regional transportation authority

Hillsborough County News
Oct. 17, 2011
Contact: Luann Finley, Director of Board Services, 813-272-5826

Commissioners Seek Applications For Citizen Boards And Councils

Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several County citizen advisory boards and councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions, and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board, but may only serve on one board at a time.

The deadline for applying is November 3. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in December.

An application is available in the Commissioners’ reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa; by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator at 813-272-5826; or on the County’s Web site at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org. Click on the “County Commission” link on the left-hand side of the page, then the “Advisory Boards and Committees” sublink. The “Questionnaire For County Appointment” is in the middle of the page. The form can be filled out, and then scanned and emailed, faxed, hand-delivered or mailed. Additional directions for submission are listed on the form.
If you apply to a Board that requires a background check, you must also submit a Background Investigation Disclosure and Authorization Form, which also is available on the website.
The Boards and Councils that have openings are:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD–advises and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and Affordable Housing Officer on issues affecting affordable housing development, and to assist the County in developing new programs and policies in order to foster the development and preservation of attainable housing for those County residents who desire to live in safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Five positions are vacant. Two terms are for three years. Three positions are for the remainder of terms which expire June 30, 2012 and two on Aug. 1, 2012. After two full consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until three calendar years have elapsed from date of termination of the second term.

Positions are specified as: 1) citizen representing employers in the jurisdiction, 2) citizen actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection with affordable housing, 3) citizen representing essential services personnel as defined in the Local Housing Assistance Plan, 4) an at-large representative not actively engaged in affordable housing, and 5) a mortgage lending industry representative. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 1st Monday, 9 a.m.

BUILDING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for building certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Building Code.

Two terms are expiring. Member term is for four years and alternate term is for two years. Positions are specified as: 1) a swimming pool contractor and 2) an alternate. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m.

CHILD CARE FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD–advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Child Care Facilities Ordinance; proposes additional rules and regulations to the Board of County Commissioners which effectuate the intent and purpose of the Ordinance; recommends and assists the Hillsborough County Office of Child Care Licensing in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel. It also advises the Hillsborough County Office of Child Care Licensing on all matters pertaining to child care facilities.

Eight terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) parent of a child in a child care facility, 2 & 3) licensed private for-profit child care center operator, 4) local non-profit or governmental agency serving the needs of young children and their parents, 5) licensed religiously affiliated child care facility operator, 6) member of an accrediting organization of a religiously exempt facility, 7) president of an association whose purpose is to promote professionalism in early childhood, and 8) a representative of a non-profit licensed child care facility or organization. Appointment to this board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 1st Thursday, 1 p.m.

CHILD CARE LICENSING HEARING OFFICER—conducts hearings and makes recommendations, at the request of an applicant for a child care license or a current licensee, whenever an application for a license is denied, or whenever a license has been placed on probation, suspended, revoked, or an administrative fine has been imposed, pursuant to the Hillsborough County Child Care Homes Licensing Ordinance 05-9 and the Hillsborough County Child Care Facilities Ordinance 03-25, as amended by Hillsborough County Ordinance 04-25,

One term has expired. Term is for three years. Hearing Officers must be members in good standing of the Florida Bar and may not be employees of the County Attorney’s Office. Appointment as a Hearing Officer is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: When requested.

CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD–hears violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County with most cases arising out of violations of the County’s housing, building, zoning, and sign codes and ordinances to maintain minimum health and safety standards.

Two member terms and one alternate term are expiring. Terms are for three years. After two consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term. Consideration for membership shall be given to representatives from the following fields: a businessperson, an architect, a general contractor, a subcontractor, a realtor, and an alternate. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Citizens appointed to this board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally 2nd or 3rd Friday, 9 a.m.

CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIAL MAGISTRATE—hears violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County with most cases arising out of violations of the County’s housing, building, zoning, and sign codes and ordinances to maintain minimum health and safety standards; burglar false alarm ordinances and natural resources regulations; and the water restriction ordinance.

One term is expiring. Term is for three years. Citizen appointed as a Special Magistrate will be required to file an annual financial disclosure, and must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County.

