HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/06/2007 Blue Sheet Legislative Update
TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING
INFORMATION
MEETING DATE:
TOWN OF MARANA
February 6, 2007
AGENDA ITEM: L.
TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL
FROM: Michael A. Reuwsaat, Town Manager
SUBJECT: State Letdslative 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.
ATTACHMENTS
Legislative Bulletins, Issues 1, 2, 3 and 4 and "Your Voice at the Capitol 2007 State
Legislators. "
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/02/01/2007/11:03 AM
League of Arizona
Cities AND Towns
YOUR VOICE A T THE CAPITOL
2007 STATE LEGISLA TORS
At the beginning of the Legislative session each year the League compiles current contact information for each of
Arizona's 30 State Senators and 60 State Representatives in order to facilitate lobbying efforts for cities and towns. The
list includes the following:
. the name of each Senator and Representative and the district and the cities and towns they represent
. the Capitol address and toll-free number (listed below)
. legislators' home addresses or alternate mailing addresses
. legislators' office phone numbers and fax numbers
. legislators' e-mail addresses
A useful tool for accessing legislative information is the Legislature's web site. The address is www.azleq.qov or simply
follow the link from the League's web site at www.azleaque.org.Using the links provided on the web page you can
retrieve brief biographies of legislators and what committees they serve on, access complete texts of introduced
legislation and obtain the status of any bill. Summaries of each bill can also be found on this site once the bill has been
assigned to committee.
The League offices are always available for your use during the legislative session. The League facilities provide a
convenient place for meeting with State Legislators, particularly for local officials outside the metropolitan Phoenix area.
We hope the list will be helpful to you in contacting your legislators on all issues of major municipal concern. Please feel
free to contact the League staff should you have any questions regarding legislation or contacting your legislators.
If you wish to reach a legislator by mail at the Capitol, simply address the correspondence to:
The Honorable Senator's Name
State Senator
1700 West Washington Street - Senate
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
The Honorable Representative's Name
State Representative
1700 West Washington Street - House
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Toll-free number: 1-800-352-8404
SENATOR REPRESENT A TlVES CITIESITOWNS
DISTRICT 1
Lucy Mason Andy Tobin Camp Verde
Tom O'Halleran PO Box 2177 20755 N. Hackamore Lane Chino Valley
PO Box 20249 Prescott 86302 Paulden 86334 Clarkdale
Sedona 86341 (602) 926-5874 (602) 926-5172 Cottonwood
(602) 926-5584 (602) 417-3001 fax (602) 417-3085 fax Jerome
(602) 417-3101 fax Imason@azleq,qov alobin@azleq,qov Prescott
lo'halleran@azleq,aov Prescott Valley
Sedona
Williams
DISTRICT 2
Ann Kirkpatrick Albert Tom Flagstaff
Albert Hale PO Box 100 PO Box 542
PO Box 4440 Flagstaff 86002 Chambers 86502
Window Rock 86515 (602) 926-5160 (602) 926-5862
(602) 926-4323 (602) 417-3002 fax (602) 417-3102 fax
(602) 414-3160 fax akirkpalrick@azleq,qov atom@azleq,qov
ahale@azleQ,Qov
DISTRICT 3
Trish Groe Nancy G, McLain Bullhead City
Ron Gould 1980 Deer Run Drive 1706 E. Marble Canyon Colorado City
PO Box 3145 Lake Havasu City 86404 Bullhead City 86442 Fredonia
Lake Havasu City 86405 (602) 926-5408 (602) 926-5051 Kingman
(602) 926-4138 (602) 417-3103 fax (602) 417-3003 fax Lake Havasu City
(602) 417-3165 fax tQroe@azleQ,Qov nmclain@azleq.qov Page
rqould@azleq.qov Parker
Quartzsite
DISTRICT 4
Tom Boone Judy M. Burges Buckeye
Jack W. Harper 7288 W. Cielo Grande Ave. PO Box 123 Dewey-Humboldt
PO Box 5311 Glendale 85383 Skull Valley 86338 Glendale
Sun City West 85376 (602) 926-3297 (602) 926-5861 Peoria
(602) 926-4178 (602) 417-3004 fax (602) 417-3104 fax Phoenix
(602) 417-3154 fax tboone@azleQ.qov iburqes@azleQ.aov Surprise
iharper@azleq.qov Wickenburg
DISTRICT 5
Jack Brown William Konopnicki Clifton
Franklin" Jake" Flake PO Box 220 1797 Angel Fire Lane Duncan
490 W. Fish Lane St. Johns 85936 Safford 85546 Eagar
Snowflake 85937 (602) 926-4129 (602) 926-5409 Globe
(602) 926-5129 (602) 417 -3010 fax (602) 417-3105 fax Holbrook
(602) 417-3224 fax ibrown@azleq.qov bkonopnicki@azleq. gOY Miami
iflake@azleq.qov Payson
Pima
Pinetop-Lakeside
Safford
St. Johns
Show Low
Snowflake
Springerville
Star Valley
Taylor
Thatcher
Winslow
DISTRICT 6
Doug Clark Sam Crump Phoenix
Pamela Gorman 2207 W. Hidden Treasure Way 2827 W. Adventure Drive
PO Box 55265 Anthem 85086 Anthem 85086
Phoenix 85078 (602) 926-3018 (602) 926-3014
(602) 926-5284 (602) 417-3006 fax (602) 417-3048 fax
(602) 417-3106 fax dclark@azleQ.Qov scrump@azleQ.Qov
pgorman@azleQ.Qov
DISTRICT 7
Ray Barnes Nancy Barto Carefree
Jim Waring 5067 E. Peak View Road 3631 E. Rockwood Drive Cave Creek
4366 E. Campo Bello Cave Creeki 85331 Phoenix 85050 Phoenix
