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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 1679 - 2009 Legislative Agenda u G rQi i0i 1908 f Tukwfla C ity o Washington Resolution No. l C A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING A LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR USE IN THE 2009 WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION. WHEREAS, the City Council has agreed to pursue certain legislative issues for 2009; and WHEREAS, a legislative agenda outlines these issues, which elected officials may discuss when speaking to members of the Washington State Legislature; and WHEREAS, the City Council agreed to this legislative agenda at the Regular Council Meeting on February 2, 2009; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: The Tukwila City Council has identified priorities for the 2009 Legislative Session that are integral to serving the Tukwila community in the manner in which the residents and businesses have come to expect. The City of Tukwila 2009 Legislative Agenda is hereby incorporated by reference hereto as Attachment A. PASSED BY THE CITY COUN5.IL�F THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a Regular Meeting thereof this e\ day of �f �i�" f 2009. ATTEST/ AUTHENTICATED: Joan Hernandez, Council President Christy O'Flaher" y, CMC, City Cler'k APPROVED AS TO F RIM BY: r-° f r Filed with the City Clerk: Passed by the City Council: 09i't e of the CjAyAttorney Resolution Number: Attachment A: City of Tukwila 2009 Legislative Agenda C:\Documents and Settings\All Users \Desktop\Kelly \MSDATA \Resolutions \Legislative Agenda 2009.doc DJ:ksn 1/28/2009 Page 1 of 1 ATTACHMENT A City of Tukwila 2009 Legislative Agenda State Issues The City of Tukwila seeks sustainability of services, flexibility in local decision making and transparency in government in order to continue serving our community in the ways our residents and businesses need and expect. During questionable economic times, this desire can be more difficult to achieve. Solutions to challenges can be identified more quickly when local leaders retain the ability to manage their resources in a manner that works best in their community. During the first year of the Washington State Legislature's biennium legislative cycle, the City will focus on the following legislative priorities: Citv Fiscal Health MONITOR: Streamlined Sales Tax Ensure that state monies committed for streamlined sales tax mitigation continue to remain dedicated to that source and are not utilized to balance the state budget. Also, insure transparency in the mitigation calculation process and consistent application of mitigation policies among all cities, counties and transit districts. SUPPORT: Flexibility on Use of Existing Revenue Sources Increased flexibility in the spending of revenues such as locally imposed Real Estate Excises Taxes (REST) will allow cities to respond more appropriately to growth needs and essential services. Transportation Infrastructure SUPPORT: Transportation Enhancement Support legislation which increases flexibility of use of existing revenues and implements new revenues for use in expansion, maintenance and repair of transportation mechanisms. SUPPORT: Federal Stimulus Package In anticipation of a proposed Federal stimulus package, the City of Tukwila has several projects ready to implement and eligible for regional, state and federal funding opportunities: Klickitat Project Tukwila Pond Park Duwamish Riverbend Hill Phase II Non- motorized Capital Facilities as Identified in the Tukwila Walk Roll Plan General Government Operations OPPOSE: Taping of Executive Sessions Transparency in government operations and decision making is extremely important to City of Tukwila elected officials. There are very few exceptions to the Open Public Meeting Act in which legislative bodies have the right to discuss matters in an executive session. Limiting these exemptions further by mandating recordings of executive session can interfere with and hinder the optimization of City processes and candid discussions. Enhancement of Funding for Human Services The Tukwila City Council is committed to continue funding of human services programs and provide increases to these services in relation to the cost of living. With this local commitment, we hope to encourage our State legislators to support human services funding recognizing the need of these vital services throughout our local communities and the State. Partnerships The City of Tukwila recognizes that the fiscal condition of the state budget impacts every city by reducing state funding opportunities. We also acknowledge that state aid for local governments is becoming increasingly more difficult to secure. City officials are committed to doing their part to foster relationships within local, regional and state entities that encourage opportunities for joint partnership and outreach in budget reduction as well as other activities that address management of local resources. 214/2009