HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-03-13RESOLUTION NO. R-03-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, IN
SUPPORT OF ADEQUATE STATE FUNDING FOR THE DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE DIVISION OF AQUACULTURE; PROVIDING FOR
DISTRIBUTION OF SAME.
WHEREAS, the City of Sebastian prides itself in its historic background as an "old
Florida fishing village"; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sebastian experienced a dramatic economic upheaval when the
fishing net ban was approved by Florida voters, and this way of life was nearly lost forever; and
WHEREAS, with the assistance of the state, a clam farming industry was developed in
Sebastian to off-set the impact of the net ban upon our commercial fishing industry; and
WHEREAS, Sebastian is now recognized as a leader in the aquaculture industry and is a
major importer of shellfish to other areas of the country, helping to broaden the otherwise-limited
economic base of Indian River County; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Food & Drag Administration requires a regime of regular testing
and inspections for water quality and other factors assuring the safety of shellfish exported across
state lines; and
WHEREAS, these inspection and testing services are provided by the Florida
Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquaculture; and
WHEREAS, the state budget currently under consideration virtually eliminates the
Division of Aquaculture as a partner in this growing Florida industry, again threatening the
livelihood of Sebastian's fishing conununity just as it is recovering from the prior state-mandated
change in its way of life;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEBASTIAN, as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Sebastian, Florida requests that the
Governor and the Florida Legislature insure the continued viability of the vital clam farming
industry by maintaining adequate funding of the Division of Aquaculture.
Section 2. DISTRIBUTION. The City Clerk is directed to provide copies of this
Resolution to Governor Bush, President of the Senate King, Speaker of the House Byrd,
members of our local legislative delegation and the media.
The foregoing Resolution was moved for adoption by Councilmember Barczyk
The motion was seconded by Councilmember coniglio
vote, the vote was as follows:
Mayor Walter Barnes
Vice-Mayor Ray Coniglio
Councilmember Joe Barczyk
Councilmember James Hill
Councilmember Nathan B. McCollum
and, upon being put into a
aye
aye
aye
absent
aye
The Mayor thereupon declared this Resolution duly passed and adopted this 26th day
of March, 2003.
CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
City C1 ]~ ~
Approved as to form and legality for
reliance by the City of Sebastian only:
Rich Stringer, ~ity ~mey
Mayor Walter Barnes