND REPRESENTATION SECTION 3.01. MEMBERSHIP. 7 SECTION 3.02. REPRESENTATION. 7 SECTION 3.03. ACTION. g SECTION 3.04. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. g SECTION 3.05. AUTHORITY OF OFFICERS. 8 SECTION 3.06. RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF DIRECTOR. 9 SECTION 3.08. MEETINGS. 9 SECTION 3.09. WITHDRAWAL OR DISMISSAL OF CONSORTIUM MEMBERS. 10 SECTION 3.10. EXPENSES. 10 SECTION 3.11. LIABILITY. 10 ARTICLE IV POWERS AN rD DUTIES SECTION 4.01. POWERS. 11 SECTION 4.02. ANNUAL BUDGET. 14 SECTION 4.03. AD VALOREM TAXATION NOT AUTHORIZED. 14 i Packet Page -707- k. SECTION 5.01. SECTION 5.02. SECTION 5.03. SECTION 5.04. SECTION 5.05. SECTION 5.06. SECTION 5.07. SECTION 5.08. ARTICLE V MISCELLANEOUS DELEGATION OF DUTY. FILING. IMMUNITY. LIMITED LIABILITY. AMENDMENTS. SEVERABILITY. CONTROLLING LAW. EFFECTIVE DATE. ii Packet Page -708- a" ' ?r` ` ? Item a i fig.. l . 15 15 15 16 1.6 16 16 16 9/11/2012 Item 1 L. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GULF CONSORTIUM THIS INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, dated as of , 2012 (the "Interlocal Agreement "), is jointly entered into by the counties which are signatory hereto (collectively, the "Consortium Members "), each of which are political subdivisions or other government agencies of the State of Florida and constitute a "public agency" as that term is defined by Part I of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes (the "Interlocal Act "), and such other public agencies as are added as additional Consortium Members as provided in Section 3.01 hereof. WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, each of the Consortium Members are political subdivisions or other government agencies of the State of Florida and have all powers of self - government pursuant to their home rule powers and express grants of authority provided by general law, including, but not limited to, those powers granted under Chapter 125, Florida Statutes; and WHEREAS, Pursuant to Part I of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes (the "Interlocal Act "), Consortium Members, as public agencies under the Interlocal Act, may enter into interlocal agreements with each other to jointly exercise any power, privilege or authority which such Consortium Members share in common and which each might exercise separately. The joint exercise of this authority permits the Consortium Members to make the most efficient use of their powers by enabling them to cooperate on the basis of mutual benefit and, pursuant to this authority, to form a governmental entity that will best serve the needs of such Consortium Members and their citizens; and WHEREAS, the Interlocal Act authorizes the Consortium Members to enter into an interlocal agreement for the purposes of creating a separate legal entity for the purpose of the joint exercise of the common powers of the Consortium Members; and WHEREAS, the United States Congress approved, and the President signed into law, the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (the "Restore Act "), which established potential funding sources for various purposes which will 1 Packet Page -709- J,� `:'2^ i Iterr �. enhance and benefit the Gulf Coast area. Such funding source to be derived from administrative and civil penalties from responsible parties in connection with the explosion on and sinking of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon; and WHEREAS, the Consortium Members are counties which were impacted by Deepwater Horizon and the provisions of the Restore Act are applicable to it; and WHEREAS, under the provisions of the Restore Act, a Trust Fund (the "Trust Fund ") is established through which funding is available for various projects, improvements, development and environmental mitigation within the Gulf Coast regions; and WHEREAS, the Consortium Members have determined that it is in their best interests to create a legal entity to join together for the purposes of implementing the consortia of local political subdivisions contemplated by the Restore Act, for the purposes of the development of the plan for the expenditure of the oil spill restoration impact allocation and to jointly serve the interests of the Consortium Members; and WHEREAS, the Consortium Members seek to jointly exercise their power to consider and promote proposals to be funded through the Trust Fund and to seek on behalf of the Consortium and its members the funding of eligible projects within their respective areas; and WHEREAS, the Consortium Members seek to join together to arrive at mutually beneficial projects, programs and improvements which will enhance the ecosystems and economy of the Consortium Members and to collectively fulfill their responsibilities under the Restore Act to develop a plan for expenditure of certain funds within the Trust Fund. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, it is mutually agreed by and among the Consortium Members that now or may hereafter execute this Interlocal Agreement, that the "Gulf Consortium," is a legal entity, public body and a unit of local government with all of the privileges, benefits, powers and terms of the hereinafter defined Act and this Interlocal Agreement, and is hereby created for the purposes described herein. 