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Resolution 131-2011Mayor Heather Carruthers RESOLUTION NO: 1312011 RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO IMPOSE REASONABLE LIMITS ON THE FEES THAT CAN BE CHARGED FOR ELECTRONIC TOLLING OF RENTAL CARS, FURTHER URGING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO NEGOTIATE MORE CONSUMER - FRIENDLY AGREEMENTS RELATED TO ELECTRONIC TOLLING OF RENTAL CARS TO ENSURE THAT TOURISTS PAY REASONABLE FEES FOR ELECTRONIC TOLLING. WHEREAS, in 2007 the Florida Department of Transportation through Florida's Turnpike Enterprise began entering into a series of agreements with major rental car companies to allow rental cars to go through SunPass and other electronic toll lanes by recording the license plate and then billing the renters; and WHEREAS, some agreements provided that the renter would be directly charged the actual cost of all tolls plus a $2.50 per day administrative fee up to a maximum of $10 per month; and WHEREAS, such daily fees may be levied whether or not the renter is incurring charges each day of a rental; and WHEREAS, under these agreements, the toll charges and administrative fees automatically begin being imposed when the renter goes through the first electronic toll, and the renter receives a separate charge on his or her credit card after the fact for the total of all toll charges incurred plus the administrative fees; and WHEREAS, other agreements provided that the renter pays a flat fee of $5.95 per rental day or $27.95 weekly, which includes unlimited tolls and all administrative fees; and WHEREAS, these arrangements have proven to be a convenience to some visitors, but in many cases have led to excessive charges; and WHEREAS, the estimated number of annual visitors to the Florida Keys who arrive via automobile is 2.3 million (NOAA Linking the Economy and Environment of the Florida Keys and Key West); and WHEREAS, of those 2.3 million cars, 61% of the overnight auto arrivals are rental cars (Monroe County Tourist Development Council Visitor Profile Study FY2010); and WHEREAS, because the electronic tolling program for rental cars automatically records the license plate, tourists and other visitors may not be aware that they are incurring these charges and could be surprised after the fact when they see the charges on their credit card; and WHEREAS, Seventy -six percent (76 %) of the rental car users do not know what fee they are being charged and most rental car users (79 %) said the new tolls were not explained or not explained very well by the rental agency. (Monroe County Tourist Development Council and Insights, Inc All - Electronic Tolls Visitor Study FY ?.011) WHEREAS, such administrative charges are excessive in light of the underlying actual tolls and far exceed any actual administrative cost that may be involved; and WHEREAS, tourism is the fundamental industry underpinning Monroe County's economy, and it is important that tourists who visit Monroe County leave with a positive image of our community; and WHEREAS, the current electronic tolling arrangement has the possibility of harming the positive image of our community by imposing excessive fees for tolls, and WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature should impose reasonable limits on the fees that can be charged to individuals renting cars and using electronic tolling, or alternatively, the Florida Department of Transportation should negotiate more consumer - friendly agreements related to electronic tolling and rental cars that are more aligned with the actual administrative costs of processing tolls to ensure that tourists and visitors pay reasonable fees for electronic tolling in rental cars; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida that this Board: Section 1. Urges the Florida Legislature to impose reasonable limits on the fees that can be charged to individuals renting cars and using electronic tolling. Section 2. Urges the Florida Department of Transportation to negotiate more consumer - friendly agreements related to electronic tolling and rental cars. Section 3. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, the Chair and members of the Monroe County state legislative Delegation and the Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation. Section 4. Directs the County's state lobbyists to advocate for the legislation and action set forth in Sections 1 and 2 above, and authorizes and directs that the 2011 and 2012 State legislative packages be amended to include this item. PASSED and ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida at a regular meeting of said board held on April 20, 2011. r13 IF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: _0y940k__ Mayo C/ Mayor Carruthers Yes Mayor Pro Tern Rice Yes Commissioner Murphy Yes Commissioner Neugent Yes Commissioner Wigington Yes FT 1 -t, s� _� c-n BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERSMANNY L. IF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: _0y940k__ Mayo C/ Mayor Carruthers Yes Mayor Pro Tern Rice Yes Commissioner Murphy Yes Commissioner Neugent Yes Commissioner Wigington Yes MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, SUITE 101 KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 TEL. (305) 294 -4641 FAX (305) 295 -3663 BRANCH OFFICE: MARATHON SUB COURTHOUSE 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON FLORIDA 33050 TEL. (305) 289 -6027 FAX (305) 289 -1745 0UNTy �J�.