HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 060597 - Joint City Mtng ITEM No. A-3
Meeting Date 8/12/97
Approved w/Correction.
MINUTES
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCILS
OF THE CITIES OF
ARROYO GRANDE, ATASCADERO, GROVER BEACH,
MORRO BAY, PASO ROBLES, PISMO BEACH
SAN LUIS OBISPO
THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1997 - 7:00 P.M.
CLIFFS HOTEL, 2757 SHELL BEACH ROAD
PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA
1. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was hosted by the Cities of
Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and Pismo Beach. Mayor John Brown
chaired the meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:05
p.m.
2. EWOCATION: Pastor Ehrhardt Lang, First United Methodist
Church, provided the invocation.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
4. ROLL CALL: All Councilmembers were present as follows:
City of Arroyo Grande: Mayor A.K. "Pete" Dougall, Council-
members Michael Lady, Michael Fuller, Thomas A. Runels and
Steve Tolley
City of Atascadero: Mayor Ray Johnson, Councilmembers Harold
L. Carden III, George Luna, Jerry L. Clay, Sr. , and Kenneth
Lerno
City of Grover Beach: Mayor Robert Reed, Councilmembers Dee
Santos, Henry E. "Gene" Gates, Peter Keith and Ronald
Arnoldsen
City of Morro Bay: Mayor Cathy Novak, Councilmembers Rodger
Anderson, Dave Elliott, William Peirce and Janice Peters
City of Paso Robles: Mayor Duane J. Picanco, Councilmembers
Tom Baron, Walter J. Macklin, Lee Swanson and Christian E.
Iversen
City of Pismo Beach: Mayor John C. Brown, Councilmembers
Marian Mellow, Hal Halldin, Bill Rabenaldt and Mary Ann Reiss
City of San Luis Obispo: Mayor Allen K. Settle, Council-
members Bill Roalman, Dave Romero, Kathy Smith and Dodie
Williams
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 2
City Staff Present: City Manager Robert Hunt, Arroyo Grande;
Interim City Manager Robert Grogan, Atascadero; City Manager John
Bahorski, Grover Beach; City Manager David Howell, Morro Bay;
Interim City Manager James App, Paso Robles; City Manager Michael
Fuson, Pismo Beach; City Administrative Officer John Dunn, San Luis
Obispo; City Attorney David Hunt, Morro Bay & Pismo Beach; City
Clerk Sharon Jones, Pismo Beach
5. WELCOMING.COMIMENTS.
Mayor John Brown introduced guests and .invited them to speak.
David Thompson, Senior Field Representative from the El Segundo
office for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, noted that they have six
offices within the State, and the primary responsible office for
this area is in Fresno. The Northern California Director is Thomas
Bohigian who is in the Fresno office. They are both available to
meet directly on Federal issues.
Liz Giffin, Field Representative from the Santa Barbara office for
Congressman Walter Capps (22nd Congressional District) , noted that
Congressman Capps was in Washington DC this evening: She stated
that they have three offices, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and
Washington DC, and anyone can meet with her when she is in town.
She stated that if there is ever a need with the Federal
government, to please 'contact their local office.
Lorraine Duenez, Field Representative from the San Luis Obispo
office for State Senator Jack O'Connell (18th Senate District) ,
wished the Cities a productive meeting. She stated that should
anyone ever need assistance with State matters to .call her at the
San Luis Obispo office, as she does the Senator's calendar for
appointments.
Rock Zierman, Field Representative from the San Luis Obispo office
for State Assemblyman Tom Bordanaro (33rd Assembly District) ,
stated that he is willing to work with anyone on any issue. He
noted that Tom was interested in the agenda items regarding tax
restoration and PG&E's accelerated depreciation, and will assist
where he can.
Supervisor Harry Ovitt, San Luis Obispo County Supervisor, asked
that he be allowed to speak on specific items as they come up on
the agenda.
6. PUBLIC COAMMW PERIOD: (No comments received for items
not on the agenda)
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 3
7. ACTION ITEMS:
7-A LEGISLATION REGARDING CITY REVENUE NEEDS AND RESTORATION OF
REVENUES TAKEN BY THE STATE (Mayor Allen Settle, San Luis
Obispo)
Mayor Allen Settle, San Luis Obispo, reviewed the report and
resolution in the packet,- beginning on page 7A-1. He stated that
this issue is open for discussion and he hoped the cities would
support the resolution. He noted that a revised resolution had
been handed out this evening that deletes reference to the County
of San Luis Obispo because only the seven cities are voting on the
resolution tonight. Brief discussion was held.
Mayor Settle made a motion to approve Resolution No. R-97-01 as
revised to delete reference to the County. The motion was seconded
by Councilmember Williams.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Bob Blair, Nipomo Community Services District Director, noted that .
money was also taken from the special districts.
Harry Ovitt, County Supervisor, was displeased that the County was
eliminated from the resolution. He noted that we all have a common
cause. He suggested an amendment to the resolution that the County
of San Luis Obispo be included. He felt that this would be
consistent with what the League of California Cities is doing at
the State level to have Cities and Counties become partners.
Discussion was held. Dave Hunt, City Attorney, clarified . that
because this is a joint meeting of the seven cities, technically, .
we can't include the County as a voting body. He suggested an
alternative to address Supervisor 'Ovitt Is. concerns by including all
special districts, county and cities.
7-A ACTION(S) : On amended motion of Mayor Settle I Counci lmember
Williams, Resolution No. R-97-01, a resolution of the seven city
councils in the County of San Luis Obispo was adopted concerning
the restoration of property taxes taken away by the State of
California from 1992 through 1994, as amended to include all Cities
of San Luis Obispo County, all special districts, and the County of
San Luis Obispo. Motion passed unanimously by all cities (5-0) ,
except Paso Robles voted (4-1-0; Councilmember Baron opposed) . The
County of San Luis Obispo was encouraged to adopt a similar
resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 4
7-B URBAN RESERVE LINE (Mayor Allen Settle, San Luis Obispo)
Mayor Settle, San Luis Obispo, presented report and asked that the
cities support the establishment of a subcommittee of city and
county representatives to explore the possibility of a formal
agreement with the County to coordinate land use consistencies for
unincorporated urban development adjacent to but outside of
established city urban reserve lines.
Discussion was held. Mayor Picanco, Paso Robles, didn't feel it
would have any impact for Paso. Mayor Johnson, Atascadero, didn't
see a problem with looking into it but it may be a mute point for
their city. Councilmember Romero, San Luis Obispo, was not in
favor of it and questioned whether it would be effective.
Councilmember Halldin, Pismo Beach, felt that this might cause
another agency to have control over Pismo's boundary, and he was
opposed to it. Further discussion was held. Upon. question, Mayor
Settle commented that this subcommittee would be advisory only.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
George Layman, resident of the county, near Arroyo Grande, noted
that they can't vote for people in the City but have a County Board
member representing them. . He was not in favor of another group
making decisions for them.
Jerry Dagno, resident of the county since 1984, was strongly
opposed to this and urged the cities to vote no. He stated that we
already have an agency elected by the voters of SLO County and this
is where the decision should stay.
Bob Blair, Arroyo Grande, could not support this but was not for
urban sprawl either. He felt that the people that live in. Nipomo
like, to live on acreage.
Jacquline Frederick, Nipomo farmer, felt that if this subcommittee
is formed, the public should be welcomed to the meetings to give
input, and the property owners should be listened to. She felt
that agricultural use is very important.
Diane Hull, San Luis Obispo, and Chair of the Edna Area Group,
stated that the "green belt" proposal that has been discussed in
the past was not well received. She was concerned over the City of
San Luis Obispo having too much control over the County property
owners outside the green belt but along the city limits. She felt
it may sacrifice agriculture. She noted that Measure O was turned
down by the voters to buy additional land around the city for open
space. She requested that the Edna Area Group be included in this
subcommittee.
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 5
Beverly Chapman, Nipomo Community Network, had no formal
recommendation from this body but, personally, she felt that we
already have elected representatives. She felt that being only an
advisory body is frustrating. Their group tries to influence
decisions also, and she felt that any input at their meetings would
be accepted and much appreciated, rather than this proposed
advisory body based on cities.
Ed Sauer, Nipomo, addressed the constitution and private property
rights. He felt that this would put influence over them but they
wouldn't have any influence overthe cities.
Doug Jones, Nipomo Community Services District Manager, stated that
their land area takes up a lot of land. He was not for or against
this but would like to see special districts included in the
subcommittee.
Supervisor Ovitt, San Luis Obispo County, didn't want the County
eliminated from this subcommittee. He would strongly support
cities, county and special districts be represented as well as
private property owners. He also didn't want to forget LAFCO.
