Legislation Details

File #: HIST-10639    Version: 1 Subject:
Type: Historical Status: Consent Agenda
In control: City Council Meeting Agenda
On agenda: 2/23/2009 Final action: 2/23/2009
Title: League of California Cities Priority Focus Editions #5 dated February 6, 2009 and #6 dated February 13, 2009.
Attachments: 1. League of California Cities Priority Focus Edition - Priority Focus Issue #5-2009 February 6, 2009.pdf, 2. League of California Cities Priority Focus Edition - Priority Focus Issue #6-2009 February 13, 2009.pdf
IN THIS ISSUE: February 6, 2009 Issue #5-2009 Page 3: Comments Regarding the New IRS Withholding Requirements Are Due By March 5, 2009 Page 4: The State Announces Riverside as an 'Emerald City' Page 5: 2009 League of California Cities Planners Institute, March 25 — 27 Page 6: Register Now! Green CA Summit, March 16— 18, 2009 Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff US SENATE CONTINUES DEBATE ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT FEDERAL AGENCIES GEAR UP TO PROCESS FUNDS The United States Senate continues to debate the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The stimulus package, which has grown to nearly $940 billion, drew opposition from moderates this week. Unlike the House, the Senate will not have enough votes to pass the package without some Republican support. Democratic moderates indicated late Thursday that they were close to a deal that would decrease the price tag of the package and gamer support from enough Republicans to pass the legislation. For more, see Page 2. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVES TESTIFY IN LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS LOCAL BUDGET CONDITIONS AND TRANSPORTATION FUNDING ISSUES League representatives testified Wednesday at two separate legislative informational hearings, one reviewing local government finance held jointly by the Assembly Local Government Committee and the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration, the other on state transportation funding held by the Assembly Transportation Committee. For more, see Page 2. •••••••••60000111111000000000111111••••••••• SENATE PRESIDENT INDICATES BUDGET VOTE MAY BE NEAR State Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg was reported yesterday as saying that both the Assembly and Senate would meet sometime next week to vote on a budget, even as he cautioned that no final agreements on a budget deal had been reached. For more, see Page 3.'Economy' Continued from Page 1... Majority Leader Harry Reid expressed cautious optimism that the Senate vote will happen later today, with a firm deadline of Sunday. Once the Senate passes the bill, it will go to the conference committee where a small committee will reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions. House and Senate leadership are still hopeful that they will send the final bill to the President by the end of next week. Federal Transportation Agencies Release Online Guides In the meantime, federal agencies are gearing up to process and distribute the funds quickly. This week, the Department of Transportation announced that it created a team to oversee transportation infrastructure spending in the economic stimulus package. The team will work to make funds available quickly, craft reporting standards for accurate monitoring, and ensure that all transparency and accountability standards are met Transportation agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), have already posted online guides on how to speed the pace of transportation spending. The FHWA spending guidance is available at http://wvvw.fhwa.dotgovieconomicrecoverylinclex.htm. FTA's guidance can be found at hetpilwww.fta.dot.cioviindex 9118.html. 'Hearings' Continued from Page 1... League First Vice President Ken Cooley, vice mayor of the city of Rancho Cordova, provided the lead testimony for the League detailing the many difficult budget conditions that cities are facing across the state. Cooley was joined on a panel of city officials by Scott Nassif, president of the League's Desert Mountain Division and mayor pro tern of the town of Apple Valley, and Tony Santos, mayor, city of San Leandro. Also attending the hearing to provide a brief overview for new committee members on the basics of city and county finance was League fiscal policy advisor Michael Coleman. Cooley and the other city representatives detailed the service cuts and layoffs cities are making to cope with the economic downturn, and highlighted the importance in protecting local funding for services and infrastructure. Two witnesses also appeared on behalf of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) to deliver remarks. The committee members, led by Assembly Member Anna Caballero (D-28, Salinas), chair of the Local Government Committee and Assembly Member Juan Ararnbula (D-31 ,Fresno), chair of the Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration, asked questions and relayed their concerns about local budget conditions. They also asked the city and county representatives for their suggestions to help alleviate cities' fiscal difficulties and ways to stimulate local economies. In response, Cooley said that having the state adopt a budget quickly that addressed the state's deficit without taking more local revenue that would compound local budget difficulties was the most important step. Cooley also advocated for the expedited release of the infrastructure bond funds, protecting funding for redevelopment agencies, and not passing any new mandates on local