Phoenix 85032 (602) 926-5503 (602) 926-5766 Scottsdale
(602) 926-4916 (602) 417-3107 fax (602) 417-3011 fax
(602)417-3150 fax rbarnes@azleQ.Qov nbarto@azleQ.Qov
iwaring@azleg.gov
DISTRICT 8
Michele Reagan John Kavanagh Fountain Hills
Carolyn S. Allen 7754 Lakeview Court 16038 Seminole Lane Scottsdale
7499 E. Timberlane Court Scottsdale 85258 Fountain Hills 85268
Scottsdale 85258 (602) 926-5828 (602) 926-5170
(602) 926-4480 (602) 417-3008 fax (602) 417-3108 fax
(602) 417-3155 fax mreaQan@azloo.Qov ikavanaQh@azleQ.Qov
callen@azleQ.Qov
DISTRICT 9
Rick Murphy Bob Stump Glendale
Robert Burns 5756 W. Mescal Street 8735 W. Windrose Drive Peoria
PO Box 6419 Glendale 85304 Peoria 85381 Surprise
Peoria 85385 (602) 926-3255 (602) 926-5413 Youngtown
(602) 926-5993 (602) 417-3009 fax (602) 417-3109 fax
(602) 417-3226 fax rmurphv@azleQ.Qov bstump@azleQ.Qov
rburns@azIOO.Qov
DISTRICT 10
Jackie Thrasher James Weiers Glendale
Linda Gray 4537 W. Park Place 16022 N. 37th Avenue Phoenix
4535 W. Columbine Glendale 85306 Phoenix 85053
Glendale 85304 (602) 926-3024 (602) 926-4173
(602) 926-3376 (602) 417-3110 fax (602) 417-3153 fax
(602) 417-3253 fax ithrasher@azleQ.Qov iweiers@azleQ.Qov
IQrav@azleQ.gov
DISTRICT 11
Mark Desimone Adam Driggs Paradise Valley
Barbara Left 201 W. Seldon Lane 4231 E. Clarendon Phoenix
8641 N. 55th Place Phoenix 85021 Phoenix 85018
Paradise Valley 85253 (602) 926-3037 (602) 926-3016
(602) 926-4486 (602) 417-3111 fax (602) 417-3007 fax
(602) 417-3170 fax I11desil11one@azleg.gov adriQQs@azleg.gov
bleff(iilazloo .QOV
DISTRICT 12
John Nelson Jerry P. Weiers Avondale
Robert Blendu 14044 W. Greentree Drive 5025 N. 81st Drive Buckeye
12704 W. Solano Drive Litchfield Park 85340 Phoenix 85303 EI Mirage
Litchfield Park 85340 (602) 926-5872 (602) 926-5894 Glendale
(602) 926-5955 (602) 417-3112 fax (602) 417-3012 fax Goodyear
(602) 417-3168 fax inelson((i)azleQ.Qov ipweiers@azleQ.Qov Litchfield Park
rblendu(iilazleQ .QOV Phoenix
Surprise
DISTRICT 13
Steve Gallardo Martha Garcia Avondale
Richard Miranda PO Box 48562 5546 W. Berkeley Road Glendale
PO Box 1901 Phoenix 85075 Phoenix 85035 Phoenix
Phoenix 85001 (602) 926-3392 (602) 926-5830 Tolleson
(602) 926-5911 (602) 417-3013 fax (602) 417-3113 fax
(602) 417-3171 fax s~allardo@azle~.qov mqarcia@azleq.qov
rmiranda(a)azleq.qov
DISTRICT 14
Chad Campbell Robert Meza Glendale
Debbie McCune-Davis 1333 N. 24th Street #362 2624 N. 22nd Avenue Phoenix
2634 N. 20th Ave Phoenix 85008 Phoenix 85009
Phoenix 85009 (602) 926-3026 (602) 926-3425
(602) 926-4485 (602)417-3037 fax (602) 417-3114 fax
(602) 926-3429 fax chcampbell(a)azleq .qov rmeza@azleq.Qov
dmccunedavis@azleQ.Qov
DISTRICT 15
David Lujan Kyrsten Sinema Phoenix
Ken Cheuvront 216 W. Turney Avenue 335 W. Windsor Drive
3312 N. 11th Ave #A Phoenix 85013 Phoenix 85003
Phoenix 85013 (602) 926-5829 (602) 926-5058
(602) 926-5325 (602) 417-3115 fax (602) 417- 3015 fax
(602) 417-3149 fax dluian@azleQ.Qov ksinema@azleq.qov
kcheuvront(a)azleq .qov
DISTRICT 16
Cloves Campbell, Jr. Ben R. Miranda Guadalupe
Leah Landrum Taylor 1709 E. Beverly 21 E. Saint Charles Ave. Phoenix
6814 S. 40th Lane Phoenix 85042 Phoenix 85040
Phoenix 85041 (602) 926-3042 (602) 926-4893
(602) 926-3830 (602)417-3117 fax (602) 417-3116 fax
(602) 417-3245 fax c1campbell(a)azleq.Qov bmiranda(a)azleQ.Qov
Ilandrumtavlor(a)azleq. QOV
DISTRICT 17
Edward Ableser David Schapira Scottsdale
Meg Burton Cahill PO Box 27871 1535 N. Scottsdale Road, #1025 Tempe
1531 E. Cedar Street Tempe 85285 Tempe 85281
Tempe 85281 (602) 926-4118 (602) 926-3028
(602) 926-4124 (602)417-3164 fax (602) 417-3038 fax
(602) 417-3245 fax eableser(a)azleq.Qov dschapira(a)azleq.qov
mburtoncahill@azleg.gov
DISTRICT 18
Mark Anderson Russell K. Pearce Mesa
Karen Johnson 1727 W. Argon Street 1247 E. Inca
PO Box 747 Mesa 85201 Mesa 85203
Mesa 85201 (602) 926-4467 (602) 926-5760
(602) 926-3160 (602) 417-3018 fax (602) 417-3118 fax
(602) 417 -3429 fax ma nderson(a)azleq.q ov rpearce(a)azleg.gov
kjohnson(a)azleq.qov
DISTRICT 19
Chuck Gray Kirk Adams Rich Crandall Apache Junction
Mesa
7461 E. Ivyglen Street 3851 E. Mesa 3530 E. Contessa Circle
Mesa 85207 Mesa 85205 Mesa 85213
(602) 926-5288 (602) 926-5495 (602) 926-3020
(602)417-3161 fax (602) 417 -3019 fax (602) 417-3119 fax
cqray(a)azleq.qov kadams(a)azleQ.Qov rcrandall(a)azleq.qov
DISTRICT 20
John Huppenthal John McComish Robert Robson Chandler
8 Bullmoose Circle 4463 E. Desert View 2713 W. Oak Grove Lane Phoenix
Chandler 85224 Phoenix 85044 Chandler 85224 Tempe
(602) 926-5261 (602) 926-5898 (602) 926-5549
(602) 417-3157 fax (602) 417 -3020 fax (602) 417-3120 fax
ihuppenthal@azleo.aov imccomish@azleQ.Qov brobson(1DazleQ.Qov
DISTRICT 21
Jay Tibshraeny Warde Nichols Steven B. Yarbrough Chandler
2158 E. Teakwood Place 16018 E. Twin Acres Drive 1086 W. Armstrong Way Mesa
Chandler 85249 Gilbert 85297 Chandler 85248 Queen Creek
(602) 926-4481 (602) 926-5168 (602) 926-5863
(602) 417-3152 fax (602)417-3021 fax (602) 417-3121 fax
itibshraenv@azlea.aav wnichols@azleQ.Qov svarbrouQh@azleQ.Qav
DISTRICT 22
Andy Biggs Eddie Farnsworth Apache Junction
Thayer Verschoor 15926 E. Elliot Road 1126 E. Harrison Street Gilbert