1) Packet Page -710- .e —..,, ,. , -,. ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS 9/11/2012 Item 11.x, SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS. The following definitions shall govern the interpretation of this Interlocal Agreement: "Act" shall mean, collectively, the "Home Rule" powers and all provisions of general law granting powers and authority to each Consortium Member, including, but not limited to, Chapter 125, Florida Statutes, Chapter 166, Florida Statutes, the Interlocal Act, and other applicable provisions of law. "Affected County" shall have the meaning set forth in the Restore Act. "Consortium Members" shall mean the member or members of the Consortium, from time to time, as shall be provided for by this Interlocal Agreement. "Board" shall mean the governing board of the Consortium, consisting of the Directors appointed hereunder. "Consortium" shall mean the Gulf Consortium., a legal entity and public body, created pursuant to the provisions of the Interlocal Act and by this Interlocal Agreement. "Director" shall mean that individual appointed by each Consortium Member in accordance with the provisions hereof to serve as part of the Board. "Fiscal Year" shall mean the period commencing on October 1 of each year and continuing through the next succeeding September 30, or such other period as may be determined by the Board. "Manager" shall mean the individual or entity selected and engaged by the Board to provide administrative functions of the Consortium. "Interlocal Act" shall mean Part I of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. "Interlocal Agreement" shall mean this Interlocal Agreement, including any amendments or supplements hereto, executed and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof. 0 Packet Page -711- 91111/2012 Iterr ` '� .4. "Public Agencies" shall mean any "public agency ", as that term is defined by the Interlocal Act. "Restore Act" shall have the meaning set forth in the preambles hereof. "State" shall mean the State of Florida. Whenever any words are used in this Interlocal Agreement in the masculine gender, they shall be construed as though they were also used in the feminine or neuter gender in all situations where they would so apply, and whenever any words are used in this Interlocal Agreement in the singular form, they shall be construed as though they were also used in the plural form in all situations where they would so apply. 0 Packet Page -712- 9/11/2012 Item 1': .,4. ARTICLE II THE CONSORTIUM SECTION 2.01. CREATION. The Consortium Members hereby jointly create and establish the "Gulf Consortium ", a legal entity and public body and a unit of local government, with all of the privileges, benefits, powers and terms provided for herein and by the Act. SECTION 2.02. PURPOSES. (A) The purpose of this Interlocal Agreement is for the establishment of the Consortium, which will serve as the consortia or establish the consortia of local political subdivisions as contemplated by the Restore Act for those counties which are members of the Consortium. The Consortium is intended to assist in or be responsible for, as determined by the Board: (1) the development of the plan for the expenditure of the oil spill restoration impact allocation required by the Restore Act; (2) the preparation and processing of applications for funding under the competitive program to be processed and administered by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council; (3) acting as a resource for Consortium Members, to the extent requested, in the planning, administration and expenditure of that Member's share provided directly to the disportionately and nondisportionately impacted counties pursuant to the Restore Act; (4) acting as a resource in the obtaining of additional funding for programs through other available revenue sources, including, but not limited to, those available for the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA); (5) acting as an advocate and representing the Consortium Members in the development of federal rules relating to the implementation of the Restore Act; and z Packet Page -713- 0 ", - 2 Iterr " .4. (6) acting as an advocate for the Consortium Members with executive agencies, the Florida Leuislature and the United States government. (B) It is detennined that the creation and organization of the Consortium and the fulfillment of its objectives serves a public purpose, and is in all respects for the benefit of the people of the State, Consortium Members, affected Public Agencies and their citizens. (C) It is detennined that the Consortium is performing an essential governmental function. All property of the Consortium is and shall in all respects be considered to be public property, and the title to such property, to the extent required, shall be held by the Consortium. for the benefit of the public. The use of such property shall be considered to serve a public purpose, until disposed of upon such terms as the Consortium may deem appropriate. SECTION 2.03. CONSORTIUM MEMBERS. The Consortium Members shall consist of those Public Agencies set forth below or joined as provided in Article III. SECTION 2.04. DURATION OF CONSORTIUM. The Consortium shall be in perpetual existence until the earlier of the following occurs: (A) all revenue within. the Trust Fund created pursuant to the Restore Act is expended and the program established by the Restore Act is dissolved; or (B) the Consortium is dissolved by the majority vote of its Board. 