Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 5355 City of Palo Alto (ID # 5355) City Council Staff Report Report Type: Inter-Governmental Legislative Affairs Meeting Date: 12/1/2014 City of Palo Alto Page 1 Summary Title: Draft Legislative Program Manual and Draft Semi -Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives Title: Review and Approval of the Draft Legislative Program Manual and Draft Semi -Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives From: City Manager Lead Depar tment: City Manager Recommendation Policy and Services Committee and Staff recommend that Council review and approve, or modify and approve the attached Legislative Program Manual and the Spring 2015 Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives document. Policy & Services Committee at their November 13, 2014 meeting unanimously approved them on a 3 -0 vote, Scharff absent. Background The Legislative Program Manual as drafted is intended to serve as an ongoing guide to the City’s state and federal legislative programs. This document is intended to be reviewed and updated every two to three years but sh ould generally remain unchanged (assuming the City maintains its current legislative program management format). The Legislative Program Manual includes General Guiding Principles in addition to procedures for handling legislative issues such as correspondence, policy formation, and advocacy. The Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives document provides additional policy direction to the City Council, City staff, and the City’s state and federal legislative advocates on policy issues outside of the General Guiding Principles (which is a section of the Legislative Program Manual). This document is intended to be vetted and revised semi-annually in the Fall and Spring by the Policy & Services Committee with the City’s state and federal legislative advocates in attendance. Fall Meeting The Fall meeting will include a review of what has occurred so far that year followed by a proactive planning session focused on what types of legislation, or legislative City of Palo Alto Page 2 positions, the City should advocate for in the upcoming year. Spring Meeting The Spring meeting will include a review of what has occurred so far that year and how the City should react to what has occurred such as drafting letters of support or opposition on existing bills or issues. These semi-annual meetings are intended to give the Policy & Services Committee the opportunity to strategically update the Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives document based on the current legislative environment. Following that process the document would then go to Council for review and approval. Attached for your review are the following: A. The Legislative Program Manual B. The Spring 2015 Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives document C. The Policy and Services Committee excerpt minutes_11-13-2014 Also, below, are a few additional areas of clarification:  The Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives document contains possible areas of legislative focus this year and will need Council’s review and approval. These reflect the Policy and Services Committee’s recommendation, however Council will need to adopt or modify these before they can be used to inform specific legislation or City action on other legislative fronts.  Due to the unique objectives of the Utilities Department, Utilities specific legislative guiding principles are developed and updated annually and are then reviewed and approved by the Utilities Advisory Commission and Council. The timing of the Utilities specific legislative guidelines is sequenced to accommodate Public Power efforts in Sacramento and Washington DC through the joint action agencies/associations in which the City participates. Staff managing the City’s legislative program, including staff from Utilities and the City Manager’s Office, participate in multiple conference calls monthly with the City’s state and federal legislative advocates to ensure that all parties are working towards legislative objectives that are in the best interest of the City as a whole. In addition to this, staff also works on issues that come-up throughout the year outside of the routine legislative program procedures.  All strategic legislative documents will be dated to clarify which is the most recent and what positions the City has taken in the past. Attachments:  Attachment A - Draft Legislative Program Manual_12-1-2014 (DOC) City of Palo Alto Page 3  Attachment B - Draft Spring 2015 Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives_12-1-2014 (DOC)  Attachment C - Draft Policy and Services Committee Excerpt Minutes_11-13-2014 (DOCX) Draft City of Palo Alto Legislative Program Manual Table of Contents Table of Contents p. 1 Policy Statement p. 2 General Legislative Priorities p. 2 Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives p. 3 Basic Steps in the City’s Legislative Program p. 4 Internal Coordination of the Legislative Program p. 5 The Role of the City Council p. 6 The Role of the City Manager's Office p. 7 The Role of City Departments p. 8 Guidelines for Evaluating Legislation p. 9 Legislative Advocacy p. 11 Lobbying Methods p. 13 Guidelines for Letter Writing p. 15 Procedure for City Council Meetings with Other Elected Representatives p. 16 State Legislative Timeline p. 17 Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 2 Policy Statement The objective of the City of Palo Alto legislative program is to keep the City Council, community and staff fully advised of proposed legislation with a potential impact upon the City. It is the City's general policy to take timely and effective action in support of , or opposition to, proposed legislation affecting Palo Alto at the County, State, and Federal levels. In addition, the City, where appropriate, will take the initiative to seek introduction of new legislation beneficial to Palo Alto. General Legislative Priorities 1. Protect local revenue sources and prevent unfunded mandates.  