1326 E. Encinas Gilbert 85234 Gilbert 85296 Mesa
Gilbert 85234 (602) 926-4371 (602) 926-5735
(602) 926-4136 (602) 417 -3022 fax (602) 417-3122 fax
(602) 417-3222 fax abiQQs@azleQ.Qov efarnsworth@azleQ.qov
tverschoor@azleQ.Qov
DISTRICT 23 Apache Junction
Avondale
Barbara McGuire Peter Rios Casa Grande
Rebecca Rios PO Box 613 PO Box 451 Coolidge
PO Box 11 Kearny 85237 Hayden 85235 Eloy
Apache Junction 85219 (602) 926-3012 (602) 926-5761 Florence
(602) 926-5685 (602) 417-3123 fax (602) 417-3023 fax Hayden
(602) 417-3167 fax bmcguire@azleQ.Qov prios@azleq.qov Kearny
rrios@azleQ.Qov Mammoth
Maricopa
Phoenix
Queen Creek
Superior
Winkelman
DISTRICT 24
Lynne Pancrazi Theresa Ulmer Parker
Amanda Aguirre 3748 W. 18th Place 458 Orange Ave. San Luis
4601 W. La Quinta Loop Yuma 85364 Somerton
Yuma 85364 Wellton
Yuma 85364 (602) 926-3004 (602) 926-3002 Yuma
(602) 926-4139 (602) 417-3179 fax (602) 417-3124 fax
(602) 417-3024 fax Ipancrazi@azleq.Qov tulmer@azleQ.Qov
aaauirre@azleQ.Qov
DISTRICT 25
Marsha Arzberger Manuel V. 'Manny" Alvarez Jennifer J. Burns Benson
3635 E. Chambers Road 4128 W. Jefferson Road 13535 W. Curtis Road Bisbee
Willcox 85643 Elfrida 85610 Tucson 85743 Buckeye
(602) 926-4321 (602) 926-5895 (602) 926-5836 Douglas
(602) 417-3146 fax (602) 417-3025 fax (602) 417-3125 fax Gila Bend
marzberaer(a>azleq .QOV malvarez(a>azlea.Qov iburns@azleQ.Qov Huachuca City
Marana
Nogales
Sierra Vista
Tombstone
Willcox
DISTRICT 26
Pete Hershberger Lena Saradnik Marana
Charlene Pesquiera 1513 W. Sendero Seis 9880 N. Windwalker Trail Orc Valley
12144 N. Makayla Canyon Tucson 85704 Tucson 85742 Tucson
Orc Valley 85755 (602) 926-5839 (602) 926-3398
(602) 926-4326 (602) 417 -3026 fax (602) 417 -3126 fax
(602) 417 -3259 fax phershberQer@azleQ.Qov Isaradnik@azlea.Qov
cpesquieria@azleq.aov
DISTRICT 27
Olivia Cajero Bedford Phil Lopes Tucson
Jorge Luis Garcia 820 N. Via Roma 1421 N. Camino De Juan
3145 W. Morgan Drive Tucson 85745 Tucson 85745
Tucson 85745 (602) 926-5835 (602) 926-3278
(602) 926-4171 (602) 417 -3027 fax (602) 417-3127 fax
(602) 542-3262 fax ocaiercbedford@azleQ,Qov plopes@azlea,oov
iqarcia@azleQ.aov
DISTRICT 28
David T. Bradley Steve Farley Tucson
Paula Aboud 5909 E. Third Street PO Box 40481
1341 E. Greenlee Road Tucson 85711 Tucson 85717
Tucson 85712 (602) 926-3300 (602) 926-3022
(602) 926-5262 (602) 417 -3028 fax (602) 417-3128 fax
(602)417-3166 fax dbradley@azleq.qov sfarley@azleq,aov
paboud(ii)azleg.gov
DISTRICT 29
Linda Lopez Tom Prezelski South Tucson
Victor Soltero 1506 E. Melridge Street 494 S Convent Ave. Tucson
PO Box 7752 Tucson 85706 Tucson 85701
Tucson 85725 (602) 926-4089 (602) 926-3424
(602) 926-5342 (602) 417-3029 fax (602) 417-3129 fax
(602) 417-3169 fax Ilopez@azleq.Qov tprezels ki(a)azleQ .Q ov
vsoltero(a)azleQ.Qov
DISTRICT 30 Marian A. McClure Jonathan Paton Patagonia
Timothy S. Bee 1841 N. Forty-Niner Drive 5425 E. Broadway PMB #331 Sahuarita
10376 E. Haymarket Street Tucson 85749 Tucson 85711 Sierra Vista
Tucson 85747 (602) 926-3312 (602) 926-3235 Tucson
(602) 926-5683
(602) 417 -324 7 fax (602) 417-3130 fax (602) 417-3030 fax
tbee@azleQ.Qov mmcc!ure(ii)azleQ.Qov ipaton@azleQ.Qov
Lea ue of Arizona
Cities AND Towns
IN THIS
ISSUE
Save The Date .......................... I
The 2007 Legislative
Regular Session Now
Under Way............................... I
Tense Moments In
The House ................................ I
The State Of The State ............. 2
Bills Already On The Move ...... 2
Set Up A Legislative Day
To Meet With Your
Legislators ................................ 2
Get Your Bulletin Quicker
And Save Trees! ....................... 3
Legislative Bul/etin is published by the
League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
Forward your comments or suggestions
to:
League of Arizona Cities & Towns
1820 West Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
Email: league@azleague.org
Internet: www.azleague.org
Issue 2, January 12,2007
SAVE THE DATE!
The League has invited all the Members of the Legislature and key staff to a lawn
reception at the Capitol on Wednesday, January 3l't at 4:30 p,m, This is a great
opportunity to meet with your representatives and senators in a relaxed, social
environment before the legislative session gets too busy, Your presence is highly
encouraged,
THE 2007 LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION NOW
UNDER WAY
Monday marked the beginning of the 2007 legislative session with both the House of
Representatives and the Senate becoming sworn-in members of the 48th Legislature,
House Members had the privilege of being sworn-in by Sandra Day O'Connor,
recently retired Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Legislators,
state elected leaders and their guests joined many mayors, council members and city
officials from around the State for the festivities.
TENSE MOMENTS IN THE HOUSE
Prior to the Governor's appearance and just after the swearing-in ceremony, there was
a noteworthy turn of events during the House opening ceremonies. After Republicans
nominated Jim Weiers for Speaker, normally a perfunctory formality, Democrat Rep.
