September 13, 2005

SUBJECT:  Annual Membership Dues for Intergovernmental Association

REPORT IN BRIEF

An invoice for the FY2005/06 membership dues has been received from Santa Clara Cities Association (SCCCA) (Attachments A.) The SCCCA invoice is in the amount of $6,615, which is a $315 increase from the prior year. Staff recommends payment of the SCCCA dues for FY2005/06.

BACKGROUND

The Santa Clara County Cities Association (SCCCA) was created in 1990 through a joint powers agreement to develop an effective means to represent the interests of the diverse cities within Santa Clara County. A Board of Directors governs it, with one representative from each city.

EXISTING POLICY

General Plan Goal 7.3.C: 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.

DISCUSSION

Traditionally, the City Council has approved annual membership dues payments to organizations which have been identified as providing support and service to local governments. An invoice has been received for the period of July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006 from the Santa Clara County Cities Association (SCCCA) in the amount of $6,615. 

The SCCCA serves as a unified voice for all fifteen cities in the County in their dealings with other agencies, organizations, and levels of government. As the advocate for local cities, it monitors legislative activity in Sacramento and represents the cities on issues of particular concern. The SCCCA coordinates with the Santa Clara County City Selection Committee to make appointments to countywide and regional organizations. The SCCCA also functions as a source of education, information, and networking for elected officials. Board meetings are generally the second Thursday of the month at Sunnyvale City Hall. The SCCCA has a Legislative Action Committee to review legislation and make recommendations to the board of directors.  Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Sunnyvale City Hall. Councilmembers currently serve on the following SCCCA Committees:

·         Mayor Dean J. Chu: Board of Directors, and Cities Selection Committee

·         Councilmember John Howe: Joint Economic Development Policy Committee (JEDPC)

·         Councilmember Otto Lee: Legislative Action Committee

·         Councilmember Julia Miller: Board of Directors, Alternate

FISCAL IMPACT

No impact; funds for these dues are included in Program 739 in the approved FY2005/06 budget.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda in public places, on the City’s web page, and the publication of the general business/public hearing items in the San Jose Mercury News.

ALTERNATIVES

1.      Pay the FY2005/06 membership dues for the SCCCA dues in the amount of $6,615.

2.      Do not pay the FY2005/06 membership dues.

3.      Other action as directed by Council.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Alternative #1, pay the FY2005/06 membership dues to the SCCCA.

Reviewed by:

Robert Walker

Assistant City Manager

Prepared by Coryn Campbell, Neighborhood and Community Resources Manager

Approved by:

Amy Chan

City Manager

Attachments

A.    Santa Clara County Cities Association Dues Invoice