Florida Administrative Code
29 - REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCILS
29A - Emerald Coast Regional Council
Chapter 29A-3 - WEST FLORIDA REGIONAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Section 29A-3.003 - Participation

(1) Named parties shall automatically be allowed to participate. Other jurisdictions, public or private organizations, groups, or individuals, suggested by named parties in response letters or during RDRP meetings or submitting a petition to participate, may become named parties if agreed to by a two-thirds majority of the participating named parties, except as provided for in subsection 29A-3.003(2), F.A.C. Fee allocation agreements will be amended as appropriate.

(2) All initiation and response letters made in accordance with intergovernmental coordination elements (ICE) of local government comprehensive plans shall only list affected local government jurisdictions as named parties. The named parties may at the initial settlement or at subsequent RDRP meetings add public or private named parties by mutual agreement of all the current named parties.

(3) Other jurisdictions, public or private organizations, groups or individuals seeking to become named parties shall submit to the regional planning council staff a written petition to participate, including reasons for the request and information required in subsection 29A-3.010(2), F.A.C. Such jurisdictions, public or private organizations, groups, or individuals shall become named parties if agreed to by a two-thirds majority of the named parties, prior to or during RDRP meetings, except as pursuant to subsection 29A-3.003(2), F.A.C. Named parties who do not respond within 21 days of the initiation letter may not participate in the RDRP unless they submit a petition for participation.

(4) Each of the jurisdictions, organizations, groups, or individuals participating as named parties in this process shall designate a representative, in writing, or be represented by the chief executive officer. Such a representative shall have authority to act, to the maximum extent possible, and shall have responsibility for representing that party's interest in this process and maintaining communications with that party throughout the process. Jurisdictions are encouraged to designate a representative to participate in the RDRP in advance of initiating or receiving a request.

(5) Any named party may invite individuals or organizations to attend meetings under this process who can provide information and technical assistance useful in the resolution of the dispute. The parties, by agreement, or the presiding neutral shall determine when and under what circumstances such invited parties may provide input.

(6) All communications by a named party called for in this process shall be submitted to all other named parties and the RPC staff in writing.

(7) All named parties who agree to participate in this process commit to a good faith effort to resolve problems or disputes.

(8) Any named party may withdraw from participation in the RDRP upon written notice to all other named parties and the RPC staff.