Ann Kirkpatrick nominated fellow Oem Rep. Phil Lopes for the same position. Rep.
Kirkpatrick made a plea for bipartisanship, which created moments of tension among
the members and guests. Following a brief recess Mr. Lopes spoke and declined the
nomination, citing the need to work in a bipartisan fashion. It was an interesting way
to start a session, to say the least.
THE STATE OF THE STATE
Once the Senate members came over to the House, the
joint session of the Legislature convened with the
newly elected Speaker of the House and President of
the Senate presiding. The members settled in to hear
Governor Janet Napolitano deliver her State of the
State address.
Focusing on the theme of "One Arizona," the
Governor outlined the three components for a stronger
state-education, foundation and innovation:
. Education-every young person who graduates
is prepared for a world of competition and
innovation.
. Foundation-the entire infrastructure of the
state: transportation, water, air, land, housing,
health care and the quality of life.
. Innovation-new solutions to age-old problems
that will propel Arizona forward.
The Governor also proposed expanding health care to
more children, improving educational standards,
increasing teacher pay, protecting seniors and
domestic violence victims, and serving veterans.
Of particular interest to cities and towns was the
Governor's Growth Cabinet plan to develop an
implementation strategy for highway construction.
Citing the need for the state and the cities to get on the
same page in response to growth challenges, the
Governor stated that local governments will be
rewarded with discretionary grants and funds for
taking the initiative and coordinating with the state.
The Governor's Office assures us that cities and towns
will be a vital part of developing the implementation
plan.
Once again, it appears that the Governor has an
ambitious agenda. Legislative leadership wants to see
details and how the Governor plans to pay for her new
ideas. The League will keep you posted.
BILLS ALREADY ON THE MOVE
Senate Bill 1026, sponsored by Sen. Jim Waring
(R-Phoenix), eliminates a judge's discretion to waive
30-day sentences in "extreme 001" cases, where the
person's Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is above 0.15
percent.
Senate Bill 1029, also sponsored by Sen. Waring,
increases penalties for people with a 0.20 percent
BAC. Although we support keeping DUI offenders off
the streets, we are concerned about the potential fiscal
impact to cities and towns for the increase in
incarceration costs. We testified to that effect in the
Senate Transportation hearing on January 9th. Both
bills passed unanimously, but with noted concern by
nearly all members of the panel.
Both bills must also be heard by the Senate Public
Safety and Human Services committee before they
can advance.
SET UP A LEGISLATIVE DAY TO
MEET WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS!
We hope many of you will again schedule a legislative
day with your delegation sometime during the 2007
session. This is a great opportunity for your council
and staff to meet with your legislative delegation
regarding your community's issues.
How do I Schedule a Legislative Day?
A city or town, either individually or organized by
area or legislative district, designates a coordinator.
Have that person give us a call. We will assist in the
logistics of setting up the meeting. As always, the
meeting rooms at the League office are available for
your use, and lunch for you and your legislators is
provided by the League free of charge. Prior to the
meeting with your legislators, League staff will
provide your group with a briefing on key legislative
issues impacting cities and towns. This briefing is
generally held at 11:30 a.m. with your legislators
invited to join you at noon. Our building is right
behind the Capitol, and legislators find it convenient
to walk over during lunch.
The invitation to your legislators should be made by
you or your coordinator (we can help if you need
assistance or have questions). The invitation should
clearly deliver the message that you are coming to the
Capitol to meet with them on issues of importance to
you and your community. This is a way to personally
share your feelings on major legislative issues as well
as to establish a closer working relationship with your
legislators. Please call Cheyenne Walsh at the League
if you have any questions on setting up a legislative
day for your city or town.
2
January 12, 2007
GET YOUR BULLETIN QUICKER
AND SAVE TREES!
Over the past few years, the League has reduced the
number of Bulletins sent via traditional mail by
transitioning our Bulletins to email, which allows you to
receive your Bulletin quicker, while saving paper and
reducing mailing and printing costs for us. Continuing in
our effort from the last few years, the League will send
all Bulletins by email if we have an email address on file
for you. However, if you would like to receive your
Bulletin through the regular mail, please contact
Christine Smith-Humphrey at the League at (602) 258-
5786 or csmith-humphrey@ azleague.org. Also, please
contact Christine if you receive the Bulletin via
traditional mail, but would like to add your email
address to our files to receive the Bulletin electronically.
3
January 12,2007
League of Arizona
Cities AND Towns
IN THIS
ISSUE
Reception At The Capitol......... I
Come Early to Meet With
Your Delegates ......................... I
Key Committees ....................... I
DUI Bills Continue
To Advance .............................. 2
Fire Protection In County
Islands ...................................... 2
Development Fees .................... 2
To Slurry Or Not To Slurry ...... 2
The League's Legislative
Team ........................................ 2
Set Up A Legislative Day
To Meet With Your
Legislators ................................ 3
Get Your Bulletin Quicker
And Save Trees! ....................... 3
Committee Listings .................. 4
Attachment
2007 Your Voice At The Capitol
Legislative Bul/etin is published by the
League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
FOlWard your conunents or suggestions
to:
Issue 3, January 19,2007
RECEPTION AT THE CAPITOL
The League of Arizona Cities and Towns is hosting a social reception for city and
town officials and state legislators.
This is a great opportunity for city and town elected and appointed officials as well as
senior staff members to meet with State legislators and fellow city and town officials.
Date:
Wednesday January 31,2007
Time:
4:30 to 6:00 pm
Location:
Rose Garden at the State Capitol West (west of the House
member's parking lot)
You may park at the League building and walk to the
reception.
Parking:
If you can attend, please RSVP by Friday, January 26 by calling Marisa Hoskins at
(602) 258-5786 or emailing her at rnhoskins@azleague.org.
COME EARLY TO MEET WITH YOUR DELEGATES
We encourage you to arrive earlier in the afternoon to meet with your legislators. We
suggest you contact your legislators ahead of time to set up an individual meeting.
League staff will be happy to help you set this meeting up. If you are able to meet
with your delegates, please inform League staff of your appointment.
The League will have snacks and beverages available throughout the day for those
who are coming early to meet with delegates.
KEY COMMITTEES
League of Arizona Cities & Towns While the current legislative session gets underway, League legislative staff has
1820 West Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007 identified the key committees thus far in the House and Senate that will consider
~~;~e~0~i5~~:8;~86 legislation affecting cities and towns. Listed below are the names, districts and
Email: league@azleague.org contact information of those committees. As bills come up for consideration by these
Internet: www.azleague.org committees, we will be asking for help from the cities that have a connection with key
members to VOIce their opmlOns. (See the Committee Listings on Pages 4-7)
DUI BILLS CONTINUE TO
ADVANCE
Last week we told you about Senate Bill 1026,
sponsored by Sen. Jim Waring, which mandates
30-day sentences for "extreme DUI" and Senate Bill
1029, which increases penalties for those convicted of
driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.20 percent.
