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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 010683CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS J,'u•�'UArY v, 1983 The Regular Meeting of the. City Council of t!7e City of Palm Beach gardens, Florida, was called to order by :Mayor Kiselewski at 8:00 P.M. in the Assembly Room, 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL: The roll was called by the City Clerk and present were: Mayor Kiselewski, Vice Mavor Monroe, Councilman Kiedis, and Councilman Aldred. City Manager John Orr anA Attornev William Brant were also in attendance. Councilman Martino was not in attendance. MIN17TES: The minutes of the Regular Meetings of December 2 & 16, 1982 were unanimously approved by the Coancil, as written. A- N'NOU'NCL`!L'STS. Mayor Kise]ew,tii announced that on Tuesday, January 11, 1983 there will be meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Recreation Advisory Board, Merit System Board, and Palm Beach Gardens Fire Department, Inc. at 7:30 P.M.. On Wednesday, January 12. 1983, at 7:30 P.M., there will be meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Beautification and Environmental Committee. LTrMS ! ;Y THE CiT'i Y,%NAGER: ?SC IS CON- Tae City �Lkanager reported that on behalf of the City, the City Attorney has SiDLRATION Ot SB,COAST tiled v *ith the Public Service Commission a petition to intervene in opposition UTILITIES to Seacoast Utilities' request to substantially increase their water and REQUEST FOR RATE INCREASi:S sewer rates, (This was a precautionary measure, reserving our right to intervene.) He referenced Howard Osterman 's proposal for Diversified Utility Services of .!argate, Fla., to provide utility consulting services - at a flat agreed charge of 530,000, plus direct out -of- pocket expenses. The Village of North Palm Beach requested this and proposals of other consulting firms, dnticipatine involvement Of oux CitV and the Town of Lake Park, This Tuesday, January 11th, members of the PSC's staff will, at the PBC High S,.m of A,i:ttoriuri on Ho171: Dr., give interested parties an opportunitv to ask questions and comment on the utility's application, quality of service, and Proposed rntc structures -- to be considered during their formulation of a recommon,lition to the members of the Public service Commission. City Council Regular Meeting, 1/6/83 Page 2 AL thin. "Inform.il ( ;V5t0mer Mcetinr, ", the City will go -on- record insisting that the members of the PSC, themselves, exercise a formal hearing - locally and in the ':vcaing hours, t.» - wl. c% and when most ua rs would be able to attend. Councilman Aldred reported that due to the ''(L of funds and the quantity of other Lssue, the Florida COnSU'nerti Federation has p %ndinq, they are unable to assist, as a group, in fighting the amount of the increase requested by Seacoast Utilities and the method by which the PSC grants incieases. However, '1IS. K,Tren Clark, a of North Palm Belch and a member of the citizens' lobby group, has offered to assist the users of these services in forming a citizens' group. Our Assembly Room will be made available to those interested t 5:00 P.M. tomorrow night. Messrs. Doug Buchanan and Joseph Hancock, r,_,Ldents that outlined their concerns in communications addressing; the PSC wt1L be contacted. CiTy HALL Per th- recommendation of the City Manager, a motion was Unanimously adopted RESTURAT:A ` b the Council he be authorized to cipend a 111,500 from the Council Cnntt;igency Accouat to employ an architect to make recommendations for renovation and usage of the municipal complex. fli; IECRSi ;IP i ',e Citv Manager reported that the Municipal League recommended to the Governor iN :IPA. —.W our newbership in the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which deals with Federal funding for roadways and other matters that impact- the area. CONCURttENCE Per the concurrence of the Council with the reconnnendation of the City Manager, :7ITH CC ` ,PLL- the ?Savor will send corununications to Senator Johnson of the State Anpropria- TIp\ OF T 7s bons CmmmiLtee and the State Division of Drivers' Licenses, endorsing the LICE',Sf .ACIL — ,-e =_t of the bureau in our City on PC;A Blvd, for funds to complete that TTY TN' CITE facility, along with making, landscaping improvements. ADV. FOR SALE Per the recommendation of the City Man.iger, a motion was unanimously adopted GF FIRE b,- the Council authori;.inc the Fire Chief to advertise in the Fla. State LADDER TRLC,: - iremen's Maga -= L the sale of the City's tractor - trailer -type 100' aerial ladeer truck. The proc,eds from this will be deposited into the City's General Fund. S%k'!R Com.'s May�,r Kiselewski wi.11 ^end a communic.Ttion to the member; of the City's Site REVIEl OF Flan and Appearance Review Committee requesting that in view of the fact so PLAZA nin} individuals have expressed dissatisfaction with its appearance, they inalvze whether the Loehmanr's Plaza near - completion on PGA Blvd. is, indeed, .chat the owner represented vould be dc17el0ped there /what they approved. Also, su destine that thev for:n,ilate a checklist of items to be a part of their consideratiops cpproval of future projects. The Secretary to this advisory board will be requested to better- detail the minutes of their meetings. City Council Regular Meeting, 1/6/83 Page 3 fiCPORTS: Mayor Kiselewski reported that he contacted the State Department of Transporta- MAYOR Lion re: the need for placement of reflectors on the Military Trail median, 1 ISl %EWSx "T i z2ediat 1_; south of :C:. B. L'1C =11. This wrs purse ?nt to the _oncern expressed by 'Ir. Samuel Carsillo, a resident, at the last Council meeting re: the "dog -leg" in the roadway pavement aL th.1t location. COUNGLLMeL\ G,)uncilman Fzedis noted that while the State DOT's Decernber 22nd communication Kii.Dis responding to one of August 4th advises that the pavement and shoulder repairs it,ive been completod along Military Trail between Northlal.e and PGA Boulevards, the right -of -way is back in a poor state of repair. He felt they should, indeed, perform a total reworking of the shoulders with sod and edge -of- p.lvement repairs, as indicated in this communication from Mr. James P. Reynold, .1• istant District Traffic Operations Engineer. ITEi[S BY THE LIL YOR AND COn -CIL: VICE ILAYOR_ Vice Savor Monroe referenced the communication Councilman Martino reported 210]`ROP, _ tt the last Cnunc;L Meeting he wrote to niembeL- of the legislative delegation; end sug ^ested that prior to individual Council members implying in their com°tunicaticns the other members concur with their requests /concerns, he /she fir,c learn whethor they, indeed, are the consensus of the Council. She, personally, is not in favor of the ;our- laning of Military Trail being a Lop-priority item; but rather center stacking lanes for left- hand -turns heinQ installed at the in.ersecti nti between Burns Road and Northlake ,,oulevard, as discussed at previous Council meetings. She felt that Military Trail being two -lane discuurazes heavy traffic and preserves i slower speed. Tice Mayor Monroe referenced the Attendance Record of Advisory Board Members provided by the Cite C7crk's office; and noted that seven members /alternate members had been absent three or more times in-a -row from their meetings. The City Clerk wa,; requesLed to send a communication to members of the City's Ac!visory Boards reminding them of the provision that c.;,'essive absenteeism '.' 'I iiil j_i.t cause could leas: G, Lhe;r dismissal .;ayor reported that he spoke with Mr. Walter Smith of the West Palm Beach K1 SI;7,E;FSKI ---- - - - - -- - Office rr: thF_ propo:;ed loaitlon o` a full - service facility within ttte Cite. Within 120 days, they will have a site or a series of sites to rcnsider. 