Agenda 05/11/2010 Item #16K 4
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Page 1 of 14
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommend authorization allowing Collier County to remain a member of a class action
civil lawsuit entitled, The County of Monroe, Florida v. Priceline.com, Inc. et ai, Case No. 09-
I0004-CIV-Moore/Simonton, now pending in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Florida, which seeks to recover unpaid Tourist Development Taxes on
behalf of all Florida counties that have enacted a Tourist Development Tax under Section
125.0104, Florida Statutes.
OBJECTIVE: To receive the Board of County Commissioners consent for Collier County to
remain a member in the class action lawsuit entitled, The County of Monroe, Florida v.
Priceline.com, Inc. et aI, which seeks to recover unpaid Tourist Development Taxes.
CONSIDERATIONS: On or about April 9, 2010, Collier County received from counsel for
Monroe County a "Notice of Pendency of Class Action." The class action litigation is being
brought by Monroe County against numerous online travel agencies. The notice demands that
Collier County either opt out of Monroe County's class action or do nothing and remain in the
class. The County has 45 days from April 9, 2010 (May 21st) to opt out. The notice is included
as back-up to this item,
The lawsuit alleges that online travel agencies charge customers (and remit to the hotels) a "tax
recovery charge" which is sufficient only to cover the tax on the rate given to the online travel
agency, rather than on the full retail rate which the customers are actually charged. Monroe
County's case has been in the Courthouse since January 12, 2009. The companies' attempts to
dismiss the case in December of 2009 were unsuccessful. The Federal Court entered the order
certifying the class on March 15,2010. Trial is set to commence in July of 201 0 in Key West.
Under the Court's Order, Collier County must take one of two actions: I) Affirmatively opt out of
the class so that any decision reached in that case will have no effect on Collier County; or 2)
Take no action and remain in the lawsuit as a member of the Plaintiff class. This will result in the
decision of the Court being binding upon Collier County. If Plaintiffs are victorious, Collier
County would be entitled to its damages as established by Plaintiff at trial.
On April 22nd I participated in a state-wide telephone conference call initiated by the Florida
Association of County Attorneys to discuss this litigation with the Monroe County Attorney and
their lead counsel. We were advised that Monroe County will assume all out-of-pocket costs for
the litigation. If the litigation is successful, attorney's fees would be awarded out of the proceeds
by the Court.
I waited on this matter until the end of the Legislative Session, as there was proposed legislation
that would have impacted the issue. The Legislature ended with no action being taken on this
issue. I then discussed the matter with Collier County Tax Collector Larry Ray, as the Tourist
Development Tax Ordinance provides that "The county tax collector shall be responsible for the
collection and administration of the tax." Mr. Ray advised me he wishes to proceed in the
Monroe County litigation, which will require no further action by the County.
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Page 2 of 14
The County Attorney concurs with the Tax Collector in this matter. It is the opinion of the
County Attorney that if the County wishes to participate in the on-line litigation issue, that it do
so as a member of a class, as the costs for one County to bring such an action are prohibitive.
There are at present two of these class actions. The Monroe County action is closest to trial, will
result in no out-of-pocket costs to the County, and is utilizing weIl-regarded outside counsel.