31 Packet Page -714- 9/11/2012 Item 1 f A, ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP AND REPRESENTATION SECTION 3.01. MEMBERSHIP.. (A) Membership in the Consortium shall consist of Public Agencies that approve this Interlocal Agreement pursuant to Article III. (B) The initial Consortium Members shall on the date hereof consist of: (INSERT COUNTIES) (C) To the extent permitted by the Interlocal Act and the Restore Act, the Consortium may admit any additional Public Agency to membership upon application of such Public Agency, the approval of this Interlocal Agreement by that Public Agency, and the affirmative vote of the majority of all Directors at a duly called meeting of the Board of the Consortium; provided, that any Affected County shall automatically be admitted to membership upon application thereof. This Interlocal Agreement need. not be amended in order to admit any Public ACYency as a Member of the Consortium; however, any new Consortium Member which is not an Affected County shall be required to evidence its approval of any conditions imposed on its membership by the existing Directors of the Consortium. Approval of the governing bodies of each existing Consortium Member shall not be required for the purpose of admitting a new Consortium Member. (D) As a precondition to membership in the Consortium, each Consortium Member shall constitute a Florida municipality, county or such other Public Agency which is permitted by the Interlocal Act to be a member of the Consortium. Such new Consortium Member shall execute, deliver and record a duly authorized counterpart to this Interlocal Agreement, as it exists at the time of its approval. SECTION 3.02. REPRESENTATION. (A) Each Consortium Member shall appoint one Director to act as its representative on the Board. Each Director shall be an individual who shall be appointed specifically by name or by position. The Consortium Member shall notify the Manager and the Chairman in writing as to the individual designated as their Director. 7 Packet Page -715- 9 "l,'2C'-- Item `�... (B) Directors may be an elected official, appointed official, employee or other designee of a Consortium Member. SECTION 3.03. ACTION. (A) The affairs, actions and duties of the Consortium shall be undertaken at a duly called meeting pursuant to Section 3.08 hereof. (B) At any meeting of the Consortium. at which any official action is to be taken, a majority of all Directors shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of a quorum of the Directors present at a duly called meeting shall constitute an act of the Consortium, except as otherwise provided herein. Except as may be established by the Board with respect to any new Consortium Member which is not an Affected County, each Director is entitled to cast one vote. (C) A certificate, resolution or instrument signed by the Chairman, Vice - Chairman or such other person of the Consortium as may hereafter be designated and authorized by the Board, shall be evidence of the action of the Consortium and any such certificate, resolution or other instrument so signed shall conclusively be presumed to be authentic. Likewise, all facts and matters stated therein shall conclusively be presumed to be accurate and true. SECTION 3.04. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Once a year. and at such other time as may be necessary to fill a vacancy, at a duly called meeting of the Board called for the purpose thereof, the Consortium through its Directors shall elect a Chairman, a Vice- Chairman and Secretary - Treasurer to conduct the meetings of the Authority and to perform such other functions as herein provided. Said Chairman, Vice- Chairman and Secretary - Treasurer shall each serve one (1) year terms unless they resign from the Consortium, are removed by the Member they represent, or such officer is otherwise replaced as a Director of the Board. SECTION 3.05. AUTHORITY OF OFFICERS. (A) The Chairman and the Vice - Chairman shall take such actions and have such powers as provided by the Board. The Chairman shall sign all documents on behalf of the Consortium and take such action as may be in furtherance of the purposes of this Interlocal Agreement as may be approved by resolution or action of the Board adopted at a duly called meeting. The Vice - Chairman shall act in the absence or otherwise inability of the Chairman to act. M. Packet Page -716- 9/11/2012 Item I 1.A. (B) The Secretary - Treasurer, or his designee, shall keep and maintain all minutes of all meetings of the Board, but such minutes need not be verbatim. Copies of all minutes of the meetings of the Board shall be sent by the Secretary - Treasurer or his designee to all Directors of the