HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-2012 b4 legal action platformcounci lj acen0a uepout Meeting Date 2/21/1 2
Item Number
B 4
C I T Y O F S A N L U I S O B I S P O
FROM :
J . Christine Dietrick, City Attorne y
SUBJECT :
2012 LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFOR M
RECOMMENDATIO N
1.Adopt a resolution establishing a Legislative Action Platform for 2012 .
2.Appoint the Mayor, City Attorney and City Manager to act as the primary legislative liaison s
between the League of California Cities and the City of San Luis Obispo .
DISCUSSIO N
Legislative Action Progra m
Attached for the Council's consideration is a resolution establishing the City's 2012 Legislativ e
Action Platform . Similar resolutions have been adopted by the Council since 1993 . The City
Attorney's Office coordinates the Legislative Action Program with assistance from th e
Administration Department and from various City departments, as appropriate . This resolution
authorizes staff to respond to legislative issues affecting the City (via letters signed by the Mayor o r
relevant Department Head), provided that the positions taken in the letters are consistent with th e
priorities identified in Exhibit A .
By establishing a broad legislative platform and delegating responsibility to the Mayor and staff t o
respond to proposed legislation and recommendations from the League of California Cities, the City
is better able to react quickly to changed circumstances and urgent requests than it would be if eac h
item were brought to the Council at its regular meetings . The process has been efficient given th e
limited City resources available, and the City continues to be very active in communicating it s
positions on Federal and State legislation . In 2011, the Mayor, on behalf of the City Council, sen t
18 letters pertaining to pending legislation utilizing the Council Legislative Action Platform .
In preparing this year's draft program, input was solicited from all City Departments . Minimal
changes are suggested for this year's Platform and all changes, including language clean-ups an d
issue consolidations, are shown in the legislative draft of the 2012 Platform attached to this repor t
(Attachment 1).
In addition to the City's enumerated Legislative Platform set forth in Attachment 1, the resolutio n
authorizing the legislative Platform allows the City to take action on any bills and other measure s
formally supported by the League of California Cities . Each year the League endorses strategi c
goals that will guide the League's robust advocacy and education efforts . This League's strategi c
goals for 2012 are as follows :
B4 - 1
Council Agenda Report — 2012 Legislative Action Platform
Page 2
Support Sustainable and Secure Public Employee Pensions and Benefits .Work i n
partnership with state leaders and other stakeholders to promote sustainable and secur e
public pensions and other post-employment benefits (OPEBs) to help ensure responsiv e
and affordable public services for the people of our state and cities .
Promote Local Control for Strong Cities .Support or oppose legislation and propose d
constitutional amendments based on whether they advance maximum local control b y
city governments over city revenues, land use, redevelopment and other private activitie s
to advance the public health, safety and welfare of city residents .
•Build Strong Partnerships for a Stronger Golden State .Collaborate with other publi c
and private groups and leaders to reform the structure and governance, and promot e
transparency, fiscal integrity and responsiveness of our state government an d
intergovernmental system .
The League also adopts Federal Priorities each year, but the 2012 priorities were not yet publishe d
on the League's website at the time of this report . If the priorities become available before the
Council meeting, they will be distributed to the Council and made publicly available . Throughou t
the year staff will monitor the League's legislative advocacy activities and respond to requests fo r
support consistent with the League's objectives and priorities and the City's Platform .
Legislative Liaison Appointments
The League of California Cities encourages cities to appoint a council member and a staff person t o
act as legislative liaison between the League and the City . It is recommended that Mayor Jan Mar x
act as the Council legislative liaison and the City Attorney and the City Manager serve as the staf f
liaisons .
FISCAL IMPAC T
Because no additional staff workload is anticipated as a result of this ongoing program, no ne w
fiscal impact will be incurred .
ALTERNATIVE S
The Council may add or delete items from the Platform .
ATTACHMENTS
1.Legislative Draft of the Legislative Action Platform for 201 2
2.Resolution, which includes Exhibit A (Legislative Action Platform for 2012 )
3.Council Reading File : SLOCOG and APCD legislative platform s
T :\Council Agenda Reports\2012\2012-02-21\Legislative Platform (Dietrick)\2012 Agenda Report .docx
Attachment 1
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISP O
LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM FOR 201 1
Community Developmen t
1.Promoting reforms of the entire State mandated HCD Regional Housing Need Allocation s
process to recognize local resource limitations .
