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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 04/11/2002 -( LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE Meeting Summary April 11,2002 Legislative Review Committee Present:Ray Martinez,Marty Tharp,Eric Hamrick Staff:Ron Phillips,Dennis Harrison,Rita Davis,Carrie Daggett,Mark Radtke The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. MEETING SUMMARY The meeting summary for the March 14,2002,Legislative Review Committee meeting was approved as written. PENDING LEGISLATION ITEMS FOR INFORMATION The Committee discussed HB 1400 which places additional restrictions on the use of photo radar by municipalities.Dennis Harrison told the Committee that as currently amended,the bill jeopardizes Fort Collins’ability to continue the program.He said the City’s speeding problems occur primarily along major arterial streets.The bill limits the use of photo radar to residential streets and school zones.Mark Radtke related there is strong support for the measure in both the House and the Senate,limiting the ability of the City or CML to have an impact on the bill.Chief Harrison said he fears additional restrictions being added in the Senate,such as requiring a police officer to review red- light photo camera citations.Mayor Martinez said legislators don’t understand that this is about safety not generating revenue. The Committee heard that fiB 1404 will significantly alter how seizure and forfeiture of property connected with criminal activity is handled under Colorado law.Mr.Radtke said the sponsor’s aims are to exempt the portion of property owned by innocent parties and to put the majority of Rinds gained through the process into a drug and alcohol abuse programs.Chief Harrison noted the bill raises the level of evidence needed to effect a seizure.He added another aspect of the bill jeopardizes the City’s ability to move against public nuisance properties.Mr.Radtke reported the bill’s sponsor is working with the District Attorney’s Association on amendments,including an amendment that removes the public nuisance portion of the bill. Another law enforcement related issue discussed was HR 1410.This bill sets down statewide rules for concealed weapons carry.Mr.Radtke explained the bill requires sheriffs to issue permits if an applicant passes a criminal background check and has completed gun safety training.The bill prohibits carrying concealed weapons on school grounds,but pre-empts local ordinances governing where concealed weapons can be carried.Chief Harrison expressed concerns about what quality the gun safety training would take.The 11111 Committee agreed with Mayor Martinez that there should be an amendment to the bill giving police chiefs authority to issue permits in their jurisdiction. 0 CML is supporting a proposed amendment to FIB 1410 that would retain the ability of cities to set the rules for conceal weapons carry in their community.Councilmembers Tharp and Hamrick supported the amendment.Mayor Martinez suggested the amendment be altered to allow exemptions to prohibitions on where concealed weapons can be carried depending on the level of threat to the permit holder. Rep.Johnson has introduced HE 1411.The bill gives legislative “pre-approval”to declaring Fort Collins in compliance with federal carbon monoxide standards and an air quality maintenance plan to be adopted by the Air Quality Control Commission.Mr. Radtke noted the City is on record in support of the bill as written,after an agreement was reached with the Department of Public Health on certain protections for Fort Collins air quality. Mr.Radtke told the Committee SB 173 has been amended.The bill eliminates most benefit “off-sets”to police and firefighters worker’s compensation awards.The amended version applies to only the most seriously injured police and firefighters.The bill now covers only city personnel,eliminating deputy sheriffs and the state patrol. The Committee learned that HE 1343,which would have bared cities from requiring off- site impact fees from school districts,was defeated in the House. Councilmember Hamrick asked for the status of SB 74,which expands non discrimination classes in employment issues to include sexual orientation and gender identity.Mr.Radtke said the bill is expected to be acted upon in Senate Appropriations Committee tomorrow (4/12). The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 a.m. The next meeting of the Legislative Review Committee is scheduled for 8:00 am., Thursday,April 25,2002 in the City Manager’s Conference Room.