Meeting schedule: Monthly, 9 a.m., Burglar False Alarms – generally 1st or 2nd Monday, Water Resources – generally 1st or 2nd Friday, and Community Codes – generally 1st or 2nd Thursday.

CROSS CONNECTION, BACKFLOW AND BACK-SIPHONAGE CONTROL BOARD–assists the plumbing official, the water purveyor, and the health officer in the enforcement of Hillsborough County regulations; hears citizen complaints concerning the Ordinance and associated regulations, and when appropriate, makes recommendations to the County Commission regarding changes to the regulations; and serves as an appeals board from any decision, ruling, or determination of the inspection agency involved in the enforcement of the Ordinance and associated regulations.

Three terms are expiring. Terms are for four years. Positions are specified as: 1) an industry representative, 2) a private attorney licensed in the State of Florida, and 3) an industry representative, a private attorney licensed in the State of Florida, or a citizen representative. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 4th Monday, 1 p.m.

ELECTRICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for electrical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Electrical Code.

One term is expiring. Term is for four years. Position is specified as an electrical utility company representative. Citizen appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure.
Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD–reviews and advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Family Child Care Homes Licensing Ordinance or the Rules and Regulations Handbook including recommending and assisting the local licensing agency in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel; advising the local licensing agency on matters of licensing policy, procedure, and priorities; and proposes additional rules and regulations regarding the intent and purpose of the ordinance.

One term is expiring and two positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) a licensed family child care home operator and 2 & 3) a parent who has a child enrolled in a licensed family day care home. Appointment to this board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday, 7 p.m.

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.–works in collaboration with community-based organizations to identify, address, and resolve health care issues of local concern. The Council collects and analyzes health care data, prepares special reports and publications, and educates the community about special health issues.

One term has expired. Term is for two years. Position is specified as a health care provider. Meeting schedule: Alternating Wednesdays, 8 a.m. in St. Petersburg.

HISTORICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL—supports and facilitates a uniform historical marker program throughout the County, including the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace as well as organizations and other agencies who request assistance. It also provides the County Commission with support that complements the goals of historical preservation and education in Hillsborough County.

One term is expiring. Term is for three years. No members shall serve for more than two full terms. More that one half of a term is deemed to be service for a full term. A member who has served two full consecutive terms shall be eligible for reappointment after at least three years of non-membership. All members shall possess expertise in significant and relevant historical matters. In making appointments, due consideration shall be given to achieving a demographic balance among the appointed. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 4:30 p.m.

HISTORIC RESOURCES REVIEW BOARD–serves as an architectural review board for the protection of historic resources in unincorporated Hillsborough County. It recommends archaeological and historical sites to the Board of County Commissioners for landmarks designation and reviews alterations and new construction on landmark sites or districts.

One term is expiring and three positions are vacant, one due to resignation. Three terms are for three years. One position is for the remainder of term which expires June 30, 2013. After two consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term. Positions are specified as: 1) an alternate, 2) an architectural historian, 3) an architect, and 4) a licensed real estate broker. Members must have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation. Citizens appointed to this board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 3 p.m.

HUMAN RELATIONS BOARD–encourages equality among all people by reviewing complaints filed under Hillsborough County’s Human Rights Ordinance which promotes fair treatment and equal opportunity for people regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or marital status.

Five terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Members may not be appointed to serve more than two full consecutive terms. Consideration for membership shall be given to representatives from the following fields: retail merchandising management, industrial management, real estate sales, property leasing, mortgage financing, law enforcement, labor council, person with a disability, a person representing persons with disabilities, or other profession. Citizen appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 2nd Tuesday, Noon.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY–with the consent of the Board of County Commissioners, provides financing of industrial projects that are beneficial to the community, including manufacturing plants and pollution and waste control facilities.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for four years. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 1st Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for mechanical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Mechanical Code.

Three positions are vacant. Member terms are for four years and alternate terms are for two years. Positions are specified as: 1) a mechanical trade representative and 2 & 3) alternates. Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this board. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday, 10 a.m.

PLUMBING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for plumbing certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Plumbing Code.

Two terms are expiring. Member terms are for four years and alternate terms are for two years. Positions are specified as: 1) registered engineer in Florida qualified to work in the area of sanitary or mechanical engineering and 2) an alternate. Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this board. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: February, May, August, & September, 1 p.m.

PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE–acts in the public interest on all matters relating to the Public Art Ordinance including the selection, placement, and maintenance of works of public art throughout the County. The Committee and its staff are responsible for the administration and planning of the Public Art Program, and the curatorship of the countywide liaisons to the public art community.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. No member shall serve for more than two full three year terms. Positions are specified as private citizens with a demonstrated knowledge and appreciation for visual art. Meeting schedule: Quarterly.

TAMPA BAY AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE–provides region-oriented advice to the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority regarding the development and implementation of a multi modal transportation master plan; promotion of public awareness and participation in the master planning process; and dissemination of information to local citizens groups.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for two years. Positions are specified as one member and one alternate. Members should be leaders of a recognized group or organization, but may not be a transportation agency staff member. Consideration for membership shall be given to the following criteria: membership in business, civic, and environmental organizations; member of senior, low-income, minority and/or disabled populations; demonstrated interest in transportation or other public policy advocacy; experience in working with local jurisdictions on regional issues; and previous community service. Meeting schedule: Monthly.

WATER CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE–makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding water conservation issues.

Nine terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) hospitality representative, 2) small business representative, 3) landscape installation and maintenance representative, 4) agriculture (not public water supply) representative, 5) landscape plant grower, 6) commercial real estate representative, 7) homeowner association representative, 8) environmental organization representative, and 9) a major water use representative. Meeting schedule: Quarterly.

For more information, contact Luann Finley, Director of Board Services, at 813-272-5826.

By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune
Published: August 14, 2011

TAMPA Victor Crist stunned colleagues on the Hillsborough County Commission and the county’s aviation authority when he proposed cooperative efforts among the area’s seaports and airports that typically compete.

“We need to take a look at how we could benefit the region by thinking differently and cooperatively,” Crist said this year. “The only obstacle would be those who want to hold on to their power.

“We must take baby steps,” he said, proposing discussion of cooperative, regional prospects before endorsing changes to how things are run today.

Crist is in front of elected officials and program managers who generally are reluctant to discuss the politically sensitive topic of rearranging their turf and operations.

Managers point to competitive realities that elected officials create.

But political and fiscal realities require leaders to change the way they think, said Ronnie Duncan, chairman of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority. “The world is different today than yesterday,” Duncan said. “Congress is debating the nation’s budget, and the House already has made clear that less federal money will be available for transportation projects than in recent years.

“All of us from Tampa Bay to California are going to have to do things differently, and that’s not a bad thing.

“What happens in Pinellas stays in Pinellas; what happens in Hillsborough stays in Hillsborough, but that has to change. We have to have those kinds of (regional) discussions.”

Some regional initiatives have been in place for years, such as the Tampa Bay Partnership, which oversees economic development opportunities for eight counties.

The Pinellas and Hillsborough visitors’ bureaus share some marketing initiatives, and the county’s two transit systems purchase buses and equipment under joint contracts to save money.

In 2007, the state Legislature created TBARTA to develop and implement transportation plans in seven counties. But Gov. Rick Scott in May vetoed the re-appropriation of $950,000 to support TBARTA – about 25 percent of its annual budget.

Duncan said TBARTA’s regional mission is needed more than ever, and a new budget will be crafted this month to go into effect in October. “What TBARTA brings is the ability to have a regional discussion,” Duncan said.

Its 16 board members are from a 6,000-square-mile area that encompasses two Florida Department of Transportation districts, two highway toll authorities, three regional planning councils, five metropolitan planning organizations, seven transit service operators and 42 cities.

But it’s the need to trim costs that appears to be driving discussions of regional cooperation.

Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala of St. Petersburg, chairman of the Florida Senate Transportation Committee, this year began exploring how the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority might be combined.

Latvala is scheduled to address HART on the issue this month.

“The push for regional plans for transit is becoming a nationwide topic,” said Alison Hewitt, HART board chairwoman, citing initiatives in the Atlanta and Washington-Arlington, Va., areas among those at the forefront. “But we have to be careful we don’t lose service for our patrons in the quest to combine services.”

Every opportunity to work more closely on a regional basis raises potential problems that must be sorted out, in particular who wins, who loses, who pays, who gains.

