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Item 4H AudioItem 4H Resolution No. 06-067 Adopting the City of Southlake's Legislative Agenda City Council Novem Integrity 1 Innovation 1 Accountability 1 Commitment to Excellence 1 Teamwork 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 Integrity 1 Innovation 1 Accountability 1 Commitment to Excellence 1 Teamwork