government, including those that expected locals to recover their costs by levying additional fees. These themes were echoed by other witnesses. Nassif also shared several ideas from cities in the League's Desert Mountain Division, which included having transportation projects selected at the county level rather than by the California Department of Transportation and temporarily suspending the costs associated with AB 32 and SB 375. Santos advocated for restoring the Vehicle License Fee. The hearing ended on a positive note with committee members stating their appreciation for the discussion and looking forward to working with the League and CSAC on measures which could relieve costs and limit additional mandates on local government At the Assembly Transportation Committee hearing, Wayne Lewis, assistant Public Works director for the city of Fairfield represented the League. Lewis shared with the committee, chaired by Assembly Member Mike Eng (D-49 Monterey Park), the many challenges cities face when there is no predictable funding for transportation. The committee discussed the need for a permanent, protected funding source for maintenance for highways and local streets and roads. Several of the new committee members expressed their support and appreciation for what cities are doing to adjust during these difficult fiscal times. The committee members also stated their interest in receiving suggestions from cities on speeding up project delivery. 2'Budget' Continued from Page 1- The announcement was welcomed by most Capitol-watchers, even as a state of high anxiety continues over the extent of program cuts and whether revenue increases could be structured to win the two-thirds needed for passage. The "Big Five" budget discussions did occur this week, but little or no information about the details of a budget package had emerged. The League and cities continue to reiterate to legislators the importance of the state solving its budget problems without borrowing, shifting or taking local revenues. (See "League Testifies at Legislative Budget and Transportation Hearing", p. 1.) Comments Regarding the New IRS Withholding Requirements Are Due By March 5, 2009 Cities that enter into large contracts for services or property have until March 5, to comment on new tax withholding requirements being drafted by the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The regulations will implement provisions of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (TIPRA), passed in 2005. TIPRA's Subsection (3402(t)) requires any local government that pays $100 million or more in a calendar year to persons providing property or services to the government, including individuals, trusts, estates, partnerships, associations, and corporations, will be required to withhold 3 percent federal income tax. If the local government fails to withhold the tax required, it becomes liable for the payment of the tax. Withholding is required at the time of payment, and applies to all payments in any form (cash, check, credit card or payment card) with the exceptions listed below. The provisions will go into effect beginning Dec. 31, 2010. TIPRA is most commonly remembered for extending the reduced tax rates on capital gains and dividends, and reducing the alternative minimum tax requirements. The requirement does not apply to payments under contracts signed prior to Dec. 31, 2010. Cities should note the following exceptions from the withholding requirement: 1. Payments otherwise subject to withholding, such as wages. 2. Payments for retirement benefits, unemployment compensation, or social security. 3. Payments subject to backup withholding, if the required backup withholding is actually performed. 4. Payments for real property. 5. Payments of interest. 6. Payments to other government entities, foreign governments, tax exempt organizations, or Indian tribes. 7. Payments made under confidential or classified contracts, as described in IRC 6050M(e)(3). 8. Payments made by a political subdivision of a state, or instrumentalities of a political subdivision of a state that make annual payments for property or services of less than $100 million. 9. Public assistance payments made on the basis of need or income. However, assistance programs based solely on age, such as Medicare, are subject to the requirements. 10. Payments to employees in connection with service, such as retirement plan contributions, fringe benefits, and expense reimbursements under an accountable plan. 11. Payments received by nonresident aliens and foreign corporations. 12. Payments made by Indian tribal governments. 13. Payments in emergency or disaster situations. 3To submit comments electronically or request a public hearing, go to www.requiations.gov and search for (IRS REG-158747-06). The State Announces Riverside as an 'Emerald City' On Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the city council evening session in Riverside, the state designated the city of Riverside as an "Emerald City." This recognition is for sustainable green initiatives and a commitment to help the state achieve multiple state environmental priorities. The California Department of Conservation (DOC) recently announced that Riverside will be the first city in the state to be designated an "Emerald City" in its Emerald Cities Pilot Project. Bridgett Luther, director of the Department of Conservation "We chose Riverside because of presents Ron Loveridge, mayor of Riverside with a extraordinary efforts in sustainable proclamation, designating the city of Riverside