2 rinal decision is made, he will attend a Council meeting to exchange t; ,- ic:nts. Mr. E'aLrt.k L. Harkins, Director of Operations of Florida Living Care, Inc. will be extended an i-ivitition to address the Council at the Workshop Meeting of Janu= ?71h rep his proposal to locate within our City the health care City Coucnil Regular Meeting, 1/6/83 Page 4 facility for the q,ed lie has a "Certificate of Need" for from the State- and wishes to construct with Municipal Revenue Bonds. He will be requested to, in the meantime, fcrward ..r_v information he m'7ht have tL, familiarize the Council with some of the firm's ventures. CoKMENTS FROM TIE PUBLIC POP, ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: MESSRS. The City Manager and City Attorney were requested to discuss with Northern ST. ANTOINE Palm Beach County Water Control District a recommendation to the Council re: JOHNSON resolving Lhe problem with cycle, Lrnvelling Lhu c:an,il casement along, Lhe northern /eastern perimeter of Plat #4 and emitting excessive noise, damaging the property, and being unsafe. This is pursuant to the requests of Messrs. .lames St. Antoine of 11314 Chestnut Ave. and Robert Johnson of 4070 Chestnut Ave.. `SR. BOB %r. Bob llainncr, 4265 Hyacinth Circle, PBG, addressed the Council advising that NN.ARNE- R the above- referenced problem is also experienced along the canal behind his residence in Plat `6. RESOLUTIONS: The Mavor declared the Public Hearing open, which was duly advertised December RESOLUTION 1 �� 20, 1982 and neld on the intent of Resolution 1, 1983, providing for a variance t9S3 t, Lila distance requirement or 750' between alcoholic beverage vendors, per the request of Mr. Costos Papan kos, owner of the "Olympia Cafe" located within the PGA Plaza at 2514 PGA Boulevard. .ta,mbers of the audience didn't address the Council re: this proposal. Ycvor Ktselewski declared the Public Hearing closed. By tnt cor_ur-ence ,, the Council, the City Clark read, in full, Resolution 1, 1933. Resolution 1, 19183 was unanimously adopted by the Council. RESO_LUTIO:; the Mayar dee3ared the Public Bearing open, which was duly advertised December 98 20, 1983 and held on the intent of Resoluton 2, 1983, permitting a a CG -1 (General Commercial) "conditional use" the sale of beer and wine, for on- 'Jremise consumption, ac the "Olympia Cafe ". XembcrK of the audience didn't address the Council re: this proposal. Mavor Kiselewslu declared the Public Hearing closed. the .oncurrence of the Council, the City Clerk read, in full Resolution 2, 79.33. Resolution 2, 1983 was unanimously adopted by the C�,uncil. City Council Regular Meeting, 1/6/83 Page 5 RESOLUTION 3, By the concurrence o. the Council, Lhe City Clerk read, in full, Resolution S-3 _l, 1983, appointing an Assistant Fire Chief and reappointing Assistant Fire Marshal- o{ the City. kesolution 3, 1983 was unani!,usly adopted by the Council. 1th.SnLUT ON 4, :t% th,, uncurrui a of .Itc Council, the City Clerk read, in full, Resolution 4, 1983 4, 1983, approving the "911 Mutual Aid Agreement" with Palm Beach County. Resolution 4, 1983 was unanimoisly adopted by the Council. RESOLUTION 5, By the concurrence of the Council, th^ City Clerk read, in full, Resolution LOS,) 5 1983, approving; the lease agreement for voice recording equipment used in condunctaon with the Countywide 911 system. Resolution 5, 1983 was unaniously adopted by the Council. ORDINANCES: 'laver 5iselewski declared the Public Hearing open, which was duly advertised ORDINANCE 24, Decemher 29, 1982 and held on the intent of Ordinance 24, 1982, providing for 19R r exlenhion of the permissible time for the completion of the "Beaumont Flace" FUD, created by Ordinance A, 1981 on the southeast corner of Elm Avenue and NLlitary 'frail, per the request of 11r. Nick Raich, developer. ylembcr; of the audience didn't_ address the Council re: this proposal. :Mayor Kiselewski declared the Public Hearing closed. Ev a unanimous vote of the Council, the City Clerk read, by title only, on second re.idin�;, Ordinance 24, 1982. Ordinance 24, 1982 was unanimously adopted b V the C,unc 1. ITE'1S FOR DISCUSSION: INDEPENDENT Tie Mayor will send a communication to Bankers Land Company requestinz they VENDOR LOCATED ON LAND CP — re- evalua *_e the permission they granted an independent vendor to sell prepared BANKLF.S ],A,;D foot out of a vehicle on their CC -1 (General Commercial) zoned