Government Digest: Sept. 3 - Sept. 9

Lobbyists targeted by review commission

PINELLAS COUNTY — The county's 13-member Charter Review Commission proposes that the County Commission amend its lobbying ordinance to include any type of contact including telephone calls and “electronic contact” as lobbying. County Commissioner Ken Welch is the County Commission's representative on the CRC.

The four recommendations also call for “debarment” as “an available remedy for failure to comply with the ordinance.” Another recommendation requires that forms completed by a lobbyist and any records provided be distributed to all commissioners so that commissioners are aware of all lobbying taking place. The CRC also recommends requiring all lobbyist registration forms and related records be posted on the county Web site.

Transit development plan adopted

TAMPA — The City Council unanimously adopted an amendment to the comprehensive plan Aug. 25 that defines transit-oriented development guidelines. For the past year and a half, multiple agencies developed the structure for transit oriented development for the city. A Joint Land Use Working Group was formed, with staff from the Planning Commission, the city, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit and Hillsborough County.

Sept. 9 furlough day cancelled by county

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — County offices under the county administrator will be open for business now on Sept. 9 as a result of cost savings, according to Mike Merrill, interim county administrator. “Keeping all of our facilities open clearly benefits citizens during a period where many government services are especially important,” Merrill says in a county news release. “This can be achieved as a result of budget savings instituted over the past few months.” County employees have taken four furlough days during the current fiscal year. The county estimates that each furlough day saved $700,000 in salary and energy costs.

MEETINGS

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

The Charlotte Harbor Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, Administration Center, Room #119, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte. For more information, contact Kathy Knee at (941) 627-3023.

COLLIER COUNTY

The County Community Redevelopment Agency, Bayshore Gateway Triangle Local Advisory Board will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at the Bayshore Gateway Triangle CRA office, 4069 Bayshore Drive, Naples.

LEE COUNTY

The County Commission will hold its first public hearing on the budget at 5:05 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8, in the commission chambers at 2120 Main St., Fort Myers. A second hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 23, at the same time and location.

Lee County offices will be closed Thursday, Sept. 9.

PINELLAS COUNTY

The County Commission will hold its first budget hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at the Pinellas County Courthouse, 5th floor Assembly Room, Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court St., Clearwater. For more information, call (727) 464-3485.

The Tourist Development Council will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at the same location. For more information, call (727) 464-6633.

BRADENTON

The City Council will hold its first budget public hearing for adoption of the tentative 2010-11 budget and property tax rate at 5:01 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at Bradenton City Hall, 101 Old Main St., Bradenton. A second hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22 at the same time and location.

ELECTION FORUMS

The Manatee League of Women Voters will host a “Hot Topics” program from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at the Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 322 15th St. W., Bradenton. The program features speakers on the “Fair Districts” state constitutional amendments 5 and 6. Pam Goodman of the Florida League of Women Voters will speak in favor, and State Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, will speak against the amendments.