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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/03/2009, C2 - 2009 LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM counat M�fimD� 3 O j acEnaa Report CITY O F SAN L U I S O B I S P O FROM: Jonathan P. Lowell, City Afforneydl- SUBJECT: 2009 LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM RECOMMENDATION 1. Adopt a resolution establishing a Legislative Action Platform for 2009. 2. Appoint the Mayor and City Attorney to act as the primary legislative liaisons between the League of California Cities and the City of San Luis Obispo. DISCUSSION Legislative Action Program. Attached for the Council's consideration is a resolution establishing the City's 2009 Legislative 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 the 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 or relevant Department Head), provided that the positions taken in the letters are consistent with the priorities identified in Exhibits A and B to the resolution. By establishing a broad legislative platform and delegating responsibility to staff to 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 each item were brought to the Council at its regular meetings. The process has been efficient given the limited City resources available, and the City continues to be very active in communicating its positions on Federal and State legislation. In 2008, the Mayor, on behalf of the City Council, sent 21 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. Below are brief explanations of the suggested revisions to the 2009 Platform. All changes are also shown in the legislative draft of the 2009 Platform attached to this report(Attachment 1) Proposed Revisions to the City's Legislative Platform This year's proposed platform is not substantially changed but for the deletion of certain priorities, which either have been integrated into broader priorities or are no longer relevant, and addition of the following m Council Agenda Report—2009 Legislative Action Platform Page 2 Under the Community Development heading: 7. 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 (our URM Program) as previously provided in Government Code Section 8875.10. This section lapsed on January 1, 2009 Under the Public Works heading: 35. Supporting measures to ensure the distribution of federal stimulus funds to cities with "ready to go"public works projects Under the Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources heading: 42. Opposing efforts that erode funding for and negatively impact access to parks, open space, after school programming, senior services, and facilities that promote physical activity, 43. Promoting policies that recognize the benefits of parks and recreational facilities in the advancement of"sustainable communities"and curbing green house gas emissions, including: development and implementation of a carbon credit and offset program, and integration of local and regional parks and non-motorized transportation improvements into Smart Growth Scenarios And, under the Utilities heading: 51. Supporting legislation and other 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 Legislative Liaison Appointments The League of California Cities encourages cities to appoint a council member and a staff person to act as legislative liaison between the League and the City. It is recommended that Mayor Romero continue as the Council legislative liaison and the City Attorney serve as the staff liaison, as in previous years. FISCAL ITWPACT Because no additional staff workload is anticipated as a result of this ongoing program, now new fiscal impact will be incurred. Council Agenda Report—2009 Legislative Action Platform Page 3 ALTERNATIVES The Council may wish to discuss other issues. However, it is also important to note that the Legislative Platform allows the City to take action on any bills and other measures formally supported by the League of California Cities. ATTAC)IlVIENTS 1. Legislative Draft of the Legislative Action Platform 2. Resolution which includes Exhibit A (Legislative Action Platform for 2009) and Exhibit B (League of California Cities 2009 Federal Priorities) �a -3 Attachment 1 CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM FOR 2009 (Legislative Draft) Community Develonment 1. Promoting reforms of the entire State mandated HCD Regional Housing Need Allocations process to recognize local urban plans and local resource limitations 2. Promoting funding sources to accomplish retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings heas+ng 3. Preserving local control of planning and zoning matters 4. Supporting efforts to increase funding for affordable housing for very low, low and moderate income families for all cities and communities 5. Promoting funding for the identification, acquisition, maintenance and restoration of historic sites and structures 6. Supporting continued or expanded funding for CDBG program 7. Supporting reinstatement of protections from imposition of additional building onsite conditions 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)m)as previously provided in Government Code Section 8875.10 (this section lapsed on January 1,2009) Economic Develoument 8. Promoting funding and/or legislation that encourages research and development by businesses in California through tax credits or other incentive programs 9. Supporting funding and policies for the promotion of California as a place to locate businesses 10. Supporting funding for a state tourism promotion program 11. Supporting the effective and efficient use of all communications technologies including voice, video,data,and information services over wired and wireless transmission technologies 12. Supporting telecommunications reform legislation and other measures that preserve local control over public rights-of-way,protects local resources and guarantees access to, funding for,and local flexibility in utilizing funds for public, educational and government(PEG)access television Finance ca -�t Attachment 1 13. Continuing to support efforts to protect the City from loss of revenues due to State take-aways and unfunded State or Federal mandates 14. 