HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 03/13/2003 -r r
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE
Meeting Summary
March 13,2003
Legislative Review Committee present:Ray Martinez,Marty Tharp
Staff:John Fischbach,Don Bachman,Carrie Daggett,Mark Radtke
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m.
MEETING SUMMARY
The meeting summary for the February 27,2003,Legislative Review Committee meeting
was approved as written.
UPDATES ON BILLS OF INTEREST
An update on several bills was provided by Mark Radtke.HB 1099 remains in House
Appropriations Committee and negotiations continue between the Fire Chiefs
Association and the propane industry.Continuing local control over LP gas permitting
continues to be Fort Collins position.HB 1258 which prohibits mail ballot elections in
Colorado comes before the House State Affairs Committee again this afternoon for a
final vote.
Councilmember Tharp had requested additional information on two water bills.HR 1318
would allow water conservancy districts to create water banks.Fort Collins staff reported
it may be too early to know how well this system works.A pilot program has just begun
in the Arkansas River basin.Councilmember Tharp said it may be a wise to allow that
pilot program to run its course before extending the idea statewide.A neutral position
was taken on the bill.HR 1320 allows for the loan of water rights to the Colorado Water
Conservation Board for use as instream flow during drought emergencies.A support
position was taken on the bill.
Mayor Martinez brought forward the issue of a proposed water taxing district and asked
for additional information.John Fischbach said the idea comes from the Northern
Colorado Water Conservancy District and would be a District tax that would provide
monies to purchase and bank water rights.
SB 132 has been rewritten and the elimination of the current ten-percent set-aside of new
HUTF funds for transit has been dropped from the bill.That issue prompted Fort
Collins’opposition to the bill,and with its removal a neutral position has been adopted.
There continues to be concern over SB 266 which renews the pluming licensing board
but also requires all local governments to use the Uniform Plumbing Code.Fort Collins
and several other cities use a more flexible code and we continue to push an amendment
that would allow other codes.
SB 24,concealed weapons carry,and SB 25,declaring firearms issues a matter of
statewide concern,are scheduled to come before the House for second reading action
today or tomorrow.Mr.Radtke stated it is likely 24 will pass.Mayor Martinez asked if
Fort Collins could prohibit concealed weapons carry in city buildings under the new law.
Mr.Radtlce said the bill prohibits local governments from imposing local ordinances on
where weapons can be carried.The bill does prohibit concealed weapons carry in K-12
schools and in secured areas.
Councihnember Tharp asked for a progress report on HB 1089.The bill allows a judge
to award attorney’s fees to property owners in condemnation actions if the final offer
from a government agency is at least 20%below the final award.Mr.Radtke reported a
House amendment boosts that figure to 30%and work continues in the Senate to increase
the percentage flirther or kill the bill.
Mayor Martinez asked for the effects of SB 71.The bill allows universities to obtain an
arts and club liquor license.The Mayor asked what the effect will be on CSU.Carrie
Daggett will research the issue and provide additional infonnation.
Mr.Radtke noted that several City staff members and other community members have
expressed concerns over potential state budget cuts that impact local programs.He said
City staff will be looking at potential cuts in the soon to be introduced Long Bill,and
express concerns to our delegation.Councilmember Tharp suggested that such concerns
place a priority on restoring cuts that have the greatest impact on families such as
childhood immunization and family health care.
The Committee adjourned at 8:56 a.m.
The next meeting of the Legislative Review Committee is scheduled for 8:00 a.m.,
Thursday,March 27,2003 in the City Manager’s Conference Room.