Oppose Federal or State legislation, policies and budgets that have negative impacts on services, revenues and costs. Ensure that legislation, policies and budgets do not detract from Palo Alto’s ability to draw on local revenue sources. 2. Protect and increase funding for specific programs and services.  Support County, State and Federal funding for local service by maximizing existing funding levels and seeking new and alternative funding for programs. Promote increases in the allocation of funds to cities and flexibility in distribution. 3. Protect and increase local government discretion and oppose legislation, policies and budgets that reduce the authority and/or ability of local government to determine how best to effectively operate local programs, services, and activities. Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 3 Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives The Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives provides additional policy direction to the City Council, City staff, and the City’s state and federal le gislative advocates on policy issues outside of the General legislative Priorities. The document is to be updated semi- annually in the fall and the spring. The fall update would include a review of what has occurred so far that year followed by a proactive planning session focused on what types of legislation, or legislative positions, the City would like to advocate for in the upcoming year. The spring update would include a review of what has occurred so far that year and would be a more reactive session focused on what has occurred thus far that year and how the City should respond to existing bills or issues. When relevant, the Council’s annual priorities may help inform the City’s position on legislation. All Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiative documents will be dated for clarity on which is the most recent and what positions the City has taken in the past. Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 4 Basic Steps in the City's Legislative Program Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 5 Internal Coordination of the Legislative Program The basic steps in the City's legislative program are illustrated in the diagram above. 1. Legislation is brought to the City's attention by several means: the City’s lobbyists, the League of California Cities, the National League of Cities, Council Members, City staff, citizens, professional or governmental newsletters, legislators, etc. 2. The City Manager's Office reviews the proposed legislation (the bill text) and, if warranted, requests assistance from one or more departments. Departments are urged to take the initiative to identify legislation of importance to the City and not wait for the City Manager's Office to ask for their involvement. 3. The Department evaluates the bill for its impact upon Palo Alto, recommends a position and potential action, and drafts a statement or letter for use by the City Manager's Office, as appropriate. 4. At this juncture, action can proceed in either of two ways: a. If the Council has previously adopted a policy directly relevant to the legislation, the City Manager's Office proceeds to prepare a letter for the Mayor's signature; b. If the Council policy relative to the legislation does not exist, or if the issue is politically controversial, or if there is significant local interest in the issue, the proposed legislation is referred to Council. (See Legislative Advocacy) 5. The Council will consider the information provided in a staff report, determine its position on the legislation, and provide direction to staff. 6. The City Manager's Office coordinates the lobbying activities according to Council direction through this manual. 7. The Council will connect with the various legislative bodies in several ways throughout the year: a. Joint meetings with elected representatives b. Visits to Sacramento and Washington DC c. Direct contact with elected officials Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 6 The Role of the City Council The City Council has ultimate responsibility for determining the position the City shall take on legislative issues. Council positions applicable to legislation accumulate over the years and require periodic reevaluation to assure they are still relevant to the City's needs and interests. The Council generally takes positions only on issues that are of relevance to the City of Palo Alto. The Council's specific responsibilities include:  Conduct an annual review and update of legislative priorities at both the State and Federal levels.  Meet annually with the City's state and federal lobbyist to establish state and federal legislative priorities and strategies.  Establish legislative priorities, taking into account the Council priorities adopted each year.  Consider legislative issues brought to the Council's attention by staff, citizens, organizations and others and determine what, if any, position the City should take.  Determine Council positions on resolutions proposed for adoption by the League of California Cities and the National League of Cities.  Suggest areas for staff action concerning legislation.  Assume an active advocacy role with legislators on behalf of the City. This may include travel to Washington, DC and/or to Sacramento. Any such travel will be consistent with current City travel policies. Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 7 The Role of the City Manager's Office The City Manager's Office is the central coordinator of the City's legislative pr ogram. The responsibilities and activities of the office include the following:  Ensure the consistency of legislative policy throughout the City.  Serve as a clearinghouse and record keeper for all legislative activity occurring with the City.  Coordinate contacts and communications with legislators and staff.  Coordinate the evaluation of proposed legislation that may affect the City .  Disseminate information on legislation of interest to departments within the City.  Encourage suggestions from departments concerning subjects for legislative action.  Provide feedback to departments on progress of legislation of interest .  Keep Council informed on the status of the City's legislative work.  Recommend priorities for legislative action to support the City’s lobbying activities.  Plan, coordinate, and facilitate lobbying activities by Council Members and City staff.  Maintain legislative files (bill texts, correspondence, records of lobbying activity, background information, Council policies).  Serve as the liaison to the League of California Cities, National League of Cities, and other organizations and jurisdictions concerning legislative activities.  Coordinate the annual review of legislative positions and preparation of the City's legislative platform.  When requested, to ensure policymakers are briefed prior to attending forums in which they represent the City.  Prior to regional meetings, staff shall inform Council representatives/liaisons of relevant legislative updates and/or staff work on related topics. Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 8 The Role of City Departments The participation of various departments within the City is essential to the success of t he Legislative Program. The program requires departments to take responsibility for identifying, evaluating, and monitoring legislation that relates to their functional areas. The program must be cooperative and interactive. Effective lobbying and testimony depends on factual data concerning the impacts and implications of proposed legislation upon the City's operations, services, and finances. The responsibilities of the departments include the following:  Inform the Manager's Office of legislative issues of importance to the City .  Designate a key contact within the department or division who will be responsible for coordinating the evaluation of legislation and monitoring those legislative issues of direct significance to the department. Continue to monitor bills as they progress through the Legislature or Congress.  Establish a system within the department for assuring that requests for legislation evaluation are responded to promptly.  Draft letters and provide analysis of legislation as requested by City Manager's Office.  Maintain a legislative file with the department to assure consistency of policy recommendations.  Establish mechanisms within the department for accessing direct information on legislation, e.g. computer networks, newsletters, etc.  Network with other cities, agencies, professional organizations, etc. to gain background information and broader perspective on legislative issues.  Suggest organizations, individuals, publications, and other legislators who may be allies in lobbying the City's position on certain legislation.  Become acquainted with the League of California Cities staff person with responsibility for issues related to the department.  Annually, provide to the Manager's Office the department's recommendations for the ensuing year's legislative platform. This shall include: 1) a review of existing positions, 2) statements of underlying policies and pr inciples, and 3) priorities related to specific legislative issues. Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 9 Guidelines for Evaluating Legislation Several resources are available to departments that can enable them to identify proposed legislation and track its progress. The League of Ca lifornia Cities and National League of Cities publications contain information on various legislation. Departments can also subscribe to legislative announcements through professional associations as well as State and Congressional websites. Bills often are amended several times between introduction and final approval. Analyses and letters expressing the City's position should always be based on the latest version. When reviewing the bill text, staff should not rely solely on the Legislative Counsel's Digest but read the entire bill. The bill will contain the new or amended language proposed. If the department wishes to compare the proposed language with the actual language of existing law, and does not have the relevant code (Government Code, Vehicle Code, Election Code, Revenue and Taxation Code, etc.) in the department, the department shall contact the proper staff member or representative with questions. If the bill is later amended, language that is deleted will be lined out and new proposed language will be shown in italics. Proper timing is vital in the legislative process. The City's views on a bill are of value only if they reach a legislator or committee before the bill is voted on. Departments should provide the City Manager's Office with inform ation on bills of importance to the City as soon as they are aware of them. A. Citywide Perspective Often, proposed legislation will have the potential for affecting more than one department. Not always will the impact be the same. While the proposal may b e beneficial from the perspective of one department, it