Loading...
MOA OTTED Rural Area Critical Concern 2011RICK SCOTT GOVERNOR STAfE OF FLORIDA titre of the obernor TIIE CAPITOL TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399 -0001 The Honorable James E. Kirk, Mayor City of Okeechobee 55 S.E. 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 -2903 www.flgov.com 850- 488 -7146 850 -487 -0801 fax June I, 2011 RE: Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern Memorandum of Agreement Dear Mayor Kirk: Enclosed please find one original, fully executed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City of Okeechobee which is within Okeechobee County, and the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED). Okeechobee County is part of the South Central Florida Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern which was re- designated April 22, 2011 by Executive Order Number 11 -81, expiration date of April 22, 2016. Pursuant to Florida Statute 288.0656(7), designation as a rural area of critical economic concern shall be contingent upon the execution of memoranda of agreement between OTTED and the governing bodies of the counties and municipalities in a rural area of critical economic concern. If you have any questions please contact me at (850) 488 -3280 or via email at sherri.martin a,eog.myflorida.com. Sincerely, Sherri Martin Senior Governmental Analyst /Rural Coordinator Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development City of Okeechobee May 20, 2011 Ms. Diane Scholz Assistant Coordinator, Rural Issues Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development Office of the Governor The Capitol, Suite 2001 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 -0001 Re: Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern Memorandum of Agreement Dear Ms. Scholz: Enclosed herewith please find two original documents of the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Okeechobee and the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED). Please have all agreements executed and forward one back to the Office of the City Clerk in the provided enclosed envelope. Should you require any additional information please contact my office at (863) 763 -3372 ext. 215. With best regards, I am Sincerely, Lt. .r( . fL rCc Lane Gamiotea, CMC City Clerk Enclosures LG /mj 55 S.E. Third Avenue • Okeechobee, Florida 34974 -2903 • (863) 763 -3372 • Fax: (863) 763 -1686 THIS STANDARD MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT IS A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN: THE OFFICE OF TOURISM, TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA I. Background and Purpose of Agreement The purpose of this Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is to document the terms and conditions of the implementation of the Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern (RACEC) re- designation. The Governor and Legislature recognize that successful rural communities are essential to the overall success of the state's economy and quality of life, yet many rural communities struggle to maintain, support or enhance job creation activities and to generate revenues for critical services. Section 288.0656, Florida Statutes authorizes the establishment of the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) within the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) and the participation of state and regional organizations. Section 288.0656 also provides for the designation of up to three RACEC areas, which are rural communities that have been adversely affected by extraordinary economic events, severe or chronic distress, or a natural disaster. On February 16, 2006, Governor Bush signed Executive Order #06 -34 which implemented the continued designation of the Counties of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee, and the Cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay, and the area around Immokalee included within the Round II Federal Enterprise Community located in northeast Collier County. as a RACEC area with an expiration date of February 16, 2011. Pursuant to Section 288.0656 (7), Florida Statutes, representatives of the state and regional agencies and organizations comprising the REDI met on November 19, 2010 and recommended the re- designation of this area. On April 22, 2011, Governor Rick Scott signed Executive Order #11 -81 which re- designated the area for another five -year term with an expiration date of April 22, 2016. II. The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) REDI is a proactive, multi- agency effort responsible for coordinating and focusing efforts and resources of state and regional agencies on problems which affect the fiscal, economic, and community viability of Florida's rural counties and communities. REDI works with local governments, community -based organizations, and private organizations on the growth and development of these communities to find ways to enhance the local economy and resolve issues while balancing the local environment and growth management needs. Participating REDI representatives: • Act as the primary point of contact for their agencies on issues and projects relating to rural communities. • Ensure prompt and effective response to problems. • Work closely with other representatives in the identification of opportunities for preferential awards of program funds and allowances and waiver of program requirements when necessary to encourage and facilitate long -term private capital investment and job creation. • Review statutes and regulations and work to mitigate adverse impact. • Ensure that each district office of their agencies is informed about REDI and provide assistance throughout their agency in the implementation of projects and issues relating to the RACEC. • Identify projects within a designated RACEC as priority assignments. On a case -by -case basis, REDI may recommend to the Governor waivers of criteria, requirements or provisions of certain economic development incentives. Such incentives shall include, but not be limited to: the Qualified Targeted Industry Tax Refund Program, the Quick Response Training Program, the WAGES Quick Response Training Program, the Economic Development Transportation Fund, the Brownfield Bonus Tax Program, and the Rural Job Tax Credit Program. REDI annually reviews the RACEC designation and may recommend that the designation of the area or counties or municipalities be terminated or continued based on economic development progress from current base lines or performance under this memorandum of agreement. III. The Participating Community Pursuant to Section 288.0656, Florida Statutes, and Executive Order #11 -81, re- designation as a RACEC shall be contingent upon the execution of a Memorandum of Agreement between OTTED and the governing bodies of the counties and the municipalities included within the area. Such memoranda shall specify the terms and conditions of the designations and the duties and responsibilities of the counties and municipalities. The City of Okeechobee makes the following commitments. 