HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/2012 19A Council General Information BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT ��
Item No.
For Meeting of: October 16, 2012
ITEM TITLE: Council General Information
SUBMITTED BY:
CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE:
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
1. Thank you letter from Susan Kerns regarding Senior Repair Program
2. City Meeting Schedule for week of October 15 -22, 2012
3. Preliminary Future Activities Calendar as of October 15, 2012
4. Preliminary Council Agenda
5. 2012 Study Session Schedule
6. Association of Washington Cities Legislative information
Resolution Ordinance Other
(specify)
Contract: Mail to:
Contract Term: Amount: Expiration Date:
Insurance Required? No
Funding
Source: Phone:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL: City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
BOARD /COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Click to download
❑ info packet
RECEIVED
CITY OF YAKIMA
(Q 4 2-0/2- OCT o 5 2012
OFFICE OF CITY COUNCIL
City of Yakima Council Members:
I would like to thank the City of Yakima for its recent work on my home at 1416 Roosevelt. The new paint job is a
pleasure to look at every day. It had been 30 years since its last paint job and it was sorely needed. The additional work
is greatly appreciated also. The new concrete steps are much safer and no longer considered a liability to the insurance
company. I now have running water in my bathroom sink and kitchen sink. The use of the dumpster was a great
assistance in finally cleaning out my garage. The help of this program was the only way my house would have been
improved. I am low income and could not repair these items on my own. I hope the city continues to receive funding
for seniors and disabled people. Without this help my house was uninsurable by all insurance companies. I now can get
insurance. My street and neighborhood look much nicer with my beautiful new paintjob!
Than[so much.
Susan Kerns
q ( t.00e-..-Aid *
oLtk fl L A a C10
CITY MEETING SCHEDULE
For October 15, 2012 — October 22, 2012
Please note: Meetings are subject to change
Monday, October 15
10:00 a.m. City Council Media Briefing — Council Chambers
11:00 a.m. Bid Opening — Council Chambers
Tuesday, October 16
10:00 a.m. County Commissioners Agenda Meeting — Council Chambers
5:30 p.m. City Council Executive Session — Council Chambers
6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting — Council Chambers
Wednesday, October 17
12:00 p.m. PAL Board Meeting — PAL Center
3:30 p.m. Arts Commission Meeting — CED Conference Room
Thursday, October 18
9:00 a.m. Hearing Examiner — Council Chambers
Monday, October 22
12:00 p.m. Greenway Board Meeting — Greenway Visitors Center
12:00 p.m. Capitol Theatre Board Meeting — Capitol Theatre
Office Of Mayor /City Councit
Preliminary Future Activities Calendar
Please Note: Meetings are subject to change
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Mon. Oct. 15
10:00 a.m. City Council Media Briefing Scheduled Meeting Bristol Council Chambers
Tue. Oct. 16
12:00 p.m. Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meeting Cawley, Adkison, TBD
Ettl
5:30 p m City Council Executive Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers
Session
6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers
Wed. Oct. 17
12:00 p m. PAL Board Meeting Board Meeting Coffey PAL Center
3.30 ..m. Arts Commission Scheduled Meetin. Adkison CED Conference Room
Thur. Oct. 18
10:00 a.m. SIED Board Meetin• Board Meeting Coffey New Vision Office
Sat. Oct. 20
8:30 a M. Welcome WA Science Scheduled Event Cawley Convention Center
Teachers
Mon. Oct. 22
12:00 p m. Greenway Board Meeting Board Meeting Ettl Greenway Visitors Center
00 p.m. Capitol Theatre Board Board Meeting Bristol Capitol Theatre
Meetins
Tue. Oct. 23
10:00 a.m. City Council Study Session Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers
12:00 p.m. Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meeting Cawley, Adkison, TBD
Lover
Wed. Oct. 24
5:30 p m. Historic Preservation Scheduled Meeting Bristol Council Chambers
Commission
Thur. Oct. 25
10:00 a.m. Yakima Regional Public Scheduled Meeting Bristol Convention Center
Facilities District
Sat. Oct. 27
9:00 a.m. Soro•timist Welcome Scheduled Event Cawley Hilton
Mon. Oct. 29
6:00 p.m. Welcome WA Service Scheduled Event Cawley Convention Center
Cor•s
Tue. Oct. 30
10.00 a m. City Council Study Session Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers
- 00 p.m. Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meeting Adkison, Cawley, TBD
Coffe
Thur. Nov. 1
4 p m. GFI Steering Committee Scheduled Meeting Coffey, Adkison, CWCMH
Meeting Ettl
6.00 p.m. Regional Fire Authority Scheduled Meeting Cawley, Coffey, Station 95
Adkison
Fri. Nov. 2
8.00 a.m. Sister City Meeting Scheduled Meeting Adkison CED Conference Room
Mon. Nov. 5
10:00 a.m. City Council Media Briefing Scheduled Meeting Cawley Council Chambers
Tue. Nov. 6
12:00 p.m. Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meeting Cawley TBD
5 p.m (T) City Council Executive Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers
Session
6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers
Thur. Nov. 8
1.00 p.m. Harman Center Board Board Meeting Adkison Harman Center
Meeting
1 30 p.m. Yakima Regional Clean Air Scheduled Meeting Lover Council Chambers
Meeting
2:00 p.m. GFI Executive Committee Scheduled Meeting Ettl, Coffey, Mayor's Office
Meeti Adkison
PRELIMINARY FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA
October 23
10:00 a.m. City Council Study Session — Council Chambers
October 30
10:00 a.m. City Council Study Session — Council Chambers
November 6
(T) 5:00 p.m. Executive Session — Council Chambers
6:00 p.m. Business Meeting — Council Chambers
• American Indian Heritage Month proclamation
• Recognize retiring City employee Rick Schuknecht
• Fire Department Commendation Recognition Award
• Recognize LDS Volunteer Group
• Resolution adopting the proposed 2013 Annual Action Plan
• A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Yakima County, through the Office of
Aging and Long Term Care (ALTC) for the City of Yakima Day Break Adult Day
Care and Respite Services Program at the Harman Center
• A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Yakima County, through the Office of
Aging and Long Term Care (ALTC) for the Geriatric Preventative Foot Care
Services Program
• Resolution amending the Wastewater Division's contract with Pharmer Engineering
• 3rd Quarter engineering report
• Consideration of Resolution authorizing annual renewal of the City Manager's
authority to settle any claims against or by the City of Yakima in an amount of
$100,000 or Tess, and to execute all documents necessary to the resolution or
settlement of such claims
10/10/2012
5,18 PM
• YV -Tech agreement that allows them to use certain areas of Station 95
• Resolution naming Apple Valley Kiwanis Skate Park in Memory of Ron Bonlender
7:00 p.m. Public Hearings — Council Chambers
10/10/2012
5•18 PM
2012 STUDY SESSION SCHEDULE
Council Chambers
10:00 a.m.
•
October 23 Strategic priorities
2013 budget
Water rates for 2013
October 30 Trek Yakima
Metropolitan Parks District
Downtown development standards
November 13 Gang Free Initiative
TBD North 1 Street and signage issues
10/10/2012
517 PM
c °t ; orbe r ; 2 0 1 2
P ,
{
I ASSOCIATION
OF WASHINGTON Liquor privatization im acts
p
•
On June 1, 2012, private retailers began selling liquor as Respondents indicate that they need additional police,
a result of the passage of Initiative 1183. Though some more technical assistance to deal with the impacts of
citizens are pleased to shop at grocery or convenience privatization, and increased involvement in licensing
store and purchase distilled spirits, others have concerns decisions. Survey results show cities are still working with
of the impacts on public safety and underage drinking. LCB, but need more support.
