Submitted By: Danielle Phillips
Presentation By: Darren Park
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Department: Public Works
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Introduce Ordinance 2023-43 amending Chapter 34, Article IX, Section 34-201 concerning litter
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
In September 2021, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBCC) formed the Litter Task Force to address persistent litter and illegal dumping issues throughout Marion County. The Litter Task Force was spearheaded by Commissioner Craig Curry and consisted of representatives from the City of Ocala (Public Works Director, Darren Park), Marion County School Board, Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, Marion County Sheriff's Office, City of Belleview, City of Dunnellon, Florida Department of Transportation, Forest Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, State Attorney's Office, Waste Pro, Waste Management, Florida Express, Realty World, Grafito, and residents of Marion County.
The task force was divided into four sub-committees (ordinances/enforcement, marketing, community outreach/education, and fiscal). Each sub-committee was tasked with developing ideas specific to their area and presenting them to the task force voting members who then developed specific recommendations. These recommendations were workshopped and ultimately presented to the MCBCC. The recommendations included a marketing and outreach campaign and revisions to the Marion County's Litter Ordinance which was adopted on July 19, 2022.
The revised ordinance is consistent with state requirements and includes increased penalties. The MCBCC has asked all municipalities within Marion County to adopt their ordinance to present a unified front and approach to deal with litter and illegal dumping in Marion County.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Revising the City's litter ordinance would bring it in line with Marion County's or...
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