as an "Emerald City." Photo by, Michael J. Eldennan activ it ie s in many environmental areas, including renewable energy," said Bridgeff Luther, director of the California Department of Conservation. "At the end of the pilot, DOC will create an implementation 'road map' to help cities move toward a more sustainable future. It will help California cities achieve what Riverside is already close to achieving." According to state officials, Riverside will be one of two cities in the pilot project that will gauge their sustainable land uses and development principles; energy conservation and efficiency; water conservation and quality; environmental health of citizens; air quality; and waste reduction and recycling rates. The city of Tracy in Central California is the other city. "This didn't happen by accident," said Riverside Mayor Ronald Loveridge. "Our Green Action Plan was not created to sit on a shelf for show; it's a real-world guideline for our environmental future. It brings government, businesses and the community together to achieve a cleaner, greener Riverside." Every city department has had a hand in the Emerald City claim, said Riverside's Sustainability Officer Mike Bacich. "Riverside Public Utilities, Public Works, Parks, General Services — to name a few — have worked together to get Riverside to this point," he said. "We are all working on this together." Luther formally invited the city to participate in the programs at a council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3. She said that recycling programs often serve as "the gateway to green" for many cities and encouraged Riverside to take its citywide recycling program to the next level. "California is where movements like this start at the citizen level," Luther said in the packed council chambers, which included dozens of local students and environmental activists. "It is all coming together because green is our future. Cities that embrace sustainability will be the places where people want to come to and live." Part of the Emerald City program will include building a "best practices book," making more information available to cities and counties via the Web and creating a 'green toolbox' for government agencies that want to do more with sustainability, Luther said. She also expects Riverside officials to help her agency identify barriers to going green, including cost burdens, regulatory roadblocks and a lack of communication between state agencies. "I think this is going to be the state's finest hour," Luther said. "We are going to go great places together." 4Riverside officials said they were pleased that Luther had recognized their efforts and they pledged to work with the state to further sustainability in California. it shows that we are doing more than just talking about going green," Riverside Council Member Frank Schiavone said. "We're actually doing something about it." Luther's visit coincided with an update the same night of the city's progress in carrying out of the goals of its Clean and Green Sustainable Riverside Action Plan. The plan is divided into seven categories encompassing such topics as energy, greenhouse gas emissions, waste reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation and water. Of the plan's 38 action items, 34 are either completed or on target, and the remaining four items have been updated for further completion. "Riverside has come a long way," said Tim Maloney, a local landscape architect and member of a group of citizens that provides input on the plan. Established in 1895, Riverside Public Utilities is a consumer-owned water and electric utility governed by a Board of nine community volunteers that provides high quality, reliable services to over 106,000 metered electric customers and 63,400 metered water customers throughout the city of Riverside. The utility is committed to increased use of renewable energy resources and sustainable living practices that help reduce environmental impacts within the city of Riverside and the state of California. For more information on our green events, go to: www.greenriverside.com . 2009 League of California Cities Planners Institute, March 25 –27 Don't miss out on this year's Planners Institute, filled with educational sessions designed to meet the priorities of planning professionals, as well as invaluable strategy sessions and networking opportunities. The Institute will be held on March 25-27 in Anaheim at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. You will want to attend if you are a: Planning Director, Redevelopment Director, Planning Commissioner, Planning Staff, Community Development Director, Mayor or Council Member. Mark your calendar to come see Keynote Speaker Van Jones, the Founder/CEO of Green For All in Oakland. Jones testified before Congress at a hearing on Jan. 15 focused on creating jobs and stimulating the economy through renewable energy and energy efficiency. Jones' testimony can be read at http://www.greenforall.orgiblogicgeen-for-all-testifies-before-conciress-cireen-the- stimulus-and-create-a-clean-enerciy-coms #testimony-before-the-select. Below are featured workshops you won't want to miss! • California Environmental Quality Act 101 (CEQA Basics) • Preparing and Adopting Effective General Plans • Using Prop 1C and Other State Funds to Achieve Housing Element Goals • Urban Design: What Cities Can Do for You and What You Can Do for Your City • Group Homes vs. The Neighborhood — Can They Get Along? • Planning Cities for a New Era • SB 375 — the Intersection of Climate Change, Land Use