Supervisor Ryan, San Luis Obispo County, felt that this was already
being done in every city. He stated that the County has to
represent the people outside the city limits. He felt the cities
and the County could work together on a city-by-city basis, and he
didn't see it as a county-wide issue.
Mayor Settle stated that the purpose is to assure land use
consistencies, and he felt that this could help promote agriculture
preservation. He agreed that community services districts and land
owners should be included.
Discussion was held among the cities. Mayor Picanco, had concerned
with it. Mayor Johnson, Atascadero, felt that each city's concerns
could be broadly different and had mixed emotions on what this may
accomplish. Mayor Dougall, Arroyo Grande, felt it was a city-by-
city problem and could be better dealt with. Mayor Reed, Grover
Beach, had a problem with another layer of bureaucracy. Mayor
Novak, Morro Bay, agreed and felt it was unnecessary.
After further discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Settle,
seconded by Councilmember Gates, to establish a subcommittee of
City representatives, County representatives, Special District
representatives, and property owners, to explore the possibility of
agreements with the County for land use consistencies with respect
to unincorporated urban development adjacent to but outside of
established city urban reserve lines. The motion failed on the
following roll call votes: Arroyo Grande: unanimously opposed;
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 6
Atascadero: 4 opposed, Councilmember Luna - supported the motion;
Grover Beach: 3 opposed, Councilmembers Gates and Keith supported;
Morro Bay: unanimously opposed; Paso Robles: 4 opposed,
Councilmember Iversen supported; Pismo Beach 3 supported,
Councilmembers Halldin and Rabenaldt opposed; San Luis Obispo: 3
supported, Councilmembers Roalman and Williams opposed. The motion
failed--no further actions were brought forward.
7-C PG&E ACCELERATED DEPRECIATION OF DIABLO CANYON (Mayor Novak of
Morro Bay introduced County Administrator Robert Hendrix to
make a presentation)
For the record, at 8:20 p.m. Councilmember Carden, Atascadero,
stepped down for item 7-C due to a possible conflict of interest.
At 8:35 p.m. Councilmembers Iversen and Baron and Mayor Picanco,
Paso Robles also stepped down due to a possible conflict of
interest.
Bob Hendrix, County Administrator, reviewed a resolution concerning
support of San Luis Obispo County and San Luis Coastal Schools
efforts to obtain relief from the damaging loss of property tax
revenue as an unintended consequence of electric utility•
restructuring in California. He asked that each city take the
resolution back to their city council to discuss and act on it at
a later time. He further reviewed the negative effects that
electric utility restructuring will have on our county. He noted
that this area will be effected greatly--$61.2 million will be lost
over the remaining life of the nuclear plant. They have been
working with the PUC, the local legislature and at the national
level to try to get some relief. He urged every city's support of
this resolution. He noted that this effects our county more than
any other county in the State.
For the record, at 8:35 p.m. Councilmembers Iverson, Baron and
Mayor Picanco of Paso Robles stepped down from voting on this
matter due to a possible conflict of interest.
Mayor Novak, Morro Bay, stated that she would like to adopt this
tonight. Discussion was held. Mayor Settle motioned to approve
the proposed resolution (No. R-97-02) ; motion was seconded by
Councilmember Gates. Further discussion was held.
Mayor Brown, Pismo Beach, felt that we should accept this for
information purposes and send it back to each city council for
action.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 7
Bill Crockett, Arroyo Grande, Manager at Diablo Canyon Nuclear
Power Plant, felt that deregulation was a great law. It will help
the customers. He noted that there are different parts of this
bill. This bill requires P.G.& E. to divest, allowing them to
accelerate depreciation of the outstanding construction costs at
Diablo. He felt that it had a lot of benefits. He stated that
beginning this coming January, customers in California will have a
choice to get electricity from suppliers. P.G.& E. rates will be
reduced 10 percent for residents. He noted that there will be a
$8.5 million savings per year for the residents in this county. He
felt that we needed to look at the bigger picture and look at the
total revenue that comes to this county. He felt that the County
should be encouraged to continue to work with P.G.& E. to look for
a legislative solution to this. They do not agree with the figures.
that the County mentioned. He noted that the formula-to determine
taxes will expire, and we don't know what the tax base will be.
7-C ACTION(S): After further discussion and on motion of Mayor
Novak/Councilmember Santos, to have each city take, a look at this
resolution regarding loss of property tax revenue due to electric
utility restructuring in California as soon as possible, and if in
favor, approve it and pass a copy onto the Governor and
Legislature. Motion passed unanimously by Arroyo Grande, Grover
Beach, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo (5-0) ; Atascadero
motion passed (4-0-1, -Councilmember Carden stepped down) ; Paso
Robles motion passed (4-0-1, Councilmember Iverson stepped down) .
