29H-1.008. Powers

The Council shall have all powers granted in the interlocal agreement established by the Council, including:

(1) To exercise powers granted by Chapters 23, 380 and Sections 163.01, 163.02, F.S., as now existing or as from time to time amended.

(2) To conduct studies of the region’s resources with respect to existing and emerging problems of industry, commerce, transportation, population, housing, agriculture, public services, human resources, natural resources, government, and any other matters which are relevant to regional planning.

(3) To adopt rules of procedure and bylaws, to regulate its affairs and conduct its business.

(4) To adopt an official seal.

(5) To maintain office space at such places within the region as may from time to time be required in performance of its duties.

(6) To employ and set the compensation of the Executive Director, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Council. The Executive Director shall employ and discharge professional, technical or clerical staff as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the Council.

(7) To authorize compensation for members of the Council for per diem, travel, and other reasonable expenses for meetings, hearings and other official business conducted outside the region’s boundaries.

(8) To hold public hearings, sponsor public forums, and conduct other activities whenever deemed necessary or useful in the execution of the functions of the Council.

(9) To acquire, own, operate, maintain, lease or sell real or personal property and hold title hereto in the name of the Council.

(10) To fix and determine in accordance with applicable laws by resolution rules and regulations relating to advertisement for bids, manner of bidding and amount below which same will not be required.

(11) To sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, complain and defend, intervene and appeal, in all courts and administrative agencies.

(12) To accept gifts, apply for and use grants, assistance funds or bequests of money or other property from the United States, the state, a local unit of government or any person for any Council purpose and to enter into agreements required in connection therewith, and to hold, use, and dispose of such monies or property in accordance with the terms of the gift, grant, loan or agreement relating thereto.

(13) To make and enter into all contracts and agreements, and do and perform all acts and deeds necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the exercise of its powers.

(14) To prescribe all terms and conditions for the employment of officers, employees and agents including but not limited to the fixing of pay and classification plans, benefits, and the filing of performance and fidelity bonds and such policies of insurance covering itself and employees as it may deem advisable.

(15) To participate with other government agencies, educational institutions, and private organizations in the coordination of the activities above.

(16) To determine and collect charges or fees for the provision of assistance for special services and for reviews and referrals.

(17) To select and appoint such advisory bodies as the Council may find appropriate for the conduct of its activities.

Rulemaking Authority 163.01, 163.01(4), (5)(b), (c), (h), 186.504, 186.505 FS. Law Implemented 163.01(5)(a), (g), (h), (j), (m), (10)(b), 186.504, 186.505 FS. History–New 11-27-75, Formerly 29H-1.08, Amended 3-9-09.