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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTreasure Coast League of CitiesAMENDED AND RESTATED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT CREATING THE TREASURE COAST REGIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES Whereas, there are thirteen municipalities in the Treasure Coast Counties of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee which interact on a continuing basis with county government and the State of Florida regarding local government matters; and Whereas, many of the matters are of common concern to all of the municipalities which makes it more efficient to reach solutions as a group, rather than by having each city negotiate on its own with the State or its respective county; and Whereas, it is probable that better solutions to the common problems will be arrived at by having all cities and their combined resources working jointly; and Whereas, this type of governmental cooperation would benefit the constituents of not only the municipalities but also of the unincorporated areas and the State; and Whereas, Florida law and, in particular, Section 163.02 Florida Statutes, allows local governments to create councils of local public officials by adopting an interlocal agreement for a purpose consistent with the authority of each government's powers; and Whereas, various municipal officials from the Treasure Coast have determined that the creation of such a council of local public officials would be in the public interest; Now Therefore, Be It Resolved by the undersigned municipalities situated in Indian River County, St. Lucie County, Martin County, and Okeechobee County that: Section 1 Creation of the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities There is hereby created a council of local public officials under the authority of and pursuant to Section 163.02 Florida Statutes, to be composed of the undersigned municipalities situated in the counties of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee (hereinafter the "Treasure Coast which council shall be called "The Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities." The League shall be a corporation not for profit. Section 2 Purposes and Powers The purpose of this League shall be to serve as a forum for jointly studying and resolving issues of local government which concern the Treasure Coast municipalities, for the exchange of Page 1 ideas and information, for providing aid to member municipalities in the solution of common problems, and for promoting communication among the member municipalities. To that end, the League shall have the power to: a) Study such area governmental problems, as it deems appropriate, including but not limited to matters affecting health, safety, welfare, education, economic conditions, and area development; b) Promote cooperative arrangements and coordinate action among its members: c) Make recommendations for review and action to the members and other public agencies that perform local functions and services within the area. and Section 3 Types of Membership A. Active Membership All municipalities with the Treasure Coast are eligible to be members of the League and may become active members upon execution of a copy of this interlocal agreement and upon payment of whatever annual membership dues have been imposed. Members in good standing shall have voice, vote and office holding rights within the association. The representative for each municipality shall be the elected chief executive or other member of the governing body. Each municipality may also appoint an alternate who shall serve when the primary representative is unable to serve. Each member city shall have one vote. Each municipality shall determine the term of its representatives. B. Honorary Membership Honorary membership may be bestowed upon individuals only who shall be selected by vote of the League. All Past Presidents shall be honorary members once they are no longer in elected or appointed office. Honorary members may not vote or hold office. C. Associate Membership Associate members are non voting members selected from the private, public or non profit sectors, including, but not limited to, the school boards or county governments. All shall be approved by the League. Associate members shall not vote or hold office but may enter into discussion. Section 4 Bylaws At the organizational meeting of the League the members shall elect a President, a Vice President, and a Treasurer for terms of one year with a term limit of two years. There shall also be a Secretary, who shall be provided by the city represented by the President. Five members of Page 2 the League shall constitute a quorum and no matter shall be considered passed by the League without at least five votes for the motion. The President shall run the meeting and rule on procedural matters subject to being overruled by a vote of the League. Only a simple majority of those present and voting is required to overrule the President. The President shall not have the right to move or second matters. The Vice President shall serve when the President is unable to. The Secretary shall keep the official minutes of the meetings in a journal and shall be responsible for noticing meetings. The Treasurer shall be responsible for opening a bank account at a convenient institution and for writing checks on that account for expenses approved by the League. The officers shall be elected at the general meeting of the League held in January. The initial officers of the League, who shall serve until the League has its first meeting after ratification of this agreement by five members, shall be: Chair, Thomas P., White Mayor of the City of Vero Beach, Vice Chair, Sal Neglia, Councilmember of the City of Sebastian, Treasurer, Dowling Watford, Councilmember of the City of Okeechobee, and Secretary, Tammy Vock, Clerk to the City of Vero Beach. Section 5 Meeting Times and Places