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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 10/10/2002 -r LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE Meeting Summary October 10,2002 Legislative Review Committee present:Ray Martinez,Marty Tharp Staff John Fischbach,Diane Jones,Carrie Daggett,Don Bachman,Sam McFerran, Mark Radtke The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. MEETING SUMMARY The meeting summary for the May 16,2002,Legislative Review Committee meeting was approved as written. PREVIEW OF 2003 LEGISLATIVE SESSION Issues that may surface in the coming session of the General Assembly were discussed. Mark Radtke reported that City staff liaisons met with Colorado Municipal League Associate Director Sam Mamet in September and several potential issues surfaced. •There may be legislation offered that would allow police and firefighters who previously had opted out of the state F.P.P.A defined benefits program to rejoin. •City air quality staff members are looking into whether a local tailpipe emissions program may be warranted once federal requirements are lifted. •Deep cuts are expected in the current state budget.John Fischbach related a recent conversation with Senator Peggy Reeves of the Joint Budget Committee indicating some $300 million may have to be cut. •Mother effort to eliminate or curb the use of tax increment financing is expected. •The extreme drought situation will bring forward several water related issues, including a $10 billion bond issue to support the construction of water storage projects. DISCUSSION OF 2003 LEGISLATIVE POLICY AGENDA Committee members reviewed the draft 2003 Legislative Policy Agenda.The draft document includes several changes from the 2002 Policy Agenda.Mayor Martinez asked if the statements included in the Air Quality section support the issue of a local tailpipe emissions inspection program,and was assured that they do. The addition of a policy statement supporting statewide tobacco smoking restrictions to protect citizens from the effects of secondhand smoke was discussed.Both Mayor Martinez and Councilmember Tharp agreed this was an issue that should be handled at the state level. 0 C) Support also was expressed for the new policy statement that encourages deposits on beverage containers and a recycling fee for computer equipment.Mr.Fischbach noted the recycling fee for electronic equipment would work in a similar fashion to the dollar- per-tire fee now paid upon the purchase of tires to fhnd the recycling of discarded tires. A policy statement was added that reinforces the Committee’s position adopted during the last legislative session opposing elimination of worker’s compensation award off-sets. While the Committee continued its support for the statement,Councilmember Tharp cautioned that we do not want to support a situation that puts injured employees at a disadvantage.Staff will provide Committee members with background on the worker’s compensation process. The Committee approved the draft without change for presentation to City Council. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Martinez asked if discussion of local ordinances fell within the charge established for the Legislative Review Committee.Mr.Fischbach said the LRC was set up to deal with state and federal legislative issues.Staff will review the resolution establishing the LRC and report. The Committee adjourned at 8:55 a.m. Barring unforeseen developments,the Committee will cancel its next regularly scheduled meeting set for November 14,2002.