HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 11/08/2011 -City Manager’s Office
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Legislative Review Committee Agenda
Meeting Notes
November 8,2011,4:00 p.m.
City Manager’s Conference Room
Present:Kelly Ohlson,Mayor Pro Tern;Lisa Poppaw,Councilmember;Wade
Troxell,Councilrnember;Darin Atteberry,City Manager;Wendy Williarns,
Assistant City Manager;Carrie Daggett,Deputy City Attorney;Tess Heffernan,
Legislative Policy Manager
Absent:Steve Roy,City Attorney
Guests:Dan Betts,District Representative for Congressman Cory Gardner;Josh
Jones,City Manager’s Office Intern
Mayor Pro Tern Ohlson called the meeting to order at 4:12 pm.
The September 13,2011 LRC meeting minutes were approved.
The Committee conducted a final review of the draft 2012 Legislative Policy
Agenda,which is scheduled for Council adoption on November 15,2011.At the
prior LRC meeting the question was raised as to whether or not the City should
have a legislative policy addressing proposals for strong beer sales in grocery and
convenience stores.Tess Heffernan noted that staff conducted preliminary
research on this issue to determine the impact,if any,on the microbrew industry.
The current research is inconclusive.After sorne discussion City Manager Darin
Atteberry directed staff to conduct some informal inquiries with local brewers for
their input and to see if additional data is available.Josh Jones will follow up.
The next agenda item was a review the draft 2012 priorities for legislators.This
summary document will be presented at December 2nd legislative breakfast.
Mayor Pro Tern Ohlson ernphasized that railroad/train horn noise regulations
should be a priority for the City.Systemic change is needed to reverse the
regulations put in place by the FRA that rnade a substantial increase in noise
levels.Cities across Arnerica are spending many millions of dollars in an attempt
to create quiet zones to cornpensate for the noise.This also could have a negative
impact on developrnent in the Mason Corridor.
Dan Betts noted that Senator Udall may be in a position to have the most
influence on this issue.Dan will look into the status of current legislation,
including which federal subcommittee is reviewing potential changes and a list of
members of that cornrnittee.He noted that the DDA has also contacted him about
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this issue.Darin added that the City should continue to approach this issue
through partnerships with Colorado municipalities who share this interest and by
working with state and national organizations such as Colorado Municipal
League,the National League of Cities,ICMA and the Conference of Mayors.
Councilmember Troxell requested staff talk with federal representatives about
medical marijuana and the need for a single system for distributing medicine in
this country vs.the current situation where states are creating alternative systems.
At the core of the issue is the classification of marijuana,which is apparently
classified as more dangerous than heroin.More research is needed regarding the
current classification;if marijuana does have medical benefits,treat it like other
substances and create a way for it to be included in the existing drug delivery
system.
The subject of the Mason Corridor was discussed as there is some question as to
whether or not the City needs additional assistance to finalize federal funding.
Tess was asked to clarify what action is needed and let Dan know if
Representative Gardner can assist.Note:Tess subsequently learned from Helen
Migchelbrink that the FTA requires a 60-day public hearing period prior to
signing off on the grant.The grant is in the budget,the 60 day period is
underway,and no action is needed.
Kelly requested that another priority be that of support for legislation to clean up
waste tire dumps across the state.Tess will research efforts that are underway
and consult with staff on the details.Committee members then reviewed the draft
list of priorities and made a few additional edits.
Other business:Wendy Williams noted that this is Tess’last LRC meeting as she
will be retiring at the end of the year;she will attend the legislative breakfast on
December 2NJ•The Legislative Policy Manager position has been posted and
closed and 207 applications were received.Darin stated that a contract
arrangement may be necessary for 2012 state legislative session,depending on
who is hired to fill the position and when that individual can begin.
The meeting was adjourned 5:03 pm