HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2018-R0414 - Legislative Package - 11/15/2018Resolution No. 2018-RO414
Item No. 6.21
November 15, 2018
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK:
THAT the City Council of the City of Lubbock hereby adopts a Legislative Package
for the 86`h Texas Legislative Session and 1161h United States Congress for the purpose of
defining the position of the City of Lubbock on State and Federal Legislative issues,
respectively. Said Legislative Package is attached hereto and incorporated in this
resolution as if fully set forth herein and shall be included in the minutes of City Council.
Passed by the City Council this 15th day of evember , 2018.
DANIEL M. POPE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
D , 0"� , " "'k
e cca Garza, City Secr ary
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
W. Jaifett Atkinson, City Manager
First AsAsLwit Prry Attorney
Ccdocs/Res.Legislative Package — COL position on State and Federal legislative issues
November 8, 2018
2018-19 City of Lubbock Legislative Agenda
Background:
Communicating with state and federal representatives and tracking legislative issues are
important to ensure the City Council has a strong voice in legislation and rulemaking that
impacts City governance and operations.
The Lubbock City Council affirms to all necessary persons and parties the following City
legislative positions, based on the following principles:
• The City will work to pass its priority legislation.
• The City will oppose any legislation that would erode the governing authority of the
duly elected Lubbock City Council.
• The City will monitor proposed legislation and take appropriate action to assure the
City is able to meet its obligations under the Charter, applicable law and to provide
local services as approved by the City Council.
• The City will oppose the imposition of any state mandates that do not provide for a
commensurate level of compensation.
The City Council recognizes the speed with which the legislative process moves. In order to
respond in a timely manner to issues that fall outside the Council's approved principles, the
Mayor will consult with two Council members to direct legislative efforts through the City
Manager and City Attorney offices.
The Lubbock City Council identifies the following legislative priorities for 2018-19:
The Eighty -Sixth Texas Legislature
The City will initiate:
Efforts to cause the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to fund and take
action to remove materials at the closed TCEQ-permitted recycling center on I-27
Legislation to allow Lubbock the authority to create a Tourism Public Improvement District at
such time as the need is identified and approved by the local Hotel Association
The City will support:
Efforts to expand Interstate-27 south from its current limits to support growth throughout the
state, to enhance passenger and freight mobility and to support international trade through Texas.
The Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organizations efforts to secure funding for identified
transportation projects as identified in the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)
Efforts to ensure long-term funding for the development and construction of Loop 88
Lubbock Power & Light's efforts to transition to ERCOT
Changes to Chapter 143, Local Government Code that would enhance Police Chiefs' authority in
personnel matters.
Efforts to improve the vehicular and pedestrian safety along Avenue Q (Highway 84) within the
City limits
Efforts to ensure cities can appropriately manage utility installations within City rights -of -way
Funding for Texas Tech University, the Texas Tech University Veterinary School in Amarillo
and the Texas Tech University Mental Health Institute
Efforts to appropriately distribute online sales tax to points of destination
Reauthorization of Chapter 312 ad -valorem tax abatements
Efforts to more effectively regulate Game Room operations for public safety purposes.
Full funding for the Texas Recreation & Parks Account local grant program
Restoration of state funding for mental health treatment
Creation and funding of state programs to address chronic homelessness
The City will oppose:
New limits on City authority including appraisal or revenue caps and lowered rollback
requirements
Limits on municipal Home Rule authority
Increased pass -through or regulatory fees on cities that are collected for or on -behalf of the state
Removal of city original jurisdiction in utility rate -making proceedings or removal of the ability
to recover reasonable expenses involved in rate -making proceedings, including contested cases
Further erosion of municipal annexation authority
Limits or diminution of the State or Regional Water planning process
Reduction or limits on the Event Trust Fund program
Mandatory turn -back program for the Texas Department of Transportation
The 115" United States Congress
The City will support:
Additional funding for mass transportation and highway systems
Designation of U.S. Highway 87 from Lubbock south as the continuation of Interstate 27 with
associated design standards and funding. This designation supports international trade, freight
mobility and agriculture.
Continued funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Partnership
Programs