and Transportation • Housing Elements and Housing Laws: What Every Commissioner Should Know • Development Blueprint: A Look at Mixed-Use in Downtown Anaheim • Practical Solutions for Production of Affordable Workforce Housing • Using Performance Measurement to Deliver Efficient, Quality Development Review Services • Best Practices in Local Affordable Multi-family Housing Preservation Strategies • Bridging the Gap: City Planning and Available Water Supplies 5Register online today at www.cacities.orgievents. The registration and housing deadline is Tuesday, March 3. You must first register online before you will be sent the link to reserve hotel nights. The Anaheim Marriott Hotel & Convention Center has lowered their housing price from $189 to $169 (plus applicable state & local taxes per room night). If you have already registered for the hotel, they will honor the lower price. Register Now! Green CA Summit, March 16— 18, 2009 Register now to attend the 3rd Annual Green California Summit, to be held March 16 — 18, 2009, at the Sacramento Convention Center. You will gain insights that can help you conserve and cut costs. The summit will provide information, training and resources that will increase understanding of current environmental pressures and challenges and that will support the efforts of both the government and private sectors to respond to these pressures in an efficient and economically sustainable manner. The summit offers six pre-conference workshops and 18 concurrent breakout sessions. The pre- conference workshops are full-day (six-hour) sessions that will allow for in-depth exploration of topics relevant to various aspects of green government. Pre-conference topics will cover Buying Green, Green Fleets, Financing Renewable Energy Projects, LEED Project Management, Green O&M and AB 32 Tool Kit for Local Government. Concurrent sessions will be 75 minutes in length and feature ideas on transportation, energy, green building, green basics and climate change. Discover hundreds of green products and services all in one place - talk to experts and get intensive, hands-on education that's not available anywhere else! Free registration is offered to attend the keynote speaker sessions and expo floor. Special group rates are available for teams of four or more. For questions please contact Cindy Dangberg at (916) 838-3339 or cdangbercagreen- techndogy.org . For more information please visit the Green Technology Summit Web site at http://www.green-technology.org/gcsummitiattendees.htm. Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff Visit (and bookmark!) the League's Legislative Resources Web page (mvvv.cacities.orgilegresources). You'll find a roster and contact information for the League's legislative staff; the online Bill Search program, background materials on lobbying your legislators, and more.|1013| IN THIS ISSUE: Page 3: AB 32 Implementation Update Page 5: GCS Fiscal Reform Task Force Holds First Meeting Page 6: Speed Limit Setting Hearing Scheduled For Feb. 24 PPIC Survey Concerning the Economic Climate for Cities Page 7: 2009 Employee Relations Institute: Passport to Tomorrow, March 12-13 2009 League of California Cities Planners Institute - March 25-27 Page 8: City Managers' Department Present Top Awards in Field Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff February 13, 2009 Issue #6-2009 STATE BUDGET AGREEMENT APPEARS NEAR VOTE A state budget deal appears close, and is anticipated to come up for vote in both houses this weekend. Details are sketchy, as the bills comprising the budget are still being written. And the deal being discussed could unravel if legislators balk at casting the two-thirds vote necessary in each house for passage. So far information the League has obtained indicates that the final package leaves cities' revenues largely intact, which is very important given the many budget difficulties at the local level. For more, see Page 2. AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT UPDATE Bill to Be Sent to President this Weekend This week, the United States Senate passed their version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The $828 billion package passed with a vote of 61-39 after Democratic leaders worked with a small group of moderate Republican members to amend the bill enough to win some republican votes. For more, see Page 2. STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD HOLDING WEBCAST ON FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDS The State Water Resources Control Board will be holding an Economic Recovery Workshop webcast on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 1-3 p.m. to discuss potential funding from the federal stimulus for the California Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The webcast will focus on how applicants can prepare for funding and how to apply for the funds. According to CWSRF, fund priorities will be focused on "shovel-ready" projects that will create jobs immediately. For more, see Page 3.'Budget' Continued from Page 1... Preliminary information indicates that the state budget package will not suspend Proposition 1A protections for local property and sales tax, nor will it shift or borrow additional funds from redevelopment agencies. Furthermore, it will preserve local public safety funds (COPS, juvenile justice and booking fees), providing the same allocations as occurred in the 2008-09 budget. Key elements of the budget package have been widely reported in the press. The $41.6 billion package is designed to resolve the state's