Additionally, many stores under 10,000 square feet were
grandfathered in and allowed to sell liquor, increasing the Compliance checks
density of availability. LCB reported no significant changes in the rate of
compliance with private retailers as compared to
Even before the initiative was approved by voters, some the previous system of state -owned stores. However,
expressed concerns about increased alcohol consumption compliance rates do not reflect the issue of theft and
by adults and minors and what public safety impacts would increases in consumption. The Department of Revenue
arise. reported an increase in liquor sales stating that a total of
Although it is too early to fully evaluate the public safety 10.6 million liters of spirits were purchased during May,
impacts of liquor privatization, AWC recently asked June and July of 2012, compared to 9.5 million liters for
ors and police chiefs what they are seeing in their the same period in 2011.
communities. Here is what they said. The main concern reported by cities is theft of liquor.
Websites exist that detail how to avoid getting caught by
Police chiefs disassembling the sensory devices attached to the bottles
• 63% report an increase in liquor theft and advocate running from the store because of many
• 30% report an increase in alcohol related crimes near stores' "no pursuit policy ".
grocery stores
• 25% said they need more support from the Liquor Are more, smaller stores still possible?
Control Board (LCB) for enforcement The liquor control board is in the process of examining the
40% said they needed more officers for liquor increased density of liquor stores and in the rule - making
• enforcement and alcohol related crimes process for defining a "trade area" as required in the
initiative. LCB is also considering new rules to allow home
Mayors & city managers delivery of liquor.
In response to a survey question regarding the biggest
public safety challenge the city faces with privatization What cities need:
•
of liquor, the main concern is theft from stores, both Restore diverted liquor taxes and reinstate the
reported and unreported. Others echoed that the historical local share of excess liquor revenue
reduction of revenue sharing by the state directly impacts • Address concern about changes in public safety costs
the city's ability to fund law enforcement. Reports of including prevention and enforcement
organized thefts of liquor from stores in addition to • Set rulemaking for displays and placement of liquor in
•rage patrons stealing liquor have become regular stores
L„,-mes in police reports.
'�i Association of Washington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE, Olympia,WA 98501 • awcnet.org
O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2
AWC's 2013 preliminary major priorities
_ASSOCIATION_ Fiscal sustainability economic
0 WAS I N GTO N
CiTiES development service provision
Ensure fiscal sustainability and Enhance service provision
flexibility • Allow cities to be more flexible and
• Restore diverted liquor revenue and retain responsive to fiscal challenges, such as
existing state - shared city revenues during managing personnel costs.
these fiscally challenging times. • Fund critical mandates like municipal
• Preserve current local revenue authorities stormwater and refrain from adding any
like local business licensing taxes and seek new unfunded or underfunded mandates.
to develop new options. • Strengthen public records efforts by
curbing abusive requests.
Foster and invest in
infrastructure and economic Details about how cities want these addressed
development are being worked out over the remainder of
2012, after which priorities will be affirmed and
• Collaborate with the state to increase
advanced.
multi -modal transportation funding and
expand sustainable revenue options.
• Authorize tax increment financing and ' • AWC contact
fine -tune other tools that help foster job
Dave Williams
creation and retention in cities. "Director of State : Federal Relations
• Keep funding for critical infrastructure davew @awcnet.org ' '
programs like the Public Works Trust Fund (360) 753 4137
and don't divert capital investment dollars
to the general fund.
Association of Washington Cities • 1.076 Franklin St.SE, Olympia,WA 9850 • awcnet.org
i
S e pt �e m b e �r 2 0 1 2
ITN AWC's ASSOCIATION 2013 reform agenda
OF WASHINGTON
c i-� i E s- to i n g shape
1
Cities need budget relief Below is a list of just some of the cost-savings/reform
g g
As cities and towns across the state continue to face significant ideas we are exploring:
budget challenges AWC is working to identify ways the state • Further delay the deadline or modify the mandate for
legislature might be able to help lessen those challenges. Beyond conversion of local government fleets to alternative fuel
working to maintain and restore state shared revenues we will vehicles (current deadline is 2018).
also pursue cost savings and efficiency measures that could • Put in place new guidelines for binding interest arbitration
help cities balance their budgets now and into the future.We
• Eliminate "Buildable Lands" reporting requirements (currently
are continually seeking ideas from our members and we have required of cities in in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap,
recently shared some of those ideas with the Governor's staff Thurston and Clark counties)
upon their request. -
• Reaffirm local authority to set standards for public defenders
Over the coming weeks we intend to collect more new ideas, (requires the legislature to clarify a recent Supreme Court
refine old ones and work with our Legislative Committee and rule)
Board of Directors to identify a list of items that we can translate • Liability reform - Limit joint liability for public entities,
into a bill or bills for the legislature to consider. We'll also partner especially in the context of proposed expanded wrongful
with the Association of Counties on these efforts as we have in death claimants and damages.Work to amend the law so that
1 -e past. juries know if a person involved in an injury accident was
e expect the bill(s) to generate discussion among legislators wearing a seatbelt.
and other interests and we will continue to stress that many of • Amend the frequency of required financial audits for cities
the "easy" things like delaying various mandates, have already and towns with records of clean audits (Legislation may not
been done. Our successful 201 1 efforts (SSB 661 1) resulted in a be required, could be done by the state auditor. Current
number of mandate delays. auditor and both candidates have expressed support for this
In 2012, we focused less on mandates and more on efforts idea)
to protect existing revenues and seek authorization for new • Amend or eliminate requirement for cities to send pavement
ones.While less successful than in 201 I, we were able to find condition reports to WSDOT
agreement (E2SSB 6406) on several reforms dealing with • Amend or eliminate requirement for cities to submit hotel/
the State Environmental Policy Act and Municipal Stormwater motel tax expenditure reports to Department of Commerce.
Permits.
To view a complete list of mandates or potentially
Talk to legislators unnecessary reports under consideration at AWC, please
Moving into 2013 every idea is likely to be opposed by numerous go to www.awcnet.org /portals /0 /documents /legislative/
interests but it's incumbent upon legislators to seriously consider ofmmartybrownunfundedmandatelist .pdf.
ways they can help local governments save money now.As you
talk to legislators and candidates remind them that the state has Share your ideas
been cutting revenues to cities at the same time that we have If you have additional ideas that you would like AWC to consider
been hit hard by the downturn in the economy.We need their please send them to DaveCatterson at davec @awcnet.org.
help in finding ways to cut our costs so that we can manage
' own budgets more effectively and be in a better position to
tribute to the ongoing recovery of the economy in our state. -
■ ._
Association of Washington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE, Olympia,WA 98501 • awcnet.org
. October 2 01 2
AssO,clA-rl S trengthenin g : t -- - .- --
OF GT
WASHINON
C f l r i .E -- - Rec or d s Act ;� u r - L l .: �.` Jit . �. yes
Cities support transparent government and continue to seek the best ways to use $t Q1` , • ? ; _ #, . 1', s� , ,,
limited resources to meet this commitment. The vast majority of requesters make r 7 -
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narrow, focused requests or are willing to work with agencies to get the exact z , F ;f ,(
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information they need. There are, however, a rowin number of requesters who rs`'h -'� rfrr �{ r `" ''c "` / ' , "` ' �'' ( T64
�,u 1631{ 1'iul^�C l , fhl 0 , I 1)Y 5' .'r ' t ' At'' , ul 'r },, A fr '"'� '� •
monopolize resources with broad, voluminous or harassing requests that do not ,, r , ., xr :; w 1
provide a public benefit proportionate to the costs to the public to fulfil these �, r �,('f r� ` ` ' l - ' t ' ' ' ' ` ' , f
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4 opportunities strengthen �) ^) fFd y J 1 7 l „ 1ti� { r JH I CI l ` a .
requests. We must reduce the o ortunities for abuses in order to stren t hen U i
access to public records for citizens. , 6 1f4 i` � , '1 L.1''It *' {�I: :1'0,10%44 7
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What cities need y i ' r 4 ; "2 + ! { 7 r � , `: z1C
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The Public Records Act provi strong protections for public access to records `0, , x , 1 .1 T X �i'`t � L, I ,, y
and penalties for agencies and officials who fail comply. Unfortunately, the law l':-.4.06:1 f ri , ` ` ,' � - yl,, 2 s ` JI 4 z -
lacks similar provisions to protect the public from those who use the law for r { r r'' ,' 1 ,- '' } '
financial) motivated punitive or retributive requests. Cities are working hard to ` � ' ` 4'' r 1 `r`1�A- ,i "
Y , P 4 g � ' ,'"",f.,`„4 r � �>r I - , � ,
comply with the law but need tools to protect essential services from those who I ' ti ' ,� l `t � T ,x ,1",0 z P� 'r' � r.- r
,ryc � i , YI I� r S I r n r r �� � 1 u cl I (r,1� iir `����1 l'
use records requests to drain government resources. Cities need: i f , � ,� � ., '0 .�`, 4t -r ,, a�, � , r
A mechanism to address financially motivated, punitive, or retributive V 7. ? ,�,� i t 4a 1, F
Currently �1J
requests � + �+
requestors have no obligation to cooperate with an agency or clarify y'' � - t � ,
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or narrow a request. Agencies have the full responsibility to comply, even when V-,,,,,,„-ti, ` � °fir x l �r r � "� �i r ;a 4 4 �4;`
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faced with the types of requests illustrated here. Allowing agencies to seek a ;- ' -- iv. .1 �, �r U , , t " £a- w u„
civil injunction in Superior Court would permit the circumstances - including the i , ki ,7 - :ya, ' I �, ,l W x fl '` l3
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k # ,7 a�alY�^Y a � y „c 'W€ 3y� �'Ft�S?� y yM � l a , } ` µ aM'��
public interest -- to be considered by a judge. This tool would provide a necessary ; (sir), i , ,4 4 7 > 11 =hp , r r
backstop against truly abusive requestors. s „. ". ,fi , ,.r s r ; ' . ,,x ,.0 ,a h ∎ Ix ,r 4
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7 C(Y .f rY i„ M1 t I pl� � l'�Ir ' S' z
A way to protect essential services � {m ,�,, 4 � ��>t , , � r,-� , �� 1 � � a m �, , � p ��� ry � ? � ..
t`�r1 "ricl�� n7,)�' " t R'el r ° € `" dJ �'
The Public Records Act allows agencies to adopt and enforce reasonable �3 �y :�
rules and regulations... to prevent excessive interference with other essential f ri t`Sr'`Y ` % { ` ,' °' 3 { , ' s r '11
n "reasonable" t � �i�'-'; 11Pl rbf Fi � i;' CI R , A ¢vi ,
functions... However, reasonable is undefined, and cities need better guidance .�� �f � �, �,� A � , rr � � � �,• .
on what they may do to protect essential services and stilt comply with the intent �P , sr '�'`'`,fi> t 7 ''�" ' 'n' - ` l " 1 4 ` -
of the law. State law should be changed to specifically allow agencies to adopt a ,V t , , 55
policy limiting the number of hours devoted to public records requests to prevent 1-v,,„--,-,-., 7 r r , i . 71 ° , , ' 1` 4,, , ` t' .., „ .„ , r ` ,.h, c
ti ` 4q Fp I r, I 4 �, � r
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excessive interference with other essential functions. This change would be , P , 1 l �� ,. r i
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ry ` r �� �W""'a 3t �� 7�ar4a
especially helpful to small jurisdictions with very limited budgets and staff. ',- ir t� °�` �' 1� t r'wa ,�; ,�, S w, .-
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- b, a1 «s.T^ q aY s � ' , .9„ y t +^ ' or , e , t €'..4i
Authority to stop subsidizing requests made for commercial purposes s,;1 F4 t) � , , � � ' G J� , 7' i
u� ' f rI
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Some jurisdictions are seeing a rise in requests made for commercial purposes, VA'At 7 , 3,0 ���ua3� 5 ” , 4 �)rr'd .11W c &
particularly from out of state companies. These companies are being subsidized „ , f , cr ' , ' ! , 1 14 ,
by Washington taxpayers when the get information at no cost and use it to make - 1, ,,%
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Y g they g ~no r F r f-1 t �.