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 Human Resources/Employee Relations/Human Relations 15. Supporting additional workers compensation reforms that lower employers' costs while still protecting workers 16. 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 17. Opposing the expansion of the"Peace Officers' Bill of Rights,""Firefighters' Bill of Rights,"or other attempts to curtail management rights 18. Supporting legislation that provides funding sources for appropriate human service agencies that support the mission of the Human Relations Commission 19. Supporting legislation to protect the City's continued ability to administer its Cafeteria Benefit Plan Public Safetv 20. Security, hazardous material response, State COPS program and other local law enforcement activities 21. Preserving the City's authority to investigate police misconduct 22. Preserving the City's authority to establish both medical and non-medical emergency service levels 23. Supporting efforts to expand the scope of parental responsibility for crimes committed by minors 24. Supporting efforts to provide the Governor with authority to override the parole board when anyone convicted of a violent offense is proposed to be released on parole 25. Preserving the authority of local control on issuance of concealed weapons permits 26. Supporting legislation to help curb alcohol-related criminal behavior and underage drinking 27. Opposing new or increased state fees for state provided law enforcement services 28. Supporting the fair and efficient allocation of radio spectrum that provides quality frequencies, free from interference,for all local public safety communication needs 29. Supporting efforts to reduce retention periods for video monitoring tapes Public Works - Attachment 1 30. Supporting legislation to increase the availability of grant funding to replace aging infrastructure of all types,e.g. streets,bridges,water, sewer and storm sewer systems, etc. 31. Obtaining funding, cooperation and prompt approval from the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers for necessary flood control projects 32. Supporting legislation like ^G^13 (200-5 96) Which would exclude steFm dfai assessments for vital infrastructure from Prop. 218 requirements 33. Supporting legislation to provide monetary incentives or grant funding for alternative fuel vehicles for replacement of municipal fleet equipment 34. Supporting legislation to provide monetary incentives or grant funding for retrofitting municipal buildings with Energy Management Systems to centrally control all lighting 35. Supporting measures to ensure the distribution of federal stimulus funds to cities with"ready to go" public works projects Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources 36. Supporting State and Federal funding and other measures€ef 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 37. Supporting the aFeatiee expansion of National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of San Luis Obispo County to protect this fragile habitat from offshore oil and gas development 38. Opposing any development under existing or new offshore oil and gas leases off the coast of San Luis Obispo County 39. Supporting measures to prohibit discharge of pollutants into the ocean (e.g. selenium contaminated waters from the San Joaquin valley) 40 , in panietilar."a >, yeuth 40. Encouraging the State Department of Parks and Recreation to reinstate and expedite the distribution of bond funds and other funds resulting from special legislation 41. Seeking legislative exemption from property taxes on lands dedicated to open space purposes which are outside the boundaries of the jurisdiction owning such lands 42. Opposing efforts that erode funding for and negatively impact access to parks,open space,after school programming, senior services, and facilities that promote physical activity, 43. Promoting policies that recognize the benefits of parks and recreational facilities in the advancement of"sustainable communities"and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, including: development and implementation of a carbon credit and offset program,and aintegration of local and regional parks and non-motorized transportation improvements into Smart Growth Scenarios C oC - b Attachment 1 IF-W-al per eapite fefmula as Fnueh as possible,and bread the definitien ef eempetitive ffegmfns to eReempass FaeFe than just iftner-eity,urban areas —lam Transportation 44. Changing gas tax laws to allow local tax for transportation purposes based on a majority vote of the public 45. Promoting continued and increased funding sources for street maintenance projects and transportation improvements,as well as funding for transit service and bicycle projects f6nd 14%-y 227 read ever-lay afld meenstFuefien prejeet;and subsequefit relinquishment efHw) within the GtY lifnit 46. Supporting clean air transit funding for San Luis Obispo County, in particular funding that supports alternative modes of transportation with clean air benefits 47. 