HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-25; City Council; 15714; 2000 Legislative Platform0 8 % % . . p 2 d Y iz
CITY OF CARLSBAD - AGENDA BILL
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2000 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Review, amend (if necessary) and adopt 2000 City Legislative Platform.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
Each year, the City Council adopts a legislative platform stating its position on issues of importance
to the community. The legislative platform is divided into the following categories:
l Local Government Finance
l Labor Relations
l Tort Reform
l Transportation
0 Coastline
l Water Management
l Environment
0 Waste Management 0 General Government
l Safety Services
0 Land Use Planning
l Housing and Community Development
l Redevelopment 0 Child Care
0 Immigrants
By establishing the City’s position on these issues, staff is able to quickly respond to related
legislation that could have an impact on the City. The Council expresses its position on legislation
through correspondence to State and Federal legislators, the Governor, or the President. The City’s
legislative advocate in Sacramento will also assist the City in presenting its positions on proposed
state legislation.
In addition, staff proposes to make the Legislative Platform more organic by including modifications
during the year. This will be reflected by incorporating the change into the platform, and attaching
the date when that change occurred. Beginning this year, staff would like to increase the legislative
awareness by conducting semi-annual updates to the City Council regarding the pending legislation
which would impact the City.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
EXHIBITS:
1. Proposed 2000 City of Carlsbad Legislative Platform
2000 CITY OF CARLSBAD
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
1. Local Government Finance:
(a)
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(e)
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(k)
(1)
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(n)
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Support measures that implement basic structural changes in state government
that result in state budget expenditures being brought into balance with state
revenues.
Support measures which safeguard existing revenue sources from preemption
by the State or County.
Support measures which would provide fiscal independence to cities.
Support legislation that makes funds to support public facilities (i.e. facilities,
open space) more available to local municipalities.
Support measures which relieve taxpayers of the burden of paying for services
which could be charged directly to the service user, and which simplify the
process of establishing such fees.
Support legislation which would provide greater accountability on the part of
counties for the distribution of funds back to municipalities, including, but not
limited to, fines and forfeitures.
Support measures to reinstate flexibility in the administration of Article XIII-B
(The Gann Initiative).
Oppose any change in revenue allocations which would negatively affect local
government, including the redistribution of sales tax, property tax, transient
occupancy tax and vehicle in-lieu fees.
Oppose any measure which shifts revenue from all units of local governments to
other agencies.
Oppose any measure that would make cities more dependent on the State for
financial stability and policy direction.
Support legislation to eliminate or repeal unfunded state and federal mandates
and oppose measures which would impose those mandates for which there is no
guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits, or would shift the cost of
government services to cities.
Oppose any measure that restricts or limits a public entity’s ability to use tax-
exempt debt for the purchase or construction of public purpose improvements.
Oppose legislation which shifts State/County criminal justice costs to cities.
Oppose the use of the federal gas tax for federal debt reduction.
Support legislation that streamlines permitting processes without undermining
the ability of local government to apply and be compensated for the enforcement
of reasonable building, planning and fire protection standards.
,-
(P)
(9)
Oppose legislation that creates surcharges for state oversight of state mandated
programs.
(0 Support legislation which allows cities with civil service/personnel systems to
contract out services to the private sector to save taxpayer dollars.
2. bbor Relations:
(4
W
(c)
W
03
(9
(9)
Support legislation which limits the ability of employees to receive workers’
compensation benefits for occupational injuries/illnesses which result from
stress, disciplinary action, or performance evaluations or consultations.
Oppose any measure which would impose compulsory and binding arbitration
with respect to public employees.
Oppose any measure which would grant employee benefits that should be
decided at the local bargaining table.
Oppose any legislation that would reduce local authority to resolve public
employee disputes, and impose regulations of an outside agency (such as
PERB).
Oppose measures which propose a standard higher than the normal civil ones in
disciplinary proceedings for peace officers.
Oppose legislation which expands or extends any presumptions of occupational
injury or illness.
Oppose legislation which increases workers’ compensation benefits without
providing for concurrent cost controls.
3. Tort Reform:
(4 Support measures to reform California’s tort system to restrict liability exposure
for public agencies and restore the ability of public agencies to obtain affordable
insurance.
(W Support legislation which recognizes or broadens immunities for public agencies
and oppose legislation which attempts to limit or restrict existing immunities.
64 Support legislation which reduces or limits liability to public agencies.
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4. . . Transnortatlon .
(a) Support measures which would increase the ability of local agencies to finance
local transportation facilities.
(b)
(c)
((9
(e)
Support measures to finance local and regional transportation facilities and
improvements, including alternative modes of transportation.
Support measures that provide local and regional funding for transportation
demand management systems or transportation systems management.
Support legislation which encourages the continued evaluation of all alternatives
as possible sites for an international airport in the San Diego region.