During one committee hearing, League staff voiced
support for keeping DUI offenders off the streets, but
also indicated concern about the potential impact to
cities and towns for the increase in jail costs for the
lengthened sentences.
Both bills came before another Senate panel on
Thursday, January 18th, where emotional testimony
was heard about the devastating impact drunken
drivers have had on families. A lobbyist for the Police
Chiefs Association cautioned the committee about the
potential cost impact. This brought a sharp rebuke
from Sen. Chuck Gray who said that getting drunk
drivers off the road is each city's responsibility and
cost should not be a consideration. The bill passed out
of the committee unanimously.
The League will continue to work on this issue.
FIRE PROTECTION IN COUNTY
ISLANDS
City officials and League staff continue to refine
county islands fire district language. There are a few
bills introduced that appear to be vehicles for some
legislative action on this issue, none of which are
expansive. We are trying to get input form a variety of
sources so as to have the best possible language to
present. Our aim is to put forth the best ideas all cities
can agree on into one bill.
DEVELOPMENT FEES
Similar activity is taking place on the issue of
development fees, also known as impact fees.
Stakeholders, municipal officials and League staff
have diligently worked on language that appears to be
close for bill introduction.
TO SLURRY OR NOT TO SLURRY
Representative Nelson, League staff, the counties and
Arizona General Contractors (AGC) are discussing
language regarding changes to Title 34. A working
group of city and town officials have come up with
concepts that we will take to a meeting with
Representative Nelson and the other stakeholders next
week.
On all of these items, League staff will keep you
informed as things progress through the Legislative
process.
THE LEAGUE'S LEGISLATIVE
TEAM
These are the people who are handling the League's
legislative efforts this year. As always, if you have
any questions or concerns about the legislative
session, do not hesitate to contact any of the
individuals listed below.
League Office
(602) 258-5786 Phone
(602) 253-3874 Fax
Jeff Kros - Legislative Director
ikros@azlemme.org
Cheyenne Walsh - Legislative Associate
cwalsh@azleague.org
Dale Wiebusch - Legislative Associate
clwiebusch@azleague.org
Marc Bivens - Legislative Intern
mbivens@azleague.org
If you have any questions or need assistance in any
matter please do not hesitate to contact us.
2
January 19, 2007
SET UP A LEGISLATIVE DAY TO
MEET WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS!
We hope many of you will again schedule a legislative
day with your delegation sometime during the 2007
session. This is a great opportunity for your council
and staff to meet with your legislative delegation
regarding your community's issues.
How do I Schedule a Legislative Day?
A city or town, either individually or organized by
area or legislative district, designates a coordinator.
Have that person give us a call. We will assist in the
logistics of setting up the meeting. As always, the
meeting rooms at the League office are available for
your use, and lunch for you and your legislators is
provided by the League free of charge. Prior to the
meeting with your legislators, League staff will
provide your group with a briefing on key legislative
issues impacting cities and towns. This briefing is
generally held at 11 :30 a.m. with your legislators
invited to join you at noon. Our building is right
behind the Capitol, and legislators find it convenient
to walk over during lunch.
The invitation to your legislators should be made by
you or your coordinator (we can help if you need
assistance or have questions). The invitation should
clearly deliver the message that you are corning to the
Capitol to meet with them on issues of importance to
you and your community. This is a way to personally
share your feelings on major legislative issues as well
as to establish a closer working relationship with your
legislators. Please call Cheyenne Walsh at the League
if you have any questions on setting up a legislative
day for your city or town.
GET YOUR BULLETIN OUICKER
AND SAVE TREES!
Over the past few years, the League has reduced the
number of Bulletins sent via traditional mail by
transitioning our Bulletins to email, which allows you
to receive your Bulletin quicker, while saving paper
and reducing mailing and printing costs for us.
Continuing in our effort from the last few years, the
League will send all Bulletins by email if we have an
email address on file for you. However, if you would
like to receive your Bulletin through the regular mail,
please contact Christine Smith-Humphrey at the
League at (602) 258-5786 or
csmith-humphrey@azleague.org. Also, please contact
Christine if you receive the Bulletin via traditional
mail, but would like to add your email address to our
files to receive the Bulletin electronically.
3
January 19, 2007
COMMITTEE LISTINGS
House Committees
C
ounties Municivalities & Militarv Affairs - Has iurisdiction over most municioal issues.
Name Phone No. E-Mail District Cities
(602-926 )
John Nelson, Chair 5872 inelson@azleg.g:ov 12 Glendale, Avondale, Litchfield,
Buckeye, Goodyear, EI Mirage,
Surprise, Phoenix, Y oungtown
Jerry Weiers, Vice Chair 5894 ipweiers@azleg.gov 12 Glendale, Avondale, Litchfield,
Buckeye, Goodyear, EI Mirage,
Surprise, Phoenix, Y oungtown
Manuel Alvarez 5895 malvarez@az!eg.gov 25 Benson, Bisbee, Buckeye,
Douglas, Gila Bend, Huachuca City,
Marana, Nogales, Sierra Vista,
Tombstone, Willcox
Olivia Caiero Bedford 4392 obedford @azleo.oov 27 Tucson
Adam Driggs 3016 adri(!l!:s@azleg.gov 11 Paradise Valley, Phoenix
Lucy Mason 5874 Imason@azleg.gov 1 Camp Verde, Chino Valley, Clarkdale,
Cottonwood, Jerome, Prescott,
Prescott Valley, Sedona, Williams
Marian McClure 3312 rnmcc lure@azleg. gOY 30 Patagonia, Sahuarita, Sierra Vista,
Tucson
Russell Pearce 5760 roearce (!j)az!eo. oov 18 Mesa
Tom Prezelski 3424 torezelski @azle2".2"ov 29 Tucson
Albert Tom 5862 atom@az!eI!:.l!:ov 2 Flagstaff
\v, &M
avs eans - as IUns Ictlon over tax co e an ou IC mance Issues.
Name Phone No. E-Mail District Cities
(602-926 )
Steve Yarbrough, Chair 5863 svarbrough (0) azlel!:.l!:ov 21 Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
Rick Murphy, Vice Chair 3255 rmurphv@azleg.gov 9 Glendale, Peoria, Surprise,
Y oungtown
Andy Biggs 4371 abig(Js@azle\!:.(Jov 22 Gilbert, Mesa, Apache Junction
Jack Brown 4129 ibrown@azleg.gov 5 Clifton, Duncan, Eagar, Globe,
Holbrook, Miami, Payson, Pima,
Pinetop-Lakeside, Safford, St.