The League shall have the power to set convenient times and places for meetings, which shall be held, at a minimum, twice a year, one meeting within the Treasure Coast Counties (the "general" meeting), and once a year at the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference. The meetings shall be advertised by at least one week's notice published in the newspaper in each county or by posting notices of such meetings in each of the members' City Halls. The meetings shall be open to the public and minutes shall be taken and kept in a journal. It shall be proper for the meeting to be hosted by each municipality in turn or by such other method as the League determines. Special meetings may be called by the President or by any three members writing the League Secretary requesting such a meeting. Section 6 Financial Matters The League may employ a staff, consult and retain experts, and purchase or lease or otherwise provide for such supplies, food, materials, equipment and facilities, as it deems desirable and necessary. The member governments may appropriate funds to meet the necessary expenses of the League. Services of personnel, use of equipment and office space, and other necessary services may be accepted from members as part of their financial support. The League may accept funds, grants, gifts, and services from the state, from any other governmental unit, whether participating in the council or not, from the Government of the United States, and from private and civic sources. Section 7 Annual Report The League shall make an annual public report of its activities to each of the member local governments, and shall have its account audited annually. Page 3 Section 8 Exiting League, Dissolution Any member may withdraw from the League upon 60 days' notice subsequent to formal action by its governing body. The League itself can be dissolved by a simple vote. Upon dissolution of the League any remaining funds shall be donated to the Florida League of Cities. Section 9 Effective Date This League shall become effective on April 1, 2007, or on such later date as the fifth municipality has executed this interlocal agreement. If there are not at least five member cities by June 1, 2007, then this agreement shall be null and void. Any municipality may indicate its acceptance of this interlocal agreement by executing a copy of this document and such execution shall be as valid as if the original had been signed. The Mayor of the City of Vero Beach shall collect the executed copies of this agreement and determine when to call the organizational meeting of the League. The following municipalities, as witnessed by the attached original of the executed signature page, have executed this Interlocal Agreement on the date written underneath the signature of the authorized signer. Page 4 ATTEST: Sign: Print: Sally A. aio Title: City C -rk [NOTARY SEAL] JEANETTE WILLIAMS Commission DD 630052 Expires February 28, 2011 6W■TE OF FLOBIOA Bonded Thru Troy Fain Insurance 800 3857019 NOTARY PUBLIC CITY OF SEB TIAN: Sign: Print: Richard H. Gillmor Title: Mayor STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF INDIAN RIVER The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 1 2. day of IVlt 201'0, by Richard H. Gillmor, as Mayor, and attested by Sally A. Maio, as City Clerk of the City of Sebastian, Florida. They are personally known to me and did not take an oath. Page 5 NOTARY PUBLIC Sign: L Print: jean eite Win 'Cerns State of 'lorida at Large My Commission Number: My Commission Expires: n 6,3005z AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT CREATING THE TREASURE COAST LEAGUE OF CITIES Whereas, there are twelve municipalities in the Treasure Coast Counties of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee which interact on a continuing basis with county government and the State of Florida regarding local government matters; and Whereas, many of the matters are of common concern to all of the municipalities which makes it more efficient to reach solutions as a group, rather than by having each city negotiate on its own with the State or its respective county; and Whereas, it is probable that better solutions to the common problems will be arrived at by having all cities and their combined resources working jointly; and Whereas, this type of governmental cooperation would benefit the constituents of not only the municipalities but also of the unincorporated areas and the State; and Whereas, Florida law and, in particular, Section 163.02 Florida Statutes, allows local governments to create councils of local public officials by adopting an interlocal agreement for a purpose consistent with the authority of each government's powers; and Whereas, various municipal officials from the Treasure Coast have determined that the creation of such a council of local public officials would be in the public interest; Now Therefore, Be It Resolved by the undersigned municipalities situated in Indian River County, St. Lucie County, Martin County, and Okeechobee County that: Section 1 Creation of the Treasure Coast League of Cities There is hereby created a council of local public officials under the authority of and pursuant to Section 163.02 Florida Statutes, to be composed of the undersigned municipalities situated in the counties of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee (hereinafter the "Treasure Coast which council shall be called "The Treasure Coast League of Cities." The League shall be a corporation not for profit. Section 2 Purposes and Powers The purpose of this association shall be to serve as a forum for jointly studying and resolving issues of local government which concern the Treasure Coast municipalities, for the exchange of ideas and information, for providing aid to member municipalities in the solution of common problems, and for promoting communication among the member municipalities. To that end, the League shall have the power to: a) Study such area