This is not the first time that this issue has come to the Board. On October 27, 2009, the Board
heard a number of recommendations by the TDC that, among other issues, "Support a Class
Action Lawsuit if agreed to by the Collier County Commission to coIlect the accurate amount of
tourist development tax due the County for online bookers of hotel rooms such as Expedia,
Travelocity, Hotels.com and others. Currently these companies are charging the consumer a
service fee based on the net amount of the transaction, rather than the full consideration, This fee
mayor may not cover the correct amount of taxes due. Vote 8-0" A copy of this Executive
Summary is attached. The Board referred the matter to the County Attorney, who consulted with
the Tax Collector. It was the opinion of the Tax CoIlector that the County not participate in this
particular suit (which was instituted by Nabors Giblin) as not being in the best interest of the
County. The Monroe County case is a different suit, with a different cost structure to the class
membcrs.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is legally sufficient for Board action. -JAK
FISCAL IMPACT: As stated in the Notice of Pendency of Class Action, class counsel wiIl not
directly charge class members to represent them. If the final judgment favors the class, attorney's
fees and costs could be deducted prior any distribution of funds to the class members. Collier
County would receive its share of the jury-awarded damages with no financial investment from
the County. In the event the Court rules in favor of the defendants, the class, including Collier
County, would be bound by the judgment and may be precluded from bringing the same or
similar claims on its own behalf.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: None.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board authorizes the County Attorney to take no action, so
that by operation of law, Collier County wiIl be remain part of a class action entitled The County
ojAfonroe, Florida v. Priceline.com. Inc. el aI.,
Prepared by: Jeffrey A. Klatzkow, County Attorney
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Page 3 of 14
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Item Number:
Item Summary:
16K4
Request authorization allowing Collier County to remain a member of a class action civil
lawsuit entitled, The County of Monroe, Florida v. Priceline.com, Inc. et ai, Case No. 09-
1 0004-CIV-Moore/Simonton. now pending in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of Florida, which seeks to recover unpaid Tourist Development Taxes on behalf of all
Florida counties that have enacted a Tourist Development Tax under Section 125.0104,
Fiorida Statutes.
Meeting Date:
5/11/20109:00:00 AM
Prep. red By
Jeff Klatzkow
County Attorney
Date
5/4/20104:36:05 PM
Approved By
Jeff Klatzkow
County Attorney
Date
5/4/20104:59 PM
Approved By
Leo E. Ochs, Jr.
County Manager
Date
County Managers Office
County Managers Office
5/4/201010:59 PM
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Page 4 of 14
NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF CLASS ACTION
-u
To: The County Commlsslonen and County Attorneys of all Counties :x
within the State of Florida that have enacted a tourist development tax undet.;>
the authority of Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes (via certified mail, relum<.n
receipt requested) 0
PLEASE READ TIDS NOTICE CAREFULLY. IT MAY AFFECT YOUR LEGAL
RIGIITS.
YOU HAVE NOT BEEN SUED.
TIrls is a notice that you are a member of a plaintiff class (the "Class") that has been
certified by the Court in the civil action, The County of Monroe Florida v. Priceline.com, Inc. et
al., Case No. o9-10004-CIV-MOORElSIM:ONTON, now pending in the United States District
Court for the Southern District of Florida (the "Lawsuit").
The pwpose of this Notice is to explain to you:
1. What the Lawsuit is About.
2. Your Rights as a Class Member and How to Assert Those Rights.
3. Why Is TIrls Notice Being Sent To Me.
4. Further Court Proceedings.
5. How to Get More Infonnation.
1. WHAT THE LAWSillT IS ABOUT
A. Summary OfTbe Claims Asserted In Tbe Lawsuit
In the Lawsuit, Monroe County alleges that PriceIine.com, Inc., Travelweb L.L.C.,
Travelocity.com, L.P" Site59.com L.L.C., Expedia, Inc., Hotels.com, L.P" Hotwire Inc., Trip
Network Inc. (d/b/a Cheaptickets.com) and Orbitz L.L.C. (collectively "Defendants") have failed
to pay the full amount of the tourist development taxes (the "Taxes") due to Monroe County and
the other class member Counties that have enacted a Tourist Development Tax pursuant to the
authority granted in Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes. Monroe County asserts, on behalf of
itself and all other counties who have a Tourist Development Tax pursuant to the authority
granted in Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes, that the Defendants charge customers (and remit to
the hotels) a "tax recovery charge" which is sufficient only to cover the tax on the wholesale rate,
rather than on the full retail rate which the customers are actually charged. Monroe County seeks
to recover unpaid Tourist Development Taxes on behalf of itself and on behalf of all other
Florida counties who have enacted a Tourist Development Tax under Section 125.0104, Florida
Statutes.