a profit. With our limited resources, cities need to be able to recoup some of the ,,4 t' r 1 ,Ir0;colr. � �w � I � +
costs for providing this service to commercial requestors. c� .,;�r,, ,, ,,4 ' "A f � � , , ' ,H
AWC contacts
ziCandiceBocl , candiceb @awcnet.org. Serena Dotty, serenadCyawcnet : org r
Legislative &; Poticy'Advocate.. Legislative -6 Pol cy- Analyst
Association ofWashington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 • awcnet.org
S e� .t- o m b a r 2-'0,1 � 2
ASSOCIATION
' OF ' °, WA SH I N,GTU;N
C T i ., S LodgingTax
Background ,; > ; t
In 2007, the Legislature granted new uses for hotel - motel, or lodging, What is t h e l odging tax?
tax revenue, including: The todgtngtax, also known as the
Funding the operation of special events and /or festivals designed local hotel motet tax, is appltetl to
to attract tourists (as opposed to "marketing "); and charges for lodging a t hotels, motels,
•
private campground RV parks, a
• Funding the operatio and capital expenditures of tourism- similar _.
acilities for stays less than
related facilities owned by non -profit organizations. one month All cities and counties ;
The legislation contained a sunset (or expiration) date of June 30, that levy'the fax have adop`ted
2013. Unless the Legislature extends or removes the sunset, the maximum rate of 2 .The tax is
expanded uses listed above are scheduled to expire on that date. credited agains the state retail sales
tax Cities a may also Levy 1
2012 Legislation Likely an additional 2% lodging sales t
AWC has heard from many cities across the state that strongly r' Approximately 150 cities levy the
support these expanded uses and have taken advantage of the basic 'Lodging, tax and 110 levy the
flexibility. During the 2012 legislative session, AWC supported a additional tax Combined, these taxes
bill that extended the expiration date to December 31, 2014 and generated approximately $36 million
modified some of the reporting requirements. The bill was met with =. for cities in 2011 .
strong opposition from the hotel industry and failed.
Similar legislation likely will be introduced in the 2013 legislative
session.
2013 Expenditures
Unless the legislature changes or removes the June 30 expiration AWC contacts
date, cities may not be able to make awards for these expanded uses r Victori L
a incoln ' ` n
after June 30, 2013. We've heard that some cities are considering
expending money for these uses before the June 30 deadline even Legislative & _t Policy A dvocate
though the event occurs after that date —and others may make •
vtctorialCawcnet org n
awards contingent on a legislative change. We strongly encourage you ' , ,-„,:,..,..i.:7,•:,,,,,,,, , ` '
to discuss these options with legal counsel before moving forward.
We Need Your Help Serena Dotty $
L & P o l icy Analy
Cities again are likely to face opposition in removing or extending the
sunset date. If flexibility in using this revenue is important to your ,. serenad®awcnet org r ,
city, please share local examples with your Legislators.
Association of Washington Ci • 1076 Franklin St SE, Olympia,WA ',..,,.•-, u'� � a,CNA98501 • awcnet.org
Se. pct `em °'ber 2'012
Working effectively with your
OATION .
OF
l egistator an vice versa!
�kr
As a local elected or appointed official, you're all about How do legislators know what your city needs or doesn't
community service, fixing things, pulling the community want? You tell them. Repeat it and remain consistent
together and moving forward. (nothing ensures failure like officials from the same city
Your legislators are about the same things. disagreeing about your asks or positions on legislation).
As much time and effort as you spend in your There is a role for everyone in working with your
communities being elected officials, it's also part of your legislators. Don't assume that is just the job of the mayor
job description to communicate with legislators - and or city manager. Mayors, councilmembers and city staff
they need to hear from you. can all be helpful in communicating what's important to
your city. Take some time to coordinate so that everyone
Spend time communicating with legislators. They can can work together to take advantage of opportunities to
impact you unintentionally if they don't know what is share your message with your legislators.
going on in your city. When they are well informed, they
can be very helpful!