1. Designate a specific person from among the City of Okeechobee elected or appointed officials and one person from a non - profit organization engaged in economic development activity to serve as an alternate for the community in matters relating to the South Central Florida RACEC. The contact information form for these individuals is attached as Exhibit A. These individuals may be the same designee to serve as the community's representative to other, similar organizations. The City will inform OTTED of any changes to the specified persons within ten days of a change. 2. Actively participate in the RACEC regional economic development organization by attending meetings on a regular basis and taking part in regional economic development initiatives. OTTED strongly encourages the city's participation in initiatives sponsored by the regional organization such as national and regional marketing; trade shows; regional branding; and through the payment of assessed dues. 3. Catalyst Projects within the South Central Florida RACEC shall be priority assignments for local agencies under the control of the governing body of Okeechobee. These agencies will work cooperatively with REDI agencies to implement these projects. 4. The City of Okeechobee will work to ensure priority consideration and cooperation among local organizations to support projects that facilitate the retention and expansion of existing businesses as well as the recruitment of new businesses, and to improve the quality of life for their residents. IV. Implementation and Duration Pursuant to Executive Order #11 -81, the re- designation of the South Central Florida RACEC affecting the Counties of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee, and the Cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay, and the area around Immokalee included within the Round II Federal Enterprise Community located in northeast Collier County shall be in effect for five years and will expire on April 22, 2016. REDI may recommend this agreement be terminated or continued based on economic development progress from current base lines or performance under the memoranda of agreement. 1. This MOA shall take effect immediately upon signature by the parties involved. 2. This MOA shall expire on April 22, 2016 unless terminated earlier. 3. Both parties shall review this MOA periodically. If revisions are needed, notification shall be given to both parties in writing of the specific changes desired with the proposed modification language and the reasons for the revisions. With the mutual consent of both parties, the proposed changes shall become effective when both parties to the MOA have signed a modification to this agreement. 4. The City of Okeechobee may terminate this MOA at any time upon written notice to OTTED. In Witness whereof, the parties have executed this Memorandum of Agreement this 17th day of Mav , 2011. Michelle Dennard Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development es E. Kirk, Mayor e City of Okeechobee Lane Gamiotea, CM C, City Clerk REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCy: OCJ\ IZC:z John R. Cook, City Attorney The City of Okeechobee EXHIBIT A Contact Information For An Elected or Appointed Official Name: Dev;n Maxwell Address: 1404 Southwest 7th Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 Phone: 863- 763 -1119 Fax: 863- 763 -1179 Email: okeechobeelawyer@yahoo.can Contact Information For One Person From A Non - Profit Organization Engaged in Economic Development Name: Brian Cartland Address: 315 Northwest 4th Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Phone: 863 - 467 -6246 Fax: Email: BriangkeechobeeBusiness cam Please complete this page and return with the signed MOA. The City is required to inform OTTED of any changes within ten days of a change. STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 11 -81 WHEREAS, although economic progress has been made in many rural areas, the growth and prosperity enjoyed by most communities in the State during the past 45 years did not extend into Florida's rural areas; and WHEREAS, these communities are stewards of the vast majority of Florida's land and natural resources, upon which the State's growth and prosperity depend; and WHF,REAS, successful rural communities are essential to the overall success of the State's economy and quality of life; and WHEREAS, certain rural communities are struggling to maintain, support or enhance job creating activity or to generate revenues for education and other critical government services such as infrastructure, transportation and safety; and WHEREAS, the challenges faced by these rural communities threaten their well -being and viability; and WHEREAS, section 288.0656 (7), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Rural Economic Development Initiative to recommend to the Governor up to three areas for designation as rural areas of critical economic concern; and WHEREAS, a rural area of critical economic concern is a rural community, or a region composed of rural conununities, designated by the Governor, that has been adversely affected by an extraordinary economic event, severe or chronic distress, or a natural disaster or that presents a unique economic development opportunity of regional impact; and WHEREAS, the counties of Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee and the cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay, and the area around Immokalee included within the Round 11 Federal Rural Enterprise Community located in northeast Collier County were designated on January 26, 2001, as a rural area of critical economic concern for a term of five years, by Executive Order 01 -26, and the Rural 1 Economic Development Initiative was directed to review the designation and recommend whether the designation should be continued; and WHEREAS, the Rural Economic Development Initiative met on January 17, 2006 and recommended to the Governor to continue the designation of the counties of Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee and the cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay, and the area around Immokalee included within the Round II Federal Rural Enterprise Community located in northeast Collier County as a rural area of critical economic concern; and WHEREAS, the counties of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee and the cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay, and the area around Immokalee included within the Round II Federal Rural Enterprise Conununity located in northeast Collier County were designated on February 16, 2006, as a rural area of critical economic concern for a period of five years, by Executive Order 06 -34; and WHEREAS, the designation expired on February 16, 2011 and the Rural Economic Development Initiative met on March 18, 2011 and agreed to recommend to the Governor to continue the designation of the counties of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee and the cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay, and the area around Immokalee included within the Round II Federal Rural Enterprise Community located in northeast Collier County as a rural area of critical economic concern. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICK SCOTT, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by article IV, section 1(a), Florida Constitution, and section 288.0656 (7), Florida Statutes, do hereby promulgate the following Executive Order, effective immediately: Section 1. The area within the boundaries of the counties of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee and the cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay, and the area around Immokalee included within the Round H Federal Rural Enterprise Community located in northeast Collier County is designated as a Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern. Section 2. This area shall be a priority assignment for the Rural Economic Development Initiative. Section 3. On a case -by -case basis, the criteria, requirements or provisions of economic development incentives may be waived. Such incentives include, but shall not be limited to, the Qualified Target Industry 2 Tax Refund Program under section 288.106, the Quick Response Training Program under section 288.047, the Quick Response Training Program for participants in the welfare transition program under section 288.047(8), transportation projects under section 288.063, the brownfield redevelopment bonus refund under section 288.107, and the rural job tax credit program under sections 212.098 and 220.1895, Florida Statutes. Section 4. Pursuant to section 288.0656(7), Florida Statutes, access to the assistance available under this Designation as a Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern shall be contingent upon the execution of memoranda of agreement between the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development, the governing bodies of the counties, and the governing bodies of the municipalities included within the area. Such memoranda of agreement shall specify the terms and conditions of the designation, including, but not limited to, the duties and responsibilities of the counties and municipalities to take actions designed to facilitate the retention and expansion of existing businesses in the area, as well as the recruitment of new businesses to the area. Section 5. This designation shall be in effect for five years and will expire on April 22, 2016. The Rural Economic Development Initiative may recommend the designation be terminated or continued based on economic development progress from current base lines or upon performance under the memoranda of agreement. ATTEST: ETARY OF STATE IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, this 22nd day of April, 2011. GOVERNOR 3 Z7 :C Wd ZZ ddVILLDZ m rn 0 J ► / Inn 1 1 , /NM 1 1 - 1 \■■VL•I\ U11ILL 1 O \W - 1 AWL V Vf V AGENDA COUNCIL ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE X. NEW BUSINESS C. D. E. F. CONTINUED. Consider Citizen Board Appointments continued. Motion to approve a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development for the implementation of the Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern (RACEC) re- designation for another five -year term with an expiration date of April 22, 2016 - City Administrator (Exhibit 6). It was discussed that there are still openings on the General Employee /OUA and Police Pension Board. The delay of appointing members may result in state fines. There is still one more vacancy on the Code Enforcement Board as an alternate member. Council Member Watford moved to approve a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development for the implementation of the Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern (RACEC) re- designation for another five -year term with an expiration date of April 22, 2016; seconded by Council Member Maxwell. Council MemberWatford moved to amend the Memorandum of Agreement to designate Council Member Devin Maxwell as the Elected or Appointed Official; and Executive Director of the Business Developoment Board, Mr. Brian Cartland as the Non - Profit Organization Engaged in Economic Development representative seconded by Council Member Williams. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA: South Florida Water Management District Board Member Update - Gary Ritter. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA: Designation of the City's Representatives to the Public Risk Management Health Trust Board - City Administrator. KIRK - YEA MAXWELL - YEA O'CONNOR - YEA WATFORD - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA MOTION To AMEND CARRIED. VOTE ON MOTION AS AMENDED KIRK - YEA MAXWELL - YEA O'CONNOR - YEA WATFORD - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA MOTION CARRIED As AMENDED. Mr. Gary Ritter, of South Florida Water Management, updated the Council on the recently appointed and reappointed Members to the South Florida Water Management District Board of Directors, by Governor Scott as follows: Ms. Melissa Meeker, Executive Director, Mr. Joe Collins, Chair, Mr. Kevin Powers, Vice -Chair and Mr. Daniel O'Keefe. There is still one more seat to be filled. No official action was necessary. Council Member Watford moved to approve the designation of India Riedel as the City's Representative and Board Member and Brian Whitehall as Alternate to the Public Risk Management Health Trust per the requirements of Article 6.1 of the Bylaws; seconded by Council Member O'Connor. VOTE KIRK - YEA MAXWELL - YEA O'CONNOR - YEA WATFORD - YEA WILLIAMS - YEA MOTION CARRIED.