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 Utilities 48. Supporting clean water funding programs 49. Supporting legislation to€aeiliwe further recycling program develepmen and enhance local government's ability to comply with solid waste requirements 50. Supporting legislation to eliminate mandatory penalties for violations of NPDES Requirements and returning discretionary control to the Regional Water Quality Control Board Executive Officers (i.e. repeal SB 709) 51. Supporting legislation and other 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 52. Supporting legislation promoting the safe, responsible,and cost-effective reuse of Exceptional Quality or better biosolids 53. Supporting legislation to streamline the state regulatory processes 54. Supporting sustainable energy programs Ca -�- CAttachment 1 55. Supporting incentives for distributed energy generation projects such as solar power 56. 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 57. Supporting federal legislative action to transfer Salinas Reservoir properties to a local agency,to the benefit of the City 58. Supporting legislation that aids in the implementation of the California Urban Water Conservation Council's Best Management Practices regarding urban water conservation 59. Supporting legislation eliminating departing load charges which discourage the use of alternative energy resources 60. Supporting legislation to allow use of Public Goods Funds for the development and installation of energy saving or green energy generating projects to benefit local government County/Regional Priorities 61. 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 62. Supporting a vector control program benefit assessment for San Luis Obispo County 63. Encouraging participation by County in providing nearby parking for County employees and clients, and alternate transportation and parking demand reduction 64. Supporting County development of a local ordinance providing additional local oversight and regulation of the land application of Pollutant Concentration (PC)€ieptienal Quality or better biosolids 65. Working cooperatively with the County to solve City/County flood problems 66. Supporting the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District's legislative program G:\Legislative Priorities\2009 Agenda12009 Legislative Action Platform-Exh A.LegDraftl.DOC Attachment 2 RESOLUTION NO. (2009 Series) ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM FOR 2009 AND APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILMEMBER 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 2009, 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 David F. Romero to act as Councilmember legislative liaison and Jonathan Lowell to act as staff legislative liaison with the League of California Cities. Resolution No. (2009 Series) Attachment 2 Page 2 Upon motion of , seconded by and on the following roll call vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 2009. David F. Romero Mayor ATTEST: Audrey Hooper City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: P. Lowell City Attorney GALegislative Priorities\2009 Resolution.DOC Exhibit A Attachment 2 CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM FOR 2009 Community Development 1. Promoting reforms of the entire State mandated HCD Regional Housing Need Allocations process to recognize local urban plans and local resource limitations 2. Promoting funding sources to accomplish retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings 3. Preserving local control of planning and zoning matters 4. Supporting efforts to increase funding for affordable housing for very low, low and moderate income families for all cities and communities 5. Promoting funding for the identification, acquisition, maintenance and restoration of historic sites and structures 6. Supporting continued or expanded funding for CDBG program 7. 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(our URM Program)as previously provided in Government Code Section 8875.10 (this section lapsed on January 1, 2009) Economic Development 8. Promoting funding and/or legislation that encourages research and development by businesses in California through tax credits or other incentive programs 9. Supporting funding and policies for the promotion of California as a place to locate businesses 10. Supporting funding for a state tourism promotion program 11. Supporting the effective and efficient use of all communications technologies including voice, video, data,and information services over wired and wireless transmission technologies 12. 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 Finance 13. Continuing to support efforts to protect the City from loss of revenues due to State take-aways and unfunded State or Federal mandates Ca -ll Exhibit A Attachment 2 14. 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 Human Resources/Employee Relations/Human Relations 15. Supporting additional workers compensation reforms that lower employers' costs while still protecting workers 16. 