For the record, Mayor Picanco, Paso Robles, stated that they did
not have a conflict on this item.
Recess was held from 8:55 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
7-D COUNTY WIDE SALES TAX (Mayor Reed of Grover Beach introduced
City Manager John Bahorski to make presentation)
John Bahorski, Grover Beach City Manager, reviewed the agenda
report. He referenced page 7-D-5 concerning alternatives.
Discussion was held.
Mayor Reed, Grover Beach, commented that this would only be an
advisory group. He hoped that every city would consider it. Mayor
Novak, Morro Bay, did not want to limit ourselves to just a sales
tax measure. She mentioned the possibility of a gas tax. Further
discussion was held. Mayor Reed commented that we should limit
this to transportation issues. Mayor Dougall, Arroyo Grande, felt
that along with discussing options, we should review how we're
spending the money that we get now. He felt that we were taxed
enough. We also need to look at who will control this money.
Councilmember Fuller, Arroyo Grande, asked how the funds would be
distributed and who would control the process. Councilmember Lady,
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 8
Arroyo Grande, concurred with the Mayor. Mayor Johnson,
Atascadero, noted that they have a funding shortfall for roads in
their city. He felt we should consider looking broader at all
alternatives. He had some suggestions for ways to reword the
resolution. He had concerns with the distribution of the tax;
however, he was in favor of forming a subcommittee. Councilmember
Luna, Atascadero, requested the resolution be modified to evaluate
all alternatives. Councilmember Carden, Atascadero, concurred but
also requested the distribution look at a mix of sales tax, point
of sale, population and road miles. Mayor Picanco, Paso Robles,
supported a subcommittee to evaluate this but he also had some
concerns about another tax. He was also concerned with the sales
tax distribution. Councilmember Macklin, Paso Robles, felt that it
should be distributed as "point of need" and regional significance.
Councilmember Baron stated that we should try to get back the one
cent from the State. He felt this would help us more. We don't
need more taxes on our people. Supervisor Harry Ovitt, County of
San Luis Obispo, felt the subcommittee should look at all the
options of funding in terms of distribution and look at the
political ramifications of getting a ballot measure passed.
Supervisor Mike Ryan, County of San Luis Obispo, felt this
subcommittee should go forward, assess all options and include the
County. Councilmember Rabenaldt, Pismo Beach, did not want to
touch the transient occupancy tax (TOT) . This tax is very sacred.
Councilmember Halldin, Pismo Beach, felt another way would be to
have assessment districts. They have worked in Pismo. Mayor
Picanco, Paso Robles, did not support an additional tax. He felt
that we will charge ourselves into an economic down turn. Council-
member Mellow, Pismo Beach, felt that a sales tax may not be the
only way or the best way. We have to consider other sources. She
agreed that getting back the one cent from the State would be the
most desirable. Councilmember Gates, Grover Beach, stated that he
did not support a 1/2 cent sales tax. He felt that the best way to
get the money we need is on our own. He also felt that the
Governor may decide to take any additional taxes too.
Councilmember Arnoldsen, Grover Beach, felt that TOT is another
viable option to review. Councilmember Keith felt it was worth
exploring even though he was fundamentally opposed to additional
taxes. If our constituents decide that they want to take on an
additional tax, then that's what they'll do. Mayor Reed commented
that assessment districts are not feasible any more due to Prop.
218. He suggested some changes to the proposed resolution to
address broader transportation issues. Councilmember Romero, San
Luis Obispo, felt that every city needs more money, and we need to
look at every option. He also had some rewording for the
resolution. Mayor Settle, San Luis Obispo, felt we needed to
clarify distribution of the tax and do this before it goes to the
voters. Councilmember Roalman, San Luis Obispo, referenced page 7-
D-8 of the packet. He felt that one approach would be to put the
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 9
tax revenue generated into the general fund to be used for roads
because a special tax takes a two-thirds vote. Councilmember
Williams, San Luis Obispo, was willing to support a subcommittee.
She was less inclined to support a general tax and felt that it
should be a special tax. The distribution is a major issue.
Further discussion was held.
Mayor Novak, Morro Bay, supports formation of a committee to
explore all options. Councilmember Peirce, Morro Bay, agreed with
Peter Keith to ask the general public at the ballot. He also noted
we need to educate the people, and it must be done at the County
level. Councilmembers Anderson. Peters and Elliot concurred.