Airports

In June, Crist congratulated the new administration at Tampa International Airport on “working diligently to reach across the barriers, whether they be the bay or … silos or turfs that exist within our geographic area.”

His comments took place during a meeting when the aviation authority board approved the airport’s first comprehensive financial-incentive program to recruit airlines to enhance international and domestic service.

That could make recruiting for Pinellas’ airport a little more difficult, Pinellas County officials acknowledge. Historically, the two airports seldom pursued the same service, and the Pinellas visitors’ bureau has opened a $250,000 pot of money that Tampa International could apply to use to generate international flights serving Pinellas hoteliers.

Years ago, Pinellas was unsuccessful in recruiting Southwest Airlines, which chose Tampa International – a departure from its small-airport strategy – in part because Southwest officials were concerned about traffic congestion at the Pinellas airport.

Pinellas was disappointed more recently when the federal government designated Tampa as the area’s destination for Cuba charter flights.

Still, traffic is growing at the Pinellas airport, which last year completed a $21 million terminal renovation project and serves a sizable general aviation and UPS air cargo service. It also hosts the nation’s largest U.S. Coast Guard Air Station.

A third of Tampa International’s passengers are from Hillsborough County, and nearly the same percentage – 31.5 percent of its 19 million annual ridership – is from Pinellas, a 2007 report found.

However, the aviation authority board governing Tampa International is represented only by Hillsborough interests.

That factor has not been an issue, but Crist said he wouldn’t oppose representatives from other counties serving on the authority board if those counties would accept representatives from Hillsborough on their boards.

Aviation authority board member Steve Burton said he encourages regional cooperation, but would leave the issue of board membership to the state Legislature, which created the authority.

Seaports

Even more than the area’s commercial airports, the region’s two major seaports, Port Manatee and the Port of Tampa, have been competitors, with Tampa handling five times more cargo tonnage and all of the region’s cruise passengers.

Crist’s recommendation to seek common ground between the two ports as well as consider the role of the Port of St. Petersburg, which has no cargo or cruise passengers, drew a sharp response from fellow Commissioner Sandy Murman in an April county commission meeting.

“The other ports that you’re talking about, collaboration is good, but honestly, you don’t want to pick up somebody’s deficit,” Murman said. “Things aren’t just as good as some people think they are at other ports, so we have to go about this very cautiously because we are doing so well.”

Crist suggests the strengths of the Manatee and Tampa ports should be considered under the same authority.

Much undeveloped land surrounds Port Manatee, which could be more ideal for cargo than the Tampa port, which has urban neighbors. And Tampa should continue to develop its profitable, cleaner cargo-container business, he said.

St. Petersburg’s port, which leisure boaters use, might host smaller, boutique cruise ships if a market could be developed, Crist suggested.

Mass transit

Transit operations through the Tampa Bay region face myriad challenges.

Hillsborough County voters defeated a sales tax proposal in November that would have funded the area’s first light-rail system and serve as the forerunner for rail in nearby counties.

“The fact is, the Pinellas and Hillsborough transit systems are on life support,” Duncan said. “I think people realize we can’t keep running buses where they carry five passengers where they want to go.”

Latvala is expected to further energize merger or collaboration plans for HART and PSTA this month.

Pinellas County is moving forward with its plan to seek federal money for rail and/or fast bus service that would connect to Hillsborough County via the Howard Frankland Bridge.

TBARTA officials continue to hold discussions about prospects for commuter rail service on CSX Transportation tracks.

TBARTA updated its master plan this year to incorporate freight and cargo transportation and highway plans.

Despite Gov. Scott’s rejection in February of Florida’s high-speed rail project between Tampa and Orlando, vendors remain interested in providing capital for infrastructure, Duncan said.

“Is it feasible for a private-sector company to take over a public transit operation?” he said. “We got our balloons deflated with high-speed rail, the Hillsborough light-rail referendum and other things.

“No one wants to give up the power and ownerships of their domains, but the majority of people want leadership to come up with new ways to fund and operate transportation.

“Yet they are distrustful of government to provide that. We have to have those kinds of discussions.”

Sandy Murman

Lawmakers push cooperation by transportation agencies