may have negative impacts for another department. It is essential that these differences be reconciled and a common citywide position is determined. The City Manager's Office will work with Department s to reconcile differences. B. Stating the City's Position Departments should be aware of policies and programs contained in the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan which relate to their area of responsibility. The City Manager's Office can verify if the League of California Cities or National League of Cities has taken a position on a bill. The most effective arguments in lobbying a bill are those which contain hard data about the effects on the City's operations and services. If the bill has potential significant effects for the City, it is well worth the time spent to assemble the examples and cost figures. The best criticism is that which contains suggestions for improvement. If there is little likelihood of defeating a bill the City opposes, indicat e what could be changed to make it Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 10 more palatable. Legislators and their staffs are more receptive to communications which offer concrete ideas. If the department recommendation is to support, oppose, or amend a bill, it is important to draft the body of a letter that the City Manager's Office can use in writing to the legislators. The Manager's Office will put the letter in final form and send it to the appropriate committees, legislators, etc. A copy of the finalized letter will be routed to the evaluating department for its records. Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 11 Legislative Advocacy The Council is the official voice of the City of Palo Alto. The final authority for determining the position that shall be taken by the City on proposed legislation rests with the Council. The process outlined below would likely be followed only for controversial topics. Less controversial topics may go directly to Council. In many instances, due to timing or the nature of the issue, the Mayor may sign a letter supporting or opposing legislation on behalf of the City. This position would need to be gener ally consistent with the City's legislative guiding principles or the annually adopted priorities. Process 1. A legislative issue is referred to the Policy & Services Committee for review. 2. Staff generates an informational report for the Policy & Services Committee summarizing the issue. This report will include an analysis of City policy as it relates to the item, if applicable. 3. The item is agendized for a Policy & Services Committee meeting. 4. The Policy & Services Committee reviews and discusses the legislative issue at the meeting. 5. Policy & Services Committee members vote on the issue. 6. If the vote is unanimous, the matter is forwarded to the Council as consent ca lendar item. If the vote is not unanimous, it is forwarded to Council as an action item. If a timeliness issue exists, the item may be referred directly to Council or to Council without minutes, and a one page executive summary will be provided. If no timeliness issue exists, the item will be referred with minutes in the usual manner. Signatures on Legislative Communication Letters and other communications expressing the City's position on legislation will customarily bear the signature of the Mayor. If the legislation's principal impact is on the City’s operating procedures, the communication may be signed by the City Manager. In these instances, it may increase the effectiveness of the communication to have it co-signed by the head of the department most directly affected. In order to keep the Council and others informed of all City communications on legislation, copies of the letters will be distributed in the Council agenda packet. Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 12 Independent Lobbying by City Personnel City employees are not to lobby in the name of the City of Palo Alto unless the activity has been approved by the department head and City Manager has been informed in advance of the activity. City Advisory Commissions and Committees City employees who are staff or liaison to Council appointed advisory commissions and committees should encourage the bodies to bring to the attention of the Council proposed legislation upon which they recommend the Council take a position. Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 13 Lobbying Methods Listed here are a number of ways to inform and persuade legislators and others of the City's position on proposed legislation. Departmental participation in the planning and implementation of many of these activities is important. Departments should let the City Manager's Office know of their interest and suggestions for lobbying bills they have evaluated. Letters Letters may be drafted for:  The authors of proposed legislation.  The City's elected representatives in the State Legislature and Congress.  The Chair and members of legislative committees.  The Governor or President. If a letter is being sent within three working days of the scheduled committee hearing of a floor vote, the letter will be faxed or emailed as well. All records of faxes, mailings, and e-mail will be maintained by the City Manager's Office. Telephone Calls  Phone calls are useful for communication with legislative staff regarding the content and implications of bills and for suggesting amendments or language clarifications. However, many committees' rules prevent them from counting phone calls as a legitimate expression of a City's position on a bill. Pro and con positions are recorded only if they are received in writing. Meetings  It is the Council's practice to invite legislators representing Palo Alto to an annual meeting to discuss all issues of importance to the City during that legislative session.  