Resolution 2000-463
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RESOLUTION NO. 00--i.63
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A SERIES OF POSITION STATEMENTS ON
KEY ISSUES EXPECTED TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE FLORIDA
LEGISLATURE DURING THE 2001 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
WHEREAS, The Florida Legislature will meet to decide on Statewide
issues, many of which will affect the residents of Collier County; and
WHEREAS, each year the elected representatives to State Government
which make up the Collier County Legislative Delegation graciously conduct a
hearing to hear from the people of Collier County; and
WHEREAS, The Collier County Commission as the elected local
government representatives of the citizens of Collier County are very interested
in ensuring that the decisions made by the State Government while good for the
entire State of Florida consider Collier County fairly, support the important
programs and initiatives of County government and assist Collier County
Government in providing the highest quality of life and government service
possible.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT:
1. The Collier County Legislative Delegation is requested to support the
following Library related initiatives and programs:
. Continued budget support for the Division of Library and Information
Services (the State Library) in light of the pending reorganization of the
Office of the Secretary of State;
. Full funding of State Aid to Public libraries, based on the formula of 25
cents of State match for every dollar locally invested In libraries;
. Full funding for the State Aid to Libraries program;
. All State Librarv construction crants. includinc the Collier County
aoolication for $340.000 to helD build a 2.000 scuare foot addition to the
Immokalee Branch Librarv;
. Replacement of the integrated library automation system serving the State
University System and Community Colleges;
2. The Collier County Legislative Delegation is requested to support a request
for $102.000 of State funds for the Southwest Florida Horticulture Learning
Center (see attached description);
3. The Collier County Legislative Delegation is requested to support:
. A revision to the Florida Statute regarding the Per Diem Rate. Although
legislation was apparently drafted to raise the current $31$61$12 schedule
to $61$9/$15. it was not approved, and;
. A revision to Florida Statue 112.063 regarding Tuition reimbursement. It
is requested that the State modify the job related provision to give the
County additional discretion. It is requested that the statute be amended
to incorporate coursework which is part of a pre-approved career
development program for developing and retaining employees. This
additional statement would enable counties to tie tuition reimbursement
with Career development initiatives and provide additional incentives for
employees to participate in career development opportunities.
4. The Collier County Legislative Delegation is requested to support any effort
that would allow for the indexing of local option gas taxes as are State Gas
Taxes.
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5. The Collier County Legislative Delegation is requested to support the Florida
Association of Counties 2001 Legislative Priorities Program requesting the
implementation of legislation consistent with Revision 7 to the Constitution and
the Intent Document promulgated by the Constitution Revision Commission.
Such legislation must include the following:
. Clarifying counties' responsibility for funding court operations, specifically
as it relates to facilities, security, communication services, existing radio
systems, and existing multi-agency criminal justice information systems;
and
. Immediate state funding of essential court elements, Including but not
limited to, juror compensation, court reporting services, court
interpreter/translator services, conflict counsel, witness fees, and expert
witness fees;
6. The Collier County Legislative Delegation is asked to support the Florida
Association of Counties 2001 Legislative Priorities Program requesting legislative
initiatives to improve access to elder care and long-term care services:
. Alternative care to nursing home placement and including community-
based care services as part of the definition for long-term care;
. Strengthen county authority to define local systems of care and increase
funding flexibility by removing budget categories so that monies can be
directed locally to meet community needs; and
. Increase state funding for services such as Community Care for the
Elderly, Home Care for the Elderly, Medicaid Waiver, Alzheimer's
Disease, Senior Centers, and the Assisted Living Waiver programs,
respectively;
7. The Collier County Legislative Delegation is requested to support the Florida
Association of Counties 2001 Legislative Priorities Program requesting legislation
to reform and clarify Florida's election process that:
. Identifies a new revenue source for uniform election ballots and tabulation
devices for national, state, and regional elections;
. Clarifies ballot tallying, recount procedures and timelines for certifying final
election results, and clarifying procedures and standards for investigating,
examining, and correcting ballots in ballot protests in national, state, and
regional elections;
. Requires audits for local election procedures; and
. Simplifies election protests In national, state, and regional elections;
8. The Collier County Legislative Delegation is requested to support the Florida
Association of Counties 2001 Legislative Priorities Program requesting legislation
that improves comprehensive planning by defining the role and interests of the
state, promoting local flexibility, ensuring citizen participation, and streamlining
the review process. Such legislative changes should address the following:
. Restructuring the Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) role to
reviewing certain compelling state interests that include Water Quality and
Quantity; Educational Facilities (including funding and infrastructure);
Transportation; Intergovernmental Coordination; Agriculture
Retention/Rural Economic Management/Evacuation;