2.Promoting funding sources to accomplish retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings .
3.Promoting funding of on campus housing at Cal Poly for student and faculty housing.
4.Preserving local control of planning and zoning matters .
5.Supporting efforts to increase funding for affordable housing for very low, low and moderat e
income families for all cities and communities and opposing the erosion of local inclusionar y
housing and in-lieu fee programs .
6.Promoting additional state funding to implement SB 375 through local general plan updates tha t
implement the regional sustainable communities plan and alternative planning strategy, i f
needed .
7.Promoting funding for the identification, acquisition, maintenance and restoration of histori c
sites and structures .
8.Supporting continued or expanded funding for CDBG program .
9.Supporting reinstatement of protections from imposition of additional building or site condition s
prior to issuance of a building permit for seismic related improvements to buildings subject to a
mitigation program established according to state law (our URM Program) as previousl y
provided in Government Code Section 8875 .10 (this section was repealed effective January 1 ,
2009).
10.Supporting continued local control over mobile home park rent stabilization and the conversio n
of mobile home parks to other uses . Encourage the amendment of Section 66427 .5 of th e
California Government Code and other relevant law for the purpose of ensuring that mobil e
home park residents are not involuntarily removed from homes or otherwise economically
impacted if parks are subdivided or converted .
11.Promoting a legislative "fix" to lending constraints that prevent implementation of AB 81 1
property-assessed clean energy districts .
12.Encouraging a legislative "fix" to inclusionary housing provisions and Costa-Hawkins Act .
Encouraging consistency in state legislation dealing with transportation, housing and land us e
issues and eliminating potential conflicts between regional housing requirements, smart growt h
mandates and environmental legislation .
B4-3
Attachment 1
housing can only bemet by providinglarge open tracts ofvacant residentially zoned land is i n
13 .
11 . Establish Eenablinc.to issuance of parking citations on private property .
14 . RequestAdvocating full funding of authorized programs under the McKinney-Vento Homeles s
Assistance Act. including providing more flexibility in the use of Federal funds on the loca l
level to address housing liar the homelessiirxlI .
I '
Economic Developmen t
I5 .1(i_Promoting funding and/or legislation using tax credits or other incentive programs t o
encourage research and development by businesses in California .
16 .17 .Supporting funding and policies for the promotion of California as a place to locat e
businesses .
-1-7, l 8 .Supporting funding for the state tourism promotion program .
18 .I ).Supporting the effective and efficient use of all communications technologies including voice ,
video, data, and information services over wired and wireless transmission technologies .
19 .20 .Supporting telecommunications reform legislation and other measures that preserve loca l
control over public rights-of-way, protect local resources and guarantee access to, funding for ,
and local flexibility in utilizing funds for public, educational and government (PEG) acces s
television .
Financ e
20 .21 .Continuing to support efforts to protect the City from loss of revenues due to State take-away s
and unfunded State or Federal mandates .
2 -:22_Endorsing legislation that provides local government with a fair share tax on catalog an d
Internet sales ; and opposing legislation that limits state or local authority to tax catalog o r
Internet sales .
??2Supporting legislation and other measures to change removal of two-thirds vote required fo r
adoption of the State budget processes in California, regarding : determining legislative distric t
boundaries, modifyingterm limitrestrictions, and reducing the_ two thirdsvote required fo r
Human Resources/Employee Relations/Human Relation s
2-3 24 .Supporting additional workers compensation reforms that lower employers' costs while stil l
protecting workers .
Attachment 1
2-4-25 .Supporting pension and retiree health benefits reform efforts in concert with the League o f
California Cities and the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Board o f
Directors .
2526 .Opposing the expansion of the "Peace Officers' Bill of Rights," "Firefighters' Bill of Rights,"
or other attempts to curtail management rights .
2-6,27 .Supporting legislation that provides funding sources for appropriate human service agencie s
that support the mission of the Human Relations Commission .
27 .28 .Supporting legislation to protect the City's continued ability to administer its Cafeteri a
Benefit Plan .
29 . Supporting reforms that limit the financial impacts of joint and several liability on publi c
entities .
28 .30 . Supporting the clarification, modification or repeal of AB 646 fact finding requirements .
