February 7, 2006
SUBJECT: 2006 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY POSITIONS
REPORT IN BRIEF
This report details the City’s proposed Draft 2006 Legislative Advocacy Positions (LAP), which were distributed to Council for the December 15 Study Issues Workshop and reviewed at the January 10, 2006 Council meeting. During the January 10, 2006 Council meeting, Council directed that the LAP be presented to Council again for Council’s review and consideration. Staff has incorporated changes into the revised Draft 2006 LAP (Attachment A) per Council direction at the January Council meeting. The purpose of establishing and maintaining City LAP is to focus staff time for advocacy on legislative and intergovernmental issues. Staff is recommending Council approval of the revised draft 2006 LAP.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the LAP is to identify Council-adopted positions regarding intergovernmental and/or legislative matters. The LAP eliminates the need for staff to request review and approval from Council on each issue as it comes up during the year. The LAP is also used to assist Councilmembers and staff in carrying out intergovernmental duties.
In 1982, the City Council adopted a procedure for establishing external legislative advocacy positions based on four primary components:
· City-adopted General Plan policies and specific legislative policies;
· National and Santa Clara County Cities Association policies and resolutions;
· League of California Cities policies and resolutions;
· Review of state and federal budgets.
The City’s process provides an opportunity for Council to review and update the City’s legislative advocacy positions at the Council Study Issues Workshop in December of each year, and then take final action in January. To prepare the annual update, staff reviews City policies in November, and recommends changes subject to Council direction in early January. Recommended changes include such items as: addition of new positions; deletion of positions that are no longer relevant; identification of current issues where new position statements are deemed appropriate; clarifications and simplifications. Examples of new positions include those that result from Council advocacy regarding positions on ballot measures, League of California Cities (LCC) resolutions, and National League of Cities (NLC) resolutions.
EXISTING POLICY
Goal 7.3C: Participate in intergovernmental activities, including national, state and regional groups, in order to represent the City’s interests, influence policy and regulations, and enhance awareness.
Policy 7.3C.1: Represent adopted City policy in intergovernmental activities.
DISCUSSION
This year, the LAP was brought back to Council for review and direction on January 10. At that meeting Council revised and approved revisions to several policies. Additionally, Councilmember Spitaleri requested additional time to review the policies. Council extended the review period for 30 days.
Follow-up from January 10 Council Meeting
Following the extension of the LAP review period Councilmember Spitaleri indicated to staff that while many policies may benefit from further review, he has decided to proceed with the current process and will delay in-depth reviews of specific policies pending further consideration.
Attachment A is a revised draft of the 2006 Legislative Advocacy Positions incorporating the following Council-approved revisions (as directed at the January 10th meeting):
· 3.1 Water Resources (3) – page 9
· 6.2 Library (10) – page 27
· 6.2 Library (11) – page 27
· 7.1 Fiscal Management, Federal (5) – page 29
· 7.1 Fiscal Management, Federal (6) – page 29
If approved by Council, the Draft 2006 LAP, including any additional Council directed changes, will be inserted into the City’s Council Policy Manual.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to this report.
Conclusion
This report includes the proposed 2006 Legislative Advocacy Positions (LAP), including Council-directed revisions from the January 10 Council meeting. The LAP is used by Council and staff throughout the year to determine City positions on legislation and intergovernmental issues.
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 at the Library and the City Clerk's Office.
ALTERNATIVES
1) Approve the Draft 2006 Legislative Advocacy Positions.
2) Modify the Draft 2006 Legislative Advocacy Positions.
3) Other direction as provided by Council.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Alternative 1: Approve the Draft 2006 Legislative Advocacy Positions.
Reviewed by:
Robert Walker, Assistant City Manager
Prepared by: Coryn Campbell, Neighborhood and Community Resources Manager
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager
Attachments
A) City of Sunnyvale Draft 2006 Legislative Advocacy Positions