Councilmembers are encouraged to attend the National League of Cities and League of California Cities conferences and to create and maintain relationships with state and federal officials. Resolutions  The Council is sometimes asked to adopt a resolution expressing its position on a bill. Resolutions are frequently sought by organizations as an indication of widespread support for a position, but they are less effective than letters when Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 14 communicating directly with a legislator. Testimony  Testifying in person at a legislative committee hearing provides an opportunity to present the City's position and respond to questions. The City Manager, the Mayor, a Councilmember, or a staff person with particular expertise in a subject area are examples of appropriate speakers. Editorials  Staff members must have approval from the City Manager's Office before submitting editorials to newspapers. Press Conferences  Press conferences are called by the Mayor and Councilmembers and are staged in a location relevant to the issues being lobbied. Any press conference should be coordinated with the City Manager's Office. Coalitions  These alliances are not limited to governmental bodies, but extend to all segments of the broader community that can similarly be affected by the legislation (e.g. business, nonprofit organization, environmental groups, etc). Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 15 Guidelines for Letter Writing  Concentrate on the letter content, rather than format. The City Manager's Office will produce the final letter, addressing it to the proper legislators or committees and securing the appropriate signature. The process can be expedited if the originating department provides the draft of the letter electronically.  At the very start of the letter, indicate the bill number or title that is the subject of the letter.  A short concise letter is generally more effective than a lengthy one. Several short letters will carry more weight than one long letter. If there are many good arguments for supporting or opposing a bill, provide them all to the Manager's Office but in a form where they can be selectively used in several communications.  Provide specific examples of the impact of the legislation on Palo Alto (e.g. estimated cost or savings, effect upon taxpayers and residents, relationship to the City's policies, programs, charter, etc).  Examples should be used that may be particularly newsworthy.  Relate, when feasible, to the effect the proposed legislation may have upon the legislator’s constituents.  If advice is needed on what aspects of the legislation can most successfully be lobbied, or what kind of information is most needed by the legislators, it is useful to talk to the staff of the League of California Cities, of the Legislature's Committees, or of the individual legislators. The Manager's Office can provide contact names and phone numbers. Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 16 Procedure for City Council Meetings with Other Elected Representatives Typically, the Council meets annually with its County, State, and Federal representatives. These meetings are an important component of building legislative relationships and to share issues of importance to Palo Alto. These meetings should be scheduled at the appropriate times during the respective legislative calendars.  Staff will schedule these meetings at the direction of the City Manager in coordination with the Council.  The City Manager will seek agenda items from the Mayor and Council.  Staff from the City Manager's Office will obtain agenda items from Departments and staff in the representative’s office.  A meeting agenda and a potential list of topics will be published by City Clerk. Draft Legislative Program Manual Page 17 State Legislative Timeline A State legislative timeline will be provided annually for planning purposes. Draft Spring 2015 Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives The Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives document provides additional policy direction to the City Council, City staff, and the City’s state and federal legislative advocates on policy issues outside of the General Guiding Principles contained within the Legislative Program Manual. Listed below are possible semi-annual legislative priorities that were suggested as possibilities for Council consideration by members of the City’s Executive Leadership Team and the Policy & Services Committee at their November 13, 2014 meeting. At that Committee meeting six semi-annual legislative strategic initiatives were identified to be of the utmost importance. Those six semi-annual legislative strategic initiatives are listed below under the “Top Six Spring 2015 Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives” heading in order of importance, as voted on by the Committee. They are also listed under their corresponding subject area heading. Top Six Spring 2015 Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives 1. Advocate for Proposition 13 reform as it relates to ownership transfers of commercial properties; 2. Advocate for policies that promote the long-term stability of CalPERS; 3. Obtain grant funding for public safety, affordable housing, recycled water, homelessness issues, and/or infrastructure; 4. As the issue unfolds, track closely any proposed changes to expanding the sales tax base (such as leisure services) and the possible correlated reductions in the sales tax rate; 5. Advocate for Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) housing mandate