Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 02/17/2005 -r LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE Meeting Summary February 17,2005 Legislative Review Committee present:Ray Martinez,Marty Thaw Staff present:Diane Jones,Mark Radtke The meeting was called to order by Mayor Martinez at 7:35 a.m. MEETING SUMMARY The meeting summary for the February 3,2005 Legislative Review Committee meeting was approved as written. UPDATES ON PENDING LEGISLATION SB 28 adds sexual orientation and gender variance as protected classes for hiring and compensation.The Committee had requested a check with the Colorado Municipal League as to their position.Mark Radtke reported CML has taken no position on the bill which is now in Senate Appropriations.The Committee continues to take no position. Mr.Radtke updated the following bills: SB 63 would change urban renewal law to allow either affected landowners or local govenmients to block an urban renewal project.The bill will be heard this afternoon and there is word the sponsor will offer an amended bill that simply bars the inclusion of agricultural land from urban renewal areas.Councilmember Tharp stated this could be something that the Committee might want to support. HB 1077 would the require beer keg purchasers to register personal information.The bill has passed the House.The Committee continues to oppose the bill. HB 1108 grants privileged communication to law enforcement peer support team counseling sessions and has passed the House. SB 143 is the enabling language for the voter approved Amendment 37 on last fall’s ballot.A positive element of the bill keeps Fort Collins Utilities out from underneath Public Utilities Commission authority.The Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities has taken a neutral stance on the bill due to some Colorado Springs Utilities issues. Mayor Martinez pointed out while Fort Collins’renewal energy goals are higher than those called for in Amendment 37,there is a requirement that 4°o of renewable energy comes from solar.He said that will have a cost impact on Fort Collins Utilities. 0 ci NEW LEGISLATION Mr.Radtke reported testimony for SB 177 has been heard in Committee and is expected to be defeated at a later vote.The bill requires government compensation to any property owner who believes his property was devalued by a government zoning decision.Diane Jones said Oregon voters approved such a law and it has proven costly for taxpayers. There is the threat that the issue may be the topic of a citizen’s initiative in Colorado. RB 1256 creates a solid waste stream reduction goal of 50%for Colorado in ten years.It sets up a mechanism to foster recycling and create markets for recycled materials.It adds a $1.25 tipping fee to support the activity.Mayor Martinez said the bill creates an expensive new bureaucracy. HB 1277 would pre-empt local nuisance ordinances by limiting the liability of landlords for activity on their rental property.The Committee will oppose the bill on grounds that these are local issues not a matter of statewide concern. REQUESTED INFORMATION Information was provided on SB 23 which would ban the state from contracting with firms that outsource work to foreign nations.SB 184 would limit a hospital’s ability to credential doctors to practice at their hospital.No action was taken on these bills as they do not directly affect city government. BUSINESS TAX CLIMATE The Committee had requested data on business taxes in Colorado.The non-profit Tax Foundation figures show Colorado is 8Lb in the nation in a positive “tax climate”for business taxes.Figures show Colorado has the lowest over-all state taxes in the country and is 46°’lowest in combined state and local taxes. FEDERAL BUDGET City staff information on the impact of budget cuts contained in the President’s budget proposal was discussed.Concerning Community Development Block Grants,Mayor Martinez said not all cities will be cut but under the White House plan cities will have to show justification for needing the funds.Re said City staff will have to base their request on criteria developed in the budget bill.A 30%cut is also included in the proposal for airport funding.Councilmember Tharp expressed concern that may have an impact on several infrastructure projects including the planned airport control tower.She asked staff for information on who pays for control tower operations costs. The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 a.m.