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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 03/01/2007 -r LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE Meeting Summary March 1,2007 Legislative Review Committee present:Ben Manvel,Kelly Ohlson Staff present:Steve Roy,Susie Gordon,Mark Radtke The meeting was called to order by Councilmember Manvel at 9:05 a.m. MEETING SUMMARY The meeting summary for February 16,2007 Legislative Review Committee meeting was approved as written. NEW BILLS A new bill would increase from $2,500 to $7,000 over the next five years the exemption amount for business personal property tax.HB 1385 would then increase the exemption annually by the rate of inflation.Councilmember Ohlson said it isn’t worth the burden on small business for the revenue it generates.The Committee consensus was to support the bill,pending a look at the financial impact to City revenue. City Environmental Program Manager Susie Gordon explained HB 1288.The bill sets up a mechanism that would collect a surcharge for trash disposal.Those dollars would then be allocated in the form of grants to promote the recycling industry and create markets for recycled goods.Ms.Gordon noted the state ranks 40th in the amount of support provided for recycling.Councilmember Manvel said it’s important to do more to encourage the diversion of solid waste from our landfills.The Committee adopted a “support”position for the bill. The Committee approved an “oppose”position for SB 190 that would allow landscapers to dig to a certain depth without notifying the underground utility notification system. The objectionable portion of the bill was the complete restructuring of utility membership fees in the system. UPDATE ON LEGISLATION Mr.Radtke gave the Committee information on the progress of several bills: -SB 157 has been significantly amended and passed the Senate.The bill now only calls for the notification by mail of affected property owners before a “blight” study is conducted. -HR 1124 that would have diminished our ability to store carry-over water in reservoirs was defeated in committee. HB 1264 requiring a city to annex a road right-of-way if it abuts an annexation property has passed the House and moves to the Senate. -HB 1281 that increases the percentage of renewable energy required from utilities has passed the House. -SB 149 that increases the liquor license application and renewal fee amount has passed the Senate and moves to the House -SB 151 making the failure to use a seat belt a primary traffic offense has passed the Senate. -HB 1218 limiting government immunity for waterways that receive stormwater discharge was defeated in committee. -HB 1010 allowing for the electronic transfer of search and arrest warrants will be signed by the Governor in a ceremony at the Capitol at noon today.Fort Collins Police Detective Kevin Cronin,the driving force behind the bill,has been invited to take part in the ceremony. FUTURE MEETINGS The Committee authorized staff to cancel the March 22 meeting if the introduction of new legislation does not warrant a meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m.