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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/17/1998, C-5 - 1998 LEGISLATIVE ACTION PROGRAM council 2/17/98 j agenda R.Pont °®"umbu �S CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O FROM: Jeffrey G.Jorgensen SUBJECT: 1998 Legislative Action Program CAO RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution establishing legislative priorities for 1998 DISCUSSION Attached for the Council's consideration is the 1998 Legislative Action Program Resolution. Similar resolutions have been adopted by the Council since 1993. This resolution authorizes staff to respond to legislative issues affecting the City(via letters signed by the Mayor,or in his absence, a Councilmember),provided that the positions taken in the letters are consistent with the position of the League of California Cities and/or the priorities identified in Exhibit A of the resolution. In addition to the submission of letters to Federal and State officials, the resolution also encourages "face-to-face" communication, which in 1998 should continue to emphasize our relationship with north county cities and agencies, and establishing effective communication with the County concerning land use issues adjacent to the City. Also attached for your information is-a draft of the Legislative Priorities established by the League of California Cities(Exhibit B). FISCAL IMPACT Minor additional staff workload is anticipated. ALTERNATIVES Do not adopt a legislative priority program,or recommend additions or deletions. Attachments 1. Resolution 2. Exhibit A,Legislative Action Program 3. Exhibit B (League Legislative Priorities) RESOLUTION NO. (1998 Series) ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY LEGISLATIVE ACTION PROGRAM AND PRIORITIES FOR 1998 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 the adoption of 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,with four County supervisors representing different portions of the City,it is imperative that the City develop an improved system for regular communication with the Board of Supervisors,particularly concerning land use issues adjacent to the City; and WHEREAS,the City should continue to emphasize developing a positive relationship with North County Cities and agencies concerning water issues; and WHEREAS,the City desires to be proactive and involved in the governmental decision malting processes directly affecting the City legislative priorities identified in Exhibit"A", 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 Program is face-to- face meetings between City representatives and elected officials at the Federal,State,and in particular County levels, and coordination with similar efforts made by other local government entities. Resolution No. (1998) Page Two NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo does hereby establish the Legislative Action Priorities for 1998,as set forth in the attached Exhibit"A", and authorizes staff to take positions on legislation generally consistent with the Legislation Action Priorities and such other resolutions and recommendations of the League of California Cities as may be from time to time presented to the City. Upon motion of seconded by and on the following roll call vote Ayes: Noes: Absent: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 1998. Mayor Allen Settle ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED AS FORM: i o y EXHIBIT A: CITY LEGISLATIVE ACTION PRIORITIES FOR 1998q FEDERAL PRIORITIES • Requiring funding of federally mandated programs, including new water/wastewater regulations,or eliminating such mandates • Promoting continued and increased funding sources for transportation,especially transit • Obtaining new funding sources to expand low and moderate income housing • Supporting legislation to transfer ownership of Salinas Reservoir to a local agency for the purpose of facilitating the Salinas Dam Expansion Project • Supporting legislation on coastal preservation • Supporting legislation that provides regulatory relief to local government in complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act and overtime provisions for exempt employees • Supporting continued funding for the Land and Water Conservation Grant Program • Supporting legislation to exempt cities from liability for leakage of hazardous waste discharge to POTW's from sewer • Supporting legislation which strengthens the ability of cities to control their public rights-of-way and apply zoning regulations relative to the telecommunications industry • Supporting legislation to increase the availability of grant funding to replace aging infrastructure • Opposing legislation that limits state or local authority to tax catalog or internet sales • Supporting legislation which assists welfare reform to work in a positive way and provides funding for the social service programs of local non-profit organizations. • Obtaining cooperation and prompt approval from the EPA and Army Coros of Engineers for necessary flood control projects. • Supporting legislative action to retain the existing