Mayor Brown referenced the numbers on page 7-D-8. He noted that
millions are needed to improve the streets and roads, and it's a
serious problem.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
J. Frederick, Nipomo, felt the cause was important and had no
objection to paying taxes. However, he would support the Mayor of
Arroyo Grande's suggestion to seriously look at how you're spending
your current dollars.
Jerry Dagna, San Luis Obispo, felt that we would have a hard time
convincing people to approve this in San Luis Obispo. He noted
there is no doubt that the money is needed but the City builds bike
lanes instead of repairing the roads.
Bob Rose, concurred with some of the comments made regarding no
more taxes. He noted that 43 percent of the people live in the
County. He felt that a general tax was doomed to failure. He felt
that the only tax that might pass would be a special tax but it has
to have a sunset clause, not beyond five years.
Bob Blair, Arroyo Grande, was opposed to a gas tax. He stated that
cities are already getting the license share of DMV fees. He felt
that too much money was spent on studies, and it should be put into
asphalt.
Diane Hull, resident of San Luis Obispo, stated that first, taxes
were for roads--let's make them a priority in each budget. The
roads should be right along with public safety. Let the taxpayers
decide if they want to be taxed for non-necessities. She suggested
looking into consolidating deferred maintenance into one bond issue
to allow everyone to get current with a plan to stay current with
maintenance.
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 10
Ed Sauer, Arroyo Grande, felt that we used to have the best roads
in California but the money got lost and the roads went to pot.
George Layman, County resident, stated that every year property tax
goes up and every year they take money from the engineering
department. He felt the most important things in our cities were
police, fire and roads. He felt it was time that the cities
starting spending its money properly and go back to privatizing
some things.
Clifford Smith, Atascadero, felt that the public is saying that you
need to look internally at the efficiency of your operations before
you raise new taxes. He questioned the standards for general road
maintenance.
B. Chapman, Nipomo, stated that she would be in favor of any
committee that would want to go to the State to get us back our
taxes but she felt that it was a losing battle.
George Kile, Arroyo Grande, felt we should do a time study on some
of the personnel. He would like to eliminate the bureaucracy by
cutting on the top and the bottom.
Ron DeCarli, Director of SLOCOG, stated that SLOCOG just completed
a Street & Road Maintenance Needs Study showing a backlog of
transportation needs county wide totaling $52 to 140 million. This
study helps to document the problem. We really need to look at all
options. He noted future State and Federal funding is very
limited. He noted preliminary results from a public opinion poll
showed up to 60% public support for a 1/2 cent sales tax increase
for street and road maintenance. He would like to see a steering
committee developed to address the problem and look at funding
solutions. Brief discussion was held. Upon question regarding SB
325 concerning unmet transit needs, he stated that currently there
is $5.5 million per year--45 percent is going to streets and roads
and the balance goes to public transit.
7-D ACTION(S) : After further discussion and on motion of Mayor
NovakfMayor Reed, to form a subcommittee with a representative from
the City Council and/or City Manager of each SLO County City, a
member of the County Board of Supervisors, a representative from
the County Administrator's Office and a member of SLOCOG staff to
explore funding sources for needed road maintenance and
rehabilitation. The subcommittee would be expected to present a
recommendation within six months or by the next 7 Cities Meeting.
Motion passed unanimously by Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Morro Bay,
Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo (5-0) ; Paso Robles voted (4-0-1,
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 11
Councilmember Iversen absent) and Grover Beach voted (4-1-0,
Councilmember Arnoldsen opposed) .
8-A PUBLIC-EDUCATION-GOVERNMENT (PEG) ACCESS ON CABLE TV (Mayor
Novak, Morro Bay, introduced Jeannie Burlingame)
Jeannie Burlingame, Morro Bay, addressed PEG access on Cable TV.
She stated that Cities and the County would contract for management
of PEG access channels. For Morro Bay, it's $100,000 for funding
and this is not economically feasible. She handed out some flyers
from Estero Community Access and a Conceptual Model for San Luis
Obispo County-wide PEG Access as information.
Harvey Levenson, Consortium member, felt that this was a "quality
of life" issue. It's information for the community about the
community. He stated that if you support it, it will happen. He
asked for support of the concept at least.