governmental problems, as it deems appropriate, including but not limited to matters affecting health, safety, welfare, education, economic conditions, and area development; b) Promote cooperative arrangements and coordinate action among its members: and c) Make recommendations for review and action to the members and other public agencies that perform local functions and services within the area. Section 2 Types of Membership A. Active Membership All municipalities with the Treasure Coast are eligible to be members of the League and may become active members upon execution of a copy of this interlocal agreement and upon payment of whatever annual membership dues have been imposed. Members in good standing shall have voice, vote and office holding rights within the association. The representative for each municipality shall be the elected chief executive or other member of the governing body. Each municipality may also appoint an alternate who shall serve when the primary representative is unable to serve. Each member city shall have one vote. Each municipality shall determine the term of its representatives. B Honorary Membership Honorary membership may be bestowed upon individuals only who shall be selected by vote of the League. All Past Presidents shall be honorary members once they are no longer in elected or appointed office. Honorary members may not vote or hold office. C. Associate Membership Associate members are non voting members selected from the private, public or non -profit sectors, including, but not limited to, the school boards or county governments. All shall be approved by the League. Associate members shall not vote or hold office but may enter into discussion. Section 3 Bylaws At the organizational meeting of the League the members shall elect a Chair, a Vice chair, and a Treasurer for terms of one year with a term limit of two years. There shall also be a Secretary, who shall be the clerk of the city represented by the Chair. Five members of the League shall constitute a quorum and no matter shall be considered passed by the League without at least five votes for the motion. The Chair shall run the meeting and rule on procedural matters subject to being overruled by a vote of the League. Only a simple majority of those present and voting is required to overrule the Chair. The Chair shall not have the right to move or second matters. The Vice -Chair shall serve when the Chair is unable to. The Secretary shall keep the official minutes of the meetings in a journal and shall be responsible for noticing meetings. The Treasurer shall be responsible for opening a bank account at a convenient institution and for writing checks on that account for expenses approved by the League. The officers shall be elected at the general meeting of the League held in January. The initial officers of the League, who shall serve until the League has its first meeting after ratification of this agreement by five members, shall be: Chair, Thomas P., White Mayor of the City of Vero Beach, Vice Chair, Sal Neglia, Councilmember of the City of Sebastian, Treasurer, Dowling Watford, Councilmember of the City of Okeechobee, and Secretary, Tammy Vock, Clerk to the City of Vero Beach. Section 4 Meeting Times and Places The League shall have the power to set convenient times and places for meetings, which shall be held, at a minimum, twice a year, one meeting within the Treasure Coast Counties (the "general" meeting), and once a year at the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference. The meetings shall be advertised by at least one week's notice published in the a newspaper in each county or by posting notices of such meetings in each of the members' City Halls. The meetings shall be open to the public and minutes shall be taken and kept in a journal. It shall be proper for the meeting to be hosted by each municipality in turn or by such other method as the League determines. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or by any three members writing the League Secretary requesting such a meeting. Section 5 Financial Matters The League may employ a staff, consult and retain experts, and purchase or lease or otherwise provide for such supplies, food, materials, equipment and facilities, as it deems desirable and necessary. The member governments may appropriate funds to meet the necessary expenses of the League. Services of personnel, use of equipment and office space, and other necessary services may be accepted from members as part of their financial support. The League may accept funds, grants, gifts, and services from the state, from any other governmental unit, whether participating in the council or not, from the Government of the United States, and from private and civic sources. Section 6 Annual Report The League shall make an annual public report of its activities to each of the member local governments, and shall have its account audited annually. Section 7 Exiting League, Dissolution Any member may withdraw from the League upon 60 days' notice subsequent to formal action by its governing body. The League itself can be dissolved by a simple vote. Upon dissolution of the League any remaining funds shall be donated to the Florida League of Cities. Section 8 Effective Date This association shall become effective on April 1, 2007, or on such later date as the fifth municipality has executed this interlocal agreement. If there are not at least five member cities by June 1, 2007, then this agreement shall be null and void. Any municipality may indicate its acceptance of this interlocal agreement by executing a copy of this document and such execution shall be as valid as if the original had been signed. The Mayor of the City of Vero Beach shall collect the executed copies of this agreement and determine when to call the organizational meeting of the League. The following municipalities, as witnessed by the attached original of the executed signature page, have executed