1997-024 Port Richey Legislation
RESOLUTION 24-97
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA,
OBJECTING TO SPECIAL ACT LEGISLATION TO PERMIT
THE ABOLISHMENT OF A MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
WITHOUT STUDY, CONSENT OR CONCURRENCE OF THE
MUNICIPALITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, Senator Jack Latvala (R), District 19 has sponsored
SB1852 and Representative Debra Prewitt (D), District 46 has
sponsored HB1295, a Special Act of the Legislature of Florida
advocating the abolition of the City of Port Richey and its
annexation to the City of New Port Richey without a study by the
Florida Department of Community Affairs, either local jurisdiction
or any independent study group or organization; and,
WHEREAS, this Special Act legislation calla for the
abolishment of the City of Port Richey, Florida, and further calls
for the City of Port Richey to be annexed into the City of New Port
Richey, Florida through the vehicle of a forced referendum to be
held in both cities, by a special election to be held in September
1997, and not during the regular election of both cities to be held
in April of each year; and,
WHEREAS, neither the City of New Port Richey nor the City of
• Port Richey have requested this action be taken by the Florida
Legislature, and the City of Port Richey has clearly and vigorously
voiced it's opposition to the entire forced mandate by the bill
• sponsors; and,
WHEREAS, the action taken by the bill sponsors is with a
complete disregard for the fundamental principles upon which home
rule was founded and exists pursuant to Florida law, as well as the
constitutional provisions contained in all municipal charters for
the electorate to bring a question of this magnitude to a
referendum as the community deems proper and necessary, and
WHEREAS, the Village Council of the Village of North Palm
Beach, Florida, is deeply concerned about the impact similar
legislation could have for any city in the state.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH,
FLORIDA:
Section 1. The Village Council of the Village of North Palm
Beach, Florida, formally voices ite concern regarding this matter
of great importance to our local legislative delegation members and
to the sponsors of the unprecedented action, Senator Jack Latvala
and Representative Debra Prewitt, and requests that an immediate
response be forthcoming from the sponsors setting forth with
particularity the reasons and necessity for such legislation
affecting the ability of the two cities to determine their own
destiny at the local level without intrusion by the Legislature.
Section 2. The Village Council of the Village of North Palm
Beach hereby directs the Village Clerk to furnish a certified copy
of this Resolution to the Chairperson of the Florida Constitutional
• Revision Commission so that such person will be advised of the
concerns of this Council regarding the power of the Florida
Legislature to burden any municipality of the state with the need
to protect itself from future unilateral legislative action without
provocation or justification, and to amend the Florida Constitution
to provide for necessary checks and balances, study by appropriate
state agencies and a referendum by the people affected before any
municipality of the State of Florida may be abolished, merged or
otherwise consolidated with another local government.
Section 3 This Resolution shall take effect upon its
adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 10th DAY OF APRIL 1997.
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(Village Seal) ~~ \ ~~~
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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