ORDINANCE 08-114
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAKELAND MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 13, SECTION 13-419 “MUNICIPAL TREE MANAGEMENT;” AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

WHEREAS, the City of Lakeland has established a Natural Resources Board through Ordinance 03-53 and amended by Ordinance 05-81; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Lakeland is committed to a comprehensive approach to the preservation of Lakeland’s natural resources as cited in Resolution #2004/12-108; and,

WHEREAS, the citizens of Lakeland will have better representation on issues related to natural resources by separating the Natural Resources Board from the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF LAKELAND THAT THE LAKELAND MUNICIPAL CODE BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

Title 13, Chapter 4, Section 13-419 “Municipal Tree Management” is repealed in its entirety and replaced with the language attached as EXHIBIT A.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its final passage and publication, the public welfare requiring it.


First Reading: February 07, 2008.
Public Hearing: February 25, 2008.
Final Reading: March 06, 2008.





Scott Carmichael, Mayor

ATTEST:




Sontidra Franklin, CMC
City Recorder

EXHIBIT A

There is hereby created and established a Lakeland Natural Resources Board. This board shall consist of at least five (5) members and no more than seven (7) members, citizens and residents of Lakeland, who shall be appointed by the Mayor and Board of Commissioners. Members of the Lakeland Natural Resources Board shall serve without compensation. The terms of the Lakeland Natural Resources Board shall be three (3) years. Initial appointments shall establish staggered terms by appointing two members to three (3) year terms, two members to two (2) year terms and the remainder of the members to one (1) year terms. There shall be one member of the Board of Commissioners appointed to serve on the Natural Resources Board with a one year term. The Lakeland Natural Resources Board shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations and keep a journal of its proceedings. A majority of its members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. The duties of the Natural Resources shall be as spelled out in the Natural Resources Board bylaws and include: providing a venue to hear citizen concerns regarding natural resources related issues and to make recommendations or otherwise provide assistance to the Board of Commissioners or other boards regarding these community issues; to periodically review natural resources management ordinances and policies and to make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners regarding regulations and policies; to promote environmental education within the City of Lakeland; to promote pride and community interest in natural resources; and to serve as a forum for the introduction of innovative ideas, programs, and policies related to natural resources.