this Interposal Agreement on the date written underneath the signature of the authorized signer. ATTEST: Si Print: Sally Ma Title: City erk fir: STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF INDIAN RIVER [NOTARY SEAL] zas\ ette W1i47, i/ 6 VO �sy28 9: #DD172594 zriS j U p ,8 CIC, STAZ�\ ltiff1iH11 CITY OF SEBASTIAN: Sign: Print: Brian S. Burkeen Title: Mayor The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 2O h day of Feb(U rLJ 2007, by Brian S. Burkeen, as Mayor, and attested by Sally Maio, as City Clerk of the City of Sebastian, Florida. They are personally known to me and did not take an oath. NOTARY PUBLIC Sign: Print: J &.vie (f6 I t ain,S State o lorida at Large My Commission Number: _pi) 725y'z/ My Commission Expires: 2 ,,2<f 0 7 TREASURE COAST REGIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES BY -LAWS ARTICLE I NAME AND PURPOSE The name of this organization is the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities (TCRLC), hereinafter called the "TCRLC." The purposes of the TCRLC are to promote communication among the municipalities and the municipal leaders of the Treasure Coast region, to foster cooperative action in meeting common needs, provide assistance to individual municipalities, to represent the Treasure Coast area municipalities to the state league of cities, the state legislature, state agencies, the Office of the Governor and cabinet, and to promote good municipal government throughout the Treasure Coast. ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP The Treasure Coast region includes the counties of Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee. Any incorporated city or town in this geographic area may be a Member City of the League. Each Member City shall have one vote. Membership is achieved by the payment of annual membership dues on a calendar -year basis. Annual dues shall be set by the Board of Directors. Associate Members may be accepted by the Board of Directors as non voting members upon sponsorship of an active member by application and payment of dues as set forth herein. Business firms, county governments, independent special districts, regional public agencies, non profit organizations and individuals may be associate members. Associate members will be notified of any and may attend all general meetings of the TCRLC but may not vote. Page 1 of 7 Dues for Associate Members shall be as follows: Nonprofit Organization and Individuals $100 Companies with two to nine employees $200 Companies from ten to 60 employees $300 Companies from 61 to 150 employees $400 Companies with more than 150 employees $500 All former Chairs of the TCRLC shall be recognized as non voting Honorary League Members, and the Board of Directors may designate other persons as Honorary League Members. All Florida League of Cities Officers who are elected officials of a Member City of the TCRLC shall, during their term of office for the Florida League, be a non voting Honorary Board Member of the TCRLC, unless they also serve as a TCRLC District Nine (9) Director through which they would retain voting status on the TCRLC Board. Upon completion of their terms as a Florida League officer, they shall then be recognized as a non voting Honorary Member of the TCRLC. Any Honorary Member and his or her spouse may attend any League meeting as guests of the TCRLC. ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS General membership meetings of the TCRLC shall be held, at a minimum, semiannually at the TCRLC General Membership Meeting and at the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference. Special meetings may also be called by the Chair or a majority of the Board of Directors. Two elected officers and the representation of a minimum of either three (3) or 25 percent of all Member Cities, whichever is less, shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting TCRLC business at any general membership meeting. ARTICLE IV OFFICERS The officers of the TCRLC are a Chair, Vice Chair, and a Treasurer. There shall also be a secretary of the City represented by the Chair. Officers are to be elected at the general membership meeting of the TCRLC in each calendar year. To be eligible Page 2 of 7 for election, one must hold elective office in a Member City except for the Treasurer, who may be a City Manager or City Clerk. Each officer shall hold office until a successor has been duly chosen. The Chair shall be the principal executive officer of the TCRLC and shall direct the business of the League. He /she shall preside at all meetings of the League and Board of Directors, and shall perform all duties incident to the office of Chair and other such duties as may be prescribed by the membership. The Chair will appoint the Legislative Chair and Legislative Vice -Chair of the TCRLC. The Legislative Chair and Vice -Chair of the TCRLC may or may not be current members of the Board of Directors at the time of their appointment. The Legislative Chair shall lead the Lobbying Team effort and the Legislative Vice -Chair shall coordinate the activities for each TCRLC Legislative Policy Committee, as needed and appropriate, which shall be formed to directly reflect the Florida League of Cities Policy Committees and serve to keep the TCRLC informed of current issues in various policy areas. The Vice -Chair shall serve as the Chair -Elect and preside in the Chair's absence. The Vice -Chair shall perform such duties as may be assigned to him /her by the Chair. In the event that the office of the Chair shall be vacated, the Vice -Chair shall become Chair. Vacancies of either the Vice Chair's or the Treasurer's position may be filled by appointment by the Chair, subject to approval by a majority of the Board. To be eligible for appointment, one must hold elective office in a Member City. For the position of Treasurer, the appointment may be a City Manager, City Clerk or other non elected municipal position. The Treasurer is responsible for