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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2003-006 RESOLUTION NO. 2003-006 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO ESTABLISHING THE CITY LEGISLATIVE ACTION PROGRAM AND PRIORITIES FOR 2003 WHEREAS, the major objective of the City Council is to adopt an aggressive legislative program 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 County has a direct impact upon the quality of life in Atascadero, it is imperative that the City maintain quality communications 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 legislative 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 Program 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 Atascadero does hereby establish the Legislative Action Priorities for 2003, 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. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City staff is directed to schedule meetings, as appropriate and convenient, with our Congressional, State Senate and State Assembly representatives to discuss and promote the City's legislative program, and to continue efforts to improve communications and relationships with the County Board of Supervisors and north county cities to further our interests in land use and water issues. City of Atascadero Resolution No.2003-006 Page 2 On motion by Council Member O'Malley and seconded by Council Member Luna, the foregoing Resolution is hereby adopted following roll call vote: AYES: Council Members Luna, O'Malley, Pacas, Scalise and Mayor Clay NOES: None ABSENT: None ADOPTED: February 25, 2003 Je y L. Cl , Sr., Mayor ATTEST: 4 Marcia McClure Torgerson, City CWIk APPROVED AS TO FORM: 17, Roy A. nley, City Att rney City of Ataseadero Resolution No.2003-006 Page 3 EXHIBIT A CITY OF ATASCADERO CITY LEGISLATIVE ACTION PRIORITIES FOR 2003 FEDERAL PRIORITIES • Requiring funding of federally mandated programs including new storm water regulations or eliminating such mandates • Promoting continued and increased funding sources for streets and transportation • Obtaining new funding sources to expand housing opportunities for low and moderate income families. • 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 Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW's) from sewers • 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 of all types; e.g.: streets, bridges, water and sewer systems, etc. • 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 known to local authorities at the local level • Opposing mandatory social security for newly hired local governmental employees • Promoting Federal efforts toward preservation of open space, coastal resources, signature land forms, wetlands, and other natural resources or areas threatened by development (Position must be reviewed by Council prior to any action) • Supporting legislation that encourages research and development by businesses through tax credits or other incentive programs City of Atascadero Resolution No.2003-006 Page 4 • Supporting legislation that grants monies to local agencies, educational institutions and non- profit corporations to provide incubator services to new and small businesses dedicated to developing new technologies • Supporting funding for national and international tourism promotion • Supporting continued funding for CDBG at or above recent levels • Supporting continued funding for Federal block grants for local law enforcement • Supporting a sustainable energy policy STATE PRIORITIES 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 legislation to cap the growth of ERAF • Supporting efforts to "protect, preserve and reform" local government revenue sources" • Supporting legislation which better assures any reductions in Vehicle License Fees by the State will be back-filled to local government in a permanent way 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 realistic housing requirements in the Housing Element • Promoting the concept of Urban Growth Boundaries • Promote the City of Atascadero's Principles for Smart Growth as adopted by the City Council • Promote State assistance to meet affordable housing goals. City of Atascadero Resolution No.2003-006 Page 5 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 preparedness/earthquake preparedness • 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 • Preserving the authority of local control on issuance of concealed weapons permits • Retaining budget commitments for Public Safety supplemental funding — State COPS program • Supporting legislation to help curb underage drinking • Supporting another ABC inspector to work on minor/alcohol issues • Supporting legislation enhancing penalties for inmate offenses at the State Hospital • Opposing new or increased state fees for state provided law enforcement service • Support legislation enhancing Megan's Law or regulating the movement of registered sex offenders 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) 0 Support Cal Trans to complete the Highway 41/Highway 101 Interchange City of Atascadero Resolution No.2003-006 Page 6 PERSONNEL/EMPLOYEE RELATIONS • Further reforming Worker's compensation • Preserving the fiscal integrity of PERS • Opposing binding arbitration and expansion of the "Peace Officers' Bill of Rights" • 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 • Increase to $20,000 limits of work (from $5,000) for public projects not requiring