2013-52 RESOLUTION NO. 2013-52
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE WATER
AND LAND CONSERVATION AMENDMENT WHICH WOULD DEDICATE
FUNDS TO ACQUIRE AND RESTORE FLORIDA CONSERVATION AND
RECREATION LANDS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, protection of the quality and quantity of Florida's drinking water
sources is a primary responsibility of our state; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida is known for beautiful rivers, lakes, streams,
spring sheds, wetlands, forests, wildlife habitat and beaches and shores, and these
natural assets are central to our quality of life and economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, outdoor recreation in Florida represents a $38 billion annual industry,
employing 329,000 people, and over 6.4 people annually hunt, fish, or view wildlife in our
state; and
WHEREAS, restoration of the Florida Everglades is the most comprehensive
ecological restoration in the world's history, and impacts the drinking water of a large
portion of Florida's residents; and
WHEREAS, our state has a longstanding commitment to protection of outdoor
recreation lands, including recreational trails, parks, and urban open space; rural
landscapes; working farms and ranches; historic and geologic sites; and
WHEREAS, for 19 years, with bi-partisan support of every governor and
legislature that served from 1990 through 2008, Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever
were funded annually at $300 million per year; and
WHEREAS, Florida Forever has not received significant, sustained, or predictable
funding since 2009; and
WHEREAS, Article II Section 7 of the Florida Constitution states, "It shall be the
policy of the state to conserve and protect its natural resources and scenic beauty," and
yet since 2009 funding for land conservation, management, and restoration, including
Florida Forever has been cut drastically; and
WHEREAS, Florida Cities and Counties have benefited from state land
conservation, management, and restoration programs, including Preservation 2000 and
Florida Forever; and
WHEREAS, Florida Cities and Counties have benefited directly by receiving
grants from state land conservation, management, and restoration programs, including
the Florida Communities Trust, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Grants
Resolution No. 2013-52
Page 2
(FRDAP), the Florida Historic Preservation grants, and the Florida Greenways and Trails
program; and
WHEREAS, acquisition, management, restoration of natural systems, and the
enhancement of public access or recreational enjoyment of conservation lands requires
a sustainable, dedicated source of state funding; and
WHEREAS, the documentary stamp tax has been the historic source of state
funding for conservation and recreation in Florida; and
WHEREAS, the Water and Land Conservation amendment will dedicate less than
1 percent of the budget of the State of Florida to protecting Florida's water and land,
without increasing taxes; and
WHEREAS, 82 of 100 Florida city and county land conservation ballot measures
have been approved since 1988 by voters throughout the state, including almost every
major urban county, many by overwhelming margins in excess of 70 percent, and an
average of 63 percent.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA, THAT:
Section 1. Recitals Adopted. The above recitals are hereby confirmed and
adopted herein.
Section 2. The City Commission hereby endorses the Florida Water and Land
Conservation Amendment and encourages support of this Amendment by the Florida
League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties and other organizations that seek to
enhance the quality of life throughout the state of Florida.
Section 3. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its
adoption.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner Joel, who moved its adoption.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cohen, and upon being put to a vote, the vote
was as follows:
Commissioner Enbar Cohen yes
Commissioner Teri Holzberg yes
Commissioner Billy Joel yes
Commissioner Michael Stern yes
Commissioner Howard Weinberg yes
Commissioner Luz Urbaez Weinberg absent
Mayor Susan Gottlieb yes
Resolution No. 2013-52
Page 3
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of November, 2013.
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USAN GOTTLIEB, MAYOR
ATTEST:
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APPROVED AS TO LEGA FFICIENCY: