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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-10595 2015 Legislative Action PlatformRESOLUTION NO. 10595 (2015 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE CITY LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM FOR 2015 AND APPOINTING THE COUNCIL MEMBER AND STAFF PERSON TO ACT AS LIAISON BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES WHEREAS, a major objective of the City Council is to adopt an aggressive legislative action platform which strengthens local government, promotes City goals and defends the City against legislative actions by State and Federal governments that would weaken local government and/or take away traditional revenue sources; and WHEREAS, it is vital to the fiscal health and the self determination of the City to effectively communicate with State Legislators and Federal representatives in order to favorably influence State and Federal legislation, regulations and grant requests; and WHEREAS, the League of California Cities conducts a legislative analysis and advocacy 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 decision making processes directly affecting the City legislative priorities identified in Exhibit "A", the League of California Cities federal priorities identified in Exhibit "B", and other selected issues as may from time to time be recommended by the League of California Cities; and WHEREAS, a key component of the City's Legislative Action Platform is face-to-face 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 Luis Obispo does hereby: 1. Establish the Legislative Action Platform for 2015 as set forth in the attached Exhibits "A" and "B" and authorize staff to take positions on legislation generally consistent with the Legislative Action Platform and such other resolutions and recommendations of the League of California Cities as may be from time to time presented to the 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 with the League of California Cities. R 10595 Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 2 Upon motion of Vice Mayor Ashbaugh, seconded by Council Member Rivoire, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: Council Members Carpenter, Christianson and Rivoire, Vice Mayor Ashbaugh and Mayor Marx NOES: None ABSENT: None The foregoing resolution was adopted this 20th day of January, 2015. may ir/Ian Marx ATTEST: nthony J, " , City Clerk .,Ivy I XvLulxl. y IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, this day of av'tivar!!:l S7 Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 3 Exhibit A CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM FOR 2015 Community Development 1. Promoting reforms of the entire State mandated HCD Regional Housing Need Allocations process to recognize local resource limitations. 2. Provide funding (i.e. through Cap and Trade or other sources) for communities to pay for public infrastructure that meet mandated greenhouse reduction goals. 3. Provide funding to implement programs and related action items contained in Climate Action Plans to quantitatively reduce greenhouse gases. 4. Promoting funding sources to accomplish retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings. 5. Promoting funding of on campus housing at Cal Poly for student and faculty housing and University acquisition of single family residences for staff and faculty housing. 6. Preserving local control of planning and zoning matters. 7. Supporting efforts to increase funding for affordable housing and supportive housing services for very low, low and moderate income individuals and/or families for all cities and communities and opposing the erosion of local inclusionary housing and in -lieu fee programs. 8. Supporting continued funding of National Housing Trust Fund and streamlined and efficient implementing regulations at the state level. 9. Promoting additional state funding to implement SB 375 through local general plan updates that implement the regional sustainable communities plan and alternative planning strategy, if needed. 10. Promoting funding for the identification, acquisition, maintenance and restoration of historic sites and structures. 11. Supporting continued or expanded funding for CDBG program. Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 4 Exhibit A 12. Supporting reinstatement of protections from imposition of additional building or site conditions prior to issuance of a building permit for seismic related improvements to buildings subject to a mitigation program established according to state law (City URM Program) as previously provided in Government Code Section 8875.10 (this section was repealed effective January 1, 2009). 13. Supporting continued local control over mobile home park rent stabilization and the conversion of mobile home parks to other uses. Encourage the amendment of Section 66427.5 of the California Government Code and other relevant law for the purpose of ensuring that mobile home park residents are not involuntarily removed from homes or otherwise economically impacted if parks are subdivided or converted. 14. Promoting financing for and implementation of AB 811 property -assessed clean energy districts. 15. Encouraging continued viability of inclusionary housing provisions and avoidance of conflicts with Costa -Hawkins Act. 16. Encouraging consistency in state legislation dealing with transportation, housing and land use issues and eliminating potential conflicts between regional housing requirements, smart growth mandates and environmental legislation. 17. Enabling the issuance of parking citations on private property. 18. Advocating full funding of authorized programs udder the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, including providing more flexibility in the use of Federal funds on the local level to address housing for the homeless. 19. Supporting responsible review and revision of CEQA to ensure sound environmental determinations. Economic Development 20. Promoting funding and/or legislation using tax credits or other incentive programs to encourage research and development by businesses in California. 21. Supporting funding and policies for the promotion of California as a place to locate businesses. 22. Supporting funding for the state tourism promotion program. 