Oppose transportation proposals which would adversely affect the quality of life
in North San Diego County by causing traffic congestion, air pollution or other
problems.
5.
(a)
(W
(cl
W
W
(9
Support measures which provide funding for urban waterfront restoration and
enhancement.
Support legislation which would aid the restoration, preservation and
enhancement of beach front property, sand, bluffs, access and parking.
Support measures which would preserve and extend the authority of cities of
land use regulations over the placement of onshore facilities which service
offshore oil drilling.
Support legislation which requires the double-hulling of all new oil tankers and
the retrofitting of all existing oil tankers.
Support legislation which promotes aquatic research and education and other
related uses.
Oppose any offshore oil leasing or drilling within 20 nautical miles of the San
Diego coast.
6. Water . .
(a) Support a balanced water transportation and regional storage system that
provides for the needs of San Diego County while protecting the Delta and
Central Valley regions with minimal impact on agriculture and the environment.
(b) Support measures which increase water supply and storage facilities within the
region and allow for water transfers within the system.
(c) Support efforts which will encourage water conservation practices by all water
consumers.
(d) Support efforts to assist in the production and distribution of reclaimed water.
7. bvironment:
(4 Support efforts for the safe and cost effective disposal of solid, hazardous and
medical waste.
W
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(d)
(e)
(9
(9)
(W
(0
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Support legislation which promotes regional transportation opportunities to
enhance air quality and reduce traffic congestion.
Support legislation which encourages speedy action to reduce the amount of
ozone depleting compounds discharged into the atmosphere.
Support legislation which allocates state and/or federal funds for the construction
of facilities to capture and treat the flow of raw sewage entering San Diego from
Tijuana.
Support measures, where feasible, which promote the recycling/reclaiming of
natural resources, including water, timber, oil, gas minerals and earth metals.
Support measures which would make low-interest loans and/or grants available
to local agencies for programs which would encourage the recycling/reclaiming
of resources.
Support legislation which encourages and promotes the use of renewable rather
than non-renewable sources of energy.
Support legislation which streamlines federal and State of California’s
environmental review processes and limits court reviews of environmental
documentation.
Support legislation to develop an ongoing funding source to implement the
federally mandated Clean Water Act of 1987 and to ensure protection of local
resources.
Support legislation which requires the State of California to offer natural gas and
electric powered vehicles in the State vehicle buying program.
8. Waste
(a> Oppose legislation restricting the ability of local governments to regulate solid
waste and recyclable materials.
(b)
(c)
(d)
Support measures which promote market development for recyclable materials.
Support legislation toward the procurement of recyclable and recycled materials.
Support measures which extend the deadlines and streamline regulations for AB
939 mandates.
W
(9
Support legislation which promotes source reduction measures.
Support measures which encourage the streamlining of California Integrated
Waste Management Board grant programs and provide maximum flexibility to
local government.
(cl) Oppose legislation regulating “flow control” of solid waste materials.
9. General Government . .
(a)
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(c)
(d)
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(h)
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(1)
(m)
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(0)
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Oppose legislation which weakens local autonomy or home rule authority to
govern municipal affairs.
Support measures which would strengthen cities’ ability to reorganize and
consolidate water districts, sewer districts, school districts, and other special
districts that operate within or provide service to a city.
Support legislation which provides State assistance for local public libraries.
Support measures which provide adequate funding for the State Library.
Support measures which lead to a state or national energy policy.
. . Support legislation which reinstates competition in the G&&A&ww
telecommunications industry.
Support state and federal funding and legislation for the arts that benefits local
communities.
Support legislation reducing and providing for recovery of costs, maintaining
privacy, and eliminating attorney’s fees for administering public records laws.
Oppose federal measures which remove the deduction of all state and local
taxes for federal income tax purposes.
Support cable telecommunications regulations that:
1. Maintain local control over public right-of-ways.
2. Provide just compensation for use of right-of ways and overseeing public
service standards.
3. Ensure public, educational, and governmental access is available and
affordable.
4. Provide free access to the “information highway” for public information
services and announcements.
Support legislation prohibiting firms from bidding on City projects if the firm is
currently involved in legal proceedings against the City arising from prior
projects.
Support legislation which facilitates economic development efforts and
encourages businesses to locate or remain in California.
Oppose measures which would eliminate state licensing requirements for
professionals involved in designing public and private developments.
Support legislation that will foster independence of older Californians.
Support legislation which requires cable television companies to assure that
audio and video portions of adult entertainment channels are completely blocked
24 hours a day in the homes of non-subscribers.
Support measures which provide funding for community park facilities, open
space, and recreation programs.
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10. Safety Servhs:
(a)
@I
(c)
(4
(e)
(9
(9)
(h)
(0
Support legislation that strengthens local law enforcement.
Support measures which strengthen present state or federal laws to increase
penalties and give local governments the power to restrict or regulate the sale,
manufacture, or use of dangerous drugs, including, but not limited to, PCP,
methamphetamine, and narcotics.