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Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Page 5 of 14
B. Current Status Of The Lawsuit
This lawsuit was initiated by Monroe County in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Florida on January 12, 2009. The Complaint, as originally filed, asserted
claims under Monroe County Code Section 23-1 97(a), which contains Monroe County's Tourist
Development Tax enacted pursuant to Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes. The Complaint also
asserted claims against the Defendants for conversion, unjust enrichment, and permanent
injunction. Pursuant to an order dated December 17, 2009, the Court denied Defendants' motion
to dismiss Monroe County's claims under Monroe County Code Section 23-197(a), and further
denied Defendants' motion to dismiss the claims for conversion and unjust enrichment. The
Court granted Defendants' motion to dismiss the County's claim for permanent injunction. On
March 15,2010, the Court entered an order determining that this action may proceed as a class
action, and certified a class consisting of "All counties within the State of Florida that have
enacted a tourist development tax under the authority of Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes." In
that order, the Court also ruled that neither Monroe County nor the other members of the putative
class were required to resort to the administrative process in order to proceed with this lawsuit.
Because the Court has decided that the Lawsuit should proceed as a Class Action, it has
ordered this Notice be sent to you. The Court has not yet ruled on the merits of the claims raised
in the Lawsuit Defendants deny all allegations of wrongdoing and liability asserted in the
Lawsuit. Defendants contend that they have no obligation to pay the Taxes.
2. YOUR RIGHTS AS A CLASS MEMBER AND HOW TO ASSERT TIlOSE
RIGHTS
The Court certified a Class defined as :
All counties within the State of Florida that have enacted a tourist
development tax under authority of ~ 125.0104, Florida Statutes.
It is estimated that the number of Class members is 59 counties. The Court has certified
as Class Representative Monroe County, Florida. Monroe County will be seeking relief on
behalf of itself and all members of the Class. The Court has appointed the following firms as
Class Counsel: Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, PA.; Aronovitz Law;
Carella, Byrne, Cecchi, Olstein, Brody & Agnello, P.C.; and Freed & Weiss. You have the right
to hire your own attorney and unless you retain your own counsel to enter an appearance on your
behalf, you will be represented by Class Counsel. Class Counsel will not directly charge Class
members to represent them. In the event of a judgment in favor of the Class in this case, Class
Counsel will apply to the Court for payment of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs which might
be deducted from the funds recovered before net proceeds are distributed to the Class Members.
Your options
Option 1- Do notbiDg
Option 2 - Opt Out
Counsel for the Class
Jay B. Shapiro, Esq.
SlEARNS WEAVER MILLER
WEISSLER ALHADEFF &
SrITERSON, PA
150 West Flagler Street
Suite 2200 - Museum Tower
Miami, FL 33130
Telephone: (305) 789-3200
Tod Aronovitz
ARONOVITZ LAW
777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 850
Miami, FL 33131
Telephone: (305) 372-2772
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Page 6 of 14
If you do nothing, then you will remain a member of the Class.
You will be bound by any judgment, favorable or unfavorable,
which is rendered on behalf of thc Class. In thc cvent of a
favorable judgment, you will share in the recovery. In the event
of an unfavorablc judgment, you will bc bound by the judgment
and may bc precluded from bringing thc same or similar claims
on your own behalf. In thc cvcnt of a settlement of the Lawsuit,
you will be able to shaxc in the settlement proceeds and be bound
by thc terms of the settlement, subject to Court approval.
In order to exclude yourself from the Class, you must make a
written notice of your election to opt out to Class Counsel and
counsel for Defendants, at the addresses set forth below, so as to
be received no later than 45 days from the date of this notice.
If you exclude yourself from the Class, you will not be entitled
to receive any money recovered by the Class, and you will not be
bound by any settlement or favorable or unfavorable judgment in
the Lawsuit with respect to damages. If you request exclusion on
behalf of any entity other than yourself, you must state your legal
authority to execute the request on behalf of that entity.
Paul M. Weiss
Richard J. Burke
FREED & WEISS LLC
III West Washington Street, Suite 1331
Chicago, 1L 60602
Telephone: (312) 220-0000
James E, Cecchi
CARELLA,B~,CECCHl
OLSTEIN, BRODY & AGNELLO, P.C.
5 Becker Fann Rd,
Roseland, NJ 07068
Telephone: (973) 994-1700
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Page 7 of 14
Counselfor Defendants
Steven E. Sift', Esq.
