The Legislature considered adopting Senate Bill 2606 that calls for the establishment of a task force to aid in the development of Stormwater Management System Design. The Task Force would study the issue of whether: A) Landscape Architects, or B) Professional Engineers are appropriate for certain jobs. The Task Force would become effective July 1, 2009 and expire on November 1, 2009, at which time they will be required to provide their findings to the House and the Senate. If adopted, this bill would impact how Local Governments manage Stormwater issues. Currently, the bill is still in Committee and will not be discussed further in the current Session, but the argument will not die. 1
Who Should be Allowed to Landscape Stormwater Systems, and Will the Choice Affect Your Pocketbook?
Belleview in Marion County, FL just held discussion on a Stormwater Management Draft Ordinance, which included input from local engineers. One main component in the proposed ordinance would give the staff more flexibility in Stormwater management planning. 2 Tallahassee in Leon County, FL is currently considering an ordinance regarding Stormwater retrofit projects, helping to improve the current Stormwater system. 3 Sanford, FL in Seminole County just adopted Stormwater Utility Fee Rate Increases in January 2009 which will last for 5 years. 4
Some would argue that allowing one group of professionals to provide the service may lead to people being injured due to bad design. However, by opening the bidding process up to be more inclusive may bring the cost of Stormwater Management down. If a standard level of training is required for all those submitting proposals for projects, is safety an issue? Would you trust your County Commission to make the right decision or do you believe they would try to cut corners to pinch a few pennies?
The following are issues from the OrdinancWatch™ database relating to Stormwater Management:
- Belleview, FL to Hold Discussion of Stormwater Management Draft Ordinance
- Tallahassee, FL to Hold First and Only Public Hearing of Requirements for Government Stormwater Retrofit Projects
- Sanford, FL Approves Stormwater Utility Fee Rate Increase
- Ft. Myers, FL Adopts Resolution to Establish the Stormwater Fee
1. Senate 2606: Relating to Stormwater Management System Design. (2009). Retrieved May 1, 2009, from The Florida Senate Web site: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/index.cfm?Mode=Bills&SubMenu=1&Tab=session&BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&BillNum=2606&Chamber=Senate&Year=2009&Title=%2D%3EBill%2520Info%3AS%25202606%2D%3ESession%25202009
2. City of Belleview. (2009). Retrieved May 1, 2009, from City of Belleview, FL Web site: http://www.belleviewfl.org/HomePage.htm
3. City of Tallahassee Agenda. (2009). Retrieved May 1, 2009, from Talgov.com Web site: http://www.talgov.com/commission/meetings/index.cfm
4. Sanford Florida Audio and Agendas. (2009). Retrieved May 1, 2009, from Sanford Florida Web site: http://www.sanfordfl.gov/audio-citycommission.aspx
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