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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 02/11/2004 -r LEGISLATIVE REVEEW COMMIITBE Meeting Summary February 11,2004 Legislative Review Conm-tittee present:Ray Martinez,Marty Tharp,Brie Hamrick Staff present:John Fischbach,Steve Roy,Diane Jones,Gregory Byrne,Ron Phillips, Carrie Daggett,Ralph Campano,Mark Radtke The meeting was called to order at 8:31 a.m. MEET[NG SUMMARY The meeting summary for the January 29,2004 Legislative Review Committee meeting was approved as written. UPDATES ON BELLS Mark Radtke reported on amendments to SB 71 that originally expanded the definition of fireworks that could be sold in Colorado.He said the amendments are supported by the Colorado Fire Chiefs Association and the Poudre Fire Authority Fire Marshal is comfortable with the bill as amended. Council member Hainrick last week testified before the Senate Business Affairs Committee in support of SB 89 which would have given mobile home owners the ‘right of first refusal’when their mobile home park sold.No action was taken at that hearing and Mr.Radtke reported that the Committee has since eliminated the mobile home section of the bill. 1{B 1197 bans private citizens from using opticons to trigger a green light at traffic signals.The bill has passed the House and moves to the Senate.Joim Fischbach asked if opticons now on the market were usable on the Fort Collins radio frequency.Ron Phillips said Fort Collins uses a high frequency wave band not attainable by opticons now on the market. Mr.Radtke reported 1-18 1209 had passed House [nfomntion and Technology Committee Monday with an amendment.Among the changes made by the amendment is a provision that now requires the approval of other affected taxing district before an urban renewal area can move forward.Council member Flamrick expressed his desire to see the bill continue to ban agricultural lands from the definition of blight but drop vacant or undeveloped lands from the exclusion.Ron Phillips suggested CML is the vehicle to negotiate amendments to FEB 1209 and fIB 1203.lie said the League has retained several attorneys to work on amendments.The Committee agreed with that approach and to continue opposition to both 1209 and 1203. 0 0 Carrie Daggett circulated a draft letter to legislators explaining the City’s position on HR 1203.Mayor Martinez suggested adding additional examples of negative consequences of the bill.Mr.Fischbach suggested adding information on the tax breaks property owners can receive if there is the threat of condemnation. DISCUSSION OF NEW BILLS HB 1225 requires a 25-cent monthly charge on utility bills to support energy payment assistance for low income families.Customers could request the fee to be removed from their bill.Mr.Radtke said utilities that already have a program,such as Fort Collins, would be exempt from the statewide fee. RB 1237 creates a state-wide address database that retailers can use to determine sales tax collections when making deliveries.The list would be certified by the Department of Revenue and retailers would be held harmless for errors.Ron Phillips explained the bill has been negotiated by CML and the business community.Municipalities would eventually be asked to pass ordinances to accept the database.Council member Tharp said the bill is a reasonable approach to the issue and noted Fort Collins needs to make sure our local information is updated regularly on the database.The Committee approved a “support”position for the bill. RB 1275 calls for a ten-cent deposit on plastic beverage containers.Mr.Radtke reported a member of City staff will be testifying in favor the bill next Monday. RB 1314 would grant municipalities the authority to allow motor vehicle dealerships and retail liquor stores the ability to open for business on Sundays.Council member Hamrick expressed his support for the measure,saying it didn’t make sense for these businesses to be singled out for closure on Sundays.Mayor Martinez expressed the view he would like to see liquor establishments continue their closures on Sunday.The City will take a neutral stand on the bill. CLEAR ACT Mr.Radtke reported there is no change in status for either the House or Senate version of the federal CLEAR Act (H.R.2671 and S.1906). FUTURE MEETINGS Regularly scheduled meetings of the LRC will be in conflict with meetings of the newly formed economic group.Staff will work with Committee members to determine an alternative meeting time for LRC. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.