Johns, Show Low, Snowflake,
Springerville, Star Valley, Taylor,
Thatcher, Winslow
Olivia Caiero Bedford 4392 obeclford@azle2".2"ov 27 Tucson
Rich Crandall 3020 rcrandall@azleQ".Q"ov 19 Apache Junction, Mesa
Adam Driggs 3016 adri (fOs@azleg.gov 11 Paradise Valley, Phoenix
Steve Farley 3022 sfarlev@azle2".l!:ov 28 Tucson
Ann Kirkpatrick 5160 akirkoatrick@azleg.gov 2 Flagstaff
Michele Reagan 5828 mrea (Jan @azlel!:.l!:ov 8 Scottsdale Fountain Hills
H . . d' .
d
d bI" fi
4
January 19, 2007
\-v.
ater & Af!riculture Has Jurisdiction over water an aQ"ncu ture Issues.
Name Phone No. E-Mail District Cities
(602-926 )
Lucy Mason, Chair 5874 lmason (0) azleg. gOY 1 Camp Verde, Chino Valley,
Clarkdale, Cottonwood,
Jerome, Prescott, Prescott
Vallev, Sedona, Williams
John Kavanagh, Vice Chair 5170 ikavanauh@azleg.goV 8 Scottsdale, Fountain Hills
Albert Tom 5862 atom@azleu."ov 2 Flagstaff
Jack Brown 4129 ibrown (q) azleg. gOY 5 Clifton, Duncan, Eagar, Globe,
Holbrook, Miami, Payson,
Pima, Pinetop-Lakeside,
Safford, St. Johns, Show Low,
Snowflake, Springerville, Star
Valley, Taylor, Thatcher,
Winslow
Jennifer Bums 5836 jbums@azleg.gov 25 Benson, Bisbee, Buckeye,
Douglas, Gila Bend, Huachuca
City, Marana, Nogales, Sierra
Vista, Tombstone, Willcox
Doug Clark 3018 dclark@azleu.,,()V 6 Phoenix
Trish Groe 5408 tgroe@azleg.gov 3 Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake
Havasu, Page
Lynne Pancrazi 3004 Inancrazi @azle".uov 24 Parker, Yuma
John Nelson 5872 inelson@azleg.gov 12 Glendale, Avondale, Litchfield,
Buckeye, Goodyear, EI Mirage,
Surprise, Luke AFB,
Y oungtown
Teresa Ulmer 3002 tulmer(g) azlep".p"ov 24 Parker Yuma
d
G
overnment - as uns IctIon over genera Q"ovemmenta Issues at ot testate an oca eve s.
Name Phone No. E-Mail District Cities
(602-926 )
Kirk Adams, Chair 5495 kadams (g) azleu. uov 19 Apache Junction, Mesa
Tom Boone, Vice-Chair 3297 tboone@azJeg.gov 4 Buckeye, Dewey-Humboldt,
Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise,
Wickenburg
Ray Bames 5503 rbames@azleg.gov 7 Carefree, Cave Creek, Phoenix,
Scottsdale
Rich Crandall 3020 rcrandall@azleu.uov 19 Aoache Junction, Mesa
Mark Desimone 3037 mclesimone@azleg.gov II Phoenix, Paradise Valley
Steve Farley 3022 sfarlev@azleg.uov 28 Tucson
Martha Garcia 5830 mgarcia@azleg.gov 13 Phoenix, Tolleson, Avondale,
Glendale
Warde Nichols 5168 wnichols@azleg.gov 21 Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek
Lena Saradnik 3398 Isaradnik@azlc".gov 26 Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson
Jim Weiers 4173 iweiers@azlc"-.Q"oy 10 Glcndale Phoenix
H J'd' .
I .
b h h
d I II
5
January 19, 2007
Senate Committees
Government - Similar to its House counterpart, Has Jurisdiction over general governmental issues at both the state
and local levels
Name Phone No. E-Mail District Cities
(602-926 )
Jack Harper, Chair 4178 iharper@azle!!.gov 4 Buckeye, Dewey-
Humboldt, Glendale,
Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise,
Wickenburg
Robert Biendu, Vice Chair 5955 rblendu (flJ azleg.gov 12 Avondale, Buckeye, El
Mirage, Glendale,
Goodyear, Litchfield Park,
Phoenix, Surprise
Meg Burton Cahill 4124 mbUltoncahill@azleu.gov 17 Scottsdale, Tempe
Jake Flake 5219 iIlake<!:i! azleg.gOV 5 Clifton, Duncan, Eagar,
Globe, Holbrook, Miami,
Payson, Pima, Pinetop-
Lakeside, Safford, St.
Johns, Show Low,
Snowflake, Springerville,
Star Valley, Taylor,
Thatcher, Winslow
Jorge Luis Garcia 4171 i \!arcia@azleu.uov 27 Tucson
Linda Gray 3376 19rav@azleo.oov 19 Apache Junction, Mesa
Charlene Pesquiera 4326 cpesquiera@azleg.gov 26 Marana, Oro Valley,
Tucson
Finance - Similar to the House Ways & Means committee, it has jurisdiction over the tax code and public finance
Issues.
Name Phone No. E-Mail District Cities
(602-926 )
Jim Waring, Chair 4916 iwaring@azleg.gov 7 Carefree, Cave Creek,
Phoenix, Scottsdale
Barbara Leff, Vice Chair 4486 bleff@azleg.gov 11 Phoenix, Paradise Valley
Robert Bums 5993 rburns@azleg.gov 9 Glendale, Peoria, Surprise,
Y oungtown
Ken Cheuvront 5325 kcheuvront@azleg,gov 15 Phoenix
Pamela Gorman 5284 ogorrnan @azleu.(Jov 6 Phoenix
Ron Gould 4138 rgou Id (ii) azleg, gOY 3 Bullhead City, Colorado City,
Fredonia, Kingman, Lake
Havasu City, Page, Parker,
Quartzsite
Debbie McCune Davis 4485 dmccunedav is@azleg.gov 14 Glendale, Phoenix
Richard Miranda 5911 rmi randa@azle!!.gov 13 Phoenix, Tolleson, Avondale,
Glendale
6
January 19, 2007
Natural Resources and Rural Affairs - Similar to House Water & Agriculture, it has jurisdiction over water,
a It did'
gncu ure an an Issues.
Name Phone No. E-Mail District Cities
(602-926 )
Jake Flake, Chair 5219 iflake@azleg.gov 5 Clifton, Duncan, Eagar, Globe,
Holbrook, Miami, Payson, Pima,
Pinetop-Lakeside, Safford, St.