land on the COMPANY - -- south side of PGA Boulevard, immediately east of the Sunshine State Parkway, it li,ht -)f the image Lt is presently prolectip,g of the City. PE11_F1nNS .tail I:OHM NICATIONS: '�l,rvor- Ki�,clow,ski acknowledged receipt of communications from: vg, JERRY �. Mr. J. W. Brownlee, Palm Beach County Public Library System Director, BF,OWNL EE requesting that the City notify him if we wish to he excluded from the Ada Ta,.in4 DisLrict For 1983. The members of the Council concurred that our City _mtin,ie participatinu. City Council Regular Meeting, 1/6/83 Page 6 MR. JAY HASNER 2. Mr. Jav Hasner, member of our Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee, offering to serve on the proposed "Comprehensive Planning Committee ". STATE DOT 3. Mr, James P. Reynold, Assistant District lraffi. Operations Engineer of the �t,:tc DOT, advising that the pavement and shoulder repairs requested along `;1.1 Li.trn Trail hnve been compl rLcd. Ali-,, t he kloliliLy i ' , Off- I(" and their Bridge inspection Unit do not feel restricting trucks from the roadway is justified. STATi, DOT 4. Mr. 11. Ii, Ilorvey, Assistant Reslaent Engineer of the Stale DOT, addrossing Juds;c Xary E. Lupo of the Palm Beach County Court re: the PGA and RCA L?ulevard intersection. He referred her communication requesting improve- ments be :Wade for the safe and efficient operation of the intersection Lo Mr. Wm. R. Walsh, D.Lstrict TV Traffic Operations Engineer of the State DJi_ CITY OF Mi,\Nil 5. .. Leonard Hnber, Commissioner of the City of Miami Beach, requesting our �L Clt ,it} Co join them iii urging the State Legislature to enable cities and counLic� to conduct lotteries under appropriate government regulation and control. :LA. LEAGUE GP u. Mr. Raymond Sittig, Executive Director of the Fla. League of Cities, CIT`EE advising of the times and dates the "Committee For The Study Of The Construction Industry (Vogt Committee)" will be holding public hearings to discuss their final recommendations. The League opposes most or the proposed recommendations, as they "provide for mandatory and restrictive elements, which would Beverly limit municipalities' ability to manage their Building Departments ". The City Manager and Building Official will provide the Council their comments re: the proposed recommendations of the Committee. FiA. L,AGCE OF � i. Mr. Raymond Sittig, Executive Director of the Fla, League of Cities, CITIES - requesting assistance in educating the members of Congress about the importdn;c of the General Revenue Sharing program and its impact on Fla. cities. A Resolution to this effect will be considered for adoption by the Council at their lzc*gular Meeting of January 20th. REFERENDUM Cnitncilmin Kiedis referenced the November 19, 1982 communication of Recreation QUESTION - Lind Para. Director Douc; Hood advising of the Recreation and Parks Advisory L. CIITTNG Board's recommendation re: placement before the City's electors a referendum question .�a lighting the fields at "Gardens Park" east of the Municipal Comp1L? -.. It was noted that the state's advertising requirements for referen- dum questions could not be met to place this question on the ballot for the C,itv's '.°larch 8th General. Election. Florida DeDepartment of =� Transportation PAULN PAPPA9 808 GRAHAM 5... FYANY --OR OR ` 780 S. W. 24 Street Port 7 ucirrdale, Florida 33315--2696 Tc lephone: 305- 524 -6621 Deccml,or 22, 1982 H,iior.—lc Don hiselewski Ma,•or, 'Cate of calm Beach Gardens 10500 ';orth Military Trail Palm ]'cacii Cardens, Florida 33410 ilea- .'.,vor Kiselewski: Po• Section 93150, State goad 809 (Military .