deficit problems for the current and upcoming fiscal years. It consists of $15.8 billion in cuts, $14.3 billion in tax increases, $10.9 billion in borrowing (lottery and revenue anticipation warrants). If California gets $10 billion in federal stimulus money, cuts would drop by $1.2 billion, tax increases by $1.8 billion, and borrowing by $5.5 billion. This is not a pleasant state budget by any standard. The budget cuts are deep and painful, particularly coming on top of deep cuts made in February 2008, and in the 2008-09 budget adopted last September. Key cuts include $5 billion for K-12 education (less than Proposition 98 requires); 10 percent for UC and CSU; 10 percent for the Corrections Department's medical budget; and elimination of cost-of-living increases for CALWorks and SSI-SSP recipients. The budget eliminates two paid holidays for state workers, and continues the Governor's policy of requiring state workers to take two unpaid furlough days each month. (The final number of furlough days is still subject to negotiation.) The budget also eliminates funding for local public transit agencies. New Revenues Tied to Budget Reform. The package includes tax increases that would be in place for two years, and an additional one to three years if a state spending restriction measure is approved on the ballot. These consist of a 1 cent on the dollar increase in sales tax; increasing vehicle license fees from current 0.65 percent of vehicle value to 1.15 percent; and increasing gasoline taxes by 12 cents a gallon with proceeds dedicated to paying off transportation bonds. A new 2.5 percent surcharge on tax liability would be imposed on the income tax, increasing to 5 percent if federal stimulus assistance to California is less than $10 billion. The package also reduces tax credit for dependents from $309 to $99. The package borrows tax revenues from Proposition 63 (tax on millionaires for mental health services) and Proposition 10 (tobacco tax for early childhood education program championed by then-actor Arnold Schwarzenegger). Ultimately, Voters Have the Final Word. Voters would have to approve all the budget actions that involve changes in programs established by voter-passed measures. These include borrowing from the lottery, reducing school funding required by Prop. 98 and taking funds from Prop. 10 and Prop. 63. Voters would also have to approve the proposed new spending cap. The League will continue to gather information and a complete analysis and summary of the budget will be released as the detafis become available. 'Recovery Act' Continued from Page 1... Even before the Senate bill was approved, the White House met with Conference Committee members to begin working out the differences between the Senate and House versions. Late Wednesday it was announced that the Conference Committee had agreed to a $790 billion recovery package. Final votes are expected to take place in the House today followed by the Senate on Saturday. The President is expected to sign the bill on Monday. Cities Need to be Working with Their Regional Transportation Agencies The final legislation includes $29 billion for improvements to roads and bridges. While the specific breakdown of funding has not been announced, we do know that the funding will flow through metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). Cities and counties will not receive a direct allocation. As such, it is very important that cities are working with their MPO to secure funding from the regional share. 2League Members Act to Save Neighborhood Stabilization Account On Monday, the League learned that the amendments agreed to in the Senate eliminated funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Fund (Fund), which cities use to address local foreclosure problems. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-35) circulated a "Dear Colleague" letter sharing and encouraging the Conference Committee to keep the $4.19 billion for the Fund in the final version of the bill that will be sent to the President. After action from California cities, an additional five California members signed onto the letter, and $2 billion was restored to the Fund in Conference Committee. California Congressman Suggests Partnering With Schools and Counties On Thursday, the Monterey Division of the League received a briefing on the Economic Stimulus Package via conference call with Rep_ Sam Farr (D-17). On the call, Rep. Farr stressed the importance that cities do everything in their power to bring as much stimulus money to their region as possible. He suggested that this was the time to put all differences aside and work with other government partners, such as schools and counties, to access every dollar that California can use. The League is continuing to follow the developments of the ARRA closely, and will continue to release information as soon as it is available. Please visit our Economic Stimulus Updates Web page (ttp://www.cacities.orcilindex.jsp?displaytype=11 &story=27580) for further information. 