McDermott WiD & Emery
201 South Biscayne Boulevard
Suite 2200
Miami, Florida 33131
ssiff@mwe.com
Te]ephone: (305) 358-3500
Timothy J. Koenig
FELDMAN KOENIG HIGHSMITH
& V AN LOON, P.A.
3158 Northside Drive
Key West, Florida 33040
Telephone: (305) 296-8851
3. WHY WAS THIS NOTICE SENT TO YOU
Public records indicate that you enacted a tourist development tax WIder authority of 9
125.0]04, Florida Statutes and are, therefore, a member of the Class. This notice is being sent to
you pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(c)(2)(B), which requires that, upon the certification of a class
pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 23(b)(3), notice be sent to all class members who can be identified with
certain information relating to the lawsuit and class members rights.
4. FURTHER COURT PROCEEDINGS
This class action is presently set for trial beginning July ]9, 20]0. This date may be
adjourned by the Court without further notice to the Class.
5. HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION
If you need additional infonnation, you should call or write to Class Counsel at the
addresses set forth above.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE COURT OR THE COURT CLERK OR
DEFENDANT.
BY THE COURT:
Date: ~,2010
K. MICHAEL MOORE,
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
#246155 vi
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Agenda9~KkP.~~
October 27, 2009
Page 1 of 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners reviews the TDC
Subcommittee recommendations as approved by the Tourist Development
Council and provides direction to the County Manager or his designee for further
action Including the authorization to process all necessary budget amendments
covering direction that involves the movement or use of TDC funds.
OBJECTIVE: Review the TDC Recommendations and direct the County Manager or
his designee for further action.
CONSIDERATIONS: A Sub Committee of the Tourist Development Council (TOC) was
appointed on March 23, 2009 by Chairman Fiala and held nine publically noticed
meetings - April 16, May 1 & 5, June 1 & 15, July 13 & 20, August 3 & 10, 2009.
The members of the Sub Committee included Murray Hendel, Chairman, Clark Hill, GM
Naples Hilton, Susan Becker, Tourism Concierge and Bob Miller, Everglades City
restaurateur.
At the Sub Committee's final meeting on August 10, the three members present (Mr.
Miller was absent) agreed to present their recommendations to the fuil TDC on August
24. The TOC then reviewed the recommendations and voted to recommend the
following to the County Commission:
1. The Funding of County Museums Operating Expenses by Tourist Tax Funds
should be phased out over a 3-year period beginning in FY 11 and ending in FY
13, reducing funding by 1/3 of the total County Museums operating budget each
year. TOC Vote 7-1.
2. The interest earned on Tourist Tax Funds should remain within those respective
funds (follow the principal) and not re-directed to the General Fund (001), Vote 8-
O.
3. The $500,000 annual set aside by County policy for catastrophe reserves from
Fund (195) should be redirected to Fund 184 for destination marketing for a
period of two years in the amount of $500,000 for each of the next two fiscal
years for a total of $1 million. It was further clarified that these funds would not be
a loan, but a redirection for two years, Vote 6-2.
4. The Collier County Tax Collector's Office or County Code Enforcement should
dedicate a person, (employee or outside individual or organization) to be solely
responsible for collecting unpaid Tourist Development Taxes due on short term
rentals of 6 months or less. Vote 8-0.
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Agenda1~~~o?~O~
October 27, 2oo9
Page 2 of 7
5, Support a Class Action Lawsuit if agreed to by the Collier County Commission to
collect the accurate amount of tourist development tax due the County for online
uuokers of hotel rooms such as Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com and others.
Currently these companies are charging the consumer a service fee based on
the net amount of the transaction, rather than the full consideration. This fee may
or may not cover the correct amount of taxes due. Vote 8-0.
6. The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) publication called "Florida's Last
Paradise" and the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce pubiication called
"Naples on the Gulf' should be combined into one official tourism publication for
the entire destination. Vote 7-0 (seven members present; one member excused).
