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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/16/2007 Blue Sheet Legislative Update TOWN COUNCIL MEETING INFORMATION MEETING DATE: TOWN OF MARANA January 16, 2007 AGENDA ITEM: L. TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL FROM: Michael A. Reuwsaat, Town Manager SUBJECT: State Le2islative Issues: Discussion/Direction/Action regarding all pending bills before the Legislature DISCUSSION This item is scheduled for each regular council Meeting in order to provide an opportunity to discuss any legislative item that might arise during the current session of the State Legislature. Periodically, an oral report may be given to supplement the Legislative Bulletins. A TT ACHMENTS Legislative Bulletin, Issue 1. RECOMMENDATION Upon the request of Council, staff will be pleased to provide recommendations on specific legislative issues. SUGGESTED MOTION Mayor and Council's pleasure. JCB/OI/09/2007/1 :48 PM League of Arizona ~ Cities AND Towns IN THIS ISSUE From the Director ..................... I Partnering In Government ........ I Resolutions Status .................... 2 Other Key Resolutions Are Still Moving ............................. 2 Other Key Resolutions Are Also Moving ............................ 2 Other Items Of Interest ............. 3 News & Notes .......................... 3 Save The Date .......................... 3 Legislative Bul/etin is published by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Forward your conunents or suggestions to: League of Arizona Cities & Towns 1820 West Washington Street Phoenix, Arizona 85007 Phone: 602-258-5786 Fax: 602-253-3874 EmaiI: league@azleague.org Internet: www.azleague.org llyou would like the Bulletin E-Mailed to you please e-mail your request to csmith-humhrey@azleague.org. Issue 1, January 8, 2007 FROM THE DIRECTOR: SESSION BEGINS JANUARY 8 Today, January 8, 2007, the 48th Arizona State Legislature gavelled into session. Although Republicans maintained the majority in the both the House and the Senate, Democrats made significant gains in the last election. Most members expect the session to be less acrimonious than years past. The League looks forward to a productive session. Legislators on both sides of the political aisle expressed sensitivity to their constituents' needs and desire for workable solutions. Therefore it remains critical for city officials to stay active in the political process and convey the cities' message. This issue kicks off the Legislative Bulletin for 2007. Each successive edition will contain updates on Legislation and other priority issues. Let's have a great 2007! PARTNERING IN GOVERNMENT The League's slogan for the upcoming session is "Partnering in Government". It is critical that the Legislature see cities and towns as their partner in creating a better Arizona, rather than as adversaries like in years past. Elected officials and city staff will playa huge role in making that slogan a reality. Communicating more frequently and effectively with your legislators is the first step to creating a cooperative dialogue. Here are some suggestions on how to improve your relationship with those representing your city or town: -Identify yourself and your local office. -Know the Legislator's background and position on an issue. Take the time to understand why that position appeals to them. -Be prepared to concisely discuss the issue and how it affects your community. Be specific in the action you would like the member to take. -Remember to follow up with any information that your legislator requests. -Always be polite and thank your legislator for their time and for any previous actions that helped your community. -Build that relationship year round: the dialogue should not end with the legislative session. RESOLUTIONS STATUS League staff is working with stakeholders and members to advance the League Resolutions. A wide variety of members view the concepts positively, but some face an uphill climb. To date, here is the status of the Top 5 Resolutions: Revenue Sharing - The League is absolutely committed to protecting the shared revenue formula. We will look at an array of possible solutions. County Island Fire Protection - League staff and a working group of city officials are crafting legislation to address concerns raised with cities entering into agreements to provide fire protection in unincorporated areas. League staff is In communication with House staff to make any legislation as reasonable and workable as possible. Small Town Appropriation - Members are reluctant to commit to any spending bills this early due to an anticipated drop in State revenues. League staff is working with Senate President Bee and the Governor to make sure this appropriation finds its way into the budget. Upholding the Heritage Fund - League staff met with the Heritage Alliance, the group that oversees the fund and committed to working with them to make sure the fund's monies are spent appropriately. We'll have a better idea of this item once we see the budgets. Community Development Block Grant Program - Representative John Nelson agreed to be the prime sponsor on a Concurrent Memorial to urge our ~ongressional Delegation to adequately support this important program. We will seek co-sponsors from other areas of the State as well. OTHER KEY RESOLUTIONS ARE ALSO MOVING: Pseudoephedrine sales - League staff met with the Attorney General's office to discuss their of pseudoephedrine bill. The AG would simply like the state to codify federal law regarding the sale of ~s~u~o-.ephedrine, so county attorneys have JunsdictlOn to prosecute any violators. The idea has resistance from members who believe it is over- regulating business without reducing meth use. However, the intent is to curb the number of meth labs, which pose an extraordinary danger to all communities. Transportation Funding - Both Legislative houses and the Governor's Office have mentioned transportation funding as a key issue for the legislative session. Many solutions to the funding problem are being floated, from extending the borrowing period on transportation loans to allowing private developers to build toll roads. League staff will closely monitor these proposals as they develop further. State Land Reimbursement - Officials from the State Land Department will meet with League staff to discuss the issue of cities recovering rights-of-way costs from bidders when the state land sells at auction. There are many statutory, constitutional and political barriers to any legislation dealing with state trust lands. However, common ground and pragmatic solutions on the issue will be our focus. Sex Offender Restrictions - Legislation will be in~ro.duced that restricts sex offenders from living withm 1500 feet of a church or daycare facility. L~quor Enforcement - The Department of Liquor Li~enses and Control has a new director, Mr. Jerry Ohver. League staff will meet with him to discuss s~me of the barriers the cities face in communicating Wit~ the Department and the Liquor Board, particularly on the issue of licensing. Affordable Housing - The Department of Housing is hosting their 5th Annual "Homes for Arizonan's Day" at the Legislature on Wednesday January 17th from 11 :00 am until 1 :00 pm. The Department extended invitations to all local elected officials to attend the event and show support for housing opportunities for all of Arizona's residents. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Cynthia at cynthiad@housingaz.com. OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST: Impact Fees - League staff, along with a working group of city staff and other stakeholders, created legislation that addresses the homebuilding community's transparency concerns while still maintaining local ability to make planning decisions th~t are appropriate for that community. League staff Will meet with other interested parties in the next week to further discuss the language. Blue Stake - The debate over who is responsible for marking privately owned sewer laterals will continue this session. The League and other municipal officials met with Representative John Nelson to discuss the issue and our concerns with a mandate to mark these facilities and the issue of liability. OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST contd. Title 34 Reform - The Associated General Contractors are planning to introduce a bill that makes significant changes to how roadway maintenance projects are bid out to private contractors. League staff is negotiating with AGC to create a reasonable bill that addresses their concerns while allowing cities and towns to continue maintaining their roadways Plumbing Code Repeal - The Committee of Reference voted 8-1 to oppose continuation on the Plumbing Code Commission in late November. Even with this recommendation, it is likely that a bill to continue the Commission will be introduced this session. The League will continue to oppose a mandated statewide plumbing code. NEWS & NOTES The Chairs of both the House Government Committee and the Senate Government Committee have expressed interest in pursuing ballot initiative reform. The Chair of the House Government Committee, Rep. Kirk Adams, asked League staff to participate in a working group to address this issue. League staff eagerly looks forward to making some needed changes to the state's ballot initiative process. SA VE THE DATE The League will host a welcome reception for the Legislators on January 31st from 4:30- 6:00 at the Capitol in the Rose Garden (just west of the House Chamber). Please plan to attend this great opportunity to chat with your legislators.