RESOLUTION NO. __________________

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, OPPOSING FLORIDA HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY’S PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION THAT WOULD FORCE VOTERS TO DECIDE ALL CHANGES TO A CITY OR COUNTY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; URGING MUNICIPALITIES THROUGHOUT BROWARD COUNTY AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA, AS WELL AS FLORIDA ELECTORS, TO OPPOSE FLORIDA HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY’S PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

            WHEREAS, the City of North Lauderdale, Florida as well as other cities throughout the State of Florida continue to experience sizeable growth; and

            WHEREAS, the challenges presented by growth require that local governments embrace smart growth policies aimed at protecting our State’s quality of life, engendering greater economic prosperity, and equitably planning for the common good; and

            WHEREAS, smart growth requires careful planning and direction combined with a clear and effective means of engaging the general public; and

            WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of North Lauderdale understands that elected leaders must always empower citizens and never abandon government’s primary responsibility for creating sound public policy; and

            WHEREAS, the City Commission, when considering comprehensive plan amendments and other land use changes, solicits input from the general public pursuant to Chapter 163, Florida Statutes; and

            WHEREAS, the City Commission gives great weight to the comments of the general public when evaluating comprehensive plan amendments and other land use changes; and

            WHEREAS, the Florida Hometown Democracy initiative seeks to place a constitutional amendment before Florida voters to amend Article II, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution; and

            WHEREAS, this proposed amendment constitutes a fundamental abandonment of the City’s comprehensive plan and land use amendment process, which has historically been an effective and efficient model for furthering planning and development throughout the City; and

             WHEREAS, this proposed amendment will further, paralyze local governments by creating undue delay in development and potentially cripple vital public services including crime prevention, transportation improvement and public education, among others; and

            WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of North Lauderdale, Florida deems it to be in the best interests of the citizens and residents of the City and the entire State to oppose the Florida Hometown Democracy’s proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Florida.

             NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA THAT:

            Section 1.        The foregoing "WHEREAS" clauses are hereby ratified and confirmed as being true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution.

            Section 2.        The City Commission of the City of North Lauderdale, Florida hereby opposes the Florida Hometown Democracy’s proposed Constitutional amendment that would force voters to decide all changes to a city or county’s comprehensive plan. The City Commission hereby further urges municipalities in Broward County and throughout the State of Florida, as well as Florida electors, to oppose Florida Hometown Democracy’s proposed Constitutional amendment if it appears on the general election ballot.

            Section 3.        The City Clerk is hereby directed to provide a certified copy of this Resolution to the Governor of the State of Florida, the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, the President of the Florida Senate, the members of the Broward County Legislative delegation, the Florida League of Cities, the Broward League of Cities, all municipalities in Broward County, and the Board of County Commissioners for Broward County.

            Section 4.        All resolutions or parts of resolutions on in conflict herewith be, and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

            Section 5.        If any clause, section, other part or application of this Resolution is held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, in part or application, it shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions or applications of this Resolution.

            Section 6.        This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, THIS _____ DAY OF __________________, 2007.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                            _____________________________

                                                                        MAYOR JACK BRADY

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                            ________________________________

                                                                        VICE MAYOR RICH MOYLE

ATTEST:

 

 

____________________________

PATRICIA VANCHERI, Acting City Clerk

 

 

APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM

BY CITY ATTORNEY:

 

 

_____________________________

SAMUEL S. GOREN, ESQUIRE