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Title:
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Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Implementation of the Legislative Advocacy Program for 2009-10 and Rescinding Resolution No. 2008-R005.
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City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution (Attachment 1) approving the
implementation of the Culver City Legislative Advocacy Program (Advocacy
Program) for 2009-10 for use in outlining legislative policies and activities and
rescinding Resolution No. 2008-R018.
BACKGROUND:
Legislators and voters of California have historically enacted several measures that
have had the effect of limiting the autonomy, financial and otherwise, of local
governments. This process continues, especially in the current economic
environment. This has left many cities vulnerable to the impact of legislation that
diverts funds from local government to help balance the state’s budget. While
circumstances for local governments have somewhat improved over the past four
years, local governments must continue to be vigilant in preserving local
governments’ ability to best serve their constituents.
2008 Legislative Advocacy Program
At the April 7, 2008 City Council meeting, the City Council took action to:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2008-R018 approving the implementation of the Culver
City Legislative Advocacy Program for 2008 and rescinding Resolution No.
2007-R005;
2. Authorize and direct the Mayor, Vice Mayor, Redevelopment Agency Chair,
and Redevelopment Agency Vice Chair as agents for the City of Culver City
Meeting Date: 05/18/09 Item Number: A-1
AGENDA ITEM: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Implementation of the
Legislative Advocacy Program for 2009-10 and Rescinding Resolution No. 2008-
R005.
Contact Person/Dept.: Shelly Wolfberg Phone Number: (310) 253-6008
Fiscal Impact: Yes [ ] No [X] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification:
Master Notification E-mail List (05/13/09).
Department Approval:
Martin R. Cole (05/05/09)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (05/11/09)
Fiscal Impact Review:
Jeff Muir (by M. Noller) (05/05/09)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry B. Fulwood (05/13/09) City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
to submit the appropriate documents and correspondence in keeping with the
goals and objectives of the City Legislative Advocacy Program for 2008.
3. Authorize the testimony of any member of the City Council before a legislative
body, whereupon the position advocated is consistent with City Council Policy
and the Culver City Legislative Advocacy Program for 2008.
4. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to provide testimony before a
legislative body and/or executive branch department, consistent with the City
Council adopted Legislative Advocacy Program; and
5. That the following language be added: “To oppose anything that impairs the
Redevelopment Agency’s ability to carry out its core mission of eliminating
blight and improving the economic vitality of the area.” And to revise language
on Page 9 to read “a grade separated crossing and an aerial station in Culver
City.”
DISCUSSION:
The goal of the Advocacy Program is to address the legislative needs of the City,
define legislative policy and set procedures for advancing that Advocacy Program.
The adoption of these policies and procedures streamline City legislative activity and
allow City staff to respond to issues of importance without seeking separate City
Council direction on each and every item. The Advocacy Program is reviewed
annually and prepared with City Department input.
Discussion and Adoption of 2009 Legislative Advocacy Program
The proposed Resolution (Attachment 1) and revised redlined draft Advocacy
Program for 2009-10 (Attachment 2) have taken into consideration prior legislative
actions and the core principles of the Advocacy Program, resulting in a working
document that addresses the City’s legislative priorities at both the state and federal
levels. Staff is modifying the time period covered by the Advocacy Program to
account for the City Council consideration and adoption of the Advocacy Program
annually in the spring of the following year as opposed to the end of the calendar
year.
The core principles and positions of the 2009 Advocacy Program include a broad
range of topics:
Air/Water Quality
Arts
City Revenues
City’s Liability
Economic Development
Employment
Energy City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Entertainment
Homeless Assistance
Housing
Parks & Recreation
Preemption of Local Authority
Public Notification
Public Safety & Crime Prevention
Public Works
Redevelopment
Senior & Social Services
State Mandates
Tax Base
Telecommunications
Transportation
Youth & Education
The creation of the proposed Advocacy Program for 2009 included a review of the
Legislative Program from 2008. At the state level, legislation can move quickly
through the legislature and to the Governor’s desk. Requests for signatures on
position letters and testimony before committees are recommended by staff and our
lobbyists in accordance with the adopted Legislative Advocacy Program. Suggested
changes to the proposed Advocacy Program are included in the redlined version in
Attachment 2.
Items of Potential Financial Impact
During this fiscal year, the City Council discussed and took “support” positions on
two items related to tax or fee increases: 1) “Authorization to Issue a Letter of
Support Regarding Assembly Bill 139 Related to Authorizing the Los Angeles
County Flood Control District to Collect Fees Only if Approved by Voters in
Compliance with Article XIII D of the California Constitution (Proposition 218)” and 2)
“Consideration of a Support Position on AB 2321 (Feuer): Transportation Funding:
County of Los Angeles.” In both of these items, the former Mayor and a City
Councilmember each served (and currently serve) on Governing Boards of two
agencies which took a position or analyzed a position on each bill.
Staff requests the City Council consider giving staff specific direction whether to
consider a position on legislative items if the passage of the item would result in a
cost or financial impact to members of our community. Bringing an agendized item
before the City Council would give members of the public an opportunity to provide
their comments, particularly if the item would pose a financial impact to them.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this item, and staff from various
departments who are involved in this process include their time as part of their
regular work assignments. Successful results from some of the program areas
could mean protection of existing City revenues or receipt of additional funding for
projects/programs that would benefit Culver City. City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Redlined Culver City Legislative Advocacy Program for 2009.
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving the implementation of the Culver City
Legislative Advocacy Program for 2009 and rescinding Resolution No. 2008-
R018; and,
2A. Approve the redlined Culver City Legislative Advocacy Program for 2009 and
direct staff to finalize the document;
OR
2B. Direct staff to make specific revisions to the Culver City Legislative Advocacy
Program for 2009 and finalize the document; and,
3. Direct staff to return to the City Council to discuss a position on any legislation
that would potentially result in a negative financial impact to Culver City
businesses or residents.