competitive bidding • Obtaining grant funding for seismic retrofit projects (buildings, bridges, etc.) PARKS AND RECREATION • Supporting recreational programming, particularly for youth within the City • Supporting funding for: protection of natural resources (e.g., the Lake), open space, and parks development • Supporting funding for rehabilitation of existing parks • Supporting efforts at the State level for a park and open space bond measure • Improving the timeliness and accuracy of fingerprinting for volunteers • Obtaining grant funding for the preservation of historic buildings City of Atascadero Resolution No.2003-006 Page 7 UTILITIES • Providing funding for reclaimed water programs • Supporting legislation to enhance local government's ability to comply with solid waste requirements • Supporting legislation to increase availability of grant funding for replacement of aging infrastructure • Supporting legislation to eliminate mandatory penalties for violations of NPDES Requirements and returning discretionary control to the Regional Water Quality Control Board Executive Officers. (Repeal SB 709) • Supporting legislation which will enhance market development for recycled materials • Supporting legislation to exempt cities from liability for leakage of hazardous waste discharged to POTW's from sewers • Supporting legislation promoting the responsible and cost-effective reuse of biosolids • Supporting legislation to streamline the state regulatory permit process through the use of general permits COUNTY PRIORITIES • Protect Atascadero water resources, and continue to support the Nacimiento Pipeline Project • 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 • Creating a North County Government Center in Atascadero • Improving regional solid waste management • Developing cooperative approaches for providing services on a regional basis • 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 City of Ataseadero Resolution No.2003-006 Page 8 • Continuing to work with other cities to convince the County that urban-like development should take place within the boundaries of cities, and not in the unincorporated areas — and especially not within the urban growth boundaries of cities EXHIBIT B News and Information > About the League of California Cities > League Strategic Plan > 2003 Strategic Goals and Strategies 2003 Strategic Goals and Strategies • Protect City Services and Revenues from State Budget Cuts • Expand the Supply of Housing in California In Balance With the Location of Jobs 0 Restore Public Confidence in Government, Particularly City Government 2003 Proposed Strategies (for consideration by the League Board of Directors at their meeting February 7-8, 2003) ?� 1 met � �R" t�;�� �UR � � SUM B VG;ET, • Continue and expand the LOCAL Coalition, engaging local governments in partnership with community groups, employees, businesses and others to protect local government services from reduction by the legislature and governor. • Meet with legislators, staff, editorial boards, and community groups in legislative districts about the impacts of cuts in local services and revenues. • Join with other Local Coalition partners in implementing one or more events in Sacramento such as Legislative Action Days. • Develop earned media campaign to help tell the local government story. Offer budget- balancing suggestions to state leaders. • Form one or more groups to advise the board on the sponsorship of a ballot measure in 2004 to protect local services and revenues. • Explore and form partnerships with other groups interested in securing voter protection of local government services and revenues. • Form a Housing Opportunity Task Force to develop legislative action agenda for 2003 legislative session. • Explore and develop partnerships with CRA, CBIA, Housing California and other groups interested in similar legislative objectives. • Oppose punitive housing legislation that does not contribute to expanding housing opportunities. • Develop earned media program to counter attacks on city governments and to tell the positive story about city efforts to expand housing opportunities. • Explore development of 2004 ballot measure that would produce adequate revenues to finance the cost of serving new housing development. City of Ataseadero Resolution No.2003-006 Page 10 • Form an Ethics Education Task Force to evaluate current education offerings by the League for elected and appointed officials. • Evaluate the need to develop ethics education and certification programs for elected and appointed city officials. • Explore and implement expanded distance ethics learning (i.e., online) programs. • Evaluate current League programs for recognizing excellence in ethics in city government and assess need for new programs. • Work with the Institute for Local Self-Government, CSAC, CSBA and other local government groups to assess the need for new ethics education and training. • Implement appropriate public relations or member education programs after completion of earlier strategies. Sub-units will report their activities in support of the League's strategic goals two weeks before most League board meetings, according to the following schedule: Board Meeting Sub-unit reports due February 7-8, 2003 i':January 24, 2003 ;April 4-5, 2003 March 21, 2003 July 18719, 2003 July 12, 2003 October 7 and 10, 2003None November 14-15, 2003 , November 1, 2003 (final report)