May 2008 Meeting Summary

Board of directors:

• Adopted the FY 2008-09 Budget and Dues.
• Received a report on LAFCO from John Howe. John discussed the LAFCO policy for annexation of county pockets and the request by some public constituents of the San Martin area to incorporate the area into the City of San Martin.
• Betsy Shotwell, San Jose, updated the Board on legislation of concern to cities moving through the legislature. Betsy discussed the state Budget, along with Diana Bautista, District Representative to Senator Abel Maldonado. Betsy discussed the potential impact on cities of one of the Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) proposals – the impact of COPs, Proposition 172 and Booking Fees. She also distributed the positions and messages of the League of California Cities on the state budget. 
• Policy Priorities for 2008:  The Board received the survey of our cities on solar permitting processes and fees.  It was stated that the Solar Industry would like some basic standardization among the cities as to the height, pitch, etc. Pat Mahan and Sam Liccardo offered to contact the Santa Clara County Organization of Building Officials and ask if they have considered basic parameters/standards for solar installations.  The request of the organization would be to consider some basic standards and report back to the Board at its September meeting any recommendations from the organization.
• Pat Mahan shared that in Santa Clara there are two approved projects being built to LEED standards. One of the projects is a very large office building. The developer wants to build to LEED Silver standard, but does not want to go through the certification process due to the cost.  The other project is a small 6-unit Housing Development that received a density bonus from the city. The developer asked that in return for building to LEED Platinum standard, the affordable unit be deleted from being required.  The city approved the request.
• Pat Mahan reported she is the City Selection Committee appointee to the Santa Clara County Local Board: Cal-Id/RAN (Remote Access Network). Santa Clara County uses AFIS which is the backbone of the criminal justice data system used by county and city law enforcement agencies. All costs are allocated based on each party’s percentage share of the total population of all agencies.  SB 720 allocated funds to the county for fingerprinting, which is housed in one place for the use by all law enforcement agencies. Last year the County Sheriff requested the SB 720 funds be used for a full-time employee who would update the booking records, look for duplications, etc. The committee granted the request. The Sheriff has returned this year with the same request. The Police Chiefs Association has recommended not funding the position this year. Pat asked for direction from the Board since she is representing the cities.  It was agreed to follow the Chiefs’ recommendation and not fund the position.
• A referral from a city and moved forward by the Executive Board to the SCCCA Board for discussion at the June meeting is how cities are handling requests to ban single-use plastic bags.  Sam Liccardo has forwarded a San Jose City staff memo and background report on Plastic carryout bag ban and reduction in single-use bags that Joanne will forward to everyone.  Other city memos are welcome and Joanne will forward any material prior to the June discussion.
• Stave Glickman reported the VTA Policy Advisory Committee is discussing city groupings for small city representation on the VTA Board and MTC is pushing HOT Lanes (High Occupancy Toll Lanes) as a means to produce a considerable amount of revenue. Steve remarked that HOT lanes are being planned without a lot in input from the public.

Announcements:

• Mark your calendars for the SCCCA Holiday Party on Thursday, December 4.  Please have your council colleagues and city managers also reserve the time on their calendars.
• The League of California Cities is holding a one-day event regarding the state budget and its impact on cities in Sacramento on May 21.
• A Budget Town Hall Meeting, hosted by Assembly members Jim Beall, Joe Coto, Sally Lieber, Ira Ruskin, and Alberto Torrico, will be held on Thursday, June 5^th, 4 pm – 6:30 pm at the Center for Employment Training, Multipurpose Room, 701 Vine Street, San Jose, CA.
• Yoriko Kishimoto, City Selection Committee appointee to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board asked that information be sent to each Board Member regarding the Air Board’s request for applications for two grant programs: The Transportation Fund for Clean Air Regional Fund and Port Trucks under the Goods Movement Program. Joanne has forwarded the information. Please distribute to appropriate staff in your city.