2 Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 5 Exhibit A 23. Supporting the effective and efficient use of all communications technologies including voice, video, data, and information services over wired and wireless transmission technologies. 24. Supporting telecommunications reform legislation and other measures that preserve local 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) access television. 25. Supporting the expansion of public infrastructure financing tools and funding for infrastructure to provide economic development opportunities. 26. Promoting development of green business and head of household jobs. Finance 27. Supporting meaningful fiscal reform that allows each level of government to adequately finance its service responsibilities while continuing to support efforts to protect the City from loss of revenues due to State take-aways and unfunded State or Federal mandates. 28. Endorsing legislation that provides local government with a fair share tax on catalog and Internet sales; and opposing legislation that limits state or local authority to tax catalog or Internet sales. 29. Supporting efforts to collect the full amount of local transient occupancy tax from online sales of lodging. 30. Supporting the continuation of California Specialized Training Institute activities within San Luis Obispo County. 31. Opposing legislation that removes the municipal bond tax exemption. 32. Supporting clarity regarding local regulatory control and revenue equity for cities in any statewide regulation or permitting of medical marijuana establishments or uses. Human Resources/Employee Relations/Human Relations 3 Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 6 Exhibit A 33. Supporting additional workers compensation reforms that lower employers' costs while still protecting workers. 34. Supporting pension and retiree health benefits reform efforts in concert with the League of California Cities and the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Board of Directors. 35. Opposing the expansion of the "Peace Officers' Bill of Rights," "Firefighters' Bill of Rights," or other attempts to curtail management rights. 36. Supporting legislation that provides funding sources for appropriate human service agencies that support the mission of the Human Relations Commission. 37. Supporting legislation to protect the City's continued ability to administer its Cafeteria benefit Plan. 38. Supporting reforms that limit the financial impacts of joint and several liability on public entities. 39. Supporting the clarification, modification or repeal of AB 646 fact finding requirements. 40. Opposing the expansion of procedural rights and requirements in administrative disciplinary proceedings that increase costs and expand the timeframe and scope of administrative processes. Public Safety 41. Continuing State and Federal funding support for school safety, disaster preparedness, earthquake preparedness, IIomeland Security, hazardous material response, State COPS program and other local law enforcement activities. 42. Preservingthe City's authority to investigate police misconduct. 43. Supporting efforts to expand the scope of parental responsibility for crimes committed by minors. 44. Preserving the authority of local control on issuance of concealed weapons 4 Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 7 Exhibit A permits. 45. Supporting legislation to help curb alcohol-related criminal behavior and underage drinking. 46. Opposing new or increased state fees for state provided law enforcement services. 47. Supporting the fair and efficient allocation of radio spectrum that provides quality frequencies, free from interference, for all local public safety communication needs. 48. Supporting efforts to reduce retention periods for video monitoring tapes. 49. Preserving the City's right to regulate activities with adverse health and safety impacts on local streets, sidewalks and right-of-ways. 50. Supporting legislation to improve and enhance the safety of cargo transported via rail, including but not limited to: safety enhancements for rail vessel construction with an emphasis on efforts to rapidly improve the safe transport of volatile crude oil and limit the use of older, "grandfathered" containers and vessels; enhancements in remote monitoring and control of railcar speeds; reduction of railcar speeds in populated areas like San Luis Obispo; enhancements in communications, notifications and information dissemination to local governments, especially public safety agencies. 51. Supporting legislation to preserve and enhance local control, at the City level, for the provision of public safety services, including the scope and provision of medical and non-medical emergency services. Public Works 52. Supporting increased the availability of grant funding to replace aging infrastructure of all types, e.g. streets, bridges, water, sewer, parks, and storm sewer systems, etc. 53. Supporting increased funding for projects that improve flood protection for the City. 54. Supporting funding for implementation of clean stormwater / low impact infrastructure replacement. 5 Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 8 Exhibit A 55. Ensuring cooperation and prompt approval from Federal and State regulatory agencies (such as the Department ofFish & Game, Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Army Corps of Engineers) for necessary projects involving the City's creek system. 56. Exempting assessments for vital infrastructure from Proposition 218 requirements. 57. Supporting monetary incentives or grant funding for alternative fuel vehicles for replacement of municipal fleet equipment. 58. Supporting monetary incentives or grant funding for retrofitting municipal buildings with Energy Management Systems to centrally control all lighting and HVAC systems. 59. Supporting realistic municipal clean stormwater requirements at the State Board or legislative level. Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources 60. 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 Land and Water Conservation Grant Program and for the California Conservation Corps. 61. Supporting the expansion of National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of San Luis Obispo County to protect this fragile habitat from offshore oil and gas development. 62. Opposing any development under existing or new offshore oil and gas leases off the Coast of San Luis Obispo County. 