7. Create a new position called "Information Center Coordinator" or similar title to be
under the direction of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and funded
jointly by the Chamber and the CVB to coordinate literature, training and
research for all area visitor centers in Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City and
Immokalee. Vote 7-0.
8. Redirect $500,000 of the $2 Million per year currently allocated by County Policy
from Fund 195 for Major Beach Renourishment Reserves be redirected to Fund
184 for destination marketing for a period of two years. It was further clarified that
this would not be a loan of funds, but a redirection of funds for marketing for two
years. Vote 4-3.
9. Recommend !Q..nQLincrease the Tourist Development Tax Rate at this time given
the current economic recession. Vote 6-1.
10.$750,000 from Emergency Tourism Advertising Fund (196), supplemented by
$350,000 in excess unobligated fund balance from year ending FY 2009 within
Marketing Fund (184) should be approved for use in the late spring and through
the summer to fund the continuance of the destination marketing program from
mid January through August 2010. This plan would replicate the highly
successful marketing campaign of 2009. Vote 7-0.
In a letter dated August 21, 2009. The Napies City Council has asked "that the Board of
County Commissioners reject the recommendations of the TOC subcommittee to divert
beach renourishment funds for tourism marketing and promotion:"
In a letter dated September 25, 2009, The Marco Isiand City Council requested "that the
County Commissioners safeguard the integrity of the Emergency Beach Renourlshment
Reserves on behalf of our constituency."
FISCAL IMPACT: Regarding TDC Subcommittee recommendation number 2, note that
interest is following the principal pursuant to Board direction and interest has been
posted to TDC funds since July 2009. Assuming the Board concurs with
recommendation number 3 and 10 under Considerations, a budget amendment totaling
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11. 2010
Agend!i''i\l!m Wo':'~&~
October 27. 2009
Page 3017
$1,000,000 will be necessary re-directirog budget in FY 2010 from Catastrophe and
Beach Renourishment reserves within Fund (195) to Marketing Fund (184) increasing
the destination marketing appropriation, The fiscal impact associated with other
recommendations contained within this report is uncertain and will require time to
process and implement - if direction i$ provided. However, if TDC funds are not
earmarked fDr County Museum operatiDns, General Fund (001) revenues will be
necessary to cover expected budge! shortfalls.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no impact to the Growth Management
Plan as a result of this action.
COUNTY ATTORNEY FINDING: The TDC recommendations are in compliance with
section 125.0104, Florida Statutes, Tourist Development Tax. Several
recommendations above (1, 3, 8, and 9) would require an amendment to the Tourist
Development Tax Ordinance which requires a super majority vote (majority plus one).
This item is legally sufficient for Board action and direction. - CMG
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS: The Coastal Advisory Committee (CAC)
met on August 13, 2009 and reviewed the Sub Committee recommendations related to
the $500,000 per year redirection from the catastrophe set asides and major beach
renourishment reserve from Fund 195. The CAC voted 6-2 to oppose the redirection of
both beach renourishment reserve fund recommendations.
The TDC reviewed the Sub Committee recommendations on August 24, 2009 and
voted on each item as indicated above.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners reviews the
recommendations from the TDC Sub Committee as approved by the Tourist
Development Council and provide direction to the County Manager or his designee for
further action including authorization to process all necessary budget amendments
covering direction that involves the movement or use of TDC funds.
SUBMITTED BY: Jack Wert, Tourism Director
Item Number:
Item Summary:
Meellng Date:
Agenda Item No. 16K4
Mi';agd,lafiiflCl
AgendfiUlln Nb?10A
October 27, 2009
Page4 of 7
COLLiER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
10A
This ilem to be heard at 10:30 a.m. Recommendation that the Board of County
Commissioners reviews the TDe Subcommittee recommendations as approved by the
Tourist Development Council and provides directIon to the County Manager or his designee
for further action Including the authorIzatIon to process all necessary budget amendments
covering direction that involves the movement or use of TOC funds. (Jack Wert, Tourlsm
Director)
10/27/20099:00:00 AM
Toul1sm Director
Oate
Prepared By
Jack Wert
County Manager's OffIce
Tourism
9/16/20094:27:37 PM
Approved By
Date
Jack Wert
County Manager's Office
Tourism Director
T aUTism
9116/20094:50 PM
Date
Approved By
Colleen Greene
County Attorney
Assistant County Attomer
County Attorney Office
9/1712009 10:32 AM
Date
Approved By
OMS Coordinator
County Manager's Office
OMB Coordinator
Office of Management & Budget
9/18/200910:40 AM
Date
Approved By
Jeff Klatzkow
County Attorney
County Attorney
County Attorney Office
9/22/2009 3:52 PM
Date
Approved By
Mark. Isack.aon
County Manager's Office
Budget Analyst
Office of Management & Budget
10119/20095:16 PM
Date
Approved By
Leo E. Ochs, Jr.