Public Safet y
29 .3 I.Continuing State and Federal funding support for disaster preparedness, earthquak e
preparedness, Homeland Security, hazardous material response, State COPS program and othe r
local law enforcement activities .
33;32 .Preserving the City's authority to investigate police misconduct .
1-33 .Preserving the City's authority to establish both medical and non-medical emergency servic e
levels .
}2-34 .Supporting efforts to expand the scope of parental responsibility for crimes committed b y
minors .
-3 S .Preserving the authority of local control on issuance of concealed weapons permits .
? 36 .Supporting legislation to help curb alcohol-related criminal behavior and underage drinking .
-37 .Opposing new or increased state fees for state provided law enforcement services .
36 .38 .Supporting the fair and efficient allocation of radio spectrum that provides qualit y
frequencies, free from interference, for all local public safety communication needs .
37 .39 .Supporting efforts to reduce retention periods for video monitoring tapes .
Public Works
Attachment 1
4' Oft Supporting legislation toincreased the availability of grant funding to replace agin g
infrastructure of all types, e .g . streets, bridges, water, sewer and storm sewer systems, etc .
9-4 I .Supporting
increased funding for projects that improve flood protectio n
for the City .
10 .12 .Ensuring cooperation and prompt approval from Federal and State regulatory agencies (suc h
as the Department of Fish & Game and the Army Corps of Engineers) for necessary project s
involving the City's creek system .
4-1-43 .
from Prop . 218 requirements .
Exemptingassessments for vital infrastructure
12 . 14 .Supporting legislation toprovide monetary incentives or grant funding for alternative fue l
vehicles for replacement of municipal fleet equipment .
4 3.45 .Supporting
• '
-.
: monetary incentives or grant funding for retrofittin g
municipal buildings with Energy Management Systems to centrally control all lighting an d
HVAC systems .
14 .46 .Supporting realistic municipal clean stormwater requirements at the State Board or legislativ e
level .
Parks and Recreation and Natural Resource s
45 47 .Supporting State and Federal funding and other measures to promote the acquisition ,
protection, preservation and restoration of natural resources, open space, coastal resources ,
signature land forms, wetlands and park development, including continued funding for the Lan d
and Water Conservation Grant Program and for the California Conservation Corps .
46 .48 .Supporting the expansion of National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of San Luis Obisp o
County to protect this fragile habitat from offshore oil and gas development .
'17 .49 .Opposing any development under existing or new offshore oil and gas leases off the coast o f
San Luis Obispo County .
-18 .50 .Supporting measures to prohibit discharge of pollutants into the ocean (e .g . seleniu m
contaminated waters from the San Joaquin valley).
19 .511 .Encouraging the Resources Agency and its departments to reinstate and expedite th e
distribution of bond funds and other funds resulting from special legislation and voter-approve d
bond measures, to take advantage of the many favorable opportunities for land and easemen t
acquisition and enhancement project contracting that exist at this time .
50 .52 .Seeking legislative exemption from property taxes on lands dedicated to open space purpose s
which are outside the boundaries of the jurisdiction owning such lands .
B4-6
Attachment 1
-1-53 .Protecting funding for vital regional and community services that negatively impac t
Californian's access to parks, open space, after school programming, senior services, facilities
that promote physical activity, protect natural resources, and strengthen safety and security .
52 .E-1 .Promoting policies that recognize the benefits of parks and recreational facilities in th e
advancement of "sustainable communities" and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, including :
strengthening policies that fund parks, open-space, bike lanes and non-motorized trails throug h
the development and implementation of a carbon credit and offset program, and advocating fo r
the strong integration of local and regional park and non-motorized transportation improvement s
into "Smart Growth Scenarios" pursuant to SB 375 .
555 .Supporting
access to joint use of schools ; parks and open space ;
development of streets and trails that encourage physical activity and healthy living .
Transportatio n
51 .56 .Supporting changes in gas tax laws that allow local tax for transportation purposes based on a
majority vote of the public .
55 .57 .Supporting the continuation of, and increased funding sources for street maintenance projects ,
transportation improvements, transit operations and bicycle facility projects .
56 .58 .Supporting clean air transit funding for San Luis Obispo County, in particular funding tha t
provides for alternative modes of transportation with clean air benefits .
59 .Supporting actions to : (1) promote cooperation and mutual support between metropolita n
planning organization (MPO) agencies and local transit providers, and (2) discourage trend s
toward MPO agencies/regional "control" of local transit providers .