63. Supporting measures to prohibit discharge of pollutants into the ocean (e.g. selenium contaminated waters from the San Joaquin valley). 64. Supporting placement of the new water bond (Proposition 1) and encouraging the Resources Agency and its departments to expedite the distribution of bond funds to take advantage of the many favorable opportunities for land and easement acquisition and enhancement project contracting that exist at this time. 6 Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 9 Exhibit A 65. Seeking legislative exemption from property taxes on lands dedicated to open space purposes which are outside the boundaries of the jurisdiction owning such lands. 66. Protecting funding for vital regional and community services that negatively impact 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. 67. Promoting policies that recognize the benefits of parks and recreational facilities in the advancement of "sustainable communities" and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, including: strengthening policies that fund parks, open -space, bike lanes and non -motorized trails through the development and implementation of a carbon credit and offset program, and advocating for the strong integration of local and regional park and non -motorized transportation improvements into "Smart Growth Scenarios" pursuant to SB 375. 68. Supporting access to joint use of schools; parks and open space; development of streets and trails that encourage physical activity and healthy living. 69. Supporting extension or permanent legislation at the federal level of enhanced tax deductions for charitable donations of Conservation Easements Transportation 70. Supporting changes in gas tax laws that allow local tax for transportation purposes based on a majority vote of the public. 71. Supporting the continuation of, and increased funding sources for street maintenance projects, transportation improvements, transit operations and bicycle facility projects. 72. Supporting clean air transit funding for San Luis Obispo County, in particular funding that provides for alternative modes of transportation with clean air benefits. 7 Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 10 Exhibit A 73. Supporting actions to: (1) promote cooperation and mutual support between metropolitan planning organization (MPO) agencies and local transit providers, and (2) discourage trends toward " MPO agencies/regional "control" of local transit providers. 74. Encouraging private transportation companies (such as Union Pacific Railroad) to reach agreements for sharing of properly secured right of way corridors for other compatible uses such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities. 75. Opposing the proposed diversion of any funding source for transportation that reduces amounts designated for transit operations. 76. Supporting funding for projects to implement adopted complete street plans demonstrated to improve public health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 77. Supporting provision of Cap and Trade funding for intercity rail. Utilities 78. Supporting clean water funding programs. 79. Supporting recycling and waste diversion programs such as green waste composting and enhancing local government's ability to comply with solid waste reduction requirements. 80. Supporting measures that require the State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards establish a process to evaluate, in advance of adoption, the costs of compliance for pending and future regulatory actions on NPDES permitees. 81. Supporting legislation that requires the State's environmental agencies to conduct peer review of proposed regulations to ensure that the proposal is based on sound science. 82. Supporting measures that require the State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards establish a process to evaluate, in advance of adoption, the costs of compliance for pending and future regulatory actions on NPDES permitees. 83. Supporting the elimination of mandatory penalties for violations of NPDES 8 Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 11 Exhibit A Requirements and returning discretionary control to the Regional Water Quality Control Board Executive Officers (i.e. repeal SB 709). 84. Supporting measures to ensure reasonableness in the administration of NPDES permit governing City operations, including pursuing a municipal representative on the Regional Water Quality Control Board 85. Promoting the safe, responsible, and cost-effective reuse of Exceptional Quality or better biosolids. 86. Supporting any appropriate streamlining the state regulatory processes. 87. Supporting sustainable energy programs. 88. Supporting incentives for distributed energy generation projects such as solar power. 89. Supporting legislation allowing cities/agencies to establish fees for the costs of operating mandated water quality programs such as, but not limited to, municipal storm water and total maximum daily loading. 90. Supporting federal legislative action to transfer Salinas Reservoir from Army Corps of Engineers Military Project to Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Project. 91. Supporting the implementation of the California Urban Water Conservation Council's Best Management Practices regarding urban water conservation and compliance with AB 1420. 92. Supporting amendments to the Urban Water Management Planning Act to recognize past investment in water conservation and the City's ability to comply with SBx7-7. 93. Supporting legislation eliminating departing load charges which discourage the use of alternative energy resources. 94. Allowing the use of Public Goods Funds for the development and installation of energy saving or green energy generating projects to benefit local government. 95. Promoting the protection of water resources, including water quality, watershed protection, and treatment discharge measures. W Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 12 Exhibit A 96. Supporting the protection of our natural resources from invasive species. 97. Promoting sustainability of our water resources through the use of recycled water and other best practices. County/Regional Priorities 98. Supporting legislation and other policy considerations to expand funding for the delivery of case management, drug, alcohol, and detoxification services, mental health services, and the establishment of shelter facilities. 