Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: June 17, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Tanya Wilson, AICP, Director Planning, Environmental, and Development Services Department
CONTACT: Ren?e Parker, LEP, Manager
PHONE: 407-836-1420
DIVISION: Environmental Protection Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Composition of the Environmental Protection Commission (Environmental Protection Division)
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PROJECT: Composition of the Environmental Protection Commission
PURPOSE: The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) is a seven-member County advisory board that, among other duties, recommends revisions and amendments of appropriate rules and regulations necessary for the implementation and effective enforcement, administration, and interpretation of the provisions of environmental regulations under the authority of the Environmental Protection Officer. These standards provide for the effective and continuing protection of the environmental quality of the air, water, and land in the county. Additionally, the EPC holds public hearings on appeals of staff decisions regarding environmental permits, and after publicly discussing the application and taking testimony and evidence from the applicant and public, submits its recommendation on the application to the Board.
On January 27, 2023, the Butler Chain of Lakes Advisory Board (BCLAB) submitted a letter to District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson citing concerns about decisions made by the EPC, specifically discussing whether the professional employment of certain members create conflicts of interest, affecting the advisory board's ability to make unbiased recommendations to the Board. On June 27, 2023, Commissioner Wilson requested a Commissioner's Report to discuss these concerns raised by the BCLAB.
On October 24, 2023, Commissioner Wilson presented her concerns to the Board. During the discussion, staff provided information relating to the composition of the EPC and relayed...
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