Agenda Item Name:
Title
Public hearing on proposed ordinance to adopt a new section 114.09 of the Code, entitled Operation of Airboats
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Presenter:
Corbin Hanson
Description:
Public hearing to consider adoption of Airboat Ordinance Amendment
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt ordinance by a majority plus one, repealing section 114.09 of the Alachua County Code, and adopting a new section 114.09 of the Alachua County Code, entitled “Operation of Airboats” and authorize Chair to sign.
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Prior Board Motions:
10/13/20 - Board motion to authorize the County Attorney to advertise new Airboat Ordinance passed, 5-0
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
n/a
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Background:
Section 327.60, Florida Statutes, expressly authorizes counties to regulate the operation of airboats if the ordinance is adopted by a two-thirds vote of the governing body. The proposed ordinance regulates the operation of airboats for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of other users, as well as protecting the natural aquatic vegetation and bird populations within and surrounding the waterbodies of Alachua County. To achieve these goals, the proposed ordinance imposes a curfew on the operation of airboats during the evening and nighttime hours, when visibility is low. Attached are several reports related to human impacts to and interference with birds, which this ordinance is intended to address. The following is a link to Waterbirds: The International Journal of Waterbird Biology, Vol. 26, No. 4 (Dec., 2003), pp. 437-443 (7 pages) that is specific to airboats and bird populations, <https://www.jstor.org/stable/1522297?seq=1>.