Consortium. The Secretary - Treasurer may also attest to the execution of documents. The Secretary- Treasurer shall have such other powers as may be approved by resolution or other action of the Board adopted at a duly called meeting. SECTION 3.06. RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF DIRECTOR. (A) Any Director may resign from all duties or responsibilities hereunder by giving at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Manager and Chainnan. Such notice shall state the date said resignation shall take effect and such resignation shall take effect on that date. (B) Each Consortium Member, in its sole discretion, may remove its designated Director at any time and may appoint a new Director to serve on the Board upon written notice being given to the Manager and Chairman. (C) In the event the Director of a Consortium Member shall resign or be removed, such Consortium Member shall appoint a new Director within thirty (30) days. J (D) Any Director who resigns or is removed who is an officer of the Consortium shall immediately turn over and deliver to the Manager any and all records, books, documents or other property in his possession or under his control which belong to the Authority. SECTION 3.07. MEETINGS. (A) The Board shall convene at a meeting duly called by either a majority of the Directors or the Chairman. The Directors may establish regular meeting times and places. Meetings shall be conducted at such locations as may be determined by the majority of the Directors or the Chairman. Notice of a special meeting, unless otherwise waived, shall be furnished to each Director by the Manager not less than seven (7) calendar days prior to the date of such meeting; provided the Chairman or, in his absence or unavailability, the Vice- Chairman, may call a meeting upon twenty -four (24) hours written notice, if such officer determines an emergency exists. All meetings shall be noticed in accordance with Florida law. we Packet Page -717- 9'1 11212 Item `.hl .h (B) Within thirty (30) calendar days of the creation of the Consortium, the duly appointed Directors shall hold an organizational meeting to elect officers and perform such other duties as are provided for under this Interlocal Agreement. (C) To the extent allowed, meetings may be held by means of media technology in conformity with the Interlocal Act. SECTION 3.08. WITHDRAWAL OR DISMISSAL OF ONSORTIUM MEMBERS. Any Consortium Member may withdraw from the Consortium at any time, if the following conditions are satisfied: (A) there shall be at least two (2) Consortium Members remaining in the Consortium subsequent to withdrawal; and (B) a certified resolution from the Consortium Member's governing body setting forth its intent to withdraw is presented to the Consortium. Upon satisfaction of the foregoing conditions, such withdrawal shall be effective. SECTION 3.09. EXPENSES. The Consortium may establish, from time to time, procedures for reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred by Directors and employees of the Consortium. The expenditure of all expenses and approval of travel shall be in conformity with the provisions of Florida law governina travel and reimbursement of expenses for public officials. SECTION 3.10. LIABILITY. No Director, agent, officer, official or employee of the Consortium shall be liable for any action taken pursuant to this Interlocal Agreement in good faith or for any omission, except gross negligence, or for any act of omission or commission by any other Director, agent, officer, official or employee of the Consortium. 4 SECTION 3.11 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. An Executive Committee of the Board shall be established that shall consist of the Chairman, the Vice - Chairman, the Secretary - Treasurer and two other Directors designated by the foregoing three officers. The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Board in items of the activities set forth in Section 4.01(2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (11), (1-3), (15), (17), (23) and (24) hereof, and such other powers as may be designated by the Board. 10 Packet Page -718- 9/11 /2012 Item 1 I.A. ARTICLE IV POWERS AND DUTIES SECTION 4.01. POWERS. (A) The Consortium shall have all powers to carry out the purposes of this Interlocal Agreement, including the following powers which shall be in addition to and supplementing any other privileges, benefits and powers granted by the Act, or otherwise by the Interlocal Agreement: (1) To enter into other interlocal agreements or join with any other special purpose or general purpose local governments, public agencies or authorities or create a separate entity as permitted by the Act in the exercise of common powers or to assist the Consortium in fulfilling its purpose under this Interlocal Agreement. (2) To sue and be sued in the name of the Consortium. (3) To adopt and use a seal and authorize the use of a facsimile thereof. (4) To contract with any public or private entity or person upon such terms as the Board deems appropriate. (5) To acquire, by purchase, gift, devise or otherwise, and to dispose of, real or personal property, or any estate therein. (6) To make and execute contracts or other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its powers. (7) To maintain an office or offices at such place or places as the Board may designate from time to time. (8) To lease, as lessor or lessee, to or from any person, firm, corporation, association or body, public or private, facilities or property of any nature to carry out any of the purposes authorized by this Interlocal Agreement. 11 Packet Page -719- 91" 1'2 ^12 Item 11.L. (9) To apply for and accept grants, loans and subsidies from any governmental entity for the funding of projects, improvements or mitigation, and to comply with all requirements and conditions imposed in connection therewith. (10) To the extent allowed by law and to the extent required to effectuate the purposes hereof, to exercise all privileges, immunities and exemptions accorded municipalities and counties of the State under the provisions of the constitution and laves of the State. (1 1) To invest its moneys in such investments as directed by the Board in accordance with State law and which shall be consistent in all instances with the applicable provisions of the Financing Documents. (1.2) To provide for the establishment of advisory committees or councils to the Board or other interlocal entities under the auspices of the Board. (1 33) To fix the time and place or places at which its regular meetings shall be held, and to call and hold special meetings. (14) To make and adopt rules and procedures, resolutions and take such other actions as are not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the State of Florida, the provisions of the Interlocal Act or this Interlocal Agreement that are necessary for the governance and management of the affairs of the Consortium, and further, the powers, obligations and responsibilities vested in the Consortium by this Interlocal Agreement. (1 5) To select and engage a Manager, who shall administer the operations of the Consortium, manage the staff of the Consortium, as authorized by the Board, and perform all other administrative duties as directed by the Board. (16) To employ or hire such attorneys or firm(s) of attorneys as it deems appropriate to provide legal advice and/or other legal services to the Consortium. (17) To employ or hire engineers, consultants or other specialized professionals as it deems appropriate to further the purposes of the Consortium. (18) To create any and all necessary offices in addition to Chairman. Vice - Chairman and Secretary- Treasurer; to establish the powers, duties and 12 Packet Page -720- 9/11/2012 item 1' ./L,. compensation of all employees; and to require and fix the amount of all official bonds necessary for the protection of the funds and property of the Consortium. (1.9) To take such action and employ such persons or entities as are necessary to prepare, develop and submit to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council the plan contemplated by the- Restore Act setting forth those projects, programs and activities that will improve the ecosystems or economy of the State of Florida. (20) To prepare, develop and submit applications for funding from the Trust Fund under the competitive program administered by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council on behalf of the Consortium or a Member. (21) To advise, assist and aid Consortium Members, upon their request, in the planning, administration and expenditure of funds from the Trust Fund provided to disportionately and non.disportionately impacted Counties. (22) To advise, assist and aid the Consortium in obtaining additional funding from other programs for projects, programs or mitigation on behalf of the Consortium or its Members. (23) To hire or engage staff, attorneys and professionals to act as an advocate and represent the interests of Consortium Members in the Federal rulemaking process. (24) To hire or engage staff, attorneys and professionals as an advocate and to represent the interests of the Consortium and its Members before Federal and State agencies and the Legislature. (25) To do all acts and to exercise all of the powers necessary, convenient, incidental, implied or proper in connection with any of the powers, duties or purposes authorized by this Interlocal Agreement or the Act. (B) In exercising the powers conferred by this Interlocal Agreement, the Board shall act by resolution or other action approved at duly noticed and publicly held meetings in conformance with applicable law. (C) The provisions of Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, shall not apply to the Consortium. 13 Packet Page -721- g11!—?n'_ Item I'.<< (D) The Consortium shall be subject to the provisions of the Florida Sunshine Law under Chapter ?86, Florida Statutes. All records of the Consortium shall be subject to the Public Records Law. SECTION 4.02. ANNUAL BUDGET. (A) Following the creation of the Consortium., the Board shall approve a budget which shall provide for revenues and expenditures during the remainder of the fiscal year in which it was formed. Such interim budget procedures shall be utilized solely for the initial year of creation of the Consortium, after which the budget shall be created pursuant to the remaining provisions of this section. (B) Prior to October l of each year the Board will adopt an annual budget for the Consortium. Such budget shall be prepared within the time periods required for the adoption of a tentative and final budget for county governments under general law. The annual budget shall. contain an estimate of receipts by source and an itemized estimation of expenditures anticipated to be incurred to meet the financial needs and obligations of the Consortium. The Manager shall prepare the annual budget. V (C) The adopted budget shall be the operating and fiscal. guide for the Consortium for the ensuing Fiscal Year. The Board may from time to time amend the budget at any duly called regular or special meeting. (D) The Consortium shall provide financial reports in such form and in such manner as prescribed pursuant to this Interlocal Agreement and Chapter ? 18, Florida Statutes. SECTION 4.03. AD VALOREM TAXATION NOT AUTHORIZED. The Consortium shall not have the power to levy and assess an ad valorem tax on any property for any reason. r 14 Packet Page -722- 9!11 /2012 Item 1 E.4, ARTICLE `' MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 5.01. DELEGATION OF DUTY. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the delegation of any of the constitutional or statutory duties of the State or the Consortium Members or any officers thereof.. SECTION 5.02. FILING. A copy of this Interlocal Agreement shall be filed for record with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in each county wherein a Consortium Member is located. SECTION 5.03. IMMUNITY. (A) All of the privileges and immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances and rules which apply to the activity of officials, officers, agents or employees of the Consortium Members shall apply to the officials, officers, agents or employees of the Consortium when performing their respective functions and duties under the provisions of this Interlocal Agreement. (B) The Consortium and each Consortium Member shall be entitled to all protections granted to them under Sections 768.28 and 163.01(9)(c), Florida Statutes, other Florida Statutes and the common law governing sovereign immunity. Pursuant to Section 163.01(5)(o), Florida Statutes, Consortium Members may not be held jointly liable for the torts of the officers or employees of the Consortium, or any other tort attributable to the Consortium, and that the Consortium alone shall be liable for any torts attributable to it or for torts of is officers, employees or agents, and then only to the extent of the waiver of sovereign immunity or limitation of liability as specified in Section 768 28, Florida Statutes. Nothing in this Interlocal Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity. (C) The Consortium Members intend that the Consortium shall have all of the privileges and immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances, rules and common law which apply to the municipalities and counties of the State. Nothing in this Interlocal Agreement is intended to inure to the benefit of any third -parry for the purpose of allowing any claim which would otherwise be barred under the doctrine of sovereign immunity or by operation of law. 15 Packet Page -723- g/ ! /2C' '12 Iterr ` , SECTION 5.04. LIMITED LIABILITY. No Consortium Member shall in any manner be obligated to pay any debts, obligations or liabilities arising as a result of any actions of the Consortium, the Directors or any other agents, employees, officers or officials of the Consortium, except to the extent otherwise mutually agreed upon by that Member, and. neither the Consortium, the Directors or any other agents, employees, officers or officials of the Consortium have any authority or power to otherwise obligate any individual Consortium Member in any manner. SECTION 5.05. AMENDMENTS. This Interlocal Agreement may be amended in writing at any time by the concurrence of all of the Directors present at a duly called meeting of the Consortium and subsequent ratification by the governing body of each Consortium Member. However, this Interlocal Agreement may not be amended so as to (A.) permit any profits of the Consortium to inure to the benefit of any private person, or (B) permit the diversion or application of any of the moneys or other assets of the Consortium for any purposes other than those specified herein. SECTION 5.06. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any provision of this Interlocal Agreement shall, for any reason, be determined invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Interlocal Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 5.07. CONTROLLING LAW. This Interlocal Agreement shall be construed and governed by Florida law. SECTION 5.08. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Interlocal Agreement shall become effective on the later of (A) the dated date hereof, or (B) the date the last initial Consortium Member executes this Interlocal Agreement and the filing requirements of Section 5.02 hereof are satisfied. Ir l Packet Page -724-