HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.07 Legislative Platform or nU,��
19 82 STAFF REPORT CITY CLERK
` CITY COUNCIL File #660-40
DATE: June 16, 2015
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Christopher L. Foss, City Manager "
SUBJECT: Legislative Platform for the City of Dublin
Prepared by Roger Bradley, Assistant to the City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will consider adopting a State Legislative Platform for 2015 for the City of
Dublin. The adoption of the Platform would allow the City to respond quickly in support of, or in
opposition to, legislative issues that affect the Dublin community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the Resolution Adopting the 2015 City of Dublin
State Legislative Platform.
Reviewed By
Assistant City Manager
DESCRIPTION:
The City of Dublin regularly monitors and establishes supporting/opposing positions on
legislative proposals generated at the county, state, and federal levels. Generally, items of
significant interest are taken to the City Council for direction on a case by case basis to
determine whether the City should support or oppose a particular piece of legislation. Staff then
forwards letters and/or resolutions of support or opposition to the bill's sponsoring legislator with
copies to any other interested parties.
However, as the Legislature increasingly acts through "gut and amend" legislation, the City is
frequently called upon to send letters of support or opposition. The current City practice for
responding to such requests is to have the Mayor send a letter under his name indicating only
his support or opposition; however, a more effective option would be to have the City Council
provide the Mayor with the authority to send such letters on behalf of the full City Council. In
Page 1 of 6 ITEM NO. 4.7
particular, many cities are adding a quick response protocol to their legislative programs to deal
with this situation. Specifically, many cities adopt a legislative platform, effectively stating their
city council's positon on legislative issues in advance of State legislative proposals. This allows
staff and the respective mayor to quickly prepare letters of opposition or support when
legislation is proposed and the city's positon has been clarified within an adopted legislative
platform.
In an effort to further streamline and improve the City's legislative advocacy efforts, Staff
recommends the creation of an approved annual Legislative Platform. The proposed Platform
identifies the fundamental legislative issues deemed important to the City, and upon City
Council approval, will allow Staff to respond to the rapidly changing nature of legislative items
efficiently and without delay.
The attached draft Legislative Platform (Attachment 1) states that the City would oppose
legislation that degrades local control. With an approved Platform in place, Staff could respond
with letters of opposition immediately when legislation is presented impacting local control rather
than waiting to secure City Council approval, making the City's advocacy efforts all the more
timely. Staff proposes that the attached Legislative Platform be approved with the following
program terms:
• Upon approval of the Legislative Platform by the City Council, Staff shall continue to
monitor all pertinent legislative proposals.
• Staff will respond with letters of support or opposition to those legislative proposals
deemed eligible based on the adopted Platform. Letters will contain the Mayor's
electronic signature, with copies of the letters distributed to the City Council.
• Staff shall provide the City Council with a copy of any letters sent, indicating the City's
position on a particular bill.
• The City Manager shall review all correspondence before it is issued to confirm
appropriateness.
• Those items of importance that are not clearly defined on the adopted Platform will be
referred to the City Council for direction.
• Adjustments to the adopted Legislative Platform may be recommended at any time and
referred to the City Council for adoption.
• The City Council shall annually review, update, and adopt a Legislative Platform for each
legislative year.
Should the Council approve the Legislative Platform, the program would be in effect
immediately.
PLATFORM OVERVIEW:
The City values its ability and authority to exercise local control and to protect and enhance the
quality of life for Dublin residents. To that end, the City's primary legislative focus is to protect
local government control and promote stable revenue for local governments to plan for future
growth and needed public facilities and services.
Page 2 of 6
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
Staff recommends that the City Council support-
1. Legislation that enhances local control and allows cities to address the needs of local
constituents within a framework of regional cooperation. Oppose preemption of local
authority whether by state or federal legislation or ballot propositions. Support legislation
that streamlines and simplifies the job of running a city and oppose efforts that erode the
City's authority to control its own affairs.
2. Legislation that provides funding to schools for operational or infrastructure needs.
Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:
3. Legislation that would diminish or eliminate local governments' ability to contract out for
the provision of services.
4. Legislation that requires cities to use district-based elections.
5. Any legislative attempts to restrict local authority or decision-making.
FISCAL STABILITY
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
6. Legislation that maintains or enhances ongoing revenues to the City. Oppose legislation
that undermines and preempts local authority over local taxes and fees. Monitor the State
and Federal budget deliberations and oppose attempts to balance the State and/or
Federal budget by shifting funds from local government.
