Okaloosa County BOCC — August 1, 2017 — Request to Schedule a Public Hearing for Parks Ordinance Amendment — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: August 1, 2017 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Jason Autrey SUBJECT: Request to Schedule a Public Hearing for Parks Ordinance Amendment DEPARTMENT: Public Works BCC DISTRICT: All STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Chapter 16, Article II of the Okaloosa Code relates to the regulation of beach, parks and other recreational areas of the County. Many of the approvals authorized in that Chapter are required to be obtained from the Board of County Commissioners. The granting of these approvals could be provided in a more efficient manner by delegating those to the County Administrator. Additionally, there are certain other modifications that are required to address various issues that have arisen since the Ordinances last amendment. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS: Chapter 16, Article II of the Okaloosa Code of Ordinances regulates the beaches, parks and other recreational areas of the County. Numerous activities require prior approval by the Board of County Commissioners. These approvals could be addressed more efficiently and in a timely manner by delegating those responsibilities to the County Administrator. If the Board approves the amendment to the Ordinance allowing the delegation of these approvals, a separate resolution will need to be adopted to formally designate the County Administrator or such other person as having the authority to grant these approvals. Additionally, there are certain provisions that need to be updated to address changes in the law or provide clarification to address issues that have arisen. The proposed amendments eliminate the prohibition on firearms in those areas and prohibits the leaving of personal property on the beach overnight. It also prohibits the use of trampolines, bounce houses or other types of activities which create an enhanced risk of injury. It also requires that special events that seek to use the pavilions or structures located in parks or on recreational areas subject to a County lease shall be required to obtain the consent of the lessee before that structure may be used. OPTIONS: Approve/Disapprove the scheduling and advertising of a Public Hearing for the adoption of an Ordinance amending Chapter 16, Article II of the Okaloosa Code relating to County Parks and Recreational Areas. RECOMMENDATION: Motion to approve the scheduling and advertising of a public hearing on the September 5, 2017 Board meeting for the adoption of an Ordinance amending Chapter 16, Article II of the Okaloosa Code relating to County Parks and Recreational Areas. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator