Res 57-08RESOLUTION NO.57-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, SUPPORTING AN AMENDMENT TO FLORIDA'S
CONSTITUTION TO REQUIlZE THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO
OPERATE UNDER THE FLORIDA SUNSHINE LAWS.
WHEREAS, Florida's Government -in-the-Sunshine Law, enacted in 1967, established a
right of access to most meetings of boards, commissions and other governing bodies of state and
local governmental agencies; and
WHEREAS, Florida Governor Charlie Crist recently proclaimed March 16-22, 2008, as
Sunshine Week for the citizens of the State of Florida and stated, "The role of Florida's
government is to serve the people of Florida and open government gives the people the tools they
need to hold their elected officials accountable"; and
WHEREAS, on June 19, 2007, Governor Crist issued Executive Order 01-107, creating the
Commission on Open Government Reform to review, evaluate, and issue recommendations
regarding Florida's public records and public meeting laws; and
WHEREAS, the Commission on Open Government will compile its findings and present a
final report to the Governor, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives
by December 31, 2008, to include specific recommendations, including proposed legislation, rule
changes and modifications, if any, to Article I, Section 24, of the Florida Constitution; and
WHEREAS, our counties and municipalities live by this law and thereby assure that
government business is conducted in the open for all people to see; and
WHEREAS, all Florida government is better served when all elected officials live in the
Sunshine.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City of Delray Beach urges the Commission on Open Government
propose and the Governor support a constitutional amendment that requires state legislators to
operate under the same Sunshine Laws under which city officials operate.
Section 2. That the City of Delray Beach will provide a copy of this resolution to the Chair
of the Commission on Open Government, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, the Palm Beach County
Legislative Delegation, the Palm Beach County League of Cities, and the Florida League of Cities.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on the ~ day of November, 2008
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MAYOR
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
Res No. 57-08
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM: City Manager
DATE: October 30, 2008
SUBJECT: AGENDA ITEM 8.J._- REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING. OF NOVEMBER 3_, 2008
RESOLUTION 57-08
LTEM_BEFORE COMMISSION
The item before the Commission is Resolution No. 57-08 supporting an amendment to Florida's
Constitution to require the Florida Legislature to operate under the Florida Sunshine Laws.
BACKGROUND
The Florida League of Cities passed a resolution at their annual conference supporting an amendment to
Florida's Constitution to require the Florida Legislature to operate under the Florida Sunshine Laws. A
similar resolution that would show support from Delray Beach on this issue is attached.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of Resolution No. 57-08 supporting an amendment to Florida's Constitution to
require the Florida Legislature to operate under the Florida Sunshine Laws.
RESOLUTION NO. 57-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, SUPPORTING AN AMENDMENT TO FLORIDA'S
CONSTITUION TO REQUIRE THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO
OPERATE UNDER THE FLORIDA SUNSHINE LAWS.
WHEREAS, Florida's Government -in-the-Sunshine Law, enacted in l 967,. established a
right of access to most meetings of boards, commissions and other governing bodies of state and
local govermnental agencies; and
WHEREAS, Florida Governor Charlie Crist recently proclaimed M. arch 16-22, 2008, as
Sunshine Week for the citizens of the State of Florida and stated, "The role of Florida's
government is to serve the people of Florida and open government gives the people the tools they
need to hold their elected officials accountable"; and
WHEREAS, on June 19, 2007, Governor Crist issued Executive Order Ol -107, creating the
Commission on Open Government Reform to review, evaluate, and issue recommendations
regarding Florida's public records and public meeting laws; and
WHEREAS, the Commission on Open Government will compile its findings and present a
f nal report to the Governor, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives
by December 31, 2008, to include specific recommendations, including proposed legislation, rule
changes and modifications, if any, to Article I, Section 24, of the Florida Constitution; and
WHEREAS, our counties and municipalities live by this law and thereby assure that
government business is conducted in the open for all people to see; and
WHEREAS, all Florida government is better served when all elected officials live in the
Sunshine.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED .BY T.HE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section L. That the City of Deh•ay Beach w•ges the Commission on Open Government
propose and the Governor support a constitutional amendment that requires state legislators to
operate under the same Sunshine Laws under which city officials operate.
Section 2. That the City of Delray Beach will provide a copy of this resolution to the Chair
of the Commission on Open Government, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, the Palm Beach County
Legislative Delegation, the Palm Beach County League of Cities, and the Florida League of Cities.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on the day of October, 2008
MAYOR
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Res No. 57-08
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