7. Legislation which updates the tax structure to enhance local government revenues that
have declined due to the expansion of e-commerce, increased consumption of services
rather than durable goods, and innovations in technology.
8. Legislation and regulatory actions that ensure timely distribution of mandated
reimbursements owed to the City. Oppose actions that defer reimbursements for state
mandated programs.
9. Legislative reforms that would remove unnecessary state-imposed mandates.
10.The use of incentives for local government action rather than mandates (funded or
unfunded).
11.Legislation that establishes infrastructure financing districts or other funding mechanisms
for infrastructure improvements.
Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:
12.The imposition of unfunded or inadequately funded federal and state mandates on local
governments.
13.Measures that eliminate development fees or limit the ability of cities to levy fees to
provide for infrastructure or services.
14.Legislation that requires or expands State involvement in City financial audits, fiscal
monitoring, general oversight, or assistance by the State Treasurer, State Controller or
other state agencies.
Page 3 of 6
PUBLIC WORKS
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
15.Legislation that will provide local governments with new and innovative revenue options
and resources to finance critical infrastructure maintenance and construction needs for
transportation, water supply, wastewater, stormwater, and other critical infrastructure
systems.
16.Efforts to ensure the City receive its fair share of transportation funding.
17.Legislation that enhances the safety of City streets for car, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic,
reduces traffic congestion, or supports regional transportation improvements.
18.Legislation that encourages the optimum and sustainable utilization of local groundwater
basins.
19.Legislation that enhances the reliability of water transmission and storage through the
Delta and Tri-Valley.
20.Legislation that provides funding or incentives for the cost effective development of local
water resources, water conservation, or expansion of recycled water infrastructure and
improvements to reduce dependence on imported water sources.
21.Legislation that creates flexibility in the implementation of mandatory stormwater
programs and provides funding for those programs.
Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:
22.Legislation that would infringe upon the ability of local governments to effectively
administer and modify state and local construction provisions and standards.
COMMUNITYAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
23.Legislation that maintains cities' authority over land use decisions.
24.Legislation that strengthens local governments' regulatory authority and control over the
siting of medical marijuana dispensaries.
25.Legislation that would create a more equitable Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA) process. Support legislation that creates more flexibility for local jurisdictions to
work together to provide housing that counts toward RHNA requirements.
26.Legislation that enhances the City's efforts to retain existing businesses and attract new
businesses.
27.Legislation that provides tangible and productive tools and incentives to support job
creation and retention.
28.CEQA legislation that eliminates redundant, costly and cumbersome mandates and
restrictions.
29.Legislation that advances or encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, start-ups, small
business opportunities, and/or workforce development.
30.Legislation that provides incentives for affordable housing and transit-oriented
development.
Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:
31.Legislation that would interfere with the decision-making authority of local government in
the area of local land use and zoning.
Page 4 of 6
32.Legislation that erodes the ability of cities to condition and deny projects that
inadequately mitigate impacts to the community.
33.Legislation that weakens local governments' ability to regulate massage establishments
through zoning code provisions.
34.Legislation and regulatory efforts that would diminish or eliminate the authority of cities to
zone and plan for the development of telecommunications infrastructure, including the
siting of cellular communications towers or transmission sites.
35.Legislation that would diminish or eliminate cities' authority to regulate condominium
conversions.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
36.Legislation and grant opportunities that increase funding for local law enforcement, fire
suppression and prevention, hazardous materials mitigation, and emergency medical
services.
37.Legislation that provides funding to local agencies for training, disaster preparedness,
and emergency planning.
38.Legislation which ensures cities have control of regulating local medical marijuana
facilities instead of the state, protects public safety with uniform security requirements,
protects public health with uniform health and safety standards, and ensures patient
safety with a quality assurance protocol.
39.Legislation that improves data and information dissemination from the railroads and
Federal government, preparedness funding, and first-responder training for oil-by-rail
shipments.
PARKS/QUALITY OF LIFE
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
40.Legislation that creates new funding opportunities for parks and community facilities.
41.Funding for ADA facility and park upgrades.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
42.Legislation that provides flexibility and incentives to pursue cost-effective environmental
policy programs in the areas of energy and water efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction,
solid waste, and storm water, among others.
43.Legislation that lessens the financial impact of state and federal unfunded mandates
related to compliance with environmental programs and regulations.