• �M curo�E'CO . Q N o ~ counlr. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY www.clerk -of- the - court.com April 27, 2011 Governor Rick Scott Office of the Governor The Capitol Tallahassee FL 32301 Honorable Governor Scott, BRANCH OFFICE: PLANTATION KEY GOVERNMENT CENTER 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852-7145 FAX (305) 852 -7146 ROTH BUILDING 50 HIGH POINT ROAD PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852-7145 FAX (305) 853 -7440 Enclosed please find a certified copy of Resolution No. 131 -2011 urging the Florida Legislature to impose reasonable limits on the fees that can be charged for electronic tolling of rental cars, further urging the Florida Department of Transportation to negotiate more consumer - friendly agreements related to electronic tolling of rental cars to ensure that tourists pay reasonable fees for electronic tolling. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a Regular Meeting, held in formal session, on April 20, 2011. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (305) 295 -3130. Respectfully Submitted, Danny L. Kolhage, Clerk of Court and ex- officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners by: Isabel C. DeSantis, D. C cc: File MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, SUITE 101 KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 TEL. (305) 294 -4641 FAX (305) 295 -3663 BRANCH OFFICE: MARATHON SUB COURTHOUSE 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050 TEL. (305) 289 -6027 FAX (305) 289 -1745 Representative Ron Saunders 1402 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee FL 32399 -1300 Honorable Representative Saunders, April 27, 2011 BRANCH OFFICE: PLANTATION KEY GOVERNMENT CENTER 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852 -7145 FAX (305) 852 -7146 ROTH BUILDING 50 HIGH POINT ROAD PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852-7145 FAX (305) 853 -7440 Enclosed please find a certified copy of Resolution No. 131 -2011 urging the Florida Legislature to impose reasonable limits on the fees that can be charged for electronic tolling of rental cars, further urging the Florida Department of Transportation to negotiate more consumer- friendly agreements related to electronic tolling of rental cars to ensure that tourists pay reasonable fees for electronic tolling. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a Regular Meeting, held in formal session, on April 20, 2011. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (305) 295 -3130. Respectfully Submitted, NOUN Ty U N OZQOF COUNIY. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY www.clerk -of- the - court.com Danny L. Kolhage, Clerk of Court and ex- officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners by: Isabel C. DeSantis, D. C cc: File MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, SUITE 101 KEY WEST, FLORIDA 330410 TEL. (305) 294 -4641 FAX (305) 295 -3663 BRANCH OFFICE: MARATHON SUB COURTHOUSE 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050 TEL. (305) 289 -6027 FAX (305) 289 -1745 A GOUN Ty U N . S�i�oe COUNt�. fy0�0 CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY www.clerk -of- the - court.com April 27, 2011 Senator Larcenia J. Bullard 218 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee FL 32399 -1100 Honorable Senator Bullard, BRANCH OFFICE: PLANTATION KEY GOVERNMENT CENTER 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852-7145 FAX (305) 852 -7146 ROTH BUILDING 50 HIGH POINT ROAD PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852 -7145 FAX (305) 853 -7440 Enclosed please find a certified copy of Resolution No. 131 -2011 urging the Florida Legislature to impose reasonable limits on the fees that can be charged for electronic tolling of rental cars, further urging the Florida Department of Transportation to negotiate more consumer- friendly agreements related to electronic tolling of rental cars to ensure that tourists pay reasonable fees for electronic tolling. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a Regular Meeting, held in formal session, on April 20, 2011. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (305) 295 -3130. Respectfully Submitted, Danny L. Kolhage, Clerk of Court and ex- officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners by: Isabel C. DeSantis, D. C cc: File MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, SUITE 101 KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 TEL. (305) 294 -4641 FAX (305) 295 -3663 BRANCH OFFICE: MARATHON SUB COURTHOUSE 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050 TEL. (305) 289 -6027 FAX (305) 289 -1745 Florida Department of Transportation Ananth Prased, Secretary 605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 57 Tallahassee FL 32399 -0450 Dear Mr. Prased, April 27, 2011 BRANCH OFFICE: PLANTATION KEY GOVERNMENT CENTER 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852-7145 FAX (305) 852 -7146 ROTH BUILDING 50 HIGH POINT ROAD PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852-7145 FAX (305) 853 -7440 Enclosed please find a certified copy of Resolution No. 131 -2011 urging the Florida Legislature to impose reasonable limits on the fees that can be charged for electronic tolling of rental cars, further urging the Florida Department of Transportation to negotiate more consumer- friendly agreements related to electronic tolling of rental cars to ensure that tourists pay reasonable fees for electronic tolling. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a Regular Meeting, held in formal session, on April 20, 2011. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (305) 295 -3130. Respectfully Submitted, b roUNTy C o U *;" ' Cj CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY www.clerk -of- the - court.com Danny L. Kolhage, Clerk of Court and ex- officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners by: Isabel C. DeSantis, D. C Cc: File MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, SUITE 101 KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33090 TEL. (305) 294 -4641 FAX (305) 295 -3663 BRANCH OFFICE: MARATHON SUB COURTHOUSE 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050 TEL. (305) 289 -6027 FAX (305) 289 -1745 April 27, 2011 Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos Capitol Office, 420 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee FL 32399 Honorable President Haridopolos, BRANCH OFFICE: PLANTATION KEY GOVERNMENT CENTER 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852-7145 FAX (305) 852 -7146 ROTH BUILDING 50 H IGH POINT ROAD PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852-7145 FAX (305) 853 -7440 Enclosed please find a certified copy of Resolution No. 131 -2011 urging the Florida Legislature to impose reasonable limits on the fees that can be charged for electronic tolling of rental cars, further urging the Florida Department of Transportation to negotiate more consumer- friendly agreements related to electronic tolling of rental cars to ensure that tourists pay reasonable fees for electronic tolling. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a Regular Meeting, held in formal session, on April 20, 2011. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (305) 295 -3130. Respectfully Submitted, b GOUNTy Qj �t °o • .•UM CU�OGF •�Gp.1 U N 0 ~ 9 0 '•.... ••E P COUNTY' CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY www.clerk -of- the - court.com Danny L. Kolhage, Clerk of Court and ex- officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners By: Isabel C. DeSantis, D. C cc: File MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, SUITE 101 KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33090 TEL. (305) 294-4641 FAX (305) 295 -3663 BRANCH OFFICE: MARATHON SUB COURTHOUSE 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON, FLORIDA 33050 TEL. (305) 289-6027 FAX (305) 289 -1745 Representative Dean Cannon 422 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee FL 32399 -1300 Honorable Representative Cannon, April 27, 2011 BRANCH OFFICE: PLANTATION KEY GOVERNMENT CENTER 88820 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852-7145 FAX (305) 852 -7146 ROTH BUILDING 50 HIGH POINT ROAD PLANTATION KEY, FLORIDA 33070 TEL. (305) 852-7145 FAX (305) 853 -7440 Enclosed please find a copy of Resolution No. 131 -2011 urging the Florida Legislature to impose reasonable limits on the fees that can be charged for electronic tolling of rental cars, further urging the Florida Department of Transportation to negotiate more consumer - friendly agreements related to electronic tolling of rental cars to ensure that tourists pay reasonable fees for electronic tolling. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a Regular Meeting, held in formal session, on April 20, 2011. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (305) 295 -3130. Respectfully Submitted, COUNrr .tb •• 0, U N OF COUNIV CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY www.clerk -of- the - court.com Danny L. Kolhage, Clerk of Court and ex- officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners by: Isabel C. DeSantis, D. C cc: File May 11, 2011 Operates the statewide Turnpike System as part of the Florida Department of Transportation RICK SCOTT Governor ANANTH PRASAD, P.E. Secretary of Transportation GERRY O'REILLY, P.E. Interim Executive Director Turnpike Headquarters: Milepost 263, Bldg. 5315 Turkey Lake Service Plaza Ocoee, FL 34761 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 613069 Ocoee, FL 34761 Tel: 407.532.3999 www.floridasturnpike.com Danny L. Kolhage Clerk of Court and Ex- officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners Monroe County Courthouse 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 101 Key West, Florida 33040 Dear Mr. Kolhage, We are in receipt of your certified copy of resolution #131 -2011. At the present time, we continue to work with the Miami Dade, Orlando, and Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authorities to focus on delivering clear communications and improved customer service with the assistance of our rental vendor partners. Our goal is to ensure our external customers from out of state and our internal residents renting vehicles have sound options and choices for a safe and enjoyable visit whether their travel is for pleasure or business purposes. We appreciate your concerns and feedback. Should you have any questions, please contact me at (407) 264 -3191. Zie y, Richard D. J. Nelson Director of Toll Operations Florida's Turnpike Enterprise RDJN /cab -, A -v z, ca _-D © o Florida's Turnpike Mainline - Beachline West • Homestead Ext. • Polk Pkwy • Sawgrass Expwy. • Seminole Expwy. • Southern Connector Ext. • Suncoast Pkwy • Veterans Expwy. • Western Beltway