58 .60 . '..
- _ _
- •
Encouraginge private transportation companies (such a s
Union Pacific Railroad) to reach agreements for sharing of properly secured right of wa y
corridors for other compatible uses such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities .
59 .61 .Opposing the proposed diversion of any funding source for transportation that reduce s
amounts designated for transit operations .
Utilities
60-62,Supporting clean water funding programs .
4-1--63 .Supporting •
recycling and waste diversion programs such as green wast e
composting and enhancing local government's ability to comply with solid waste reductio n
requirements .
Attachment 1
62 .64 .Supporting legislation the elimination e of mandatory penalties for violations of NPDE S
Requirements and returning discretionary control to the Regional Water Quality Control Boar d
Executive Officers (i .e . repeal SB 709).
.61 .65 .Supporting
- -.
measures to ensure reasonableness in the administration o f
NPDES permit governing City operations, including pursuing a municipal representative on th e
Regional Water Quality Control Board .
44,66 .
Promoting the safe, responsible, and cost-effective reuse o f
Exceptional Quality or better biosolids .
65 .67 .
'Streamlininge the state regulatory processes .
E r.68 .Supporting sustainable energy programs .
67 .69 .Supporting incentives for distributed energy generation projects such as solar power .
68 .70 .Supporting legislation allowing cities/agencies to establish fees for the costs of operatin g
mandated water quality programs such as, but not limited to, municipal storm water and tota l
maximum daily loading .
69 .71 .Supporting federal legislative action to transfer Salinas Reservoir properties to a local agency ,
to the benefit of the City and federal funding of costs associated with ownership transfer .
70 .72 .Supporting legislation that aids inthe implementation of the California Urban Wate r
Conservation Council's Best Management Practices regarding urban water conservation an d
compliance with AB 1420 .
74-73 .Supporting legislation-that-amendments to the Urban Water Management Planning Act t o
recognize past investment in water conservation and the City's ability to comply with SBx7 -
7 .
72 .74 .Supporting legislation eliminating departing load charges which discourage the use o f
alternative energy resources .
75 .' -
_
- • - Allowing the use of Public Goods Funds for the development an d
installation of energy saving or green energy generating projects to benefit local government .
74.76 ...:. • _
- •: Promoting the protection of water resources, including water quality ,
watershed protection, and treatment discharge measures .
75 .77 .Supporti
the protection of our natural resources from invasive species .
76 .78 .+Promoting
. •
sustainability of our water resources through the us e
of recycled water, rainwater harvesting, greywater use, and other best practices .
Attachment 1
County/Regional Prioritie s
77 .79 .Working with the County to assure land use practices that are consistent with th e
Memorandum of Agreement adopted by the City Council and County Board of Supervisors i n
2005 regarding development near the edges of the City .
78 .80 .Supporting a vector control program benefit assessment for San Luis Obispo County .
79 .8 I.Encouraging participation by County in providing nearby parking for County employees an d
clients, and alternate transportation and parking demand reduction .
8082 .Supporting County development of a local ordinance providing additional local oversight an d
regulation of the land application of Pollutant Concentration (PC) or better biosolids .
&I,83 .Working cooperatively with the County to solve City/County flood problems .
82 .84 .Supporting the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District's legislative program .
83 .85.Supporting the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments' legislative program .