-Iii) from North Lake Boulevard to PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach County -- Roadwav Conditions This is to advise that the pavement and shoulder repairs described in our letter of August 4, 1982, have been completed. These repairs specifically include a total reworking of the shoulders with sod and minor edge -of- pavement repairs. We further investigated the structural adequacy of the faci]it,. Both the County Engineer's Office and our own Bridge Inspection Unit feel that the roadway is sufficiently handling the truck traffic. A review of the accieent experience on the subject roadway did not reveal any particular hazards. Tn view of these facts, we do not feel that further action or the rcetriction of truck, from the roadway is justified. If you have any further questions or comments, please contact this of ?ice. Sincerely, l , James F. Reynold Assistant- District Traffic Operations Engineer 7I'-:cc; cc: Mr. ,iamar: D. Allison Mr. Dave Smith ,: wt I ., . ,wf.• r . ,4 r r Nx;. e. . . e a;• • a . . 4• s d♦ . m �i'i" . A' . .Y n .b ,At .. • eM ' r l s f• w rrwp � f'M .F t k rwYf tr' n +fE 5•� }ee ' • v� s e x , e + a r a s.. P A r� P .. k n w a. a• r ',♦ n• . v � t• i CJ . • m• r r . rr w r e r # a. i_6 #a �. n• F 4+ w. r DIY— • . rY re ww (• , n, . a s ♦ • br S e. ♦ • err r • e P ar +i d Y •r s • e •.. ••tr � r. . � • + n x n 4 .• � e e 9 + a 'n ♦ a 1• i n e• a q v n • t Y F J � i � 'qq r � ) '� � . , '1 .0 � ! � v 'P � � jw L f � i �- � ;% �. � . ` {i g e', � u n " 4 'w ' �� d � �zz i � } V "f :, ^� �� �yM+; y��� :� � -0 +J > •� j: n � .i P- t� it . •� y.� r.4 � � � s..� �p� :� v. r' t. r' .� r .' '•3 �;:�`�.� �rt ��s.{ w ate` .! V > vA J N �k � � i� � 1Q . u w, .'� .� � a � a y� � Lf LL, ..� � . , � . .. ,�. „ K tl� . s w �� ¢ ' � � J e .e C , u. } N � n 'PALM ISEA H COUNTY PI 9600 SUMMIT BOULEVARD WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 38406 TELEPHONE (800) 686 -0895 January 3, 1983 Mayor of Palm Beach Gardens 10500 North Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410 JBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM l "`i '� 1 • I" 7 ` Dear Sir: The boundaries of the County Library Taxing District of which your municipality is a part are now being determined for the 1983 tax rolls. We are proceeding on the basis that your municipality should again be included in the district as a municipality which does provide low municipal ad valorem taxes for library purposes and was not maintaining a municipal library supported by ad valorem taxes on January 1, 1983. Zn the event your situation has changed and you believe your municipality should be excluded from the County Library Taxing District, please advise me of the pertinent facts, relative to this exclusion within the next ten (10) days. Sincerely, 9J,4 Brownlee Library Director JWn /k �0:�i a it; Departmei © ' T'rarzs ©rtation BOft GRAHAM Paul N. Pappas GOVERNOR SECAETAA'/ Post Office Box 15287 West Palm Beach, Florida 33416 -5287 December 28, 1982 The Honorable Mary E. Lupo Judge of the Palm Beach County Court 3188 P. G. A. Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410 Re: P. G. A. and R. C. A. Boulevard Intersection Dear Judge Lupo: Your letter dated December 3, 1982 is being referred to Mr. William R. Walsh who is District IV Traffic Operations Engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation. I believe Mr. Walsh will be able to-answer your letter and initiate any improvements deemed necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the intersection. Sincerely, H. H. Narvey, I Asst Resident Engineer HHH:td cc: Honorable Donald Kiselewski e layor, Palm Beach Gardens Officer Hino Officer Brower Palm Beach Gardens Police Department '/ � 1 J 7�V� Ml f �J OFFICE OF THE MAYOR .y~fit * Incoa rco * CITY OF MIAMI BEACH MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA MEMORANDUM DP L YONARE, HABi -R December 3, 1982 TO: City Clerks of Municipalities in Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties FROM: Dr. Leonard Haber, Commissioner RE. LOTTERY FOR LOCAL, GOVERNMENTS The City Commission of Miami Beach considers a municipal or county lottery, similar in nature to the State lotteries of New York and Illinois, to be a modern, effective and necessary means of financing local government improvements, including strengthened law enforcers = -rd pubL-- service activities. It also feels that the revenues from a local government lottery can be used to reduce the tax burden of local residents and improve social services for its citizens. It is interesting to note that while voters around the State of Florida rejected the various proposed one - cent sales tax increases by a majority of up to 4 to 1, the following lottery measure was approved by the Miami Beach voters on November 2, 1982, by a margin of 4 to 1: "if the City of Miami Beach were permitted by the Florida State Constitution and statutes to implement a municipal lottery, the revenues from which would be used for municipal improvements and social services, including law enforcement and fire protection, would you favor creating such a lottery ?" 