Subject:
Title
Ordinance amending provisions of Chapter 90 of the County Code relating to Parks and Conservation Resources.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Following a public hearing, approve the proposed ordinance amending provisions of Chapter 90 of the Pinellas County Code (Code) relating to Parks and Conservation Resources (PCR).
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Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.6 Provide a vibrant community with recreation, arts, and culture to attract residents and visitors
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
Summary:
The Board of County Commissioners authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to be held on July 19, 2016 at its June 21, 2016 Regular Meeting, for the review and adoption of the proposed ordinance. The Notice of Public Hearing and Affidavit of Publication are attached.
The proposed ordinance allows for clarification and the authority for the PCR Department to enforce rules and regulations within the parks without hindering the enjoyment of the parks and public spaces by citizens and visitors. The PCR Advisory Board and the County’s Attorney’s Office recommend the code revisions to reflect current operations and best position the PCR Department to operate parks, preserves, and public spaces.
Background Information:
Chapter 90 of the Code was last revised in September 2010.
The revised Ordinance includes substantive and administrative changes.
Substantive changes include:
a. Increase in the number of members appointed to the PCR Advisory Board from eight to ten. This change ensures environmental expertise on the PCR Advisory Board by appointment of two at-large members with environmental policy and/or environmental sciences backgrounds.
b. New section added to set parameters for citizen support organizations to ensure proper financial reporting obligations.
c. New section added to address use of service animals in park areas.
d. Prohibition of aircraft in parks and preserves has been amended to include drones and other unmanned aircraft, with exceptions allowed for public safety purposes or where written permission has been granted.
Administrative revisions include:
a. The renumbering and retitling of Sections of Article 1, where appropriate,
b. Clearer definition of terms used in the ordinance to protect the property, facilities, flora and fauna in parks and environmental lands,
c. The amendment for permitted activities, including when and where a permit is required,
e. Restrictions on commercial activities for those permitted in preserves or managed lands,
f. Enforcement and penalties to reference environmental enforcement remedies available and define those lands subject to charter restrictions to correspond with new definitions.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources
Brendan Mackesey, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Parks & Conservation Resources Advisory Board
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance
Redline Proposed Ordinance