HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 09/13/2011 -r City Manager’s OfficefCityHall300LaPorteAve.Fort CoLLins ~II~CO 80522
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Legislative Review Committee Agenda
Meeting Notes
September 13,2011,4:00 p.m.
City Manager’s Conference Room
Present:Kelly Ohlson,Mayor Pro Tem;Lisa Poppaw,Councilmember;Darin
Atteberry,City Manager;Wendy Williams,Assistant City Manager;Carrie
Daggett,Deputy City Attorney;Tess Heffernan,Legislative Policy Manager
Absent:Wade Troxell,Councilmember;Steve Roy,City Attorney
Guests:Dan Betts,District Representative for Congressman Cory Gardner;City
staff members Claire Thomas,Josh Jones and Josh Birks
Mayor Pro Tem Ohlson called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm.
1.Kelly Ohison was elected as the new LRC chair,replacing former Mayor
Doug Hutchinson
2.Members reviewed the proposed draft 2012 Legislative Policy Agenda,
attached.Also discussed was whether or not the City should establish a
legislative policy addressing proposals to expand the types of businesses
licensed to sell full strength alcohol,such as grocery and convenience stores.
Police services staff do not have serious concerns from a public safety
standpoint;most of the information available to date as to an economic
impact,including any impact on the craft brewing industry,appears anecdotal.
City Manager Atteberry directed staff to analyze the issue,e.g.gather data
from states with similar laws,and bring this back for further consideration.
Tess Heffernan then provided a short update from legislative staff as to
rumors of upcoming legislation,including:
•A bill to remove at least part of the region from the vehicle emissions
testing program
•The Governor’s office will shift its focus from renewable energy to
green jobs,take on an economic development slant
•Expect another electronics waste bill sponsored by Rep.Fischer;also
more emphasis on producer responsibility
•Expect medical marijuana regulations refinement to continue
•May see a bill re:cell phones and driving prohibitions,requiring hands
free devices
•The Governor’s office is expected to propose reporting requirements for
fracking
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•Federal transportation funding is still a quagmire with legislation locked
up in Congress;stay tuned
•Likely the divesting of highways from the state to municipalities will
again be proposed
3.Priorities for the 2012 state legislative session were briefly discussed.LRC
members would like to hear more from staff as to their recommendations.
The City Manager will bring this issue to the Strategic Issues Team for further
discussion prior to the December Legislative Breakfast.
4.Other business
o Expansion of City role in influencing federal legislation LRC
members would like the City to play a more proactive role in
influencing and advancing federal legislation,as opposed to only
reacting to situations (e.g.when funding is threatened.)They stated
that the City should be weighing in with congressional representatives
on items found in the Legislative Policy Agenda.Darin noted that
staff currently does take a proactive stance on a case-by-case basis
(e.g.a recent meeting with held with Senator Udall’s district director
to discuss medical marijuana)and that the City also utilizes member
organizations such as CML,ICMA and the National League of Cities
to advance the City’s position.
More resources will be needed in order to play an active role in federal
legislation.Darin directed Tess to research various options and their
cost;this could be reviewed by the Finance Committee as part of the
budget exceptions process.
Dan Betts noted that Rep.Gardner’s staff has access to the
Congressional Research Service,a searchable data base that can help
track key items,and they are available and happy to assist whenever
the need arises.
o Calendar items:
o October 11,2011 LRC cancelled,as Councilmember Troxell
and Tess Heffernan are unable to attend;the meeting will be
rescheduled if needed
o November 15,2011:resolution approving 2012 Legislative
Policy Agenda
o December 2,2011:Legislative Breakfast Kelly suggested
that the breakfast be held at the Lincoln Center
Attachment:Draft 2012 Legislative Policy Agenda