15,962 votes were cast - YES 3,721 votes were cast - NO The members of the City Commission request the assistance of your governing body in calling upon the State Legislature in the 1933 session make to possible the necessary constitutional changes and to to adopt enabling legislation which would permit cities or counties in the State of Florida to conduct lotteries under appropriate government regulation and control, keeping in mind that this would be a good method of supplementing revenues without the need to impose additional ad valorem taxes for much needed services. Please bring this letter to the attention of your elected officials, with the request that a resolution of your own be adopted and forwarded to the Governor and State legislature in support of this concept. A copy of your City's resolution, if adopted, would be appreciated by us, and should be forwarded to our City Clerk, Elaine Matthews. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. �1 Dr. Leonard Haber, Commissioner 0 RESOLUTION NO. A2 °17194 A RESOLUTION cr T;E CIT% COMMISSION OF THE C17. OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, RECOMMENDING AND URG- ING THE PROPER STATE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO INITIATE A LAWFUL METHOD BY WHICH A LOTTERY MAY BE CONDUCTED BY MUNICIPALITIES OR OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach put the question of a local lottery to the voters oa November 2, 1982; and WHEREAS, with no funds expended on an organized campaign, the voters of Miami Beach overwhelmingly approved the idea of such a lottery by a margin of 4 to 1 in favor; and WHEREAS, local governments in Florida are attempting to lower taxes and increase Services, and with organized and funded campaigns to convince the electorate to vote in favor of a sales tax increase, the voters rejected the sales tax option by margins of 4:1 and 2:1 all over this State; and WHEREAS, a lottery is known to be a viable method of rais- ing funds to reduce taxes and increase the qu,lity of life of our citizens; and WHEREAS, we all know that too many good ri,v+zens are in fact gambling daily, illegally, in Dade County �.id all other counties in Florida with Numbers and Bolita racketeers and depriving L15 all of our rightful taxes; and WHEREAS, our police and other law enforcement and judicial personnel are being diverted from preventing and solving violent crimes, to these unsuccessful and wasteful efforts to prevent Num- bers cnd Holita racketeers from regular operation; and WHEREAS, our citizens recognize that legal lotteries create hundreds and millions of dollars of tax revenue which bene- fits the public while at the same time diverting revenue from the underworld without wasting law enforcement time and effort, NOW, THEREFORE, HE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA that the City of Miami Beach recom- mends and urges the proper State governmental agencies and the Florida Legislature to immediately initiate a lawful method by which a lottery may be conducted by municipalities or other local govern- ments. PASSED and ADOPTED this 17th day of November 1982. J �� VIDE �YOR _rT'� ATTEST: CITY CLE K ,�.