71/ebcasr Continued from Page 1... The CWSRF Program provides low-interest loans and other financing mechanisms for construction of publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities, local sewers, sewer interceptors, water recycling facilities, storm water treatment facilities, as well as, expanded use projects such as implementation of nonpoint source (N PS) projects or programs, and development and implementation of estuary Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs). CWSRF will potentially receive several hundred million dollars from the pending federal Economic Stimulus Package. This webcast is to give potential applicants information on applying and receiving funding from the CWSRF. To access the webcast, go to: www.calepaca,govibroadcasV and select the video icon for the SWRCB meeting. The link that goes directly to the meeting will not be added until 15 minutes prior to the start of the workshop. To submit questions for the workshop, e-mail CleanWaterSRFwaterboards.ca.gov . Questions will also be accepted during the webcast. In the subject line of your e-mail, indicate your question is for the Webcast Workshop. Your system will need to have the following video webcasting system requirements: • Internet Explorer 4.1+ or Netscape 4.x+ Web browser • Microsoft Windows Media Player client software • ISDN, DSL, Ti, cable modem or high-speed network connection • Sound card For further information, please go to: www,swrcilcaciov or call Kyra Ross, legislative representative for the League of California Cities at (916) 658-8200. AB 32 Implementation Update Editor's Note: On Jan. 30, we ran a story on AB 32 Implementation. Since then, we have received a number of questions which prompted us to further clarify our original remarks. Therefore we have revised and updated the story. With the passage of the AB 32 Scoping Plan by the California State Air Resources Board (ARB) in December, 2008 (see "Air Board Adopts Climate Change Scoping Plan"— Priority Focus, Dec. 312, 2008): we now begin the two-year process to implement the proposals outlined in the plan. On Jan. 29, the ARB provided an updated timeline of those ideas for 2009 and beyond. In 2009 and 2010, the focus of the climate change work at the ARB and other state agencies will be to adopt regulations implementing the Scoping Plan. ARB plans to continue to use their formal structure of public workshops, draft regulations and formal comment periods for these regulations. Under existing law, the regulations developed in the next two years, will go into effect no later than Jan. 1, 2012. The key requirements for any regulations developed in this process must meet the following: • Use open public process for new regulations • Minimize costs and maximize benefits • Protect low-income communities • Complement existing smog and air toxics programs • Minimize greenhouse gas emission leakage and administrative burdens The measures listed below are contained within the ARB Scoping Plan and have either been adopted by the ARB or are expected to go before the ARB for adoption in 2009 or 2010. It is important to note that with the exception of city operated landfills (landfill methane control); the measures listed below are not local government mandates. Instead, they are listed here because they are likely to apply to any type of building or facility (including those owned by a city) or raise issues that may affect local decision-making. .7A11:32:Sdeping Scoping Plan Measure • • •••• •••••••• -•,...,•-•,•••••-••••••• PI trIMpleinentatiorfMeaSures •••••••••••••••—•-•-•-:•• Responsible Lead State Agency Projected Date Measure to be Adopted by Lead Agency Projected Implementation Date Million Tons of GhG Reduction s by 2020 Type of Action (Regulation, Voluntary, etc) Proposal and Link to Regulations Pavley tailpipe emissions (AB 1493) ARB September 2004 2009-2016 27.7 Regulation Requires auto manufacturers to reduce emissions from passenger vehicles starting in 2009. wwv,r.arli.ca .govicci=stans.111. rn Ship Electrification at Ports** ARB December 2007 2010 0.2 Regulation Requires fleet operators to reduce at-berth emissions from vessels' engines at every California Port by 80 percent by 2020. vvww a rb.caAjoviportsishoreooweri * •IgT.p9ty.. .-...r.1.1tri Tire Pressure Program** ARB March 2009 2010 0.1 Regulation Would require automotive repair dealers to perform a tire check and inflate service as part of every maintenance or repair service. www.arb,ca.goviccitire- pr.euTit-pressure.htm Low Carbon Fuel Standard** ARB April 2009 2010 15 Regulation Would require fuel providers in California to ensure that the mix of fuel they sell into the California market meets low carbon standards. www.arlica.govifuelslicfsilds.htm Landfill Methane Control** ARB April 2009 2012 1 Regulation Would require landfills in California that have accepted waste since 1977 to meet requirements for control of methane emissions. mvw.arb.ca .govi iiandfilisliancifill s.htni 4AB 32 Scoping Plan implementation Measures (continued) Scoping Plan Measure Responsible Lead State Agency Projected Date Measure to be Adopted by Lead Agency Projected Implementation Date Million Tons of GhG Reduction s by 2020 Type of Action (Regulation, Voluntary, etc) Proposal and Link to Regulations Stationary Equipment Refrigeration Management ARB May 2009 2010 11 Regulation Would require facilities that own or operate stationary refrigeration or air conditioning systems with high GWP refrigerants of 50 lbs or more to monitor leakage of systems. ww,m.ath.c.a.wviccireftrackireftrac k.htnA Green Buildings DOS, ARB, CEC, CPUC, HCD Ongoing unknown 26 NA Includes update to state green building standard through the state building standards commission tittmilyAvw.bsc.c.a. govip rpsd si.dsi defaidt.htm Commercial Recycling CIWMB 2010 unknown 5 Regulation Would require businesses that generate solid waste to recycle that waste. www.ciwrnb.ca.ac.wictrnateiRecycli agiqerault.htai Regional Transportation Related Greenhouse Gas Targets ARB, Local Government Regional Planning Agencies September 2010 Set targets by 2010. 