2019-11-05 Ex 09RESOLUTION NO. 2019-15 PAGE 1 OF 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA;
EXPRESSING THE INTENT OF THE CITY TO OPT INTO LEGISLATION BEING CONSIDERED
BY OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFICKING; SAID
LEGISLATION TO APPROVE THE POSTING OF SIGNAGE TO BOOST PUBLIC AWARENESS
OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AS REQUIRED BY FLORIDA STATUTES CHAPTER 787; FINDING
THAT INCLUDING CERTAIN DESIGNATED BUSINESS’ WITHIN THE CITY TO POST SUCH
SIGNAGE IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND WELFARE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners for Okeechobee County, Florida is considering the adoption of an
Ordinance to require businesses within the County to post signage for public awareness of human trafficking
as set out and authorized by Florida Statues Chapter 787; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this signage is to protect persons from exploitation in areas of forced labor and other
work, often illegal in nature, and to promote the reporting of such conduct if observed; and
WHEREAS, the city Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida finds that compliance with the State Statute and
County Ordinance on businesses within the City serves a legitimate and valid public service and is in the
health, safety and welfare of citizens within the City as well as the County.
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 majorit y vote of the City Council; and properly executed by the
Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City:
SECTION 1: THAT the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida expresses its intent to opt in to the
proposed County Ordinance requiring compliance with Chapter 787, Florida Statutes by posting of
signage to raise public awareness of human trafficking and the need to report such co nduct.
SECTION 2: THAT upon adoption of such Ordinance by the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners, the
effect and enforcement of the statutory provisions shall be county-wide and include all such
qualifying businesses within the municipal boundaries of the City of Okeechobee.
SECTION 3: THAT from and after the adoption of the County Ordinance, all such Business Tax Receipts (BTR)
issued by the City for the businesses that are affected by the State Statute shall include notice of
the requirement to comply with the applicable State Statutes requiring the posting of such signage
and enforcement thereof.
SECTION 4: Conflict. All Resolution or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 5: 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 6: Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED in Regular Session this 5th day of November, 2019.
Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
John R. Cook, City Attorney