� (Requested by Commissioner Dr. Leonard Haber) MLS:ab 11172.c APPROVED LEGAL DEPT OFFICEOFTHECITVATTORNEY 11IXI CONVENTION CFNTBR DRIVE -MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139 FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES, Inc. 201 WEST PARK AVENUE —POST OFFICE BOX 1757 TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32302 -1757— TELEPHONE (906) M-9664 0Rmz_ DFNT Fr pMn.ar 91W5T Vt gE CStDF.T La+.rrwJ ta.nv A4ra MyiPr`. B.ac+` SECOND vICF PRESIDENT tt.r>•r C.ou - n J.c.arrnwx FUVrtv.0 C �tp C--L TFpnuCaw „I pWlCT DRa AT -URGE Jd9e VaIWa C nrraro-.,rt `bt.00�un OWe Gowrry Gw.M F Ttrornp.,xr .s CPNORl99�piAL peTRtCTa MtN M crn .�.. R Fop Wit �bMCPerwry Jr GsuynE Muuw, ,nneeeC Iburr M.Ydr M.warC vne L Ra.bma. M.ya Dew Lw Drrrr. Ca..orn..n Yrws M.ryd Re„ry tlMtn. ter. TMpews 4 Ato-+rt Mwyo, BaM GWI. E14s `• rm w FNCY M.,�. ,rV`(>•rldr IMfnTMWa n.,.Ft. IMttv NMT.nLAntr C'CYr.�.w S...tn Morn to L.\ROFaT ClT1lD J L v4anrnw Y Vrp M.a ypr w.,r,l BoO M.Nn.z N4pr Tanq esm 9ann J, Cuv..tmri 9t Wwr.ty,rp Ww.nl M,.4.ai u >yr Kar.an Co-.+n. ww+µ�Fan Laupnds`. k1 F..re,.rer w,er c tb+r� Cerw.r.,e RA4T ER!!,D¢rrra r...v.s vr,.. Fao,n ro- omw PCpMA F,.pw MNy v�Nw Mww« Rs r.roorr IMPORTANT RELEASE TO: Selected City Officials FROM: Raymond C. Sittig, Executive Directo ], DATE: December 10, 1982 RE: General Revenue Sharing Renewal Efforts The General Revenue Sharing Program is scheduled to expire on September 30, 1983. We need your assistance in educating members of Congress about the importance of the GRS program and its impact on Florida Cities. This is particularly important because of our new Representatives. Please find enclosed a National League of Cities GRS fact sheet with suggested actions for city officials. Numerous activities are listed which you can pursue to support our lobbying efforts. Reinactment of this program is critical to local govern- ments! Everyone must participate for successful renewal. If you have further questions or desire additional suppor- tive information, please contact Ann D. Jenkins, at the League at 1 -800 -342 -8112. Thank You. P E. C . `'�•�� Tom. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION - THE FLORIDA MUNICIPAL RECORD MEMBER- NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES ® GENERAL REVENUE SHARING REENACTMENT - 1983: ACTIONS FOR CITY OFFICIALS The General Revenue Sharing Program will expire on September 30, 1983, unless it is reauthorized by the Congress. If it is to be renewed beyond that date, city officials will once again have to mount a strong lobbying effort in the Congress, as was done for the last two reauthorizations of the program in 1976 and 1980. Since important Administration decisions involving GRS will be made this fall, now is the time for city officials to begin their lobbying activities to help assure reenactment. The Legislative Process The process is already underway with the preparation of the Administration's FY 1984 budget. It is essential that the President's budget contain a request for funding of the revenue sharing program. Final budget decisions are made in December, with submittal of the budget to the Congress in January. If the budget contains funding for GRS, the President will send Congress his proposed legislation to reauthorize the program in February or March. The reauthorization bill will be considered in the House by the Government Operations Committee and its Subcommittee on Inter- governmental Relations and Human Resources. Congressman Jack Brooks (D -Tex.) chairs the Government Operations Committee. Congressman L. H. Fountain (D- N.C.), a long -time Chairman of the Subcommittee and a strong GRS supporter, is retiring this year; a new Chairman will be named early next year. In the Senate, the reauthorization bill will be considered by the Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Robert Dole (R- Kansas). These Committees will hold hearings on the reauthorization bill in the spring. If all goes favorably, committee approval will follow in early summer, with full House and Senate consideration by late summer or early fall. Differences, if any, between the House- and Senate - passed versions would then be resolved by a conference committee of the two Houses. After final approval by the House and Senate, the President would sign the new law, assuring uninterrupted continuation of the GRS quarterly