Laserfiche WebLink
• <br />• <br />The Commissioners reviewed the proposed resolution which had been added to the <br />Agenda. <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Adams, SECONDED <br />BY Vice Chairman Macht, to adopt the proposed resolution. <br />General Services Director H.T. "Sonny" Dean explained that House Bill 3291 would <br />take away authority of governmental entities to charge the telecommunication companies for <br />use of rights-of-way. If it passes, the County will be limited to charging a prorated fee plus <br />a licensing (occupational license) fee. He reported that the League of Cities and Florida <br />Association of Counties (FACo) are opposed to it. It seems that the bill is being fast -tracked; <br />there is a meeting this morning in Tallahassee before the Utilities and Communications <br />Subcommittee. There was no time to have County staff there because of late notice. Staff <br />recommended adoption of the resolution. <br />Commissioner Macht suggested that the legislators may have been heavily lobbied by <br />the telecommunications industries. He also noted that obtaining revenues from granting <br />rights -of -ways is not just an exercise in acquiring funds; he felt we are just being repaid for <br />damage they do. <br />County Attorney Vitunac recounted that this is the same bill that Terry Smith, <br />Telecommunications Division, spoke about during the Legislative Delegation. It was thought <br />then there would be smooth sailing, but our own delegation was the cause of trouble. One <br />of the members thought there should be no fees charged by local governments to use the <br />rights-of-way, and apparently that idea has taken hold in Tallahassee. <br />County Attorney Vitunac advised that the Florida Association of Telecommunications <br />people (based in Ft. Lauderdale) are sending representatives to Tallahassee, so there will be <br />a good presence considering the late notice. They think this bill will go to other committees <br />where the League of Cities and FACo may have a chance to derail it. He and Mr. Smith feel <br />they should have the opportunity to be in Tallahassee in order to speak against it. The more <br />bodies, the better, because this is very well organized against the interest of the County and <br />other local governments. <br />Commissioner Adams reported that FACo has a very active contingent in Tallahassee <br />and had followed this very closely. She concurred with the suggestions. <br />January 6, 1998 <br />31 <br />BOOK 104 PAGE 35 <br />