Jeannie.Burlingame asked cities to discuss the regional program and
whether you support a regional PEG. She would like to see support
for the consortium and set up a meeting in July. She would like to
have support of a draft MOU to get it going. Brief discussion was
held.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ellen Sterts, County Grant Administrator, stated that they are not
allowed to put additional tax on small satellite dishes or the
wireless systems.
Christopher Cocoroccio urged the cities to allow this to happen. He
is currently working on a film to support the community. He felt
that problems needed to be addressed through communication. He
noted that there are 950 stations within the country., and PEG is a
tool to help the community. He will be traveling to Washington
D.C. next to gain support for this and if anyone has something to
send along, to let him know.
No action was taken on item 8-A--received as information only.
8-B E.V.C. ECONOMIC VITALITY CORPORATION (Mayor Novak, Morro
Bay, introduced Dr. Susan Cotler, Economic Vitality
Corporation Chairperson
Dr. Susan Cotler, Chair of the EVC Board of Directors, gave a brief
overview of the function of EVC and gave a progress report. She
reviewed their mission statement. She addressed revolving loans
through CDBG funds. They do business attractions, regional
Minutes of Joint San Luis Obispo County Cities Meeting
June 5, 1997
Page 12
planning, i.e. economic development. She noted that cities get an
excellent product for a low-cost fee. She stated that they have
recently worked with the City of Grover Beach. She urged
participation in the EVC through having a representative from each
city. There are six to eight participating currently. She noted
that the City Managers have a package of materials highlighting the
EVC. She went through the material. Discussion was held.
No action was taken on item 8-B--received as information only.
8-C AB 939 WASTE DIVERSION GOALS (Mayor Brown, Pismo Beach,
introduced Mr. William Worrell, Manager of the Integrated
Waste Management Authority "IWMA")
Bill Worrell, IWMA, addressed AB 939, California Integrated Waste
Management Act (1989) and reviewed a handout. Brief discussion was
held. He noted that a resolution will be coming .to each City to
consider.
No action was taken on item 8-C--received as information only.
9. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Cities, Mayor
John Brown adjourned the meeting at 11:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Jones, City Clerk
City of Pismo Beach
RESOLUTION NO. 97-01
RESOLUTION OF THE SEVEN CITY COUNCILS IN THE
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CONCERNING THE
RESTORATION OF PROPERTY TAXES TAKEN AWAY
BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FROM 1992 THROUGH 1994
WHEREAS, the property tax has been the principal support for local government finance
in California since the creation of the State of California in 1850; and
WHEREAS, the State of California, under the home rule concept, has historically left the
property tax to California local governments to accomplish their responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, the severe State recession of 1991 to 1994, and the shortage of State
revenues, caused the State to solve their own financial problems by taking away property tax and
other revenues from the cities and counties of California; and
WHEREAS, these actions, combined with the recession itself, caused severe financial
hardship among the cities and counties of California; and
WHEREAS, on November of 1996, Proposition 218 was approved by the voters of the
State of California which severely restricts the ability of local governments in California to raise
necessary revenues; and
WHEREAS, most cities and counties do not have the revenue necessary to continue
current operations, fund an adequate capital facility budget,properly maintain streets and utility
infrastructure, and set aside an adequate reserve level for emergencies and contingencies.
WHEREAS, the Governor's recent proposal"to return$100 million to local government"
is a very inadequate attempt to restore lost property taxes, and should be rejected for its
inadequacy,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Councils of the seven cities of the
County that restoration of previously lost property tax will assist the local governments of
California in meeting their public service obligations to their citizens.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the local governments in the State of California are
the level of government closest to the people and, therefore, most attuned to their needs, and that
creating jobs through local economic development efforts is necessary both for the communities
of California as well as to the State itself.
Joint City's Resolution No. 97-01
Page 2
THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that local governments of San Luis
Obispo County, including the Cities of San Luis Obispo County, all special districts, and the
County of San Luis Obispo urge our legislators and the Governor of the State of California to
restore previously-taken-away property tax revenues to the local governments of California.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Councils of the Cities of San Luis Obispo County
at a special joint meeting held on the 50'day of June, 19 7.
—A 4 acwx —
Ma or, City of Arroyo G de
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor, Ciq of A scadero
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor, City of Grover Beach
A EST:
L
City Clerk
C ot-� t3
Mayor, CityMorro Bay
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Ma or, City of Paso Robles
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Joint City's Resolution No. 97-01
Page 3
yor, City of o Beach
AClerk
;
Mayor, City of gan Luis Obispo
ATTEST:
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City Clerk l