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BCC Minutes 02/22/2007 W (w/Congressman Connie Mack) February 22, 2007 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP WITH CONGRESSMAN CONNIE MACK Naples, Florida, February 22, 2007 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Board of County Commissioners and Congressman Connie Mack, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 2:30 p.m. in WORKSHOP SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex, East Naples, Florida with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: Commissioner Jim Coletta Commissioner Fred Coyle Commissioner Donna Fiala Commissioner Frank Halas Commissioner Tom Henning Congressman Connie Mack ALSO PRESENT: Jim Mudd, County Manager Sue Filson, Executive Manager, BCC Office Debbie Wight, Assistant to the County Manager David Weigel, County Attorney 1 Co~! County , ~ - - Congressman Connie Mack Board of County Commissioners Roundtable Meeting Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. BCC Chambers Menda I. Pledge of Allegiance II. Introductions III. Fiscal Year 2008 Federal Agenda projects . More equitable return of federal tax dollars to State of Florida . Additional funding for transportation projects IV. Overhaul Immigration Laws . Prohibit automatic citizenship . Strengthen borders . Social Security . Temporary work permits V. Panther mitigation fees VI. Florida Everglades restoration VII. Lake Okeechobee and Caloosahatchee River cleanup VIII. Closing Statements IX. Adjournment February 22,2007 I. The Workshop was called to order by Chairman Jim Coletta at 2:40 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. II. Commissioner Coletta turned meeting to Mr. Mudd for a brief summary of our Legislative agenda. (See "Collier County, Florida Fiscal Year 2008 Federal Agenda" sheet) III. Mr. Mudd presented, via overhead projection, nine projects for 2008 and request for funds for same in order of importance. Mr. Mudd proceeded to summarize the nine projects. He also indicated that on February 28,2007, at 2 p.m. representatives from Collier County were going to meet with Congressman Mack to discuss these issues at great length. Mr. Mudd turned the meeting back to Commissioner Coletta. Three commissioners will not be attending meeting in Washington, D.C. next week. Commissioner Coletta asked if those Commissioners wished to address any of the issues on the agenda. . Commissioner Coyle asked for guidance on how to solve some items that are costing the County much money; i.e., in last four years, in excess of $50,000,000 spent in building new jail facilities to house those arrested, 30% of those beds currently occupied by illegal aliens. By doing a better job of controlling who gets into the state, they could reduce the cost to taxpayers dramatically. There is a coalition of businesses in the State of Florida forming to begin to try to do something locally and at the state level. He asked how they can start meaningful immigration reform and stop the gift of citizenship to those born in this country to illegal parents. . Congressman Mack indicated that they were all hopeful that this could have been completed last year; however Congress will debate this issue again this year, so everyone needs to voice his/her opinion. With last year's appropriations, a wall is being built on the Southern border, more technology and patrols at the Northern border - but here is not enough money to complete those projects. Regarding legal entry of people to the U.S., they need to understand what the country's needs are and have a system of legal measures put in place. Also help give employers the tools they need, so they can go on web and access whether the contemplated employee is legally or illegally in this country. . Commissioner Coyle understood the difficulty of getting all to agree on all aspects of illegal immigration, but wished to know if they could stop the incentives for more people corning here illegally, one incentive being the automatic citizenship to those born in this country of illegal parents. 2 February 22,2007 . Congressman Mack addressed the issue of automatic citizenship; it is protected by the constitution. We would need a constitutional amendment to change that. . Commissioner Halas had two issues. One issue was The Everglades and funding for its restoration. Federal government indicated it would assist in funding, but most of the money has corne from taxpayers in Florida. The Everglades, being one of our national treasures, Congress should step up to the plate in taking care of this national treasure. . Congressman Mack stated he serves on Water Resources Subcommittee of Transportation. Since his first day in Congress, Connie Mack has had the same argument that the federal government was to be a SO/50 partner with the State of Florida. It has been the State of Florida which has paid almost entirely for the restoration project to date. Congressman Mack stated the appropriate bill would be passed by this Congress. . Commissioner Halas presented second issue of U.S. Fish and Wildlife putting major constraints on issues dealing with the panther habitat. Commissioner Halas hoped that the federal government would participate in purchasing rangeland for the panther to assist this treasured species. . Congressman Mack asked Commissioner Halas ifhe was also speaking of the mitigation issue when speaking about the panther. Commissioner acknowledged in the affirmative. Congressman Mack will facilitate in direct conversation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife. . Commissioner Coletta added that U.S. Fish and Wildlife was an obstacle in having a Polish company, which would have provided 300 jobs, from establishing a business at Irnmokalee Airport. U.S. Fish and Wildlife also assessed $5,000 per house on Habitat for Humanity Housing in Immokalee, causing financial difficulty. . Commissioner Fiala expressed concern over controversial issue of $10,000 for each Cuban who participates in the wet foot/dry foot landing. It acts as an incentive to escape and corne to the U.S.A. . Congressman Mack noted that was something the Clinton administration signed in. Not sure if President must change or an Act of Congress could change; this issue to be looked at. . Commissioner Fiala's second issue revolved around having read that Congress was looking at providing social security to those who had not contributed to social security funding. 