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 17. Opposing the expansion of the"Peace Officers' Bill of Rights,""Firefighters' Bill of Rights,"or other attempts to curtail management rights 18. Supporting legislation that provides funding sources for appropriate human service agencies that support the mission of the Human Relations Commission 19. Supporting legislation to protect the City's continued ability to administer its Cafeteria Benefit Plan Public Safetv 20. Continuing State and Federal funding support for disaster preparedness,earthquake preparedness, Homeland Security,hazardous material response, State COPS program and other local law enforcement activities 21. Preserving the City's authority to investigate police misconduct 22. Preserving the City's authority to establish both medical and non-medical emergency service levels 23. Supporting efforts to expand the scope of parental responsibility for crimes committed by minors 24. Supporting efforts to provide the Governor with authority to override the parole board when anyone convicted of a violent offense is proposed to be released on parole 25. Preserving the authority of local control on issuance of concealed weapons permits 26. Supporting legislation to help curb alcohol-related criminal behavior and underage drinking 27. Opposing new or increased state fees for state provided law enforcement services 28. Supporting the fair and efficient allocation of radio spectrum that provides quality frequencies,free from interference, for all local public safety communication needs 29. Supporting efforts to reduce retention periods for video monitoring tapes C2 -JC)L- Exhibit A Attachment 2 Public Works 30. Supporting legislation to increase the availability of grant funding to replace aging infrastructure of all types,e.g. streets, bridges, water, sewer and storm sewer systems, etc. 31. Obtaining funding, cooperation and prompt approval from the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers for necessary flood control projects 32. Supporting legislation which would exclude assessments for vital infrastructure from Prop. 218 requirements 33. Supporting legislation to provide monetary incentives or grant funding for alternative fuel vehicles for replacement of municipal fleet equipment 34. Supporting legislation to provide monetary incentives or grant funding for retrofitting municipal buildings with Energy Management Systems to centrally control all lighting 35. Supporting measures to ensure the distribution of federal stimulus funds to cities with"ready to go" public works projects Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources 36. 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 37. 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 38. Opposing any development under existing or new offshore oil and gas leases off the coast of San Luis Obispo County 39. Supporting measures to prohibit discharge of pollutants into the ocean (e.g. selenium contaminated waters from the San Joaquin valley) 40. Encouraging the State Department of Parks and Recreation to reinstate and expedite the distribution of bond funds and other funds resulting from special legislation 41. Seeking legislative exemption from property taxes on lands dedicated to open space purposes which are outside the boundaries of the jurisdiction owning such lands 42. Opposing efforts that erode funding for and negatively impact access to parks, open space;after school programming, senior services,and facilities that promote physical activity, 43. Promoting policies that recognize the benefits of parks and recreational facilities in the advancement of"sustainable communities"and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, including: C C;I � I Exhibit A Attachment 2 development and implementation of a carbon credit and offset program,and aintegration of local and regional parks and non-motorized transportation improvements into Smart Growth Scenarios Transportation 44. Changing gas tax laws to allow local tax for transportation purposes based on a majority vote of the public 45. Promoting continued and increased funding sources for street maintenance projects and transportation improvements,as well as funding for transit.service and bicycle projects 46. Supporting clean air transit funding for San Luis Obispo County, in particular funding that supports alternative modes of transportation with clean air benefits 47. 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 Utilities 48. Supporting clean water funding programs 49. Supporting legislation to further recycling programs and enhance local government's ability to comply with solid waste requirements 50. Supporting legislation to eliminate mandatory penalties for violations ofNPDES Requirements and returning discretionary control to the Regional Water Quality Control Board Executive Officers (i.e. repeal SB 709) 51. Supporting legislation and other 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 52. Supporting legislation promoting the safe, responsible,and cost-effective reuse of Exceptional Quality or better biosolids 53. Supporting legislation to streamline the state regulatory processes 54. Supporting sustainable energy programs 55. Supporting incentives for distributed energy generation projects such as solar power 56. 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 Ca -�� Exhibit A Attachment 2 57. Supporting federal legislative action to transfer Salinas Reservoir properties to a local agency,to the benefit of the City 58. Supporting legislation that aids in the implementation of the California Urban Water Conservation Council's Best Management Practices regarding urban water conservation 59. Supporting legislation eliminating departing load charges which discourage the use of alternative energy resources 60. Supporting legislation to allow use of Public Goods Funds for the development and installation of energy saving or green energy generating projects to benefit local government County/Regional Priorities 61. 