Support measures which would provide a greater share of seized assets to
localities and increased latitude for local spending.
Support legislation which discourages and prevents driving under the influence
of drugs or alcohol.
Support legislation that allows local agencies to recover costs from guilty parties
for public property and services in accidents involving driving under the influence
of drugs and/or alcohol, from the guilty party.
Support legislation that would allow for the destruction or extended safekeeping
of firearms or other deadly weapons involved in domestic violence incidents.
Oppose legislation that would restrict or reduce the ability of local government to
determine the extent or method of fire hazard mitigation necessary in or around
wildland areas.
Support legislation granting immunity to or limiting liability of governmental
entities and their employees who provide emergency medical instructions and/or
treatment as a part of their public safety dispatch system.
Oppose legislation which would restrict a local government from revising the
delivery of emergency medical service to its citizens and support measures
which broaden these powers.
Support legislation that would assist local safety agencies in regionalization of
activities such as training, crime labs, and other appropriate functions.
11. Land
(a)
(b)
(cl
Support legislation to strengthen the legal and fiscal capability of local agencies
to prepare, adopt and implement fiscal plans for orderly growth, development,
beautification and conservation of local planning areas, including, but not limited
to, the regulatory authority over zoning, subdivision, annexations, and
redevelopment areas.
Support measures in local land use that are consistent with the doctrine of
“home rule” and the local exercise of police powers in planning and zoning
processes.
Support legislation requiring environmental review of initiatives to amend a
general plan or zoning ordinance before the initiative is placed on the ballot or
enacted.
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w Support legislation to allow cities to issue all coastal development permits within
their jurisdiction consistent with a previously certified coastal plan.
(e) Support legislation which facilitates and provides funds for habitat management
planning, maintenance, administration, and local control.
12. Housina and Communitv Development . .
(a)
(W
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(9)
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(k)
(1)
(n-0
Support efforts to develop federal and state participation, financial support and
incentives (tax benefits, grants, loans) for programs which provide adequate,
affordable housing (home ownership and/or rental opportunities) for all economic
segments of the community including the elderly, handicapped, and low-income
persons throughout the community.
Support legislation that provides incentives (tax benefits, grants, loans, credits
for affordable units) to local agencies, private developers and non-profit groups
in order to rehabilitate residential units and commercial properties.
Support legislation that would provide additional funding for rental subsidy
assistance programs (such as Section 8) via more vouchers or certificates.
Support repeal of Article 34 of the California Constitution.
Support reform of Housing Element to simplify, improve effectiveness and
eliminate redundancy with other plans such as the generally-required
Comprehensive Housing Authority Strategy (CHAS).
Support legislation which allows entitlement cities to use CDBG funds for new
construction of housing units.
Support state inclusionary housing legislation which allows for adoption of a local
program such as that implemented in Carlsbad.
Support the repeal or modification of the Davis-Bacon Wage Act which sets a
prevailing wage scale for public projects substantially increasing the cost of
publicly-assisted housing developments.
Support legislation that will consolidate and streamline the administration and
reporting requirements for the Community Development Block Grant program.
Support the consolidation of the Section 8 Certificate and Voucher Programs.
Oppose legislation that would give the State financial/administrative
responsibilities for the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG).
Oppose legislation that makes the local municipality or redevelopment agency
financially responsible for the removal, abatement or mitigation of hazardous
materials.
Oppose any state initiative or state statute which would restrict, limit or put
conditions upon local governments’ powers to pass or implement mobile home
rent control.
7
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(n) Support legislation which requires availability of adequate school facilities
contemporaneously with occupancy of housing.
13. Redevelopment . .
(4 Support reform of reporting requirements for the Redevelopment Agency which
simplify the process and eliminate the confusion regarding which reports to file
with which State agency (Housing and Community Development or Controllers
Office or both).
KO Oppose legislation which would prohibit/limit the establishment of new
redevelopment project areas and/or expansion of existing project areas.
6) Oppose any legislation which allows reallocation of tax increment revenues by
the State to finance agencies and/or projects other than the redevelopment
project which generated the increment.
Cd)
14. Child Care:
(a) Support the reduction of present regulatory complexities.
(W Support the reduction of the burden of insurance costs.
(cl Support funding for the construction, renovation and/or maintenance of child
care facilities.
Support the provision of reasonable tax incentives for employers who offer child
care services.
(e) Support legislation which restores local control over quality child care in areas
such as licensure, staffing, education and training.
15. Immigrants:
(a) Support legislation which recognizes the unique and difficult problems associated
with recent legal and illegal immigrants to the United States, and assist local
communities in dealing with these problems in such areas as housing, health
services, education and employment.
(b) Support legislation to increase the number of border patrol agents at the
International Border.
(c) Support state and federal assistance to local communities attempting to address
the needs of migrant workers.
8