44.Legislation that maintains local authority and flexibility to regulate solid waste and
recyclables. Oppose waste and resource recovery measures imposing mandated costs
when there is no guarantee of local cost recovery or offsetting benefit.
45.Legislation requiring manufacturers to be responsible for safe disposal or reuse of their
products and by-products, particularly for hazardous products such as sharps, unused
prescription drugs, and fluorescent light bulbs.
46.Programs that provide incentives for "green" commercial and residential development.
Page 5 of 6
47.Legislation that provides incentives to individual homeowners and businesses for the
installation of solar panels.
48.Efforts to rebate individual homeowners and businesses for returning excess power back
into the grid as a result of owner-generated energy.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
None.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution Adopting the 2015 City of Dublin State Legislative
Platform
Page 6 of 6
RESOLUTION NO. XX - 15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
* * * * * * * * * * *
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2015 CITY OF DUBLIN STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
WHEREAS, the 2015 City of Dublin State Legislative Platform ("Platform") allows City
staff to respond quickly in support of, or in opposition to, legislative issues based on Dublin's
core values and City Council goals, especially in time-sensitive situations; and
WHEREAS, the Platform also permits staff to connect and communicate with legislators
regarding issues and impacts from the City's perspective; and
WHEREAS, the Platform is an evolving document that changes due to City needs and
conditions as well as State priorities and activities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin adopts
the 2015 City of Dublin State Legislative Platform attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is authorized to sign letters of opposition or
letters of support, as drafted by City Staff, for State legislation as long as they are consistent
with the Platform.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of June 2015, by the following
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
ATTACHMENT
CITY OF DUBLIN
2015
STATE
LEGISLATIVE
PLATFORM
EXHIBIT A
INTRODUCTION
The 2015 State Legislative Platform highlights the City Council's positions on important issues
to engage in the legislative process for the benefit of Dublin residents. City staff monitors bills
introduced into the California Assembly or Senate as well as their path towards becoming a law.
The Platform provides staff with direction and allows the City, on the Council's behalf, to quickly
respond in support of or opposition to bills and other legislative or gubernatorial actions in time-
sensitive situations. Additionally, the Platform enables staff to communicate Dublin specific
issues and impacts to State legislators.
The State Legislative Platform evolves as the City's needs adjust, new issues arise, and
conditions at the regional, state, and federal level change. The City values its ability and
authority to exercise local control and to protect and enhance the quality of life for Dublin
residents. To that end, the City's primary legislative focus is to protect local government control
and promote stable revenue for local governments to plan for future growth and needed public
facilities and services.
The 2015 City of Dublin State Legislative Platform categories are:
• General Administration
• Fiscal Stability
• Public Works
• Community and Economic Development
• Public Safety
• Parks/Quality of Life
• Environmental Sustainability
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
Staff recommends that the City Council support-
1. Legislation that enhances local control and allows cities to address the needs of local
constituents within a framework of regional cooperation. Oppose preemption of local
authority whether by state or federal legislation or ballot propositions. Support legislation
that streamlines and simplifies the job of running a city and oppose efforts that erode the
City's authority to control its own affairs.
2. Legislation that provides funding to schools for operational or infrastructure needs.
Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:
3. Legislation that would diminish or eliminate local governments' ability to contract out for
the provision of services.
4. Legislation that requires cities to use district-based elections.
5. Any legislative attempts to restrict local authority or decision-making.
2
EXHIBIT A
FISCAL STABILITY
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
6. Legislation that maintains or enhances ongoing revenues to the City.
7. Legislation which updates the tax structure to enhance local government revenues that
have declined due to the expansion of e-commerce, increased consumption of services
rather than durable goods, and innovations in technology.
8. Legislation and regulatory actions that ensure timely distribution of mandated
reimbursements owed to the City. Oppose actions that defer reimbursements for state
mandated programs.
9. Legislative reforms that would remove unnecessary state-imposed mandates.
10.The use of incentives for local government action rather than mandates (funded or
unfunded).
11.Legislation that establishes infrastructure financing districts or other funding mechanisms
for infrastructure improvements.
Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:
12.Legislation that undermines and preempts local authority over local taxes and fees.
Monitor the State and Federal budget deliberations and oppose attempts to balance the
State and/or Federal budget by shifting funds from local government.
13.The imposition of unfunded or inadequately funded federal and state mandates on local
governments.
