BCC Briefs

At the September 13, 2011, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Firearms Ordinances – Approved changes to various firearms ordinances involving record keeping, discharging firearms, sale of firearms in an emergency, and discharging a firearm in or near a natural disaster. These ordinances were in violation of a new state law that mandates firearms laws can only come from the state. The BCC also voted to send a resolution to the state Legislature requesting the Legislature reconsider its position on the ability of local governments to regulate firearms.

Airport Parking Discount – Created a discount program providing for a passenger to receive up to a $20 discount on parking fees if they fly on a pre-designated promotional flight that includes either new non-stop markets or group travel. The flight must serve a market not currently served on a non-stop basis.

Ethics Commission – Accepted a Memorandum of Understanding from the Boca Raton Airport Authority to engage the services of the Commission on Ethics and its executive director. This action addresses the Airport Authority’s desire to subject itself to the county’s ethics regulations.

Animal Care and Control Advisory Board – Voted to dissolve the advisory board as staff recommended. Staff will continue to work with local animal organizations, citizens and professionals in the field of animal welfare. The division will continue to accept citizen input and volunteer support on all issues relating to improving animal welfare.

Ocean Avenue Bridge – Approved funding for the construction of a new Ocean Avenue bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway in the Town of Lantana. The project also includes a fishing pier under the west end paid for with Parks and Recreation bond funds.

Ranchettes MSTU Project – Voted to open the municipal services taxing unit (MSTU) program for the Fargo Avenue and El Paso Drive/Pancho Way/Pinto Drive (east end only) road improvement projects. The BCC authorized modification of the MSTU ordinance to allow a percentage up to 100% of project costs to be assessed for these two projects. Directed staff to immediately proceed to hire a consultant to design the projects and provide the most cost effective paved surface for these roads, which may or may not involve installing drainage to meet current county standards.