reform via a revised formula for housing allocations; 6. Advocate for environmental initiatives that promote the use of alternative energy sources. Environmental  Advocate for environmental initiatives that promote the use of alternative energy sources;  Advocate for National Electric Code reform that facilitates an increase in the installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment;  Advocate for conservation pricing for refuse;  Advocate for a ban on the disposal of “flushable” wipes into the sewer system;  Advocate that drug manufactures to manage and fund a collection program for pharmaceutical waste;  Advocate for a requirement that cigarettes sold in California are manufactured with biodegradable butts;  Advocate for a ban on the use of any Styrofoam food containers and packaging materials;  Reduce the approval requirement from two-thirds to 50% +1 of voting property owners to pay for improvements necessary for cities to come into compliance with new State and Federal storm drain requirements. Financial (Revenue & Grants)  Advocate for Proposition 13 reform as it relates to ownership transfers of commercial properties;  Advocate for policies that promote the long-term stability of CalPERS;  Obtain grant funding for public safety, affordable housing, recycled water, homelessness issues, and/or infrastructure;  As the issue unfolds, track closely any proposed changes to expanding the sales tax base (such as leisure services) and the possible correlated reductions in the sales tax rate;  Advocate for State Department of Health Care Services reimbursement reform that would provide additional supplemental reimbursements to service providers for the cost of paramedic services to Medicare and Medi-Cal patients at a rate of payment equal to the cost of service;  Seek funding that would provide improvements to the Palo Alto Airport . Housing  Advocate for Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) housing mandate reform via a revised formula for housing allocations. Local Control  Advocate for the rights of municipalities to provide internet, and internet -related, utility services. Regulatory  Advocate for San Francisquito Creek improvements via regulatory relief and oversight reform. Technology  Advocate for “net neutrality” and related policy areas that ensure that all legal internet activity is treated equally both in theory and practically. Transportation  Oppose the California High Speed Rail project. Last updated: December 1, 2014 POLICY AND SERVICES COMMITTEE DRAFT EXCERPT MINUTES Item 2 2. Review and Recommendation to Council for Approval of the Draft Legislative Program Manual and Draft Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives Richard Hackmann, Management Analyst, stated Staff was returning with an update on the material from the October 14, 2014 Policy & Services Committee (Committee) meeting. During the prior meeting the Committee members had made recommended changes to the Draft Legislative Program Manual and Draft Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives document. Staff had reached out to the Executive Leadership Team members to update the Draft Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives document and presented to you was a more detailed version of initiatives. Staff was requesting input and approval on both documents from the Committee members and a recommendation to Council. James Keene, City Manager, recommended Committee members review the Draft Spring 2015 Semi-Annual Legislative Strategic Initiatives document and noted it was reflective of the collective thoughts of the Executive Leadership Team’s thoughts on important policy perspectives to be considered by Council. Staff wanted to explore legislative action items although understood there could not be an overabundance of bills from one City. The recommendation desired from the Committee to Council would be for one or two important items that mattered the most to be accomplish for the City and community. Chair Price asked if Staff was requesting the discussion of sorting out the initiatives begin at the Committee level. She noted the list presented was unweighted and not organized by category. Mr. Keene allowed the Committee to determine whether they wished to begin the process of selecting their priorities prior to making a recommendation to Council. The legislative season was quickly approaching POLICY AND SERVICES COMMITTEE DRAFT EXCERPT MINUTES Item 2 and usually the due date for submitting items was set in the third week of January. Herb Borock suggested when the list went before the Council it should be noted who recommended the item; whether by Staff or the Committee. He believed the listing order should be 1) City priority, 2) Committee proposed, and 3) Staff recommendation. Council Member Klein recommended combining items 3: Protect and increase local government discretion, balancing that with City values. Ensure that legislative or Constitutional reforms align with the City’s values and maintain and/or enhance local discretion; and 4: Ensure that legislation, policies and budgets retain or increase, but generally did not decrease, the amount of local discretion held by the City and protect local decision making. Oppose legislation, policies and budgets that reduce the authority and/or ability of local government to determine how best to effectively operate local programs, services and activities. The City retains the right to e xceed State goals, standards or targets. His suggestion was to drop item 3 and note it was covered in item 4. He also recommended striking through the first and last sentence in item 4: Ensure that legislation, policies and budgets retain or increase, but generally did not