l':\C'ouncil Aeenda Reports\20 12\21112-02-.21\ 1 .egislative Platform (Dietrick )t20I I L .eaislatire Action Platfomr .F.xh ND II Revisioms .docx
ATTACHMENT 2
RESOLUTION NO . (2012 Series)
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM FOR 201 2
AND APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBER AND STAFF PERSON TO ACT A S
LIAISON BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AND THE LEAGUE O F
CALIFORNIA CITIE S
WHEREAS,a major objective of the City Council is to adopt an aggressive legislativ e
action platform which strengthens local government, promotes City goals and defends the Cit y
against legislative actions by State and Federal governments that would weaken local governmen t
and/or take away traditional revenue sources ; and
WHEREAS,it is vital to the fiscal health and the self determination of the City t o
effectively communicate with State Legislators and Federal representatives in order to favorabl y
influence State and Federal legislation, regulations and grant requests ; an d
WHEREAS,the League of California Cities conducts a legislative analysis and advocac y
program on behalf of cities for State issues and major Federal issues ; and
WHEREAS,the City desires to be proactive and involved in the governmental decisio n
making processes directly affecting the City legislative priorities identified in Exhibit "A", th e
League of California Cities federal priorities and strategic goals, the San Luis Obispo County Ai r
Pollution Control District's legislative program, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments '
legislative program, and other selected issues as may from time to time be recommended by th e
League of California Cities ; and
WHEREAS,a key component of the City's Legislative Action Platform is face-to-fac e
meetings between City representatives and elected officials at the Federal, State, and County levels ,
and coordination with similar efforts made by other local government entities .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Lui s
Obispo does hereby :
1.Establish the Legislative Action Platform for 2012 as set forth in the attached Exhibi t
"A," and in the and authorize staff to take positions on legislation generally consistent with th e
Legislative Action Platform, the League of California Cities federal priorities and strategic goals ,
the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District's legislative program, the San Lui s
Obispo Council of Governments' legislative program, and such other resolutions an d
recommendations of the League of California Cities as may be from time to time presented to th e
City ; and
2.Appoint Mayor Jan Marx to act as Council Member legislative liaison and City
Manager Katie Lichtig and City Attorney J . Christine Dietrick to act as staff legislative liaisons wit h
the League of California Cities .
R
B4 - 10
Resolution No .
(2012 Series)
ATTACHMENT 2
Page 2
Upon motion of Council Member , seconded by Counci l
Member , and on the following vote :
AYES :
NOES :
ABSENT :
the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of February, 2012 .
Mayor Jan Marx
ATTEST :
Elaina Can o
City Cler k
APPROVED AS TO FORM :
/s/ Christine Dietric k
J . Christine Dietrick
City Attorne y
T :\Council Agenda Reports\2012\2012-02-21\Legislative Platform (Dietrick)\2012 Resolution .docm
B4-11
Exhibit A
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISP O
LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM FOR 201 2
Community Developmen t
1.Promoting reforms of the entire State mandated HCD Regional Housing Need Allocation s
process to recognize local resource limitations .
2.Promoting funding sources to accomplish retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings .
3.Promoting funding of on campus housing at Cal Poly for student and faculty housing .
4.Preserving local control of planning and zoning matters .
5.Supporting efforts to increase funding for affordable housing for very low, low and moderat e
income families for all cities and communities and opposing the erosion of local inclusionar y
housing and in-lieu fee programs .
6.Promoting additional state funding to implement SB 375 through local general plan updates tha t
implement the regional sustainable communities plan and alternative planning strategy, i f
needed .
7.Promoting funding for the identification, acquisition, maintenance and restoration of histori c
sites and structures .
8.Supporting continued or expanded funding for CDBG program .
9.Supporting reinstatement of protections from imposition of additional building or site condition s
prior to issuance of a building permit for seismic related improvements to buildings subject to a
mitigation program established according to state law (our URM Program) as previousl y
provided in Government Code Section 8875 .10 (this section was repealed effective January 1 ,
2009).
10.Supporting continued local control over mobile home park rent stabilization and the conversio n
of mobile home parks to other uses . Encourage the amendment of Section 66427 .5 of th e
California Government Code and other relevant law for the purpose of ensuring that mobil e
home park residents are not involuntarily removed from homes or otherwise economicall y
impacted if parks are subdivided or converted .
11.Promoting a legislative "fix" to lending constraints that prevent implementation of AB 81 1
property-assessed clean energy districts .
12.Encouraging a legislative "fix" to inclusionary housing provisions and Costa-Hawkins Act .
13.Encouraging consistency in state legislation dealing with transportation, housing and land us e
issues and eliminating potential conflicts between regional housing requirements, smart growt h
mandates and environmental legislation .
B4-12
Exhibit A
14.Enabling the issuance of parking citations on private property .
15.Advocating full funding of authorized programs under the McKinney-Vento Homeles s
Assistance Act, including providing more flexibility in the use of Federal funds on the loca l
level to address housing for the homeless .
Economic Developmen t
16.Promoting funding and/or legislation using tax credits or other incentive programs to encourag e
research and development by businesses in California .
17.Supporting funding and policies for the promotion of California as a place to locate businesses .
18.Supporting funding for the state tourism promotion program .