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 62. Supporting a vector control program benefit assessment for San Luis Obispo County 63. Encouraging participation by County in providing nearby parking for County employees and clients, and alternate transportation and parking demand reduction 64. Supporting County development of a local ordinance providing additional local oversight and regulation of the land application of Pollutant Concentration (PC)or better biosolids 65. Working cooperatively with the County to solve City/County flood problems 66. Supporting the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District's legislative program G:\Legislative Priorities\2009 Agenda\2009 Legislative Action Platform—Exh A.Final.DOC Exhibit B Attachment 2 2009-01-05 Board of Directors Adopts New Federal Priorities Each year,the League's board of directors adopts priorities to guide the organization's federal advocacy efforts.The board approved the 2009 federal priorities at its last board meeting of 2008 in Southern California. The League's 2009 federal priorities focuses on the following: • Economic stimulus; • Energy/environment; ° Community Development Block Grant; ° Affordable housing; • Water&wastewater infrastructure; • Reauthorization of SAFTEEA-LU; • Public safety/homeland security/disaster preparedness; and ® Limitations on local funding. Exhibit B Attachment 2 ECONOMIC STIMULUS California's 480 cities are facing a major economic downturn that has required severe cuts to police, fire, parks, libraries and other vital services as well as put public infrastructure projects on hold. This is occurring while the demand on city services and infrastructure is increasing with 500,000 new residents calling California home each year. The League urges Congress and the Administration to provide economic stimulus to our lagging economy by providing urgent funding for the following: • Energy Block Grant for Infrastructure & Green Jobs • CDBG for Infrastructure • Highway Infrastructure • Water& Wastewater Infrastructure • Public Housing Modernization • Public Safety Jobs & Technology • Transit Equipment & Infrastructure • Restoration of the Rental Housing Tax Break ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT In California, 31 million of the state's population of 38 million lives in a city. California's cities continue to work collaboratively with state and regional partners to implement sustainable community strategies to increase energy efficiency and lower consumption for this population, as well as work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to1990 levels by 2020. To effectively accomplish the goals of local governments, the League urges Congress to: • Support for full funding of the Energy and Environmental Efficiency Block Grant.program, authorized in the Energy Policy Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140). This will provide resources directly to local governments for programs that improve community energy efficiency, develop and implement community and transportation energy conservation programs, and promote and develop alternative and renewable energy sources; • Support climate-friendly transportation and land-use policies that assist local governments, integrate new growth into existing communities, and develop transit oriented, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly communities utilizing green building design and construction to maximize resources and reduce energy consumption; and • Ensure that local governments can continue, and not be preempted in, their efforts to decrease carbon emissions. Exhibit B Attachment 2 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT • Support increased funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is critical in assisting urban and rural cities throughout California with creating jobs, providing affordable housing, eliminating blight and generating new economic investment. In addition, 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). AFFORDABLE HOUSING As the state's population continues to grow and California grapples with the effects of the national mortgage crisis, our cities are deeply concerned about the need for affordable housing. The League urges Congress to: • Foreclosures: Support the allocation of increased resources for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program that truly target communities with the highest foreclosure rates in the nation; • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: Support full funding of the Section 8 program, which assists very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled afford decent and safe housing; • Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Program: Support increased funding for the HOME program, which provides formula grants to local governments to create affordable housing for low-income households; • National Housing Trust Fund: Dedicate additional sources of funding to the National Housing Trust Fund enacted in Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (P.L. 110- 289) to help fund the production of new housing, and the rehabilitation of existing housing that is affordable for low-income people; • Preservation of Affordable Housing: Support initiatives that provide a variety of financial restructuring options, such as loan forgiveness, payment deferrals, grants, loans and loan guarantees to preserve rental housing for long-term affordable use; • Workforce Housing: Seek the creation of new initiatives that provide affordable housing to working families. The housing shortage has particularly affected low- and middle-income families. In many areas, workers who provide basic services to local governments, such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers, cannot afford to live in the communities where they work; and • Housing Tax Incentives: Seek tax incentives to promote investment in the production of multifamily rental