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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4.10 - 1262 Legislative Platform 2017 Page 1 of 2 STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL DATE: December 20, 2016 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Christopher L. Foss, City Manager SUBJECT: City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017 Prepared by: Hazel L. Wetherford, Assistant to the City Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will consider approving a Legislative Platform for 2017 for the City of Dublin. The approval of the Platform would guide the City's response to pending and possible legislation that affect the Dublin community. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the Resolution Approving the 2017 City of Dublin Legislative Platform. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. DESCRIPTION: On June 16, 2015, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 102 -15 approving a Legislative Platform that includes the goals, strategies and priorities for organizing the City’s legislative interests. The proposed Platform (Attachment 2) 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 Legislative Platform is annually adopted for each legislative year. The draft Legislative Platform states that 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 authority and promote stable revenue for local governments to plan for future growth and needed public facilities and services. The Legislative Platform priority areas are: · General Administration · Fiscal Sustainability Page 2 of 2 · Public Works · Community and Economic Development · Public Safety · Parks / Quality of Life · Environmental Sustainability The goals, strategies and priorities outline the approach and process the City will follow in implementing the Legislative Platform. Once approved, the Legislative Platform will allow the City Council and Staff to respond in a timely manner to pending and possible legislation. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: None. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution - Legislative Platform 2017 2. Exhibit A to Resolution - City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017 RESOLUTION NO. XX-16 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN ********* APPROVING THE CITY OF DUBLIN LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM 2017 WHEREAS, the Legislative Platform (“Platform”) for the City of Dublin for 2017 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 City 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 federal, state, county and local priorities and activities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin adopts the City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017 attached hereto as Exhibit A; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor or his or her designee is authorized to sign letters of opposition or letters of support, as drafted by City Staff for legislation as long as they are consistent with the Platform. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of December 2016, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: _______________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ City Clerk Legislative Platform: Goals, Strategies and Priorities City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017 City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017     1 I Page  Our Mission   The City of Dublin promotes and supports a high quality of life, ensures a safe and secure environment,  and fosters new opportunities.    Our Vision   Dublin is a vibrant city committed to its citizens, natural resources, and cultural heritage. As Dublin  grows, it will balance history with progress, to sustain an enlightened, economically balanced and  diverse community.    Dublin is unified in its belief that an engaged and educated community encourages innovation in all  aspects of City life, including programs to strengthen our economic vitality and preserve our natural  surroundings through environmental stewardship and sustainability. Dublin is dedicated to promoting  an active and healthy lifestyle through the creation of first‐class recreational opportunities, facilities,  and programs.    Our Values    Our Values in Building Community  o Promote locations and events that bring  people of all ages together.  o Provide more venues for family‐based  activities.  o Foster heritage and cultural development.    Our Values in Ensuring a Safe Community  o Provide high quality police and fire  services to insure the safety of the citizens  living in the community.  o Provide education and training to  residents and businesses that would  promote public safety.    Our Values in Guiding Development  o Assure that development contributes  positively to the City's fiscal health.  o Support pedestrian‐friendly development,  transit‐oriented development, green  building, and environmental  responsiveness.  o Promote high quality design and  architectural standards in private  development and in all public facilities.  o Develop transportation systems that  facilitate ease of movement throughout  the City.  Our Values in Governing  o Commit to openness and responsiveness  to the public and community.  o Operate at all times with honesty and  integrity.  o Exercise fairness in consideration of issues. o Provide a high level of customer service  and responsiveness from City staff to  citizens.  o Embrace technology to improve  effectiveness and efficiency.  o Strive to build an informed community  through communication.    Our Values in Relating to Other Communities and  Entities  o Encourage collaboration and  communication with other communities  on issues of mutual concern.  o Encourage public and private partnership  of mutual benefit.  City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017     2 I Page  Introduction   The 2017 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  Legislative  Platform  evolves  as  the  City's  needs  adjust,  new  issues  arise,  and conditions  at   the  federal, state, regional,  county,  and local  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 City of Dublin Legislative Platform priorities are:     General Administration   Fiscal Stability   Public Works   Community and Economic Development   Public Safety   Parks / Quality of Life   Environmental Sustainability    Goals    Advocate the City’s legislative interests at the federal, state, and county levels.     Inform and provide information to our legislators, city council and staff on the legislative process  and key issues and legislation that could have a potential impact on the City.     