19.Supporting the effective and efficient use of all communications technologies including voice ,
video, data, and information services over wired and wireless transmission technologies .
20.Supporting telecommunications reform legislation and other measures that preserve loca l
control over public rights-of-way, protect local resources and guarantee access to, funding for ,
and local flexibility in utilizing funds for public, educational and government (PEG) acces s
television .
Financ e
21.Continuing to support efforts to protect the City from loss of revenues due to State take-away s
and unfunded State or Federal mandates .
22.Endorsing legislation that provides local government with a fair share tax on catalog an d
Internet sales ; and opposing legislation that limits state or local authority to tax catalog o r
Internet sales .
23.Supporting removal of two-thirds vote required for adoption of the State budget in California .
Human Resources/Employee Relations/Human Relation s
24.Supporting additional workers compensation reforms that lower employers' costs while stil l
protecting workers .
25.Supporting pension and retiree health benefits reform efforts in concert with the League o f
California Cities and the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Board o f
Directors .
26.Opposing the expansion of the "Peace Officers' Bill of Rights," "Firefighters' Bill of Rights," o r
other attempts to curtail management rights .
Exhibit A
27.Supporting legislation that provides funding sources for appropriate human service agencies tha t
support the mission of the Human Relations Commission .
28.Supporting legislation to protect the City's continued ability to administer its Cafeteria Benefi t
Plan .
29.Supporting reforms that limit the financial impacts of joint and several liability on publi c
entities .
30.Supporting the clarification, modification or repeal of AB 646 fact finding requirements .
Public Safety
31.Continuing State and Federal funding support for disaster preparedness, earthquak e
preparedness, Homeland Security, hazardous material response, State COPS program and othe r
local law enforcement activities .
32.Preserving the City's authority to investigate police misconduct .
33.Preserving the City's authority to establish both medical and non-medical emergency servic e
levels .
34.Supporting efforts to expand the scope of parental responsibility for crimes committed b y
minors .
35.Preserving the authority of local control on issuance of concealed weapons permits .
36.Supporting legislation to help curb alcohol-related criminal behavior and underage drinking .
37.Opposing new or increased state fees for state provided law enforcement services .
38.Supporting the fair and efficient allocation of radio spectrum that provides quality frequencies ,
free from interference, for all local public safety communication needs .
39.Supporting efforts to reduce retention periods for video monitoring tapes .
Public Work s
40.Supporting increased the availability of grant funding to replace aging infrastructure of all types ,
e .g . streets, bridges, water, sewer and storm sewer systems, etc .
41.Supporting increased funding for projects that improve flood protection for the City .
42.Ensuring cooperation and prompt approval from Federal and State regulatory agencies (such a s
the Department of Fish & Game and the Army Corps of Engineers) for necessary project s
involving the City's creek system .
B4 - 14
Exhibit A
43.Exempting assessments for vital infrastructure from Prop . 218 requirements .
44.Supporting monetary incentives or grant funding for alternative fuel vehicles for replacement o f
municipal fleet equipment .
45.Supporting monetary incentives or grant funding for retrofitting municipal buildings wit h
Energy Management Systems to centrally control all lighting and HVAC systems .
46.Supporting realistic municipal clean stormwater requirements at the State Board or legislativ e
level .
Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources
47.Supporting State and Federal funding and other measures to promote the acquisition, protection ,
preservation and restoration of natural resources, open space, coastal resources, signature lan d
forms, wetlands and park development, including continued funding for the Land and Wate r
Conservation Grant Program and for the California Conservation Corps .
48.Supporting the expansion of National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of San Luis Obisp o
County to protect this fragile habitat from offshore oil and gas development .
49.Opposing any development under existing or new offshore oil and gas leases off the coast o f
San Luis Obispo County .
50.Supporting measures to prohibit discharge of pollutants into the ocean (e .g . selenium
contaminated waters from the San Joaquin valley).
51.Encouraging the Resources Agency and its departments to reinstate and expedite the distributio n
of bond funds and other funds resulting from special legislation and voter-approved bon d
measures, to take advantage of the many favorable opportunities for land and easemen t
acquisition and enhancement project contracting that exist at this time .
52.Seeking legislative exemption from property taxes on lands dedicated to open space purpose s
which are outside the boundaries of the jurisdiction owning such lands .