Lobbying 101 - helpful hints Frame your issues as stories that are
Get to know and meet with your supported with data
legislators when they're not in Olympia Legislators are usually generalists and need to remember
That's when they have time. During a legislative session, a little about a lot of things.
you may be lucky to get 15 minutes. At home, there's This upcoming session in particular will be difficult -
time to dig into your subjects. their budget woes are significant. Programs and
Legislators rarely turn down invitations to have coffee things you need may go away. Project funding will be
• or lunch - especially during election season (every limited.
two years for representatives /four years for senators) • Start collecting and share stories, impacts and lists
Listen to what they care about as you share your of programs that are important to your community.
interests. Legislators start making decisions about cuts and
Consider regularly scheduled meetings, separately or priorities sooner than you may think!
• as a delegation - preferably some of each. • Local stories stick in a legislator's mind and make
good points during debates - both in private and on
• You don't have to contribute to their campaigns - the House or Senate floor.
they want to hear your issues. Sometime, you might
consider hosting a gathering for coffee or in a meeting Communicate regularly with your
space to help them hear from constituents.
legislators during session
• Even though the Legislature is partisan, make and • By phone or e-mail works well - especially if they or
maintain contact with your legislators - regardless of their legislative aides know you. (Legislative aides are
party. 85% of legislation passed is unanimous. Many of the gatekeepers for their bosses - knowing and being
the solutions you need aren't partisan wedge issues. respectful of them can help you get and maintain
• In areas where legislators represent multiple access to their bosses!)
local governments, look for shared interests • Consider regularly scheduled conference calls with
and perspectives with other jurisdictions and some or all of your legislators. Some cities do these on
communicate those. a weekly or bi- weekly basis - frequently less than 'h
hour and in the morning.
• The more you make an effort to communicate, the
more your legislators will seek your input and try to
address your needs!
continued
Association of Washington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE; Olympia,WA 98501 • awcnet.org
Adopt a legislative package for your city Use your friends in your community
It's a great way to tell your legislators, citizens and Success in Olympia often requires help from others or a
businesses what's important to you! coalition.
• Have the council adopt it - adds credibility and maybe Is there a chamber with a similar position? A
• even gets some local press attention. community or labor group? Talk to them /they can
• Keep it short (if more than a page, it might not get help. Pile on!
looked at). Legislators keep track -of how many contacts they - -- --
• Adopt it before the legislative session begins, and get on a particular issue - pro and con. If you need
explain it to your legislators and others in your something,- you and your friends need to remind
community. Be ready to dearly what you want, them. Once isn't always enough. Keep the calls
•
why and who if anyone is opposed. coming.` >4
• If you want or need a capital project, include it along Finally...Always say thank you
with your policy priorities. How often do you get thanked? Thank your legislators
• Look at AWC's legislative package and priorities - whether or not you always agree with them. Consider
(available in draft form by early October) and ways to recognize and publicize their successes for your
consider copying it along with some local examples. community.
• Remember - everything that's important takes time!
There's nothing wrong with putting your priorities Cities conducting lobbying
together and teeing it up for next time around. activities may need to report to
Know which committee your legislators the PDC
(and legislators in neighboring Cities and ''towns :that conduct lobbying activities either
communities) serve on through -a contract lobbyist or directly with in -house
If you need a project or a change,in a statute, it first goes staff or city council members need to report to the
through a committee (if you need help understanding Public Disclosure Commission. Those that hire a contract
committees and who's on them, contact AWC). lobbyist must file a report. If you have in -house staff or
elected officials who spend more than four days a quarter
• Your legislator or one from a nearby community can directly lobbying the legislature, you need to complete a
be your champion. report. For more information on reporting requirements
• Alternatively, your legislator can find a champion and how to file a report visit the PDC's website at www.
for you if he or she doesn't serve on a particular pdc.wa.gov/ filers /page.aspx ?c1= 0Etc2= 137Etc3 =138 or
committee. - review the PDC's Public Agency Lobbying handbook at
www.pdc.wa.gov/ archive /filerassistance /manuals/
pdf /2009 /2010ManL5.pdf. Cities and towns that fail to
comply with reporting requirements on lobbying activities
may be subject to penalties from the PDC.
•
Association ofWashington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 • awcnet:org
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Association ofWashington Cities • 1076 Franklin St SE • Olympia,WA 98501 • www.awcnet.org