Serve as an active participant with other local governments, the League of California Cities,  regional agencies, and local professional organizations on legislative/regulatory issues that are  important to the City and our region.    Strategies    Communicate legislative positions on proposed federal, state, and county legislation, measures,  initiatives, and governmental regulations.  o Work with City departments and our legislative advocates to develop positions on  proposed legislative measures.  o Review positions and analysis by the League of California Cities, legislative advocates  and other local government / professional associations in formulating the City’s  position.  o The City will take positions only on proposals that clearly impact our City or are a threat  to local control.  City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017     3 I Page  o Actively track key bills through the legislative process.  o Communicate the City’s position through correspondence, testimony, and in‐person  meetings.  o Work cooperatively with other cities, associations and the League of California Cities on  advocating the City’s legislative position.  o Meet with legislators and their representatives, as well as other federal, state and  county government officials on a regular basis, to discuss local government issues,  proposed legislation, request for funding assistance, and City programs and services.    The Process   Oversight of the Legislative Platform  Upon the Legislative Platform adoption, the City Manager’s Office will exercise day‐to‐day oversight of  legislative matters.  In addition to coordinating formal action through the City Council, the City Manager  and Assistant to the City Manager will administer the City’s Legislative Platform.    Responding to Legislative Proposals  Upon the Legislative Platform adoption, the following process will be followed in response to legislative  proposals:     Once a determination has been made that a legislative proposal may impact the City, a letter  outlining the City’s position will be drafted for the Mayor’s or City Manager’s signature.   If a legislative proposal or regulation arises that is not addressed by the adopted Legislative  Platform and it is determined that it may impact the City, a draft position letter will be prepared  for the City Council to review.   A copy of all legislative letters will be distributed routinely to the City Council.                                            City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017     4 I Page  Legislative Priorities for 2017   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:    1. Legislation that would diminish or eliminate local governments’ ability to contract out for the  provision of services.  2. Legislation that requires cities to use district‐based elections.  3. Any legislative attempts to restrict local authority or decision‐making.    Fiscal Sustainability   Staff recommends that the City Council support:    1. Legislation that maintains or enhances ongoing revenues to the City.  2. 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.  3. Legislation and regulatory actions that ensure timely distribution of mandated reimbursements  owed to the City.  Oppose actions that defer reimbursements for state mandated programs.  4. Legislative reforms that would remove unnecessary state‐imposed mandates.  5. The use of incentives for local government action rather than mandates (funded or unfunded).  6. Legislation that establishes infrastructure financing districts or other funding mechanisms for  infrastructure improvements.  7. Legislation that changes the Communications Act of 1934 that removes the distinction between  “capital” and “operating” funds in order to provide more local control for community television  stations in the use of their public, educational, and government (PEG) channel fees.  8. Legislation that supports measures to increase transparency of all public employee salaries and  benefits.  9. Legislation that supports measures to provide sustainable public pensions and other post‐ retirement benefits to ensure responsive and affordable public services.    Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:    1. Legislation that undermines and preempts local authority over local taxes and fees.  Monitor  state and federal budget deliberations and oppose attempts to balance the state and/or federal  budget by shifting funds from local government.  City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017     5 I Page  2. The imposition of unfunded or inadequately funded federal and state mandates on local  governments.  3. Measures that eliminate development fees or limit the ability of cities to levy fees to provide for  infrastructure or services.  4. 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:    1. 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,  storm water,  and  other  critical  infrastructure  systems.  2. Efforts to ensure the City receive its fair share of transportation funding and keeping the funding  decisions at the local level.  3. Legislation that supports reducing congestion and delay along Freeways in the Tri‐Valley Area.  4. Legislation that supports freight movement (between Bay Area and Central Valley) project that  could reduce truck traffic along I‐580. These projects may include rail based freight movement  or sharing the passenger rail corridors for freight movement.  5. Legislation that supports Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) including the implementation of  Connected/Autonomous vehicles. Legislation that enhances the safety of City streets for car,  bicycle and pedestrian traffic, reduces traffic congestion, or supports regional transportation  improvements.  6. Legislation that encourages the optimum and sustainable utilization of local groundwater basins.  7. Legislation that enhances the reliability of water transmission and storage through the Delta and  Tri‐Valley.  8. 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.  9. Legislation that creates flexibility in the implementation of mandatory storm water programs  and provides funding for those programs.  10. Legislation that support a constitutional amendment to lower the threshold for approval of sales  and use taxes for transportation purposes. Currently, such taxes must be approved by two‐ thirds of the voters.  11. Legislation that allows fuel tax indexing or an increase to provide additional funding for local  street projects, especially maintenance, and support efforts that protect against transportation  funding diversions.  12. Legislation that provides cap and trade funds derived from transportation fuels for clean  transportation purposes.   13. Legislation that strengthens penalties against: 1) offenders who steal copper wire; and 2) scrap  metal dealers that purchase stolen copper wire.    Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:    1. Legislation that would infringe upon the ability of local governments to effectively administer  and modify state and local construction provisions and standards.  City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017     6 I Page  2. Legislation that takes away local control on managing and operating local streets.  3. Legislation that reduces the City’s condemnation authority regarding acquisition of properties  required for public projects.    Community and Economic Development   Staff recommends that the City Council support:    1. Legislation that maintains cities’ authority over land use decisions.  2. Legislation that strengthens local governments’ regulatory authority and control over the siting  of medical marijuana dispensaries.  3. 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.  4. Legislation that enhances the City’s efforts to retain existing businesses and attract new  businesses.  5. Legislation that provides tangible and productive tools and incentives to support job creation  and retention.  6. CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) legislation that eliminates redundant, costly and  cumbersome mandates and restrictions.  7. Legislation that advances or encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, start‐ups, small business  opportunities, and/or workforce development.  8. Legislation that provides incentives for affordable housing and transit‐oriented development.  9. Legislation that increases financial assistance to provide affordable, transitional, special needs  and emergency housing to the homeless, seniors, veterans, and people with special needs.  10. Legislation encouraging the expansion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and  Mathematics) programs in K‐12, higher education and libraries.    Staff recommends that the City Council oppose:    1. Legislation that would interfere with the decision‐making authority of local government in the  area of local land use and zoning.  2. Legislation that erodes the ability of cities to condition and deny projects that inadequately  mitigate impacts to the community.  3. Legislation that weakens local governments’ ability to regulate massage establishments through  zoning code provisions.  4. 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.  5. Legislation that would diminish or eliminate cities’ authority to regulate condominium  conversions.    Public Safety   Staff recommends that the City Council support:    1. Legislation and grant opportunities that increase funding for local law enforcement, fire  suppression and prevention, hazardous materials mitigation, and emergency medical services.  City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017     7 I Page  2. Legislation that provides funding to local agencies for training, disaster preparedness crime  prevention, public outreach, and emergency planning.  3. 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.  4. Legislation that improves data and information dissemination from the railroads and Federal  government, preparedness funding, and first‐responder training for oil‐by‐rail shipments.  5. Legislation that maintains and increases grant funding for the Community Oriented Police  Services (COPS) program.  6. Legislation that provides a greater share of asset forfeiture funds for cities and increases latitude  for spending local funds.    Parks / Quality of Life   Staff recommends that the City Council support:    1. Legislation that creates new funding opportunities for parks and community facilities.  2. Funding for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) facility and park upgrades.    Environmental Sustainability   Staff recommends that the City Council support:    1. Promote Environmental Sustainability.  The City values policies that promote sustainable  development; improve environmental standards and the regulatory process; provide incentives  for preservation of natural resources; expand sustainable energy policies; and are consistent  with the City’s Climate Action Plan.  2. Solid Waste: Oppose legislation that preempts local planning decisions regarding solid  waste facility sites, preempts local solid waste and AB 939 fee setting authority, or imposes  taxes or fees on local solid waste programs to fund State programs not directly related to  solid waste management.  3. Extended Producer Responsibility: Legislation requiring manufactures 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.   4. Recycled Product Market Development: Legislation that encourages manufacturers to  include post‐consumer recycled material in their products and encourages state and local  government agencies and school districts to use less‐toxic and recycled content products.  5. Landfill: Support legislation that supports the development of alternative technologies such  as anaerobic digestion or mixed waste processing that result in waste diversion from  landfills.  6. Water Consumption: Support legislation and policies that assist local government in  meeting or exceeding established goals of reducing water consumption without preempting  local planning decisions.  7. Building Standards: Continual adoption of enhances building energy efficiency standards and  building safety standards.  City of Dublin Legislative Platform 2017     8 I Page  8. Community Choice Energy: Support legislation protecting the interest of California’s Community  Choice clean electricity providers and their customers.  9. Energy Efficiency:  Support legislation that assists regional and local governments in  development and implementing energy efficiency and conservation strategies and ensure that  local governments can continue, and not be preempted in, their efforts to achieve economic  improvements through increased energy efficiency and conservation plans that seek to decrease  carbon emissions. (League of California Cities Federal Priority)  10. Air Quality: Legislation that supports regional and local government efforts to develop and  implement programs to reduce air pollution.  11. Alternative Vehicle Fueling Stations: Legislation or grant opportunities for cities that provide  funding for developing or enhancing alternative vehicle fueling stations.  12. Litter Control and Abatement: Support legislation to address litter control and abatement  problems in California.  13. Stormwater Program Funding: Support legislation that would make it easier for cities to fund  and comply with new and increasingly stringent storm water quality permit requirements.  14. Unfunded Environmental Initiatives:  Support legislation that lessens the financial impact of  state and federal unfunded mandates related to compliance with environmental programs and  regulations.