5 NA Set regional emission targets in which metropolitan planning organizations must develop a plan to achieve vwve.arb.ca ,goviccirtaairtac.htryi ARB- California State Air Resources Board CEG- California Energy Commission CPUC- California Public Utilities Commission DGS- California Department of General Services HCD- California Department of Housing and Community Development ** Discrete Early Action Items are required under AB 32 to be enacted and enforceable by January 1, 2010 A full timeline of all ARB implementation measures can be found at: http://www,arb.cagovicciscopingplanimeetings/0129091sp measures implementation timeline 0 12909.pdf CCS Fiscal Reform Task Force Holds First Meeting State budget reform and restoration of local tax authority were identified as key issues to explore by the newly formed Cities, Counties and Schools (CCS) Partnership Task Force on Fiscal Reform. The group held its first meeting on Feb. 11, chaired by Richard Gordon, immediate past president of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and San Mateo County supervisor. The Task Force is comprised of representatives from the League of California Cities, CSAC, and the California School Boards Association (CSBA). It plans to work over the next months to indentify ways to improve California's budget process, its fiscal management and the relationship between the state and local government The League is represented on the task force by Ken Cooley, League 1st vice president and Rancho Cordova council member; Terry Henderson, La Quinta council member; Rod Gould, Poway city manager; Bill Stetler, director of Finance & Information Technology for the city of San Luis Obispo; Mike Kasperzak, Mountain View council member; Allan Songstad, Laguna Hills council member; Ed Tewes, Morgan Hill city manager; Jim Gray, Roseville council member; and Don Saylor, mayor pro tern of the city of Davis. In forming its priorities the task force is considering information collected from past studies which have also sought reform. These include the California Constitution Revision Commission, the 5Speaker's Commission on State and Local Government Finance, Proposition 1A and the Bipartisan Commission to Review California's Outdated Revenue Laws. (For more information and links to other background materials please visit http://www.caforward.orgiresources.) Guest speakers at Wednesday's meeting included Fred Silva, senior policy consultant for California Forward and Jim Wunderman, executive director of the Bay Area Council. Both spoke about the need for reform and their ideas on how to achieve it. Task force members requested that information such as each participating association's ideas, advocacy papers, and written summaries, be shared with the group, as well as a timeline for completion of the group's goals. The task force plans to meet on the first Wednesday of each month rotating the meetings among the Sacramento offices of the three associations. The partnership with the next meeting will be held at CSAC. For more information about the CCS Partnership Task Force on Fiscal Reform, visit www.ccspartnership.org or contact Connie Busse, executive director at (916) 323-6011. Speed Limit Setting Hearing Scheduled For Feb. 24 The California Traffic Control Devices Committee (CTCDC) will hold a special hearing to review the on-going issue of speed limit-setting in local communities, and under what circumstances speed limits can be altered to address local safety concerns. Cities are encouraged to attend and provide input on how this issue will impact their transportation and public safety needs. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Water Resources Building, located at 1416 9th Street in Sacramento. The agenda notice and a map are available at: http://www.dot.ca.clovihq/traffops/signtechinewtechlindex,htm. For those cities who are not able to attend in person, you are encouraged to send written correspondence expressing your views to Devinder Singh, executive secretary of the CTCDC, at: Devinder Sinclhdotcamov. The CTCDC is the vehicle by which the California Department of Transportation fulfills its obligation to consult with local agencies and the public, before adopting rules and regulations prescribing uniform standards and specifications for all official traffic control devices used in California. PPIC Survey Concerning the Economic Climate for Cities California cities will have an important opportunity to make their economic issues and concerns known if they participate in a new survey begin conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). The survey seeks to gather information about cities' adjustment to the current fiscal and economic climate. While there are a range of topics, it is not a long survey, and the League recommends that your city take the time to complete it. Achieving a high response rate is very important for this research, and PP1C will strive to elicit participation from as many cities as possible, since it is important that the views of every type of city are represented in the study. PPIC will contact city officials and supply a link to the survey questions. Instructions for the survey will also be included, as you can respond to part of the survey and stop and come back to complete it another time. Also, you are free not to answer a particular question or not participate in the survey at all, although the League would greatly encourage participation. 