§ 1.04. Citizens' Bill of Rights.

The citizens of the City establish this City government in order to protect and serve the citizens of the City. In order to secure to the City's citizens protection against abuses and encroachments by City government, and to insure all persons fair and equitable treatment, the following rights are guaranteed:

A.

Access to Government - As provided in the Florida Statutes, each person has the right to transact business with the City with a minimum of personal inconvenience. It is the duty of the City to provide reasonably convenient times and places for transacting business with the City.

B.

Truth in Government - As provided in the Florida Statutes, each person has the right to truthful and accurate information from Commissioners and City employees. Commissioners and City employees shall not knowingly omit any information or significant facts when disseminating public information.

C.

Public Records - As provided in the Florida Statutes and the City of Lauderhill Code of Ordinances, each person has a right to access City records. All audits, reports, minutes, documents and other City public records shall be open for public inspection at reasonable times and places.

D.

Right to be Heard - As provided in the Florida Statutes, any person has the right to appear before the City Commission, a Board, or Committee for the presentation, adjustment or determination of an issue, matter or request within the City's jurisdiction. Matters shall be scheduled for the convenience of the public, and specific portions of each agenda shall provide for designated times so that the public may know when a matter may be heard. The City may establish reasonable procedures relating to public hearings, including limitations on the time members of the public may speak on an issue.

E.

Right to Notice - As provided in the Florida Statutes and the City of Lauderhill Code of Ordinances, the City shall provide timely notice to persons entitled to notice of a hearing before the City Commission, Board, or Committee. The notice shall include the time, place and nature of the scheduled hearing, and the legal authority which forms the basis for the hearing. The City shall provide copies of proposed ordinances and resolutions at a reasonable time prior to the hearing, unless the matter involves the adoption of an emergency ordinance or resolution.

F.

Right to Notice of Decision and Reasons - As provided in the Florida Statutes, the City, if requested, shall provide members of the public notice of the City's denial of a person's request made in connection with any City decision or proceeding. A statement indicating the grounds for denial shall accompany the notice provided by the City.

G.

Right to City Manager's Report - As provided in the City of Lauderhill Charter and Code of Ordinances, the public is entitled to a status report, on a periodic basis, from the City Manager on all major matters which are either still pending or have been concluded.

H.

Rights to Public Budget Process - As provided in the Florida Statutes, the City Manager shall annually prepare a budget which illustrates the cost of each City program. Prior to the City Commissioner's first public hearing on a proposed budget, the City Manager shall publish a budget summary which sets forth the proposed cost of each individual program, all major proposed increases and decreases in funding and personnel for each City program, the reasons for any increase or decrease, the estimated millage cost of each program, and the amount of any contingency and carryover funds for each program.

I.

Right to a Management Report on the Performance of City Government - As provided in the City of Lauderhill Charter and Code of Ordinances, the public is entitled to have access to a Management Report published by the City Manager, and made public on a quarterly basis, detailing the performance of the City government offices, divisions and departments. The Management Report shall include, but not be limited to, a report on the receipt and expenditure of City funds by each City Office, division and department, and a report of the expected and actual performance of the activities of each County office, division and department.

J.

Right to Prohibit Conflicts of Interest and the Implementation of a Code of Conduct - As provided in the Florida Statutes and the City of Lauderhill Code of Ordinances, the City Commission shall enact, by ordinance, a conflict of interest section in the City Code that requires Commissioners, City employees, and individuals appointed to Boards, Committees, Agencies, and Authorities to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. The City Commission shall also enact, by ordinance, a Code of Official Conduct that shall apply to Commissioners, City employees, and individuals appointed to Boards, Committees, Agencies, and Authorities. In the ordinances enacted pursuant to this sub-section, the City Commission shall provide procedures for the examination of matters related to the conduct of Commissioners, City employees and individuals appointed to Boards, Committees, Agencies, and Authorities. The ordinances enacted pursuant to this sub-section shall also provide procedures for the removal of an employee or individual, other than a Commissioner.

K.

Proper Use of Public Property - As provided in the Florida Constitution and the Florida Statutes, the City shall prevent the use of public property or its taxing power for the benefit of private individuals, partnerships or corporations, in violation of the restrictions imposed by Article VII, Section 10, of the Florida Constitution, or by the laws of the State of Florida.

L.

Power of Recall - As provided in the Florida Statutes and the City of Lauderhill Charter, the public shall have the power to recall any Commissioner in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida.

All provisions of this Article shall be construed to be supplementary to and not in conflict with the laws of the State of Florida. If any part of this Article shall be declared invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

(Ord. No. 08O-06-125, § 1, 7-14-08)