14.Measures that eliminate development fees or limit the ability of cities to levy fees to
provide for infrastructure or services.
15.Legislation that requires or expands State involvement in City financial audits, fiscal
monitoring, general oversight, or assistance by the State Treasurer, State Controller or
other state agencies.
PUBLIC WORKS
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
16.Legislation that will provide local governments with new and innovative revenue options
and resources to finance critical infrastructure maintenance and construction needs for
transportation, water supply, wastewater, stormwater, and other critical infrastructure
systems.
17.Efforts to ensure the City receive its fair share of transportation funding.
18.Legislation that enhances the safety of City streets for car, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic,
reduces traffic congestion, or supports regional transportation improvements.
19.Legislation that encourages the optimum and sustainable utilization of local groundwater
basins.
20.Legislation that enhances the reliability of water transmission and storage through the
Delta and Tri-Valley.
21.Legislation that provides funding or incentives for the cost effective development of local
water resources, water conservation, or expansion of recycled water infrastructure and
improvements to reduce dependence on imported water sources.
3
EXHIBIT A
22.Legislation that creates flexibility in the implementation of mandatory stormwater
programs and provides funding for those programs.
Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:
23.Legislation that would infringe upon the ability of local governments to effectively
administer and modify state and local construction provisions and standards.
COMMUNITYAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
24.Legislation that maintains cities' authority over land use decisions.
25.Legislation that strengthens local governments' regulatory authority and control over the
siting of medical marijuana dispensaries.
26.Legislation that would create a more equitable Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA) process. Support legislation that creates more flexibility for local jurisdictions to
work together to provide housing that counts toward RHNA requirements.
27.Legislation that enhances the City's efforts to retain existing businesses and attract new
businesses.
28.Legislation that provides tangible and productive tools and incentives to support job
creation and retention.
29.CEQA legislation that eliminates redundant, costly and cumbersome mandates and
restrictions.
30.Legislation that advances or encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, start-ups, small
business opportunities, and/or workforce development.
31.Legislation that provides incentives for affordable housing and transit-oriented
development.
Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:
32.Legislation that would interfere with the decision-making authority of local government in
the area of local land use and zoning.
33.Legislation that erodes the ability of cities to condition and deny projects that
inadequately mitigate impacts to the community.
34.Legislation that weakens local governments' ability to regulate massage establishments
through zoning code provisions.
35.Legislation and regulatory efforts that would diminish or eliminate the authority of cities to
zone and plan for the development of telecommunications infrastructure, including the
siting of cellular communications towers or transmission sites.
36.Legislation that would diminish or eliminate cities' authority to regulate condominium
conversions.
4
EXHIBIT A
PUBLIC SAFETY
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
37.Legislation and grant opportunities that increase funding for local law enforcement, fire
suppression and prevention, hazardous materials mitigation, and emergency medical
services.
38.Legislation that provides funding to local agencies for training, disaster preparedness,
and emergency planning.
39.Legislation which ensures cities have control of regulating local medical marijuana
facilities instead of the state, protects public safety with uniform security requirements,
protects public health with uniform health and safety standards, and ensures patient
safety with a quality assurance protocol.
40.Legislation that improves data and information dissemination from the railroads and
Federal government, preparedness funding, and first-responder training for oil-by-rail
shipments.
PARKS/QUALITY OF LIFE
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
41.Legislation that creates new funding opportunities for parks and community facilities.
42.Funding for ADA facility and park upgrades.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Staff recommends that the City Council support:
43.Legislation that provides flexibility and incentives to pursue cost-effective environmental
policy programs in the areas of energy and water efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction,
solid waste, and storm water, among others.
44.Legislation that lessens the financial impact of state and federal unfunded mandates
related to compliance with environmental programs and regulations.
45.Legislation that maintains local authority and flexibility to regulate solid waste and
recyclables. Oppose waste and resource recovery measures imposing mandated costs
when there is no guarantee of local cost recovery or offsetting benefit.
46.Legislation requiring manufacturers to be responsible for safe disposal or reuse of their
products and by-products, particularly for hazardous products such as sharps, unused
prescription drugs, and fluorescent light bulbs.
47.Programs that provide incentives for "green" commercial and residential development.
48.Legislation that provides incentives to individual homeowners and businesses for the
installation of solar panels.
49.Efforts to rebate individual homeowners and businesses for returning excess power back
into the grid as a result of owner-generated energy.
5
EXHIBIT A