housing, including expanding the Low Income Housing Tax Credit to create mixed income developments. WATER &WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE Vital to fueling and keeping the world's eighth largest economy moving, California cities' water and wastewater systems need a significant overhaul. There has been almost no new investment in California's water and wastewater systems in more than 30 years. This is putting increasing pressure on the state as California is expected to grow by 10 million by 2020 and is working to meet new, more stringent standards for safe drinking water and clean water. The League urges Congress to: C. Exhibit B Attachment 2 • Provide adequate and reliable long-term funding 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. REAUTHORIZATION OF SAFETEA-LU California has more than 45,000 miles of highway and one of the most developed transit systems in the nation. Our transportation systems, which face rapidly growing vehicle use by an ever increasing number of new drivers, have witnessed the cost of building new lane miles rise much faster than inflation and road maintenance needs increase with the age of the freeway system. California's cities are responsible for administering the local streets and roads that connect with the state and federal highway system. As Congress begins to consider the reauthorization of the nation's highway and transit laws, the League urges Congress to: • Support Federal legislative efforts such as transient oriented development that bring together transportation, land use planning, energy and the environment and housing and economic development strategies to reduce congestion and create jobs; • Make reconstruction and preservation of the existing system a high priority for expenditures; and target funds for maintenance to local agencies, which are charged with administering the system; and • Support Federal transportation legislation that fully utilizes a Federal, state and local partnership to develop multi-modal transportation solutions to reduce congestions, streamline transportation project delivery and integrate transportation planning solutions for the nation's highway, rail, air and port freight systems to achieve more efficient goods movement. PUBLIC SAFETYIHOMELAND SECURITY/DISASTER PREPAREDNESS California's cities are on the front line of the war on terrorism and crime. To strengthen California's homeland security, emergency preparedness and crime-fighting efforts, the League urges Congress to: • Support increased Federal investment in resources critical to local law enforcement, including full funding for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant, as authorized in the reauthorization of the program (P.L. 110-294), and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, as well as integrated public safety communications systems • Maximize first responder funding to California cities, as well as flexibility in the use of funds to assist areas of need (i.e. personnel, training, and target hardening); • Support for full funding for the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program; and • Support increased funding for disaster preparedness, prevention, recovery, and response for all-hazard threats, including investment in assisting communities with necessary upgrades to existing flood control systems. Exhibit B LIMITATIONS ON LOCAL FUNDING Attachment 2 California local governments, many of whom are currently facing extremely difficult fiscal circumstances, already face limited options to generate revenue to provide valuable city services while simultaneously working to expand access internet access to residents. The League urges Congress to: • Oppose legislation that would reduce or eliminate local government resources by providing a tax moratorium for the expanding and profitable cellular telecommunications industry; • Oppose legislative and administrative efforts by online travel companies to circumvent remittance of transient occupancy taxes to local governments from hotel reservations purchased using the internet; and • Oppose legislation that would preempt California local government's ability to regulate and collect revenue derived from state and local use taxes. Ca -ao F_D FILE dlilllllll�������� VIII � MEE11iNG AGE`F!DA DATE44ag I T E.rA MEMORANDUM From the Office of the City Attorney February 3, 2009 COUNCIL E CDD DIP L7GAearvM6N' 13-MN DIR To: Mayor and City Council Q ACAOKsr-1,*acA- L71FIRE CHIEF IYATTORNEY aPW DIR 2'CLERK/ORIG 2'POLICE CHF From: Jonathan P. Lowell, City Attorney 011-- ❑ DEPT HEADS O-REC DIR P113 ZT UTIL DIR Via: Ken Hampian, City Manager _ �Z-dui— _SHR DIR N�wT imp Re: Item C2 on February 3, 2009 Agenda (-i7'4 IX6C 2009 Legislative Action Platform Attached please find a letter from The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County requesting that the Council's 2009 Legislative Action Platform include a statement in support of the California Conservation Corps. While such support is inherent in the language contained in item 36 of the proposed platform, staff understands the significance of amore specific statement, and therefore includes in its recommendation that item 36 be further modified to read as follows: 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 In addition, in response to an inquiry from Councilmember Carter, staff believes, following consultation with the Police Chief, that proposed platform item 24, relating to supporting efforts to provide the Governor with override authority over the parole board, is no longer necessary, and therefore is removing that item from the recommended action. In light of