Board of County
Commiscioners
Deputy County Manager
County Manager's Office
10/20/200911:17 AM
file:IIC:\AgendaTest\Export\J37-0ctober 27,2009\10. COUNTY MANAGER REPOR1il... 10/21/2009
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Agenda8ff.l'rri ~8.f 11D'A
October 27, 2009
Page 50f7
Cit-y ((j)f Marco JIsland
l',bJ
September 25, 2009
Honorable Donna Fiala, Chairman
Board of Collier County Commissioners
3301 E. Tamiami Trail
Naples, FL 34112
Dear Chairman Fiala:
On behalf of the Marco Island City Council, I am writing to express our concern
regarding the Tourist Development Council's (TDC) recommendation to redirect
$500,000 of Emergency Beach Re-nourishment Reserves toward tourism
marketing.
As you are probably aware, your coastal zone management staff, the Collier
County Coastal Advisory Committee, and the Marco Island Beach Advisory
Committee are all strongly opposed to the removal of any funds from emergency
reserves, and rightfully so.
As the engine that drives our economy, the beaches are critical to every aspect
of our community. We believe that the reduction of critical emergency reserves
specifically set aside to repair eroded beaches is not the solution to the need for
funding of additional tourism marketing.
We respectfully request that the Board of County Commissioners safeguard the
integrity of the Emergency Beach Re-nourishment Reserves on behalf of our
constituency.
Sincerely,
/~fW/~
Robert J. Popoff
Council Chairman
Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
Agendi'aeftl 'Nboij OA
October 27, 2009
Page 6 of 7
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BILL BARNETT
MAYOR
August 21, 2009
Honorable Chairman and Board of County Commissioner.
Collier County Govemment'l:::CJ:'!'P"Jl---
3301 east Tamlaml Trail .
Naples, Florida 34t12'
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recomll'ien~:'tiOii to mOdi'" beach funding for tourism
promotion.;' , :
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Dear Chall'!"'!n~la and B~~~~CO...'
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Tourist D.v!f~~nt COURa lb. '.",...1. _ ~~.'th~~ beach
renourlshment funds shoulci. ' rteirfi~':,.lqi..,'df
tourism marketing and promotl~n. We beiieve the speblfic
recommendations provide that Collier County Fund 195 be
diverted to Fund 184.
We understand that the TDC subcommittee recommendattons
were presented to the Collier County Coastal Advisory
Committee. The recommendations were considered and by a 6-2
vote they opposed the recommendation to divert beach
renourlshment funds.
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Agenda Item No. 16K4
May 11, 2010
AgencPa'imm1 fJ.I<9.1 1'\j\t,
October 27. 2009
Page 7 017
Honorable Chairman and Board of County CommissIoners
August 21, 2009
Page Two
At the request of the Naples City Council, I respectfully ask that
the Board of County Commissioners reject the recommendations
of the TDC subcommittee to divert beach renourlshment funds
for tourism marketing and promotion. We believe the current
beach funding allocation has helped maintain a healthy,
beautiful, and well-appreciated beach system in Collier County.
This, In turn, has attracted visitors from throughout our nation
and the world, and It has well-served our city and county
residents.
Thank you for considering our request.
Sincerely,
-/bi/~
Bill Barnett
Mayor
cc: Naples City Council
.James Mudd
.Jack Wert
Gary McAlpin