process of local judicial review of land use decisions thus avoiding preemptory.premature intrusion of federal courts into matters best handled at the local level. Exhibit A (Legistati.ve t)naJt) C-S� STATE PRIORITIES FINANCE b the&ate b • Supporting efforts to protect the City€ei-*om loss of revenues due to State mandates • Supporting legislation that strengthens opportunities for local fiscal independence • Returning ERAF • Supporting efforts to "protect,preserve and reform" local government finances COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • Opposing mandated State approval of local General Plan Elements, such as implementing and compliance with,State General Plan Housing element law • Promoting funding sources to encourage the retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings • Promoting state efforts toward preservation of open space,coastal resources,signature land forums,wetlands, and other natural resources or areas threatened by development PUBLIC SAFETY • b b fees (SB -2667) • Preserving city's authority to investigate police misconduct • Preserving city's authority to establish emergency medical service levels • Increasing City authority to regulate group homes for juvenile offenders • Continuing support for disaster and earthquake preparedn • Supporting grant requests for Regional Hazardous Material Response Team,diseste prepafedaess-,and a regional training facility • Supporting efforts to secure higher levels of cost recovery for DUI's • Supporting efforts to expand the scope of parental responsibility for crimes committed by minors • 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 Bmeeumge Highway nr • Preserving the authority of local control on issuance of concealed weapons permits • Supporting a state-wide gaming commission to oversee all forms of gambling in the state • S l l : hien willfidi ,,f_at, ,Peaee namee ..a sata _a S�mdafds and (POST)basle te its a _ • Spporting SCA 4 on trial court consolidaton • Retaining budget commitments for Public Safety supplemental funding-State COPS Pro • Supporting federal legislative action to retain the existing process of local iudicial review of land use decisions thus avoiding preemgtory premature intrusion of federal courts into matters best handled at the local level. TRANSPORTATION • Changing Gas tax laws to allow local tax for transportation purposes based on a majority vote of the public • Increasing transportation funding(including transit,bicycles,others)especially transit • Encourage the Department of Transportation to improve traffic safety on the Highway 41-46 corridor through engineering solutions such as additional passing lanes,median barriers, etc. PERSONNEIJEMPLOYEE RELATIONS • Further reforming Worker's compensation • Preserving the fiscal integrity of PERS • Opposing binding arbitration and expandingsien of the"Peace Officers' Bill of Rights" 3� • Monitoring employee healthcare/benefit changes PUBLIC WORKS • Better defining"qualified"bidders in public contracts bidding • Redefining Prevailing wages as"average"local wages • Streamlining Federal and State process for funding street projects • Install median barriers on multi-lane segments of Hwy.46(Paso to Hwy.41) • Increase to$20,000 limits of work(from$5,000) for public projects not requiring competitive bidding PARKS AND RECREATION • Supporting recreational programmiag-fimdin particularly for"at risk"individuals within the City • Supporting funding for: protection of natural resources(e.g.,the Morros),open space, and parks development 0 e ff As to sty .,is e,.ulaB + + d with hill eare and � �'yp ' O J 1 • Support funding for rehabilitation of urban parks • Support efforts at the State level for a park and open space bond measure UTILITIES • Providing funding for reclaimed water programs • Supporting clean water grant programs • Supporting efforts to enhance local government's ability to comply with solid waste requirements • Supporting legislation to exempt cities from liability for leakage of hazardous waste discharged to POTW's from sewer r.: 4-5, i • Supporting legislation to increase availability of grant fundingfor or replacement of aging, infrastructure COUNTY PRIORITIES • Reaching agreement with the County and north county communities on solutions for Salinas Reservoir expansion and Nacimiento pipeline projects • Developing consistency between the City and County General Plans,particularly to emphasize the concepts that(1)urban development should be municipal,and(2) unincorporated areas shall remain rural,agricultural,or open space in character • Increasing local funding of the Transit Transfer Center • Retaining County offices in the downtown area • Improving regional solid waste management • Developing cooperative approaches for providing services on a regional basis • Effectively and cooperatively implementing the Community Development Block Grant Program • Discussing and resolving issues on the City periphery, such as conversion of agricultural zoning to residential subdivision and industrial use, allowing increases in density in residential and industrial