decrease, the amount of local discretion held by the City and protect local decision making. Oppose legislation, policies and budgets that reduce the authority and/or ability of local government to determine how best to effectively operate local programs, services and activities. The City retains the right to exceed State goals, standards or targets. Mr. Keene clarified the recommendation was to combine items 3 and 4 strike the first sentence beginning with ‘Ensure that Legislative’ and strike the last sentence beginning with ‘The City retains’. Portion omitted due to audio technical difficulties. POLICY AND SERVICES COMMITTEE DRAFT EXCERPT MINUTES Item 2 Council Member Schmid asked where the reference was for the asterisk under the “process” section of Legislative Advocacy. Mr. Hackmann clarified there was no reference; the asterisk was a Staff note. The asterisk could be removed and the note left for informational purposes. Council Member Schmid recommended removal of the asterisk for clarity of information. MOTION: Council Member Klein moved, seconded by Council Member Schmid that the Policy and Services Committee accept the draft Legislative Program Manual with the following changes; 1) combine points 3 and 4 with a strike through of the first and last sentence in number 4 and 2) remove the asterisk under Legislative Advocacy after the last item in the Process section. MOTION PASSED: 3-0 Scharff absent Council Member Schmid stated there were 18 items to select from and he suggested the Committee voted to prioritize the list prior to Council review. His recommendation was for each Committee Member to vote for their top six priorities to narrow the list. Council Member Klein agreed to reduce the list in the manner suggested. Mr. Keene stated there would be two stages to the process. The first would be the removal of any items simply not agreeable to the Committee and the second would be how to prioritize the remaining items. The probability of Palo Alto writing a letter of support for a legislative item on the list proposed by someone else would keep the City involved without placing all of the items under their legislative request. Council Member Schmid felt maintaining all of the items on the list was beneficial because each of them came from a need or desire of Staff. POLICY AND SERVICES COMMITTEE DRAFT EXCERPT MINUTES Item 2 He believed the legislative analyst would inform the Council or Staff when an item on the list was upcoming so they could weigh in. Mr. Keene noted the Committee had the ability to inject an item to the list if they felt the need. Chair Price asked if there was a history of the number of priorities allotted each Council Member. Council Member Klein stated yes, there were three with the ability to add more with a rationale. Council Member Schmid listed his top 6 priorities; 1) Advocate for Proposition 13 reform as it relates to ownership transfers of commercial properties, 2) As the issue unfolds, track closely any proposed changes to expanding the sales tax base (such as leisure services) and the possible correlated reductions in the sales tax rate, 3) Advocate for policies that promote the long-term stability of CalPERS, 4) Advocate for conservation pricing for refuse, 5) Obtain grant funding for public safety, affordable housing, recycled water, and homelessness issues and/or infrastructure, and 6) Oppose the California High Speed Rail project. Council Member Klein listed his top 6 priorities; 1) Advocate for Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) housing mandate reform via a revised formula for housing allocations, 2) Advocate for policies that promote the long-term stability of CalPERS, 3) Seek funding that would provide improvements to the Palo Alto Airport, 4) Advocate for Proposition 13 reform as it relates to ownership transfers of commercial properties, 5) Oppose the California High Speed Rail project, and 6) Advocate for environmental initiatives that promote the use of alternative energy sources. Chair Price listed his top 6 priorities; 1) Obtain grant funding for public safety, affordable housing, recycled water, and homelessness issues and/or infrastructure, 2) Advocate for Proposition 13 reform as it relates to ownership transfers of commercial properties, 3) Advocate for environmental initiatives that promote the use of alternative POLICY AND SERVICES COMMITTEE DRAFT EXCERPT MINUTES Item 2 energy sources, 4) Advocate for policies that promote the long-term stability of CalPERS, 5) As the issue unfolds, track closely any proposed changes to expanding the sales tax base (such as leisure services) and the possible correlated reductions in the sales tax rate, and 6) Advocate for “net neutrality” and related policy areas that ensure that all legal internet activity is treated equally both in theory and practically. Mr. Keene calculated the score for each of the six priorities and clarified the results as the following order: 1) Advocate for Proposition 13 reform as it relates to ownership transfers of commercial properties, 2) Advocate for policies that promote the long-term stability of CalPERS, 3) Obtain grant funding for public safety, affordable housing, recycled water, and homelessness issues and/or infrastructure, 4) As the issue unfolds, track closely any proposed changes to expanding the sales tax base (such as leisure services) and the possible correlated reductions in the sales tax rate, 5) Advocate for Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) housing mandate reform via a revised formula for housing allocations, and 6) Advocate for environmental initiatives that promote the use of alternative energy sources. Chair Price agreed to the order captured. No Action Taken