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OFFICE OF CITY CLERK
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE MINUTES
January 15, 2009
The Intergovernmental Affairs Committee of the City of Mesa met in the lower level meeting room of the Council Chambers, 57 East 1st Street, on January 15, 2009 at 9:21 a.m.
COMMITTEE PRESENT COMMITTEE ABSENT STAFF PRESENT
Kyle Jones, Chairman None Debbie Spinner
Alex Finter Scott Butler
Dennis Kavanaugh
1. Items from citizens present.
There were no items from citizens present.
2. Hear a presentation, discuss and make recommendations on the 2009 State Legislative agenda.
Government Relations Director Scott Butler displayed a PowerPoint presentation (a copy is available for review in the City Clerk’s Office) to provide an overview of the City’s issues and priorities for the 2009 State Legislative session.
Mr. Butler reported that the State Legislature convened on Monday, January 12, 2009, with Republican majorities in both the Senate and the House. He advised that a major issue for the Legislature is the projected $1.6 to $1.9 billion budget deficit, and he added that money would continue to be the major topic of discussion in the coming year.
In response to a question from Committeemember Kavanaugh, Mr. Butler stated that he would provide information regarding the cutoff date for introducing legislation.
Mr. Butler reported that the State Legislature has new leadership: Bob Burns from the West Valley is the new Senate President and Kirk Adams from Mesa is the Speaker of the House.
Government Relations Coordinator Brent Stoddard continued the PowerPoint presentation by outlining the “Guiding Principles” utilized by staff to address City of Mesa issues with the State Legislature
• Fiscal Sustainability - Includes the protection of State-shared revenues and full funding of existing revenue streams.
Responding to concerns expressed by Chairman Jones, Mr. Stoddard advised that staff has made a concerted effort to educate new legislators regarding the fact that the urban revenue sharing formula (85% for the State, 15% for local governments) was approved as a result of a citizens’ initiative in 1972.
Mr. Butler noted that although the revenue sharing formula was approved by the voters, the formula is not “voter protected.”
Committeemember Kavanaugh emphasized that the Legislature must be made to understand that the 15% local share of revenues is not State money.
Mr. Stoddard continued the presentation by highlighting the following “Guiding Principles:”
• Local Control – Maintaining self-governance of the City and opposing mandates and preemptions.
• Economic Development – Promoting future economic sustainability and maintaining and enhancing current and future economic development tools.
• Neighborhoods – Support initiatives that preserve and enhance the quality of life for all citizens and keep our neighborhoods strong.
• Public Safety – Providing the ability to strategically plan for and respond to public safety needs, including homeland security and emergency response activities.
• Transportation – Participating in regional transportation planning and continuing efforts to ensure that dedicated revenue streams are maintained.
• Water – Ensuring the sustainability of our water resources.
Mr. Butler advised that staff would provide updates to the Council and the Committee using the “Guiding Principles” as a baseline for reports on legislation that is being introduced or is in process.
In response to a question from Committeemember Kavanaugh, Mr. Butler said that past efforts by the Legislature to prohibit lobbying by cities and towns have been unsuccessful.
Committeemember Finter noted that individuals from Mesa hold several leadership positions in the State Legislature. He suggested that intergovernmental meetings with State and County legislators, similar to those currently held with other entities and Valley cities, could prove to be beneficial by creating a dialogue.
Mr. Butler continued the presentation by highlighting the “Legislative Priorities:”
• Fiscal Sustainability – Support efforts to reverse the mandatory $30 million contribution to the 2009 State budget, $1.7 million of which would come from the City of Mesa.
Responding to a question from Chairman Jones, Mr. Butler advised that the mandatory contribution was the result of a compromise between the Executive and Legislative branches. He noted that several legislators have expressed opposition to the action, and he advised that a court challenge is underway.
Mr. Butler advised that another priority under “fiscal sustainability” is protection of the Statewide Transportation Acceleration Needs (STAN) funding in the amount of $20.4 million for the Gateway Freeway.
Mr. Stoddard continued the PowerPoint presentation:
• Public Safety – Support 9-1-1 emergency system funding by adjusting the administrative fee from three percent to five percent; strengthen the ability of law enforcement to address metal theft; and oppose efforts that would negatively affect Mesa’s arterial photo enforcement program.
Committeemember Finter noted that he does not support the entire photo radar enforcement program. He said that although he supports the use of photo radar at intersections, he believes the use of vans has not been proven to improve safety.
Chairman Jones stated that he opposed changes on the State level that could eliminate the use of photo radar at City of Mesa intersections.
Mr. Butler noted that previous Councils have had differences of opinion on this issue. He advised that the intent of staff in addressing this legislative issue is to maintain local control so that the Council can determine the type of photo enforcement program that is to be used in Mesa.
• Economic Development – Oppose efforts that would weaken Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) as an economic tool that allows commercial development in areas where infrastructure and the environment present challenges; promote Arizona as a leader in solar and renewable energy sources; and support efforts to address infrastructure needs.
• Neighborhoods – Support efforts to increase penalties for damaging property with graffiti; and oppose any attempts to eliminate the 2010 sunset provision for payday lending operations.
Mr. Butler noted that several Councilmembers have indicated that the issue of payday lenders is of great concern to them.
It was moved by Committeemember Kavanaugh, seconded by Committeemember Finter, to recommend to the Council that staff’s recommendations regarding the 2009 State Legislative “Guiding Principles” and “Legislative Priorities” be approved.
Chairman Jones reiterated that the Committee’s primary concern regarding photo radar enforcement is the issue of being able to maintain local control.
Chairman Jones called for the vote.
Carried unanimously.
Mr. Butler advised that staff would schedule a future meeting at which the Committee could review staff’s recommendations regarding Federal legislative priorities.
Chairman Jones expressed support for the suggestion made by Committeemember Finter that an opportunity be arranged for the Council to meet with the City’s State and County representatives.
3. Adjournment.
Without objection, the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee meeting adjourned at 9:52 a.m.
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee meeting of the City of Mesa, Arizona, held on the 15th day of January 2009. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
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LINDA CROCKER, CITY CLERK
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