HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 4100
CITY OF PALO ALTO OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
September 16, 2013
The Honorable City Council
Palo Alto, California
Potential List of Topics for the Study Session With Assemblyman Rich
Gordon
1. End of Session Wrap Up (Assemblyman Gordon)
2. Insight into City of Palo Alto’s High Priority Bills of Interest (see at Places Memo as to
Status)
3. CEQA Reform Legislation
4. Status of Housing Element Reform (HCD/ABAG)
5. Legislation to Reduce Voter Approval Thresholds for Infrastructure Projects
6. Caltrain Electrification Process (now underway)
7. Current State of High-Speed Rail and Impact of Kinney ruling.
8. Preserving Local Control (Note: Above average number of bills introduced this year
(such as SB7 Prevailing Wage, SB311 Local Election, Charter Amendments, AB325
Housing Element Litigation, SB562 Economic Development Subsidies, SB537 Impasse
Procedures, etc. taking away local control) /Trend in Coming Years?
9. Looking Ahead to the 2014 Legislative Session - Challenges and Opportunities
Note of thanks: On January 24 2013, staff met with Assembly Member Gordon to explore
potential legislation for the 2013 State legislative session. One topic of discussion included
assistance in securing postponement of State landfill capping requirements for a limited time
while the City evaluates a potential Energy/Compost facility. The regulatory agencies have come
up with a far less expensive (but equally effective) type of landfill cap for the City. The City no
longer needs to seek postponement of the cap for the sake of the Energy Compost Facility.
Assembly Member Gordon was instrumental in helping to find this "win-win" solution as he met
with the State Agencies and City staff and helped the regulatory agencies see the importance of
this issue. We greatly appreciate his efforts!!!
Department Head: Donna Grider, City Clerk
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