areas,allowing substantial development beyond the City's urban reserve line,and giving greater credence to and respecting the integrity of the City's planning process • Discussing uses for the County-owned"garage"adjacent to the Fremont Theater that are more consistent with the Downtown Plan and provide more contribution to the economic vitality of the downtown .55 • - � ti p EXFIlBIT A: CITY LEGISLATIVE ACTION PRIORITIES FOR 1998 FEDERAL PRIORITIES • Requiring funding of federally mandated programs, including new water/wastewater regulations, or eliminating such mandates • Promoting continued and increased funding sources for transportation, especially transit • Obtaining new funding sources to expand low and moderate income housing • Supporting legislation to transfer,ownership of Salinas Reservoir to a local agency for the purpose of facilitating the Salinas Dam Expansion Project • Supporting legislation on coastal preservation • Supporting legislation that provides regulatory relief to local government in complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act and overtime provisions for exempt employees • Supporting continued funding for the Land and Water Conservation Grant Program • Supporting legislation to exempt cities from liability for leakage of hazardous waste discharge to POTW's from sewer • Supporting legislation which strengthens the ability of cities to control their public rights-of-way and apply zoning regulations relative to the telecommunications industry • Supporting legislation to increase the availability of grant funding to replace aging infrastructure • Opposing legislation that limits state or local authority to tax catalog or internet sales • Supporting legislation which assists welfare reform to work in a positive way and provides funding for the social service programs of local non-profit organizations. Obtaining cooperation and prompt approval from the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers for necessary flood control projects. • Supporting legislative action to retain the existing process of local judicial review of land use decisions,thus avoiding preemptory,premature intrusion of federal courts into matters best handled at the local level. Exhibit A STATE PRIORr= FINANCE • Supporting efforts to protect the City from loss of revenues due to State mandates • Supporting legislation that strengthens opportunities for local fiscal independence • Returning ERAF • Supporting efforts to "protect,preserve and reform" local government finances COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • Opposing mandated State approval of local General Plan Elements,such as implementing and compliance with, State General Plan Housing element law - • Promoting funding sources to encourage the retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings • Promoting state efforts toward preservation of open space,coastal resources,signature land forums,wetlands,and other natural resources or areas threatened by development PUBLIC SAFETY • Preserving city's authority to investigate police misconduct • Preserving city's authority to establish emergency medical service levels • Increasing City authority to regulate group homes for juvenile offenders • Continuing support for disaster and earthquake preparedness • Supporting grant requests for Regional Hazardous Material Response Team, and a regional training facility • Supporting efforts to secure higher levels of cost recovery for DUI's • Supporting efforts to expand the scope of parental responsibility for crimes committed by minors • 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 2 C-5/L • Preserving the authority of local control on issuance of concealed weapons permits • Supporting a state-wide gaming commission to oversee all forms of gambling in the state • Supporting SCA 4 on trial court consolidaton • Retaining budget commitments for Public Safety supplemental funding-State COPS Program • Supporting federal legislative action to retain the existing process of local judicial review of land use decisions,thus avoiding preemptory,premature intrusion of federal courts into matters best handled at the local level. TRANSPORTATION - • Changing Oras tax laws to allow local tax for transportation purposes based on a majority vote of the public • Increasing transportation funding(including transit,bicycles, others)especially transit • Encourage the Department of Transportation to improve traffic safety on the Highway 41-46 corridor through engineering solutions such as additional passing lanes,median barriers, etc. PERSONNEL/EMPLOYEE RELATIONS • Further reforming Worker's compensation • Preserving the fiscal integrity of PERS • Opposing binding arbitration and expanding of the"Peace Officers' Bill of Rights" • Monitoring employee healthcarelbenefit changes PUBLIC WORKS • Better defining"qualified"bidders in public contracts bidding • Redefining Prevailing wages as"average"local wages • Streamlining Federal and State process for funding street projects 3 • Install median barriers on multi-lane segments of Hwy.46(Paso to Hwy. 41) • Increase