Item 4H AudioItem 4H
Resolution No. 06-067
Adopting the
City of Southlake's
Legislative Agenda
City Council
Novem
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Every two years the Texas Legislature meets in regular session. Over the last
several years the Legislature has taken up a number of issues that were
thought to be, by some, an aggressive stance with regard to City's rights to
govern themselves in accordance with the desires of the City's citizens. The
City of Southlake wants to ensure that it has the ability to preserve its current
authority to govern the City, its citizens and property and to inform local state
representatives with regard to the issues that are of importance to the City of
Southlake
VA
The City, with the assistance of Hillco Partners, has developed the attached draft legislative
agenda (attachment A) for consideration by the City Council. The City's General Legislative
Policy is:
PRESERVE THE CITY'S STRATEGIC GOALS & INTERESTS
As a general policy, the City of Southlake seeks to preserve its current authority to govern the city, its
citizens, and its property. The City will oppose any legislation viewed as detrimental to the City's
strategic goals; or that is contrary to the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens; or that mandates
increased costs or loss of revenues; or that would diminish the fundamental authority of the City.
SUPPORT LEGISLATION THAT ADVANCES
THE CITY'S STRATEGIC GOALS & INTERESTS
Likewise, the City supports any legislation viewed as advancing the City's strategic goals; or that
improves the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens; or that reduces costs or responsibly increases
revenues; or that advances the City's authority to conduct the public's business.
FORM COALITIONS WITH PARTIES THAT SHARE
COMMON GOALS AND INTERESTS WITH THE CITY
The City will form strategic partnerships with cities, political subdivisions, and private sector entities
that share common goals with the City of Southlake. Additionally, the City will work in coordination
with other cities and organizations such as the Texas Municipal League when their adopted positions
are inline with the legislative objectives and goals of the City. The formation of strategic partnerships
and coordinated efforts is intended to provide the City with a stronger presence in the legislative
process.
The remainder of the legislative agenda is broken down into several categories including the
City's Priority Legislative Agenda, a discussion of the Priority Legislative Issues, General
Legislative Agenda and finally, the Goals of the Legislative Activities.
Each legislative issue under these categories is given a priority designation as follows:
Seek passage of legislation dealing with the issue
Support legislation dealing with the issue
Oppose legislation dealing with the issue
3
Preserve Local Budgeting Authority and Revenue Sources
Oppose legislation that would unduly restrict the ability of the City to
set its own budget or raise the necessary revenue to provide
services to City residents and businesses.
M
Preserve Local Control of Land Use Planning and Zoning
Support legislation that preserves local land use authority.
Oppose legislation that would erode local land use authority by
restricting the ability of cities to zone or rezone properties.
5
Expanded Use of Hotel Occupancy Taxes
Seek passage of legislation that would allow hotel occupancy taxes to
be used to fund a municipal trolley system that shuttles people to
and from local hotels and around the town square.
A
Municipal Water Main Breaks and the Discharge of Treated Water
Seek passage of legislation that exempts treated water discharges
associated with water main breaks from Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) enforcement actions.
7
Agenda Item 4H
Questions?
Please Contact Jim C. Blagg
Assistant City Manager
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