payments. Occurring simultaneously with the reauthorization process is the congressional budget process. The key date to keep in mind is May 15, the date by which the First Budget Resolution for FY 1984 must be passed. Funds for GRS must be included in the First Budget Resolution to assure funding. -2- GRS Policy Issues Although predicting what policy issues will emerge during the legislative process is speculative at this point, some issues seem certain to be brought up. First, and probably most important, will be the relationship of the general revenue sharing program to the President's New Federalism Initiative. Whether..or not GRS is included in that proposal, the program must be reauthorized next year. I£ the President conditions his support for GRS on enact - merit of the controversial New Federalism Initiative, GRS supporters will have to consider whether to seek separate reenactment in the Congress and run the risk of a Presidential veto. A second major issue is the funding level of GRS, frozen at $4.6 billion since the 1976 reauthorization. Overall funding has been reduced by $2.3 billion since the one -third state share was terminated in 1980. The purchasing power of GRS has been eroded by about 50 percent since 1976. A third set of issues involves the GRS distribution formula, a w� a subject of discussion but unchanged since the program's enactment in 1972. Most prominent in this �iea are problems some Members of Congress see being caused by counting energy severance taxes as part of a state's tax effort factor, a key formula factor. Other issues include whether to begin counting service fees and charges as part of the tax effort and whether to correct distortions in allocations caused by the minimum and maximum restrictions on individual community entitlements. Actions To Be Taken By city Officials Although GRS continues to have widespread support in both the House and the Senate, reenactment cannot be taken for granted, given the unpredictability of the legislative process and the continuing pressure at the federal level to cut spending for domestic programs. In addition, reenactment may be more difficult in 1983 since simple renewal is not likely to be the only goal of grogram supporters: in 1983 increased funding is bound to be a major goal. Citv officials should begin their efforts to reenact GRS by carrysng out the following activities during the remainder of this year: (1) Raise GRS as a campaign issue in Senate and Congressional elections this fall. Get candidates to commit their support for the program before the election. Later, meet with newly- elected and incumbent Members of Congress to explain the program and its importance to your community and your city's budget. -3- ° (2) At every opportunity, in formal ceremonies, public meetings, publications, and so forth, give ° Representatives and Senators credit for GRS funds used to finance community facilities and services. (3) Educate business, labor, and community groups on the benefits of GRS to your community and enlist their help in reenactment efforts. (4) Urge local news media to support reenactment through editorials and feature stories on the use of GRS funds. (5) Contact Administration officials and urge their support for reenactment of GRS at a level adequate to meet your city's needs. This is particularly important during the next three months -- September, October, and November- -when key budget decisions are being made. Direct your communications to- The President The Honorable George Bush The White House Vice President Washington, DC 20500 The White House (202) 456 -2858 - Washington; CC 20500 (202) 456 -7123 James A. Baker, III Chief of Staff The White House Washington, DC 20500 (202) 456 -6797 The Honorable Donald Regan Secretary of the Treasury 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20220 (202) 566 -2533 Edwin Meese, III Counsellor to the President The White House Washington, DC 20500 (202) 456 -2235 Rich Williamson Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs The White House Washington, DC 20500 (202) 456 -7150