to$20,000 limits of work(from$5,000)for public projects not requiring competitive bidding PARKS AND RECREATION • Supporting recreational program funding,particularly for"at risk"individuals within the City • Supporting funding for. protection of natural resources(e.g.,the Morros),open space, and parks development • Support funding for rehabilitation of urban parks • Support efforts at the State level for a park and open space bond measure UTILITIES • Providing funding for reclaimed water programs • Supporting clean water grant programs • Supporting efforts to enhance local government's ability to comply with solid waste requirements • Supporting legislation to exempt cities from liability for leakage of hazardous waste discharged to POTW's from sewer • Supporting legislation to increase availability of grant funding for replacement of aging infrastructure COUNTY PRIORITIES • Reaching agreement with the County and north county communities on solutions for Salinas Reservoir expansion and Nacimiento pipeline projects • Developing consistency between the City and County General Plans,particularly to emphasize the concepts that(1)urban development should be municipal,and(2) unincorporated areas shall remain rural,agricultural,or open space in character 4 • Increasing local funding of the Transit Transfer Center • Retaining County offices in the downtown area • Improving regional solid waste management • Developing cooperative approaches for providing services on a regional basis • Effectively and cooperatively implementing the Community Development Block Grant Program • Discussing and resolving issues on the City periphery,such as conversion of agricultural zoning to residential subdivision and industrial use,allowing increases in density in residential and industrial areas,allowing substantial development beyond the City's urban reserve line, and giving greater credence to and respecting the integrity of the City's planning process • Discussing uses for the County-owned"garage"adjacent to the Fremont Theater that are more consistent with the Downtown Plan and provide more contribution to the economic vitality of the downtown FEB. 2. 1998 8: 12AM LEAGUE OF GAL CITIES K Hu'l r. Z League of California Cities 1998 Legislative Priorities DRAFT While the entire universe of legislation 1998 will not be(mown until early in March of this year, most of the priority issues for 1998 can be reasonably predicted, recognizing that there may be some real surprises that add to the League's priority list as the session progresses. The following issues promise to draw more of the League's focus and resources in 1998. Constitutional Protection. The primary focus of attention for 1998 will be to secure legislative passage of a constitutional amendment designed to protect local government revenues. The measure is directed at protecting sales taxes, property taxes and locally enacted taxes ftin manipulation by the state. It is a measure that will give local government the financial stability needed.to plan and deliver local services without major upheaval. Property Tax Return. The property tax is a key local government revenue needed to support local services to homeowners, other residents and commercial property in a community. The state used local property tax money to assist in balancing the state budget during a budget deficit period. The economy has recovered.It promises to be healthy for the foreseeable future.It is time to return the property tax to local governments in order that urban development and growth is a robust economy can be supported with needed local governmental services. The return of the Property tax shifted in the recessionary period of the early 19907S will be a League priority in 1998. Modify Local Voter Aonroved Sales Tax Revenues., evenue Current law permits county government to Pass up to 1/2 Deaf in a local sales tax to support localservices. This law needs to be changed to permit city government, in partnership with county government,to pursue local sales tax revenues with voter approval. School Facilities.Discussion continues after the attempt last session to craft a finance package for school facilities. The proposal that surfaced last session posed a serious threat to local land use authority by cmrb*g the amount of development fees that could be collected for school facilities Md removing the land use authority of cities and counties to approve, site and modify proposals in order to ensure adequate school facilities. There are alternatives to the school facility problems without taking away local government authority over land use decisions or without removing the only sure source of revenue to finance school facilities. Emereenev Medical Services.The League will be co-sponsoring legislation to preserve emergency medical services provided by cities. A court case threatens the delivery system for these services to city residents.A solution has to be crafted to preserve the services and the resources already expended to support those services to city governments. This promises to be a lengthy debated this session. Exhibit 8