Johns, Show Low, Snowflake,
Springerville, Star Valley,
Tavlor, Thatcher, Winslow
Chuck Gray, Vice Chair 5288 ciJrav@azleg.gov 19 Aoache Junction, Mesa
Marsha Arzberger 4321 marzberger@azleg.gov 25 Benson, Bisbee, Buckeye,
Douglas, Gila Bend, Huachuca
City, Marana, Nogales, Sierra
Vista, Tombstone, Willcox
Robert N. Blendu 5955 rblendu@azlel!.gov 12 Avondale, Buckeye, EI Mirage,
Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield
Park, Phoenix, Surprise
Albert A. Hale 5323 ahale@az1e".iJOV 2 Flagstaff
Karen S. Johnson 3160 kiohnson @azlel!.l!ov 18 Mesa
Leah Landrum Tavlor 3830 llandru mtavlor@azlel!.l!oy 16 Guadalune Phoenix
7
January 19,2007
League of Arizona
Cities AND Towns
IN THIS
ISSUE
Another Revenue Sharing
Attack ....................................... I
Fire Protection For
County Islands ......................... I
Sales Tax Holiday
Proposed .................................. I
From HURF To STAN? .......... 2
New Urban Revenue
Sharing Proposal...................... 2
Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) ............... 2
Meeting With Liquor
Department .............................. 2
Latest On DUI Bills ................. 3
Impact Fees .............................. 3
Website Posting - HB2208 ...... 3
Who Put This Chip
In My Seal? ............................. 3
Blue Stake ................................ 3
Construction Sales Tax
Restrictions .............................. 3
Liquor Omnibus Bill ................ 4
The Weekly Spotlight .............. 4
Reception At The Capitol........ 4
Legislative Bulletin is published by the
League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
Forward your comments or suggestions
to:
League of Arizona Cities & Towns
1820 West Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
Issue 4, January 26, 2007
ANOTHER REVENUE SHARING ATTACK
Senator Bob Bums continues his annual assault on revenue sharing. This year he
proposes a tax credit (equal to 15 percent of their income tax liability) for county
residents. The aggregate amount of the credits would come from the urban revenue
sharing fund.
Setting aside the fiscal impact to cities and towns, the bill has no real merit. Does
Senator Bums suggest that county residents do not benefit from strong cities? Don't
county residents use city roads, shopping centers, gas stations and other vital
infrastructure? And, didn't the voters establish shared revenue at the ballot box?
Once this bill is scheduled for a hearing, we will be asking you to weigh in with your
disapproval of this farcical exercise.
FIRE PROTECTION FOR COUNTY ISLANDS
After much work drafting and re-drafting language, a bill has finally emerged that
allows noncontiguous county islands to form fire districts. Senator Jay Tibshraeny
will sponsor the League's bill.
Recall that last year the Legislature passed (and the Governor signed) a mandate for
certain cities to provide fire service to county islands. Rather than face another
potential mandate, League staff and many cities took the initiative to solve the
problem outright once and for all. We are now meeting with additional stakeholders
on this issue.
SALES TAX HOLIDAY PROPOSED
Senate Bill 1147 recently passed out of the Senate Finance Committee that
essentially gives shoppers a tax break for certain clothes, computers and school
supplies during the first week of August. The intent is to help families with a small
tax break for back-to-school items. The initial legislation also contained substantial
provisions holding cities, towns and counties harmless from the revenue impact.
Sales Tax Holidav Proposed cont'd.
Unfortunately the hold-harmless provisions did not
survive the Finance Committee. Now cities and towns
will have to bear the economic burden of lost revenue
from this proposal, even though it only provides a
very small tax break for shoppers. On top of the fiscal
impact, many cities that levy and collect their own
sales taxes have serious problems adjusting their tax
computers for such a narrow exemption. Therefore,
we will oppose this bill in its current form.
FROM HURF TO STAN?
This week the House Transportation Committee heard
a bill that transfers $62 million from the Arizona
Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) and $35
million from the State Highway Fund to the Statewide
Transportation Accelerated Needs Fund (STAN).
Many cities expressed serious concern at this because
it raids the HURF fund. Additionally, with the way
STAN monies are distributed, many rural cities would
lose out because they do not benefit as much from
STAN as Maricopa County cities do.
The bill's sponsor indicated that the bill was a
political message that HURF monies are meant for
roads and should not be diverted to other purposes.
As long as HURF funds are used for roads, the
sponsor will not push the bill. The League supports
the concept of using HURF monies solely for roads.
NEW URBAN REVENUE SHARING
PROPOSAL
We are deeply concerned about a new bill (Senate
Bill 1334) because it creates two classes of cities for
revenue sharing purposes. Cities and towns with
populations less than 100,000 persons would receive
their 15 percent revenue sharing amount, but
calculated before the 2005-2006 tax cuts went into
effect. Cities with populations greater than 100,000
persons receive their 15 percent from the post-tax cut
pool.
Our policy has always been clear on this: the cities
stand together. We will not accept any measure that
effectively divides us on revenue sharing. We are
communicating with the sponsors of this bill to
ascertain their intent and see if there are options to
work from there, but we will remain adamantly
opposed to a dual class of cities concept.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
The Community Development Block Grant Program
has been an essential part of Arizona's economic
success. The program allows for viable communities
to have decent affordable housing, suitable living
environments and expanding economic opportunities.
It is a wise long term investment for many Arizona
communities. The continued funding of this program
is a key League resolution this year.
House Concurrent Memorial 2002 urges Congress to
fully fund CDBG, and will be heard in the House
Counties, Municipalities and Military Affairs
(CMMA) Committee on Tuesday, January 30th at
1 :30 p.m. Representative John Nelson agreed to
sponsor the measure. Please contact your legislators
and the members of the Committee to tell them how
important this program has been to your city or town.
We included a table with the Committee contact
information in last week's Bulletin. If you need
assistance in reaching your representatives please
contact League staff at 602-258-5786 and we would
be happy to assist you.
MEETING WITH LIQUOR
DEPARTMENT
League staff met with the new Director of the
Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, Mr. Jerry
Oliver, members of his staff and the liaison to the
Liquor Board. During the meeting we shared the
cities' concerns regarding licensing questionable
applicants, the cities' role during the license review
process and the Department's relationship with the
Board.
Director Oliver wanted the CItIes to understand the
Department and the Board are separate entities. The
Department also struggles with some of the Board's
decisions and can relate to the cities' concerns.
Director Oliver also asked for the cities' support as he
ramps up the enforcement capabilities of the
Department, a key resolution from the cities this year.
We expressed our willingness to work with him on
this.
League staff will also arrange to meet with the
Chairman of the Liquor Board to discuss cities'
concerns about the licensure appeals process.
