Resolution No. 17-30 vRESOLUTION NO. 17-30
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA OPPOSING FLORIDA SENATE
BILL 574 AND HOUSE BILL 521, AND URGING THE DUVAL COUNTY DELEGATION TO
OPPOSE THESE BILLS, AND URGING GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT TO VETO THESE BILLS, AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Atlantic Beach's tree canopy has beautified our City and State and improved the lives of
our citizens and visitors by bringing nature to our urban environments and preserving environmental sanctuaries
for connection with the natural world; and
WHEREAS, trees improve water quality, reduce erosion, increase property values, provide shade,
cleanse the air, create habitat for wildlife and add beauty to our City and State; and
WHEREAS, for many years, the City of Atlantic Beach has had a strong and effective tree protection
ordinance which regulates the removal of protected trees from public and private property; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach tree -protection laws reflect the distinctive needs and unique
characteristics of the city; and
WHEREAS, tree protection has long been recognized as a legitimate exercise of local government home
rule; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 574 and House Bill 521 have been filed in the Florida Legislature with the aim
of preempting local governments from (1) regulating the removal of trees from private property; (2) requiring
mitigation for the removal of such trees; and (3) prohibiting the burial of trees and other vegetative debris; and
WHEREAS, the passage of these bills would open a window for the irreversible clear -cutting of land,
including old-growth forests; and
WHEREAS, passage of Senate Bill 574 and House Bill 521 would be harmful to the environment and
contrary to the overwhelming wishes of Atlantic Beach citizens.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach:
Section 1. The Commission urges the Duval Delegation, individually and collectively, to oppose
Senate Bill 574 and House Bill 521 and any other legislation that preempts local governments from regulating
the removal of trees from private property, requiring mitigation for trees which are removed, or prohibiting the
burial of trees and other vegetative debris.
Section 2. The Commission urges Governor Rick Scott to veto Senate Bill 574, House Bill 521 or
any similar legislation should it be passed by the Florida Legislature.
Section 3. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its final passage and
adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City of Atlantic Beach, this 27`x' day of November, 2017.
ATTEST: aata—e/"",
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Approved as to form and correctness:
4 �" A 'NJ /�
Br M. Dur ity Attorney
El en Glasser, Mayor