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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 03/14/2002 -r LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE Meeting Summary March 14,2002 Legislative Review Committee Present:Ray Martinez,Eric Hamrick City Council:Chuck Wanner Staff:John Fischbach,Carrie Daggett,Mike Smith,Mark Radtke The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. MEETING SUMMARY The meeting summary for the February 28,2002,Legislative Review Committee meeting was approved as written. PENDING LEGISLATION ITEMS FOR POLICY DISCUSSION SB 156 adds in-stream flow for recreational or scenic purposes to the list of beneficial uses that can justify the holding of water rights.Mike Smith reported that the Governor’s office and the bill’s sponsor have agreed on an amendment for SB 156.The amendment would allow water rights to be used for in-stream flows but the rights would have to be donated to the Water Conservation Board.The Board would determine the best use of those rights in preserving or improving the natural environment.Mr.Smith said the compromise meets with the approval of the City water counsel,Michael Shimmin. Councilmember Chuck Wanner urged the Committee to support the compromise amendment,saying this is a good outcome,probably the best that could be hoped for.He noted it would allow the City to augment in-stream flows downtown for recreational purposes.Mayor Martinez asked if the Committee could support the compromise amendment under the cuff ent Policy Agenda,but was informed it is not covered.The Committee voted 2-0 to support the amended bill,and asked staff to prepare a resolution for the entire Council to act upon at the their next regular meeting. Air Quality -Mark Radtke brought the Committee up to date on negotiations between the City and the Department of Public Health concerning a proposed bill designed to “pre-approve”a carbon monoxide maintenance plan for the City.He said the Department has written a letter to the City agreeing not to support any plan that jeopardizes the City’s ability to meet CO limits and allows the City to continue its vehicle emissions inspection program.The agreement has been communicated to Rep.Johnson,who has been asked to carry the bill. SB 173 would eliminate off-setting benefits from being subtracted from a worker’s compensation award for police and firefighters.Mr.Radtke informed the Committee CML estimates the action could result in a 10%increase in worker’s comp premium costs.Councilmember Hamrick said the move would be an unfbnded mandate and asked if the Legislative Policy Agenda has a statement against state unifinded mandates.None 0 was found.Carrie Daggett said the bill may not be consistent with Fort Collins’worker’s comp policy.Mr.Smith noted that giving this additional benefit to police and firefighters ignores other dangerous municipal occupations,such as many utilities positions.Mayor Martinez asked staff to provide a list of what benefits now off-set a worker’s comp award.The Committee asked staff to provide additional information on the bill,and no position was taken. PENDING LEGISLATION ITEMS FOR INFORMATION Mr.Radtke informed the Committee that RB 1192,the SLAPP suit measure,was amended on the House floor and given final passage.The bill moves to the Senate.The bill continues to provide for speedy judicial rulings on whether a lawsuit is a SLAPP action and allows defendants in such cases to be reimbursed for legal fees. Mr.Radtke distributed a summary of SB 179,the Senate transportation funding bill.He noted that the “growth dividend”portion of the bill contains the 60/40 state/local share- back sought by the Committee at its last meeting. SB 32 has been amended in House Business Affairs Committee to require any extension of an existing Downtown Development Authority to allow other taxing bodies to opt out. Mr.Radtke said work is underway to remove that amendment on the floor.John Fischbach noted CML does not want a bill to pass that contains that amendment.He noted even with the amendment the bill may be of value to Fort Collins. The Committee also heard an update on RB 1343 that is on the House floor,where efforts are underway to defeat the measure.The bill bars cities from imposing on school districts impact fees for off-site improvements. The next meeting of the Legislative Review Committee is scheduled for 8:00 a.m.,March 28,2002,at the City Manager’s Conference Room. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 a.m. (3/15/02:Due to a conflict with the 1-25 summit conference,the March 28,2002 meeting has been cancelled.The next scheduled meeting of the LRC will be 8:00 a.m.,April 11, 2002,at the City Manager’s Conference Room.)