53.Protecting funding for vital regional and community services that negatively impac t
Californian's access to parks, open space, after school programming, senior services, facilitie s
that promote physical activity, protect natural resources, and strengthen safety and security .
54.Promoting policies that recognize the benefits of parks and recreational facilities in th e
advancement of "sustainable communities" and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, including :
strengthening policies that fund parks, open-space, bike lanes and non-motorized trails throug h
the development and implementation of a carbon credit and offset program, and advocating fo r
the strong integration of local and regional park and non-motorized transportation improvement s
into "Smart Growth Scenarios" pursuant to SB 375 .
B4 - 15
Exhibit A
55.Supporting access to joint use of schools ; parks and open space ; development of streets an d
trails that encourage physical activity and healthy living .
Transportatio n
56.Supporting changes in gas tax laws that allow local tax for transportation purposes based on a
majority vote of the public .
57.Supporting the continuation of, and increased funding sources for street maintenance projects ,
transportation improvements, transit operations and bicycle facility projects .
58.Supporting clean air transit funding for San Luis Obispo County, in particular funding tha t
provides for alternative modes of transportation with clean air benefits .
59.Supporting actions to : (1) promote cooperation and mutual support between metropolita n
planning organization (MPO) agencies and local transit providers, and (2) discourage trend s
toward MPO agencies/regional "control" of local transit providers .
60.Encouraging private transportation companies (such as Union Pacific Railroad) to reac h
agreements for sharing of properly secured right of way corridors for other compatible uses suc h
as bicycle and pedestrian facilities .
61.Opposing the proposed diversion of any funding source for transportation that reduces amount s
designated for transit operations .
Utilities
62.Supporting clean water funding programs .
63.Supporting recycling and waste diversion programs such as green waste composting an d
enhancing local government's ability to comply with solid waste reduction requirements .
64.Supporting the elimination of mandatory penalties for violations of NPDES Requirements an d
returning discretionary control to the Regional Water Quality Control Board Executive Officer s
(i .e . repeal SB 709).
65.Supporting measures to ensure reasonableness in the administration of NPDES permi t
governing City operations, including pursuing a municipal representative on the Regional Wate r
Quality Control Board .
66.Promoting the safe, responsible, and cost-effective reuse of Exceptional Quality or bette r
biosolids.
67.Streamlining the state regulatory processes .
Exhibit A
68.Supporting sustainable energy programs .
69.Supporting incentives for distributed energy generation projects such as solar power .
70.Supporting legislation allowing cities/agencies to establish fees for the costs of operatin g
mandated water quality programs such as, but not limited to, municipal storm water and tota l
maximum daily loading .
71.Supporting federal legislative action to transfer Salinas Reservoir properties to a local agency, t o
the benefit of the City and federal funding of costs associated with ownership transfer .
72.Supporting the implementation of the California Urban Water Conservation Council's Bes t
Management Practices regarding urban water conservation and compliance with AB 1420 .
73.Supporting amendments to the Urban Water Management Planning Act to recognize pas t
investment in water conservation and the City's ability to comply with SBx7-7 .
74.Supporting legislation eliminating departing load charges which discourage the use o f
alternative energy resources .
75.Allowing the use of Public Goods Funds for the development and installation of energy savin g
or green energy generating projects to benefit local government .
76.Promoting the protection of water resources, including water quality, watershed protection, an d
treatment discharge measures .
77.Supporting the protection of our natural resources from invasive species .
78.Promoting sustainability of our water resources through the use of recycled water, rainwate r
harvesting, greywater use, and other best practices .
County/Regional Prioritie s
79.Working with the County to assure land use practices that are consistent with the Memorandu m
of Agreement adopted by the City Council and County Board of Supervisors in 2005 regardin g
development near the edges of the City .
80.Supporting a vector control program benefit assessment for San Luis Obispo County .
81.Encouraging participation by County in providing nearby parking for County employees an d
clients, and alternate transportation and parking demand reduction .
82.Supporting County development of a local ordinance providing additional local oversight an d
regulation of the land application of Pollutant Concentration (PC) or better biosolids .
83.Working cooperatively with the County to solve City/County flood problems .
Exhibit A
84.Supporting the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District's legislative program .
85.Supporting the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments' legislative program .
T:\Council Agenda Reports\2012\2012-02-21\Legislative Platform (Dietrick)\2011 Legislative Action Platform .Exh A .DH Revisions .docx