2020-10-06 Ex 02RESOLUTION NO. 2020-15, Page 1 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA URGING CONGRESS TO RECOGNIZE AND
WORK TO ACHIEVE BROADBAND ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY;
SUPPORTING INCLUSION OF BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE IN
FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS; AND AFFIRMING
SUPPORT FOR LOCAL CONTROL OF BROADBAND
INFRASTRUCTURE SITING; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, broadband infrastructure has become an economic necessity for Florida
municipalities, driving education, health care, public safety, economic growth and
operating efficiency in a 21st century economy; and
WHEREAS, sufficient broadband infrastructure has become increasingly necessary to
support all forms of infrastructure, from smart-meter electrical grids and connected
traffic management networks to sensor-enabled water and sewer systems; and
WHEREAS, robust broadband is needed to support the deployment of advances in smart
city technologies as well as autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial systems
(drones); and
WHEREAS, a competitive and sustainable broadband industry is driving innovations,
community and economic development, educations, health care and government
services; and
WHEREAS, millions of American workers, students and patients staying home t o help
combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) highlights the importance of broadband
infrastructure and connectivity for the transition to remote workforce, education and
health care systems; and
WHEREAS, access to broadband can increase residential property values, increase
commercial business activity and spur viable employment options in isolated
communities; and
WHEREAS, universal access to affordable broadband should be considered essential
infrastructure that contributes to economic health and survival of communities
across Florida; and
WHEREAS, the availability and adoption of quality broadband service can vary
dramatically from one neighborhood to another, even in heavily populated urban
areas; a substantial number of individuals in poor and rura l communities have
limited internet access; and where broadband access is limited, citizens have
limited access to information, education and tools for economic independence; and
WHEREAS, historically, local governments have ensured access to essential se rvices
not offered by the private sector by banding together to provide those services at
a reasonable and competitive cost; and
WHEREAS, attempts continue to be made to limit or stop further local government
deployment of municipal broadband services, wh ich has the potential of reducing
the ability of local government to provide important information and services to
their citizens in a timely, efficient and cost-effective manner; and
WHEREAS, local governments should not be preempted by the federal or state
government from being able to offer broadband services, high -speed internet and
other communications services that could advance the deployment of broadband
throughout our nation; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has enacted regulations
that substantially limit the traditionally held authority of local governments over the
placement of wireless infrastructure and local governments' ability to assess fair
compensation to taxpayers for use of public property, subsidizing wireless carriers'
development while undermining local efforts to expand broadband access; and
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-15, Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, the economic health of municipalities depends on public and private
investment to connect their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes
funding for the transition to remote life among its many relief provisions with
specific funding for broadband connections, distance learning, telehealth and
telework including $100 million to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utility
Service (RUS) for its Reconnect Pilot Program, which provides grants for the costs
of construction, improvement or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to
provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Okeechobee:
Section 1: The City of Okeechobee urges the federal government to prioritize efforts
to provide affordable and competitively priced broadband access; provide
appropriate standards for broadband speed, reliability and connectivity that
allow Floridians to compete in the global economy; and open more
opportunities to deliver robust services more economically and universally.
Section 2: The City of Okeechobee urges Congress and the FCC to protect
traditionally held authority of local governments over the placement of
wireless infrastructure.
Section 3: The City of Okeechobee urges Congress to support policies that promote
municipal broadband, preserve the authority of local gove rnments to act in
the interest of their citizens by offering high speed internet and other
communications services, and preempt states from barring local
governments from offering such services in their communities.
Section 4: The City of Okeechobee urges Congress to include and incorporate federal
investment in broadband in any federal infrastructure proposal to strengthen
the nation's infrastructure network while promoting economic development
in our municipalities.
Section 5: The City of Okeechobee calls on the FCC to examine all best practices and
potential obstacles to expanded broadband deployment and adoption
including obstacles created by federal or industry practices that stymie local
and consumer efforts to expand broadband access.
Section 6: The City Clerk of the City of Okeechobee is hereby directed to send copies
of this Resolution to President Donald Trump, the Florida Congressional
Delegation, the National League of Cities, and the membership of the City
of Okeechobee.
Section 7: This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida,
on this 6th day of October, 2020.
Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
John J. Fumero, City Attorney