these modifications as set forth here, a motion to approve the staff recommendation will encompass these changes. Attachment: January 30, 2009 letter from Brian Stark of The Land Conservancy J January 30,2009 e L nd of San Luis Obispo COun``ry""11 Mayor Dave Romero San Luis Obispo City Council 990 Palm St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Re: City Legislative Platform:Support for California Conservation Corps Dear Mayor Romero and Council Members, On behalf of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County and many partners throughout San Luis Obispo County, I am asking that the City Council add support for funding of the California Conservation Corps(CCC)within the.California State Budget.Currently, Governor Schwa rzen egger's budget proposes to completely eliminate the California Conservation Corps Statewide.The CCC is an important partner of the Land Conservancy as well as the City of San Luis Obispo. The CCC provide essential services in our community.When the rains fall,the CCC are filling sandbags. They are also active in preparing local streambeds for winter rains to reduce flooding risks.When mud flows,the CCC are shoveling, and when the hills burn,the CCC is assisting fire crews.They have also built most of the local trails in City open space areas and are active in habitat restoration projects in the City and Countywide.We know tough decisions must be made, but we believe it Is in our mutual interest to keep this cost-effective labor force available in our community.The Governor's proposal is to eliminate the CCC and instead provide some funding for local corps in the main urban areas.This means that while some big cities get help,San Luis Obispo is left behind. Times are tough all around, but eliminating the CCC really affects those that are closest to economic disadvantage.While members do backbreaking work on our behalf,they are learning job skills and the value of a day's work.They learn teamwork and ideals that help them succeed as adults. Rather than putting these people out of work,they should be the recipients of funding as we seek to stimulate jobs in our state.They are well suited to bolster a new era of green job growth. I know that the CCC has benefitted the City and the Land Conservancy as well as many others. Now it is the CCC that needs our help. I am requesting that the City's legislative agenda include a statement in support of funding to the CCC. It is good for these maturing adults, it is good for our City, and it is good for the environment. Thank you very much for your consideration. P ely, Bri B.Star Executive Director THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY P. O. Box 12206, SAN Luis Omsw, CA 93,106 805 544-9096 • 805 544-5122 r,vx • i.c u.i.Csi.o.oec WM AVA.USLOAM6 i Mie Land January 30, 2009 Cl5t Sf)h o1'San Lois ispo C:csuist_v I Mayor Dave Romero San Luis Obispo City Council 990 Palm St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Re: City Legislative Platform: Supportfor California Conservation Corps Dear Mayor Romero and Council Members, On behalf of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County and many partners throughout San Luis Obispo County, I am asking that the City Council add support for funding of the California Conservation Corps (CCC)within the California State Budget. Currently, Governor Schwa rzenegger's budget proposes to completely eliminate the California Conservation Corps Statewide.The CCC is an important partner of the.Land Conservancy as well as the City of San Luis Obispo. The CCC provide essential services in our community.When the rains fall,the CCC are filling sandbags. They are also active in preparing local streambeds for winter rains to reduce flooding risks. When mud flows, the CCC are shoveling, and when the hills burn,the CCC is assisting fire crews.They have also built most of the local trails In City open space areas and are active in habitat restoration projects in the City and Countywide.We know tough decisions must be made, but we believe it is in our mutual interest to keep this cost-effective labor force available in our community.The Governor's proposal is to eliminate the CCC and instead provide some funding for local corps in the main urban areas.This means that while some big cities get help,.San Luis Obispo is left behind. Times a.re tough all around, but eliminating the CCC really affects those that are closest to economic disadvantage.While members do backbreaking work on our behalf,they are learning job skills and the value of a day's work.They learn teamwork and ideals that help them succeed as adults. Rather than putting these people out of work,they should be the recipients of funding as we seek to stimulate jobs in our state.They are well suited to bolster a new era of green job growth. I know that the CCC has benefitted the City and the Land Conservancy as well as many others. Now it is the CCC that needs our help. I am requesting that the City's legislative agenda include a statement in support of funding to the CCC. It Is good for these maturing adults, it is good for our City, and it is good for the environment. Thank you very much for your consideration. Mot E�t'COUNCIL E�TDD DIR Sin ely, , ETGAQCrry�P D`FIN DIR p AfF4O ury,��2-FIRE CHIEF R-ATTORNEY 2 PW DIR FEcD FILE 0'C ERK/ORIG L-3,-POLICE CHF Brith B.StarK MEETING AGENDA ( 1:1 DEPT HEADS D'`REC DIR Executive Director ; Er--&& C'—UTIL DIR DATEa 3 ITEp r I , 1rLr HR D I n A/a)nM65 r�eu vCcL ecry m�2 T1 It: LAND CONSFRVANC) OF SAN I.t IS OBISPO C1)u,vri P. U. Box 12206• tiaNLs:is owsr, CA 9'i-io6 805 54-i-9096 805 5-rii 5122 r.kx i+:;;{?!i.cv,o.uuc o �v\rw.i.