2019-09-24 Ex 06RESOLUTION NO. 2019-12 PAGE 1 OF 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA;
URGING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO CLARIFY THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
MUNICIPAL WEBSITES TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH
DISABILITIES ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990 and requires public entities to make
their programs, services and activities accessible to individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to provide increased transparency and resources for their residents, cities are providing
more information on their municipal websites; and
WHEREAS, over the last two years, there has been a steady increase in l egal claims challenging business and
public entity websites as not being in compliance with the ADA; and
WHEREAS, because of these legal claims, cities are faced with a difficult decision of scaling back information
posted on their websites or face liability exposure; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated and then halted rulemaking to clarify website accessibility
standards, which contributed to the rising ADA legal claims.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida; presented at a
duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council; and properly executed by
the Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City:
SECTION 1: The City of Okeechobee, urges President Donald Trump and Congress to direct the Department
of Justice to establish a clear standard to make government websites ADA compliant and
decrease the costly litigation cities and other stakeholders are facing.
SECTION 2: A copy of this Resolution be sent to President Donald Trump, the Florida Congressional
Delegation, the U.S. attorney general, the National League of Cities and the membership of the
City of Okeechobee
SECTION 3: Conflict. All Resolution or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 4: Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Resolution, or
application hereof, is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such portion or provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions or applications here.
SECTION 5: Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED in Regular Session this 24th day of September, 2019.
Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
John R. Cook, City Attorney