3 February 22,2007 . Congressman Mack said that had been discussed in the Senate; but Congress not likely to pass because the Republicans and Democrats both oppose this. . Commissioner Henning stated he knew that Congressman Mack represented the feelings of SW Florida residents, and hoped that the Congressman would continue to do so. . Commissioner Halas addressed the "red tide" issue, hoped with the restoration of the Florida Everglades, including Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee, that the "red tide" would be cleared for the health of fish and animals of the water, the economic affect of keeping tourists away, and mainly for the health issues concerning residents of Florida. . Congressman Mack spoke regarding strengthening the dike below Lake Okeechobee to secure it so to keep more water from spilling to the East and West Coasts. The lake must be taken care of for multiple reasons. Many agencies, people involved; water clean-up to be addressed. Public Comments . Debbie Arnason, resident of Alva attended the meeting of Glades County the evening of the 20th for Florida Power and Light. FPL has planned the largest coal-fired energy plant in the United States in the heart of The Everglades. The power plant would produce mercury and nitrous oxide which feeds the "red tide" and red algae which would go right into Lake Okeechobee and in turn throughout SW Florida. The plan to go ahead with this project, while others are planning on spending monies to clean up the "red tide" was questioned. Suggestion made for alternate power source which would be less detrimental to the health of people in Florida and to Florida's economy, and Florida's nature. Congressman Mack's help was requested. . Congressman Mack thanked Ms. Amason for sharing her concerns; this issue was to be researched. . Bruce Kennedy thanked Commissioners for having this event and Congressman Mack for corning. According to yesterday's Daily News, Collier County was awarded $50,000 in federal money for emergency food and shelter, that a local board would determine how the funds would be distributed. Another article stated that FEMA still retains 10,000 trailers in storage in Arkansas. Mr. Kennedy requested consideration to have allotted money available for all residents of Collier County who are displaced due to a natural disaster, also suggested Collier County purchase a few of the FEMA trailers that are going unused for Collier County residents who are displaced during disasters. 4 February 22,2007 Discussion: . Commissioner Coletta spoke to the issue of funds for emergencies, IHOPE organization, located in Irnmokalee; its' mission include all Collier County residents. . Congressman Mack advocated for a system of block grants, so the decision how to spend be made closer to home. . Commissioner Coletta suggested the local nonprofits know even more first hand where to go and who needs assistance. . Congressman Mack complimented Collier County Emergency Services; telling people in Washington, D.C. that the local people took care of the situation. . Commissioner Coletta introduced Dan Summers, Director Emergency Services. . Commissioner Halas thanked Congressman Mack for getting FEMA to help Collier County, stated that Collier County documented the losses and that Collier County followed the rules and documentation. . Ty Vigel gave silent applaud for Congressman Mack. The Republican Congress did much to protect us from Islamic extremists. Mr. Vigel spent 12 years managing a homeowners association, homestead exemption, etc. Mr. Vigel volunteered to work with congressman's staff members to address suggestions for tax. Mr. Vigel also serves as Chair of National Republican Hispanic Assembly, secretary ofREC here. . Gary Price Naples City Council appreciated Congressman Mack's visit today and looked forward to meeting with Congressman Mack next week. Naples City and Collier County have combined their effort so to speak with one voice. . Congressman Mack introduced Kara Moore, District Director for Congressman Connie Mack. V. Closing Statements Commissioner Halas looked forward to visiting with Congressman Mack in Washington, D.C. and thanked Congressman for corning to Naples. Commissioner Fiala stated being a fan of Congressman Mack and always will be. 5 February 22,2007 Commissioner Coletta thanked Congressman Mack for taking time from schedule to visit in Naples. Congressman Mack stated with a chance to talk the opportunity to help advance what is good for people in Collier County and overall SW Florida has been presented. Both Ms. Moore and the Congressman were to be available to the people. ***** There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the chair at 3:30 p.m. Collier County Board of County Commissioners /l~ .-.ii,-f! /)E~ Comnhssioner Jim Coletta, Chairman k These Minutes aPBPWed by the Board/Committee on presented V or amended . '3) } ~ lo':/- 1 , as 6