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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 10/22/2003 -LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE Meeting Summary October 22,2003 Legislative Review Committee present:Ray Martinez,Marty Tharp,Eric Hamrick Staff:John Fischbach,Diane Jones,Carrie Daggett,Mark Radtke The meeting was called to order at 8:30 am. MEETING SUMMARY The meeting summary for the May 15,2003,Legislative Review Committee meeting was approved as written. 2004 LEGISLATIVE POLICY AGENDA The Committee discussed changes proposed by staff for the 2004 edition of the City Council Legislative Policy Agenda. Staff suggested eliminating Air Quality section,statement #5 that supports development of a statewide tobacco smoking restriction.The rationale presented was to keep such decisions local and to protect Fort Collins smoking ordinance.Council Member Eric Hamrick suggested we would have a better position by replacing #5 with a statement that opposes any statewide law that would weaken the protections given in the City ordinance. The Committee approved that substitution. The addition of statements that oppose the national Streamlined Sales Tax Initiative or state law dictating a uniform tax base or tax rate were discussed.John Fischbach explained it is important for the City to protect its tax base that has already been chipped away be previous state action.He noted today’s technology makes it practical for out-of- state retailers to collect local sales tax.Mayor Ray Martinez noted that even if the legislature acts,it is unlikely the Governor would support any measure leading to the taxation of e commerce. Staff proposed the elimination of the Natural Areas and Open Lands section,statement #5 regarding support for a federal bill to make technical corrections in the Cache Ia Poudre River Corridor Act.Mark Radtke reported the specific bill referenced did not pass in the last session of Congress and has not been reintroduced.Mr.Fischbach explained the bill was designed to solve a dispute between the state and the Department of Interior over who will approve members of the Corridor Commission.Council Member Marty Tharp noted while there is not bill at this time it may be good policy to continue support for the effort.She asked staff to draft a general statement of support for making changes to the Act that would allow the Corridor Commission to function. 0 0 The addition of Transportation section,statement #7 supports local government’s ability to apply local sales tax to the sale of gasoline.Council Member Hamrick asked what impact this might have on the existing gasoline tax agreement embodied in state statute and if such a move might prompt the state to take away the local share of HUTF.Staff will take a closer look at the issue and report back to LRC. Other changes to the Legislative Policy Agenda were briefly discussed and moved forward for final approval in November. INFORMATION ITEMS Mark Radtke shared with the Committee a project promoted by the Colorado Association for Recycling which would allocate funds from the State Solid Waste Management Fund for a statewide solid waste inventory.The group is asking for Fort Collins endorsement for the effort,and existing policy permits City support for such a plan. Mr.Radtke discussed a citizen’s letter that suggested the state administration and legislature are considering a statewide tax in support of transportation.He said that is not the case,but there may be a blue ribbon panel formed to look at transportation issues.A tax increase is not expected to be among the panel’s charges. Potential legislation for 2004 was discussed.Mr.Radtke said it appears supporters of the Housing Trust Fund concept will go the petition route rather than through legislation. Bills that may come forward include a one-tenth of a cent sales tax to support dam repair and water litigation;changes in TABOR to eliminate the ratcheting down effect and create a rainy day fund;reduction in the blood alcohol content for driving;open container;raising fines for not using seat belts;giving the state general obligation bond authority;and resuming general fund contributions to the Highway Users Tax Fund. LOCAL CALLING AREA Darin Atteberry received Committee approval to send a letter in support of including the Greeley area in the Fort Collins-Loveland local calling area.He reported Larimer County is ready to support a petition to the Public Utilities Commission to make the change,and Weld County is being asked for the same endorsement.The Committee approved sending the PUC a letter of general support,pending information on monthly telephone service cost increases needed to implement the proposal. The Committee adjourned at 9:36 a.m. The Committee will next meet on Thursday,November 13,2003 at 8:00 a.m.in the City Manager’s Conference Room.