HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 01/24/2012 -
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PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
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Legislative Review Committee Agenda
Meeting Notes
January 24, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
City Manager’s Conference Room
Present: Kelly Ohlson, Mayor Pro Tem; Lisa Poppaw, Councilmember; Wade
Troxell, Councilmember; Darin Atteberry, City Manager; Wendy Williams,
Assistant City Manager; Steve Roy, City Attorney; Dan Weinheimer, Legislative
Policy Manager
Absent: None
Guests: Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director; Kevin Gertig, Water
Resources/Treatment Operations Manager; Carol Webb, Regulatory &
Government Affairs Manager; James Thompson, Regional Director, U.S. Senator
Michael Bennet
Mayor Pro Tem Ohlson called the meeting to order at 4:07 pm.
Dan Weinheimer briefly introduced himself to the LRC as the Legislative Policy
Manager.
The Committee conducted brief review of the adopted 2012 Legislative Policy
Agenda to affirm positions. Dan Weinheimer led discussion pointing out its
thoroughness and help in getting familiar with the City positions on legislation.
Mayor Pro Tem Ohlson pointed out the City’s adopted priorities. Dan sought
clarification on the City’s intent with regard to federal advocacy. Mayor Pro Tem
Ohlson said that during budgeting the City had determined not to retain a federal
lobbyist. He also stated that the City is not interested in advocacy on national
policy issues not concerning residents. Councilmember Poppaw asked if there
was a larger role that could be played on specific issues of interest without a
federal lobbyist.
James Thompson with Senator Bennet’s office offered that he as the Regional
Director would gladly meet with City staff and represent local issues to the
Senator. Darin Atteberry specifically asked for the Senator’s assistance in train
horn regulation and in securing federal funding to support the innovation
underway in the community – specifically transportation and energy related
issues. Mayor Pro Tem Ohlson mentioned strong interest in securing $10-12
million for the completion of the North College Gap.
The next agenda item was a rundown of legislation currently active in the
Legislature. Several bills were brought to the attention of the Committee to adopt
positions.
First, two bills concerning the rule-making on nutrients have been introduced –
SB12-17 and HB12-1161. Carol Webb made a presentation on the City’s
regulatory concerns with regard to nutrients management. SB12-17 would put a 5-
year moratorium on adopting state nutrient management rules and HB12-1161
would give the Legislature the power to appoint a committee of experts to
develop recommendations on nutrients. After debating the merits of regulation
and affirming that the City’s position supporting nutrient regulation, Dan
Weinheimer recommended watching these bills in order to determine a position in
the future. Dan noted neither bill has a hearing scheduled and that allows time
before adopting a formal position. Further, Steve Roy noted that the Legislative
Policy Agenda may not allow a position be taken so staff was to review where on
the Agenda these proposals could be considered.
Next, Representative Randy Fischer’s bill, HB12-1003, to allow cities to adopt
rules concerning the use of graywater was considered. The Committee was told of
Utilities’ staff recommendation to support this proposal along with the support
from the Water Board. A support position was adopted.
Next, the Committee considered SB12-50 which proposes to eliminate the use of
red light cameras and photo speed radar throughout the state. Due to the City’s
effective use of the technology, a formal oppose position was adopted.
Next was HB12-1082, which would require the use of prevailing wage on state
public works contracts exceeding $100,000. This bill would impact the City when
it comes to the use of state grants, possibly raising the cost of public works
projects and limiting financial resources. While the Committee opposed the
practice, staff was first directed to research whether the Agenda allowed a
position to be taken. Note: Dan confirmed that the Legislative Policy Agenda
states that under the heading of Finance, subheading Privatization the City of
Fort Collins opposes mandates that increase the complexity and cost of services
without improving those services.
Finally, HB12-1062 which is the Police Officer’s Bill of Rights was considered.
This bill would usurp local control on personnel matters and on the application of
City resources. The Committee adopted an oppose position to the bill.
The meeting was adjourned 4:56 pm