March 30, 2004

SUBJECT: Ratification of Councilmember Swegles' Appointment to the Former NAS Moffett Field Restoration Advisory Board (RAB)

REPORT IN BRIEF

In January of each year, City Council fills a number of positions for intergovernmental assignments.  Throughout the year, Councilmembers may be appointed to additional intergovernmental assignment positions.  On March 11, 2004, Councilmember Ron Swegles assumed the City of Sunnyvale Former NAS Moffett Field Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) member position (Attachment A).  Attachment B is a list of the 2004 IGR assignments, including this new assignment.

BACKGROUND

The City Council annually appoints members to a variety of intergovernmental agencies in order to represent the City's interests and to influence policies and regulations of other agencies. Specific intergovernmental appointments are sometimes made by other agencies. Council ratifies these appointments. The RAB is an example of such an appointment.

EXISTING POLICY

Goal 7.3C - Participate in intergovernmental activities, including national, state and regional groups, in order to represent the City's interest, influence policy and regulations, and enhance awareness.

Policy 7.3C.1 - Represent adopted City policy in intergovernmental activities.

Legislative Policy 7.3.15 - City Council Assignments

DISCUSSION

Restoration Advisory Boards (RABs) were created by the President's July 2, 1993 five-part program for fast track cleanup at installations designated for closure by the Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) process. The first RABs were created for BRAC '93 installations. The U.S. Navy has expanded RABs to all naval installations that have a Technical Review Committee for their Installation Restoration program. The U.S. Marine Corps will convert TRCs into RABS if they meet one of the following criteria:

• A local government requests that a RAB be formed
• Fifty local residents sign a petition requesting that a RAB be formed
• An installation determines that a RAB is needed
• The installation is a base closure

RABs are a forum for the exchange of information and partnership between citizens, the installation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the state. RABs provide communities input into the environmental cleanup process. Navy Restoration Advisory Boards are currently at eight Northern California locations, including Moffett Field Airfield.

By City policy, Council is required to review and ratify all appointments that are made by outside agencies. In reviewing the new appointments, Council should consider the City's overall intergovernmental priorities and the particular interests and backgrounds of the individual Councilmember.  Council ratifies appointments by other agencies only when first made if they have set terms, but annually if they do not have set terms.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact to this report.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, publication of the Council agenda in the San Jose Mercury News, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office. 

ALTERNATIVES

1. Council ratify Councilmember Swegles' appointment to the RAB.

2. Council does not ratify the appointment. .

3. Council takes no action at this time.

4. Other action as directed by Council

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Alternative 1.

Prepared by:

Coryn Campbell
Manager, Intergovernmental Relations

Approved by:

Amy Chan
City Manager

Attachments

A. Email from Andrea Espinoza, BRAC Environmental Coordinator, confirming Councilmember Swegles' appointment to the RAB.
B. 2004 Sunnyvale Council IGR Assignments