2
January 26, 2007
LATEST ON nUl BILLS
Senate Bill 1026 (extreme DUI; sentence) was on the
Committee of the Whole (COW) calendar on January
25, 2007. As a reminder, COW is the part of the
legislative process where any member of the chamber
can amend any bill, even if that member was not on
the committee that heard the bill. Senator Garcia was
able to get an amendment on SB 1026 that allows
judges to suspend 20 days of the sentence if the
person completes a 30 consecutive day residential
treatment program. If the person fails to complete that
program the judge can then order the person to serve
the full sentence.
Separately, Senate Bill 1029 (DUI; 0.20 concentration
enhancement) was on the Consent Calendar on
January 22 and passed without objection. It should go
to Third Read next week.
IMPACT FEES
Senate President Tim Bee and Representative Marian
McClure co-sponsored our impact fees bill this week,
which is Senate Bill 1423. The bill was officially
introduced late this week and has yet to be assigned to
a committee. Our working group will continue
meeting with the other stakeholders to discuss any
other concerns with the bill. We will keep you posted
as it moves forward.
WEBSITE POSTING - HB2208
The League's bill that delays the posting requirement
for board, commission and subcommittee actions to
10 days, passed out of the House Government
Committee with a 10-0 vote on Wednesday. The
committee chairman, Representative Kirk Adams, is
the sponsor of the bill and did an excellent job of
explaining the bill's merits in the meeting. We will be
asking you to contact your legislators to support this
bill as it moves throughout the process.
WHO PUT THIS CHIP IN MY SEAL?
During the week, Representative John Nelson called a
meeting with the League, the County Supervisors
Association (CSA) and the Arizona General
Contractors (AGe) to continue negotiations on
potential Title 34 language. The meeting provided an
opportunity for all sides to discuss our issues and
present our own language regarding the possible
changes. The meeting concluded with Representative
Nelson asking if each party would be willing to forego
legislation and do a MOU (memo of understanding )
that would focus just on a threshold amount for surface
treatments, specifically chip sealing.
League staff has met with the city and town Title 34
working group to come up with possible MOU
language. It is our goal to work this issue out with the
AGC without having to go to legislation. Our next
meeting with AGC, CSA and Representative Nelson is
next week. Staff will inform you of our next steps
following that meeting. If you would like to be added
to the Title 34 working group emaillist, please contact
Matt Lore with League staff at mlore@azleague.org.
BLUE STAKE
Once again, the issue of marking sewer laterals is an
important issue for this legislative session. The
League, several cities, Pima County, Southwest Gas
and the underground contractors association have been
meeting with Representative John Nelson to discuss the
issue and possible solutions. We are holding weekly
meetings on this issue and are encouraging more
participation from cities and towns. If you would like
to participate, either in person or via conference call,
please contact Cheyenne with League staff at
cwalsh@azleague.org.
CONSTRUCTION SALES TAX
RESTRICTIONS
Senators Pamela Gorman, Bob Bums and Ron Gould
introduced Senate Bill 1366 late this week. This bill is
similar to the language from last year's impact fees bill
that restricts the use of "discriminatory" construction
sales tax revenues. The bill prohibits a construction
sales tax rate that is higher than the rate imposed on the
majority of your sales tax classifications, unless entire
amount of construction sales tax is dedicated to
infrastructure for new development.
We will also be working with the affected cities and
towns to determine the impact and decide how to
proceed.
3
January 26, 2007
LIQUOR OMNIBUS BILL
House Bill 2391, appropriately named the liquor
omnibus bill, contains 21 pages of changes to Title 4,
which regulates liquor. There are many provisions in
this bill that will have a negative impact on our
communities and our ability to regulate liquor
establishments. The major concerns are that the bill:
. exempts a licensee from liability and grants
the licensee civil and criminal liability if a
doorman allows under- age persons into the
establishment. Currently, the licensee is
responsible for the actions of his employees
and as such will be more inclined to ensure
the employee is following the law.
. removes the limit to the number of 'modified
restaurant licenses' that can be issued by the
department from 15 per year for two fiscal
years to 15 per year indefinitely. These
licenses were created by last year's "grill bill"
and were opposed by the League and many
neighborhood associations.
. requires the party that challenges the results of
a restaurant audit and loses to pay the full
costs of the challenge or appeal.
. creates a loop-hole that the licensee does not
have to abide by Liquor Department or
municipal rules if the licensee determines that
compliance with those rules interferes with
their ability to check ID's at the door.
The House Commerce Committee will hear the bill on
Wednesday, January 31st at 9:00 am. The League
will be expressing our concern with the sponsor of the
bill and the other stakeholders. We may be calling on
you in the near future to express you concerns as this
bill moves forward.
If you have any questions regarding any of these
measures, do not hesitate to contact League staff at
602-258-5786.
THE WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT
This is a new feature of our Bulletin, as
we want to feature legislators who have
been supportive of the League. For our
first edition, we chose Representative
John Nelson (R-12). Mr. Nelson is a
veteran, engineer, former city council
member and mayor. He and Monica, his wife, have
three children and six grandchildren. A champion for
Cities and towns on many occasions, Representative
Nelson graciously agreed to be our first interview.
How do you see local government impacting people's
lives?
"Local government has a direct impact on all citizens,
rich or poor, with respect to their quality of life in
services offered - police, fire, sanitation, etc."
What issues do you see as particularly important to
local government this session?
"Barring [i.e. after] shared revenues - transportation
and air quality."
Tell us something about your family and favorite things
to do with your children and grandchildren.
"Holiday and family get-togethers. Our children are
grown and our grandchildren range from 16 to 24 years
of age."
What is your favorite vacation spot?
"The Midwest to visit family."
What are your favorite hobbies?
"Shooting/target practice and physical fitness."
Thank you for your time.
"You are most welcome."
RECEPTION AT THE CAPITOL
The League of Arizona Cities and Towns is hosting a
social reception for city and town officials and state
legislators.
This is a great opportunity for city and town elected
and appointed officials as well as senior staff members
to meet with State legislators and fellow city and town
officials.
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday January 31, 2007
4:30 to 6:00 pm
Rose Garden at the State Capitol
(Just west of the House member's parking
lot)
You may park at the League building and
walk to the reception.
Parking:
If you can attend, please RSVP by Friday, January 26th
by calling Marisa Hoskins at (602) 258-5786 or
emailing her at mhoskins@azleague.org.
4
January 26, 2007
Come Early To Meet With Your Delegates
We encourage you to arrive earlier in the afternoon to
meet with your legislators. We suggest you contact
your legislators ahead of time to set up an individual
meeting. League staff will be happy to help you set
this meeting up. If you are able to meet with your
delegates, please inform League staff of your
appointment.
The League will have snacks and beverages available
throughout the day for those who are coming early to
meet with delegates.
5
January 26, 2007