HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-215 RESOLUTION NO. 2005- 215
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY,
FLORIDA, REQUESTING A JOINT MEETING ON
CITRUS CANKER ERADICATION.
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2005 the Board of County Commissioners
heard a presentation on the impact of citrus canker to Indian River County from
Robert C. Adair, Jr., the Chairman of the Indian River County Agricultural
Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, that presentation brought the issue of citrus canker and its
ramifications to the attention of the Board of County Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, that presentation demonstrated that Indian River County
citrus acreage has declined 29% in the last five years; and
WHEREAS, the 1,900-foot rule on citrus canker eradication has far-
reaching consequences, including the lost of vegetative cover, silt and
sedimentation polluting the surface waters of the Indian River Lagoon via relief
canals and tributaries causing increased ecosystem damage; and
WHEREAS, the eradication measures also caused disruption and
damage to the soil profile and a loss of organic material; and
WHEREAS, groves cannot be replanted for two years in quarantine areas,
making costly drainage structures and land improvements inactive or damaged;
and
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RESOLUTION NO. 2005- 215
WHEREAS, there is a loss of habitat for wildlife and a loss of the
photosynthetic benefit of the trees and their ability to cleanse the air; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County
would like to consider tax-based incentives to keep agriculture viable in light of all
the benefits that agricultural lands provide; and to seek cost-sharing funding from
other agencies to help growers shift to alternate crops; and investigate what
other options may be available,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA that a joint meeting
is requested to be held in January of 2006 as the schedule of the participants will
allow. Requested participants are Charles Bronson, Florida Commissioner of
Agriculture and Consumer Services; Dr. Harold Browning, ISAS Director of Citrus
Research and Education Center; Michael Hornyak, Director of Citrus Canker
Eradication Program (CCEP) USDA; as well as the Board of County
Commissioners of both Indian River and St. Lucie Counties.
The resolution was moved for adoption by Commissioner Bowden , and
the motion was seconded by Commissioner Wheeler , and, upon being put to
a vote, the vote was as follows:
Chairman Thomas S. Lowther Aye
Vice Chairman Arthur R. Neuberger Aye
Commissioner Wesley S. Davis Aye
Commissioner Gary C. Wheeler Aye
Commissioner Sandra L. Bowden Aye
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RESOLUTION NO. 2005. 215
The Chairman thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and
adopted this 13th day of December, 2005.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
B i--�� —
Y
Thomas S. Lowther, Chairman
ATTEST: Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk
By:
Deputy Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY
BY
WILLIAM G.COLLINS It
COUNTY ATTORNEY
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 1,- t 9-os
5, 19
Thomas S. Lowther �V Wesley S. Davis
Chairman CQ� District I
District 4
.c- Gary C. Wheeler
Arthur R. Neuberger * * District 3
Vice Chairman
District 2 . �lORIOy` Sandra L. Bowden
District 5
December 15, 2005
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Mr. Charles H. Bronson
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture
and Consumer Services
The Capitol,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800
Dear Commissioner Bronson:
At the December 13, 2005 meeting of the Indian River County Board of County
Commissioners a presentation was made by Mr. Robert C. Adair, Chairman of the Indian
River County Agricultural Advisory Committee, regarding the impact of citrus canker to
Indian River County.
A motion was made to have the County Attorney prepare the attached resolution requesting
a joint meeting be held in January 2006 with our neighboring St. Lucie County
Commissioners to invite you along with Dr. Harold Browning, ISAS Director of Citrus
Research and Education Center and Michael Hornyak, Director of Citrus Canker Eradication
Program USDA, to be present.
Coordinating this meeting in such a short period of time, with the schedule of so many
elected officials and governmental agencies, will be no easy task. Both Indian River
County and St. Lucie County Commissioners hold their regular commission meetings on
Tuesday's, so that day will not be available. Please contact our Executive Aide, Kimberly
Massung, at 772-226-1433 with some dates that you would be available. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Thomas S. Lowther, Chairman
Attachment: IRC Resolution No. 2005-215
cc: Dr. Harold Browning, ISAS Director of Citrus Research and Education Center
Michael Hornyak, Director of Citrus Canker Eradication Program USDA
St. Lucie County— Board of County Commissioners
1840 2P Street;Suite N-158
Vero Beach,FL 32960-3365
Telephone: 772-226-1490 FAX: 772-770-5334
Suncom: 224-1490 e-mail. kmassung@ircgov.com