99. Working with the County to assure land use practices that are consistent with the Memorandum of Agreement adopted by the City Council and County Board of Supervisors in 2005 regarding development near the edges of the City. 100. Encouraging participation by County in providing nearby parking for County employees and clients, and alternate transportation and parking demand reduction. 101. Supporting County development of a local ordinance providing additional local oversight and regulation of the land application of Pollutant Concentration (PC) or better biosolids. 102. Working cooperatively with the County to solve City/County flood problems. 103. Supporting the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District's legislative program, where consistent with the City's adopted policies and platform. 104. Supporting the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments' legislative program, where consistent with the City's adopted policies and platform. 105. Supporting County efforts to enhance dangerous animal regulation and enforcement. 10 Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 13 L�EACALiG UlEO C I T I ES Exhibit B 1400 K Street, Suite 400 • Sacramento, California 95814 Phone: (916) 658-8200 Fax: (916) 658-8240 www.cacities.org 2015 FEDERAL PRIORITIES Protect Local Revenue and Land Use Authority Local government land use and revenue authority is critical to the federal -state -local partnership effort to advance community and economic development and must be preserved. As such, the League urges Congress to: • Support the Marketplace Fairness Act; • Oppose a permanent extension to the Internet Tax Freedom Act; • Oppose efforts by online travel companies to circumvent remittance of transient occupancy taxes (TOT) from hotel reservations purchased using the internet. Support Community and Economic Development The League urges Congress to preserve maximum funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and seek flexibility in the CDBG state program to enhance the use of the program by California's 314 non -entitlement cities (cities under 50,000). The League also supports maintaining the tax exempt status of municipal bonds and opposes proposals to cap the investor tax deduction on municipal securities investments. Adopt a Long -Term Transportation Bill & Make the Highway Trust Fund Solvent The previously enacted transportation reauthorization bill, MAP -21, expires next year. It is critical that Congress enact a six-year bill that allows municipalities to plan for long term investments in surface transportation and targets funding for municipalities and local transportation agencies. The new authorization bill should focus on maintenance and preservation, and provide funding for roads, bridges, freight, and transit. Better Rail Safety Note: Policy for this priority is developing and will be considered at the January 2015 policy committee meetings and February 2015 Board meeting. They will be included in this document after adoption by the Board. Balanced Approach to Budgeting and Appropriations The League urges Congress to adopt a bipartisan and balanced approach to appropriations that also minimizes spending cuts. California cities have already faced deep reductions in spending, forcing cuts to a number of critical local services and dramatic job losses for first responders. Additional cuts will imperil the services that city residents desperately need. Resolution No. 10595 (2015 Series) Page 14 Exhibit B Enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform Like the National League of Cities and many others across our nation, the League of California Cities believes comprehensive immigration reform should be an urgent priority of Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform. Every day cities are affected by the current dysfunction in our immigration system, and the need for action is critical. Support Investments in Affordable Housing California's cities are deeply concerned with the need for affordable housing. The League urges Congress to support legislation and proposals that provide incentives and resources to assist in the reorganization and replacement of existing infrastructure to support California's growing population. In addition, the League supports proposals such as the HOME Program that provide a variety of financial restructuring options, such as loan forgiveness, payment deferrals, grants, loans and loan guarantees to provide and preserve rental housing for long-term affordable use. Invest in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure California cities' water and wastewater systems need a significant overhaul to keep the world's eighth largest economy moving. The League urges Congress to provide adequate and reliable long-term financing solutions for municipal water delivery, maintenance and treatment needs to meet federally mandated water quality standards, and maintain the vital infrastructure necessary to ensure the availability of clean water for an increasing population. The League also encourages the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency to expeditiously implement the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority (WIFIA) program as authorized by the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in 2014. Invest in Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness To strengthen California's homeland security, emergency preparedness and crime - fighting efforts, the League urges Congress to maintain federal investment in resources critical to enabling local law enforcement to adequately provide public safety. Specifically, the League supports full funding for the Byrne/Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) program, the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), the Assistance to Firefighters grant programs and for disaster preparedness, prevention, recovery, and response for all -hazard threats. Develop EnergyEfficient and Resource Conservation Strategies The League urges Congress to allot federal resources to assist regional and local governments in developing and implementing energy efficiency and conservation strategies and ensure that local governments can continue, and not be preempted in, their efforts to achieve economic improvements through increased energy efficiency and conservation plans that seek to decrease carbon emissions.