collection of all TCRLC revenues, the holding of these monies in a proper fashion, and the payment of all bills. The Treasurer is to make an annual financial report to the membership at the general membership meeting, and the Chair may request a financial report at any time. The Treasurer shall prepare an annual budget for adoption by the Board of Directors. Page 3 of 7 ARTICLE V BOARD OF DIRECTORS There shall be a Board of Directors of the TCRLC, composed of the TCRLC Officers, the Legislative Chair, the Legislative Vice Chair, the immediate Past Chair, the District Nine Director of the Florida League of Cities, and two (2) Directors -At- Large. If a TCRLC Director shall be elected or appointed to a position as a District Nine Director of the Florida League of Cities, then an additional Director At -Large shall be named by the Chair and approved by the Board, causing the total number of the Board to remain at ten (10) in number. The Florida League of Cities District Nine Director maintains equal voting status as the other Board Members, and may or may not be a current member of the Board at the time of election. All Director At -Large seats for the TCRLC are elected for two -year terms. There are no prohibitions on the number of consecutive terms a Director At -Large can serve. However, each Director At -Large must submit the required information through the established nomination process to be considered. The Legislative Chair and the Legislative Vice -Chair shall be appointed by the Chair. Appointment shall be for an annual term and shall continue until the next election of the Chair. The immediate Past Chair shall be the person who has most recently served as Chair of the TCRLC and who continues to serve as an elected official of a Member City. A District Nine Director of the Florida League of Cities is that person who occupies the District Nine seat on the Board of Directors of the Florida League of Cities. Directors shall not be eligible to further serve on the board after having served as Immediate Past Chair until a period of two (2) years has elapsed. This prohibition does not apply to service as a District Nine Director of the Florida League of Cities. The Board of Directors shall be the policy- making body of the TCRLC. Meetings of the Board may be called by the Chair, or by any three (3) members of the Board. A majority of the Directors shall constitute a quorum. A quorum shall be present in order for business to be conducted. Decisions shall be by the majority of those present and voting. Minutes of each Board meeting shall be prepared and distributed to all Directors. Page 4 of 7 ARTICLE VI AUDIT COMMITTEE The TCRLC shall have an annual audit committee, which shall audit the books of the League and report to the Board of Directors within 60 days of the beginning of the fiscal year on January 1 or at the first Board meeting thereafter in each year. An audit shall be performed within three (3) weeks of when a newly elected or appointed Treasurer takes office. The Audit Committee shall consist of the Chair, the Past Chair, and one Director appointed by the Chair. ARTICLE VII NOMINATING COMMITTEE AND ELECTION PROCESS The Nominating Committee shall be chaired by the Past Chair, with three (3) additional members appointed by the Chair. It shall recommend to the Board of Directors, at the Board meeting immediately prior to the General Membership Meeting, a slate of proposed Board officers for the succeeding year. The Nominating Committee shall recommend every two years a slate of two At -Large Directors selected from the pool of nominees submitted during the nomination process. This slate of officers and directors at -large shall be considered by the Board and proposed, with any changes, to the general membership for election to office at the General Membership Meeting. Additional nominations may be made from the floor by any Member City at the General Membership Meeting. However, any such nominations require a two- thirds vote of the votes present for consideration. Once considered, a majority of votes will prevail. In the event of a floor vote, the Chair will act as the Parliamentarian and conduct the voting process. Recommendations for the District Nine Director shall be made by the Nominating Committee to the Board who shall consider the proposal, make any changes, and propose the recommendation to the general membership for approval at the General Membership Meeting. Additional nominees may be made from the floor by any Member City. The same floor vote process shall apply to the District Nine Director Nominations as to the TCRLC Slate of Officers and Director -At -Large elections in the event of a floor vote. Page 5 of 7 The TCRLC Board of Directors shall recommend to the Florida League of Cities Nominating Committee the TCRLC nominees for the District Nine Board Member position selected at the General Membership Meeting. ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENT These By -Laws may be amended by a majority vote of the Member Cities present at any regular meeting or by a majority vote of Member Cities participating in a mailed referendum. ARTICLE IX PROVISION FOR DISSOLUTION Upon dissolution of the TCRLC, remaining funds shall be donated to the Florida League of Cities. [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Page 6 of 7 ARTICLE X PROTOCOL These provisions hereby are incorporated and effective by -laws of the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities (TCRLC) as agreed to by those Members signified below. Amendments will be so noted with effective date in a running journal entry. Date of initial adoption: Please check one: X Indian River County St. Lucie County _Martin County _Okeechobee County For the City Town of: WI° 7 r //o ignature Date El Richard H. Gillmor Typed Printed Name Sebastian H: \denise \contracts, agmts, lease agmts, interlocals \treasure coast regional league of cities by -laws 05.19.09.doc Page 7 of 7 Mayor Title