[HISTORY: Adopted by the Suffolk County Legislature 7-10-1979 by L.L. No.
23-1979 (Ch. 58 of the 1985 Code). Amendments noted
where applicable. Uncodified sections of local laws amending these
provisions are included at the end of this chapter.]
At present there is no agency, board or commission in Suffolk
County delegated the responsibility of attracting and aiding motion
picture/television filmmakers and producers. Suffolk County holds
a wealth of man-made and natural attractions throughout its 1,056
square miles. Suffolk County offers countless landmarks and historic
attractions that can add authenticity to films depicting America's
earliest beginnings, as well as affording a diversity of filming opportunities
unparalleled in the northeast. In order for Suffolk County to encourage,
promote and assist the motion picture/television film industry in
utilizing its natural and man-made resources, this chapter has been
presented and adopted by the Suffolk County Legislature.
There is hereby established a Suffolk County Motion Picture/Television
Film Commission (hereinafter referred to as "MP/TVFC"), the Chairman
of which shall be the Commissioner of Economic Development and Workforce
Housing.
The members of the MP/TVFC shall be appointed by the County
Executive with the approval of the County Legislature.
A.Â
An MP/TVFC member shall be a resident of Suffolk County at the time
of his appointment and while holding office as a member of the MP/TVFC.
B.Â
No elected official of village, town, County or state government
is eligible to serve on the Commission.
D.Â
To continue in office, a member of the MP/TVFC shall continue to
satisfy the requirements of this section with respect to eligibility
for appointment to the office.
E.Â
Commissioners shall serve without compensation.
The term of office of each Commissioner shall be four years,
except that of the Commissioner of Economic Development and Workforce
Housing.
The MP/TVFC shall hold an organizational meeting not later than
the 15th day of February of each year for the purpose of adopting
such rules and other business as necessary.
The MP/TVFC shall by resolution adopt at its organizational
meeting rules to govern Commission proceedings. A copy of the rules
and any amendments thereto shall be filed in the office of the County
Executive, the office of the Clerk of the County Legislature and with
the County Clerk and town and village clerks, and the Commission shall
make copies of such rules and any amendments thereto available to
the public.
The Commission by resolution may appoint, within the appropriations
therefor, such consultants and employees as the MP/TVFC may deem necessary.
A majority of the total membership of the Commission shall constitute
a quorum thereof.
Resolutions of the MP/TVFC shall be adopted by a vote of not
less than a majority of the total membership of the Commission.
The MP/TVFC shall:
A.Â
Concern itself with any and all matters pertaining to the development
and use of Suffolk County by the motion picture and television industry.
B.Â
Cooperate and assist the motion picture/television industry within
the County on matters beneficial to the general welfare and economic
development of Suffolk County.
C.Â
Encourage, promote and assist the motion picture/television industry
in utilizing the natural and man-made resources within Suffolk County
for locations.
D.Â
Advise, assist and cooperate with other agencies of the County, other
governments, boards, agencies or commissions and private enterprise,
whether within or outside of Suffolk County, on any and all matters
pertaining to the motion picture/television industry.
E.Â
Solicit the use of Suffolk County as location sites for prospective
film/television producers.
F.Â
Solicit available locations and accompany prospective producers in
visiting and selecting suitable sites within the County.
G.Â
Coordinate motion picture/television film projects in the County
with regard to laws, permits, fees, etc.
H.Â
Prepare a comprehensive guide of Suffolk County's resources
available for motion picture/television film production.