6PP1C abides by the strictest human subjects protection policies, and are committed to ensuring the anonymity and confidentiality of respondents. Individuals and names will never be used in a way that links responses to reports or findings or any PPIC publications, unless explicit permission is received from the individuals concerned. For further questions about the survey, please contact Max Neiman at neiman@ppic.orq at (415) 291-4441 or Daniel Krimm at krimmaIppic.orq at (415) 291-4423. 2009 Employee Relations Institute: Passport to Tomorrow, March 12-13 Join us for the Employee Relations Institute, scheduled March 12-13 at the Westin San Francisco Airport in Millbrae. We are sure this will be a rewarding event where human resource technicians, specialists and analysts can learn, network, meet a mentor, and become interested in participating in the League of California Cities legislative activities. You won't want to miss keynote speaker Marty Sklar, imagineering ambassador, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Sklar is the only active Disney employee who has participated in the opening of all 11 Disney parks around the world. Additionally, he has written books that guide you through the principles of what each park was built upon. Sklar has been speaking about leadership principles for over 30 years. The Employee Relations Institute has a wonderful and dynamic conference program that you won't want to miss! Register online today at www.cacities.orgievents. The registration and housing deadline has been extended to Feb. 27. 2009 League of California Cities Planners Institute - March 25-27 Register now for the League of California Cities Planners Institute scheduled March 25-27 in Anaheim at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. This year's Planners Institute is filled with educational sessions designed to meet the priorities of planning professionals, as well as invaluable strategy sessions and networking opportunities. This educational event is newly approved for AICP credits from the American Planning Association. For information and A1CP credits go to: http://lccannualconferencecom/index.ohp?option=com content&task=view&id=159&itemid=399 Don't miss Keynote Speaker Van Jones, the Founder/CEO of Green For All in Oakland. Jones testified before Congress at a hearing on Jan. 15 focused on green jobs and economic stimulus through renewable energy and energy efficiency. Jones' testimony can be read at httpliorc12.democracvinaction.orgidiaitrack.isp?v=28,c=caciRMAGTD2v3F%2BiyG4W8YdOxyC zZa. At the hearing, Jones dispelled several myths about green jobs, and urged Congress to "move aggressively from inspiration to implementation" - starting with fully funding the Green Jobs Act. The hearing was held by the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, chaired by climate champion Rep. Ed Markey, and focused on creating jobs and stimulating the economy through renewable energy and energy efficiency. Your program planning committee has sessions for the advanced and beginner planning commissioners. Fundamental courses include: • Update on SB 375 • California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 101 • Planning Commissioners' Role & Responsibilities • Finance 101 • Housing Elements and Housing Laws: What every commissioner should know • How to run a meeting • How to read an environmental impact report (EIR) 7Register online today at www.cacities.orgievents and scroll down to the March calendar. The registration and housing deadline is Tuesday, March 3. You must first register online before you will be sent the link to reserve hotel nights. You can save your city money! The Anaheim Marriott Hotel & Convention Center has lowered their housing price from $189 to $169 (plus applicable state & local taxes per room night). If you have already registered for the hotel, they will honor the lower price. City Managers' Department Present Top Awards in Field Rob Braulik, former assistant city manager for the City of Rocklin and Sean Joyce, Irvine city manager have been honored with the top awards in their field by the League of California Cities' City Managers' department. Braulik was named the winner of the 2009 John H. Nail Award. The award, established in honor and memory of longtime, highly regarded Monterey City Manager John H. Nail, is presented annually to an outstanding municipal assistant who has contributed significantly to city government and to the advancement of the community as a whole. Braulik was honored for his work at the city of Rocklin and recognized for his diverse skills, breadth of experience, problem- solving approach, passion for the community, and positive attitude. Joyce was named recipient of the 2009 Award for the Advancement of Diverse Communities. The award was established to honor a city manager who has successfully promoted and encouraged the advancement of diversity within the community and the workplace through the development and implementation of effective programs, policies, and/or practices. Joyce was recognized for being a positive force, his ability to set examples for the community, and the various diversity programs under his direction. These prestigious awards were presented to Braulik and Joyce at the League's Annual City Managers Department Conference in Monterey on Feb. 5, 2009. Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff Visit (and bookmark!) the League's Legislative Resources Web page (www.cacities,orgilegresources). You'll find a roster and contact information for the League's legislative staff; the online Bill Search program, background materials on lobbying your legislators, and more.|1013|