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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Legislative Review Committee - 01/28/1994 -r HPDesk Local Print for Molly DAVIS Start of Item 2. Subject:LRC MEETING MINUTES Creator:Andrea RIEGER /CFC/Ol Dated:02/07/94 at 1612. LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE JANUARY 28,1994 Present: Ann Azari Jerry P.Brown Susanne Edminster Stewart Ellenberg Dave Feldman Torn Gallier Alan Krcmarik Bob Nastan Mike Pretz Andrea Rieger Tom Shoemaker Meeting called to order at 12:00.Since there wasn’t a quorum,all recommended actions will be re—confirmed via hpdesk with the other LRC members. 1.Water Issues SJR 6 —The Colorado Water and Power Authority SRF loan list would establish the state revolving loan fund authorizations.The City may have an interest in remaining on this list —funding could be used for our water meter program.No action needed at this point.We may want to support. SB 56 —Would change the Denver Water board composition.There would be no effect on us.Recommended position —neutral. HE 1006 —Administration of interstate diversions.This is Rep. Jerke’s good faith effort to resolve potential legal/constitutional problems with existing interstate compact language.However,this bill as written would expedite Western slope water exportation projects.There is a lot of opposition to this bill,and the City may need to oppose on short notice,since this could negatively impact some of our transbasin water rights.(A phone poll of LRC members will be conducted,if necessary.) Federal Bypass issue —We gave some comments to the Forest Service at a public meeting on Thursday,1/27.The Forest Service has granted an extension on the permits to July 31,and we are working on an agreement in the interim. Ann Azari wants to be kept up to speed on this issue,so that she can help mobilize support,if necessary.She mentioned that she is working with Steve Roy on a joint resolution with Greeley and Loveland.She has a concern about the seeming lack of understanding by the Fish and Wildlife Department on the potential impact of flow restrictions/changes on Colorado communities.She has spoken to Rep.Allard about her concern. SB 95 —Basin of Origin bill -As drafted,the bill requires a nearly impossible burden of proof that the applicant has analyzed every conceivable alternative to the project.This would tie up any transbasin water project for years,and could essentially prohibit them.The bill would apply to Fort Collins’conditional rights for the Michigan Ditch enlargement,and to any of the City’s other transbasin diversions.Recommend that we oppose.Would like to send letters.May need to testify.Electronic updates will be forthcoming. 2.Financial Issues SB 69 —Continues to have a favorable interpretation of real property —a definition that would exclude government owned property.Passed Senate on second reading Friday,1/21,and is now in the House.We will continue to monitor. SB 22 —Bill on the State Division of Securities.We are neutral on this bill.If anything,it is favorable to us. Resolution 1009 on Public—Private Cooperation is a resolution drafted by CML and CAd.It states that governments should work in cooperation with their business community for the good of the whole community,but leaves privatization decisions to the local government.House Local Government adopted on Wednesday. Weld County Court Decision -District Court handed down a decision that Weld County could return their social services programs which were mandated by the state,but not fully funded by the state,back to the state. 3.Police Issues There are four bills on concealed weapons —HB 1025,1076 and SB 27 and 90.HB 1025 has had numerous amendments.Would like to send the draft letter included in your packet opposing these bills to our state legislators.Since 1921,the authority for issuing concealed weapons permits has rested with the local police and/or sheriff.All of these bills take away this discretion and require a permit to be issued,if applicant meets certain criteria.A couple of the bills require the applicant to take a Hunter’s Safety Course —but this type of course does not prepare one to carry a concealed weapon and decide when or if to use deadly force.Phone calls may be appropriate at some point. 4.Natural Resources SB 86 would disallow municipalities from using their billing authority so that they could bill for municipal trash service.CML is working on a compromise which would allow local governments to retain their billing authority.This compromise would require Fort Collins to go through a competitive bidding (proposal)process, should we ever state to provide municipal trash service.Sounds like a workable compromise.Tom Shoemaker to double check with CML. fiB 1168 Would preempt local control on the labeling of agricultural chemicals.If this only applies to the label,it should be o.k. Tom Shoemaker will re—confirm. 5.other Business Worker’s Compensation —Recently,a four—person panel was convened to discuss worker’s compensation issues in eight identified areas. Two members of this panel represent labor,and two represent employers.One of the stated goals is not to increase the overall cost of worker’s compensation.If all goes well,the panel may also make recommendations on outstanding ballot initiatives. Poudre Fire Authority is working with Peggy Reeves on some legislation that would change the investment caps on the Police and fire pension funds.Currently,50%of investments must be invested conservatively.This legislation would lower this percentage. There is a ballot initiative titled the “94 Consumer Protection Act”.An alternate,and perhaps more accurate,title would be “A Proposal Concerning Government Service and Lobbying Activities”. This ballot initiative has been introduced by Mr.Rick Grice and Dennis Polhill.Briefly,it would apply to all governments and government employees,and would restrict government activity for which there is a realistic private provider.It would prohibit all public funding of lobbying.No government business activity would be exempt from any law or regulation that applies to private industry.There would be no limitation on liability for governments,but no exemptions from tax.However,schools (K—12), law enforcement,public health agencies and those agencies who services are directly related to public safety are exempt.There is a hearing on the title of this ballot initiative on Feb.2 at 2:00 for the Legislative Council.We do not believe that public comment will be accepted at that time. Next LRC meeting:February 11,1994 —12:00. Adjourned 1:15. End of Item 2.