HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session Agenda 02-04-13STUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE , COLORADO
7500 W. 29th Ave .
Wheat Ridge CO
February 4, 2013
6:30p.m .
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to partidpate in all public meetings sponsored by the
City of Wheat Ridge. Call Heather Geyer. Administrative Services Director at 303-235-2826 at
least one week in advance of a meeting if you are interested in participating and need inclusion
assistance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
APPROVALOFAGENDA
~ Legislative Foru m
2. Elected Officials' Report(s)
3. Staff Report(s)
~ ~ . ~
... i r . City of .. ~Wheat&__dge ~OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
Heather Geyer, Administrative Services Director/PIG
FROM: Nathan Mosley, Management Analyst
DATE: January 31 ,2013
SUBJECT: 2013 Legislative Forum
Enclosed for your review are materials for the upcoming 2013 Legislative Forum scheduled for
Monday, February 4 , 2013 at City Hall in the City Council Chambers . The Legislative Forum is
an opportunity to discuss current legislation in the 2013 Legislative Session and Wheat Ridge
positions and priorities.
The meeting will begin at 6 :30 p .m. with dinner provided by Chipotle. At 7 p.m. Senator Cheri
Jahn and Representative Sue Schafer will begin the forum by discussing their legislative
priorities for 2013. City staff will discuss specific bills and topics that are of concern to the City.
Finally there will be an open forum for Council members to bring up any other items for
discussion.
I have included the most up to date information regarding legislative bills. If you would like
additional information on current bills please visit the Colorado General Assembly website at
www.leg.state.co.us .
If you have any questions , please do not hesitate to contact Patrick Goff at ext. 2805 , Heather
Geyer at ext. 2826 or Nathan Mosley at ext. 2867.
/nm
~~"~ :rar ~ityof
WheatRi__dge
City of Wheat Ridge Annual Legislative Forum Agenda
February 4, 2013
Wheat Ridge City Hall Council Chambers
6:30-7 p.m.
Welcome: Mayor Jerry DiTullio
Introductions and Dinner:
Councilmembers Davis Reinhart and William "Bud" Starker, CML Policy
Committee
7-8 p.m.
2013 Legislative Session Preview:
Senator Cheri Jahn
Representative Sue Schafer
Discussion of Priority Legislative Issues:
• Public Safety, Dan Brennan, Chief of Police
• Economic Development, Steve Art, Economic Development Manager
• Land Use, Ken Johnstone, Community Development Director
• Transportation, Tim Paranto, Public Works Director
• Finance/Budget/Taxes, Heather Geyer, Administrative Services
Director
Open Forum Discussion
Closing Remarks:
Councilmember Davis Reinhart
Mayor Jerry DiTullio
'~eeping Local Control Local and Home Rule At Home,,
Prepared by : CML Updated 1/9/2013
(w/municipality data source provided by Colorado Legislative Councif)
2013 SENATE DISTRICT & MUNICIPALITY
Phone: 303-866-2904 or Toll-Free 1-800-811-7647; www.leg.state.co.us
Dist. # Municipality Senator Capitol Phone & E-mail
Akron , Arriba , Ault , Bethune, Brush , Burl ington , Cheyenne
Wells , Crook , Eaton , Eckley, Elbert, Elizabeth , Flagler, Fleming ,
Fort Morgan , Genoa , Grover, Haxtun , Hillrose , Holyoke , GREG BROPHY ( R ) 303-866-6360 1 Hudson, Hugo , Idalia , Iliff, Julesburg, Keenesburg , Kersey,
Kiowa , Kit Carson , Limon , Lochbuie , Log Lane Village , Merino, greg@gregbrophy .net
Nunn , Otis, Ovid , Paoli , Peetz, Pierce , Raymer, Sedgwick ,
Seibert , Simla , Sterling , Stratton , Vona , \NiQQins , Wrav, Yuma
Alma , Brookside, Canon City , Calhan , Central City , Coal Creek,
2 Cripple Creek, Divide , Empire, Fairplay , Florence , Founta in , KEVIN GRANTHAM (R) 303-866-4877
Georgetown, Green Mountain Falls , Idaho Springs, Ramah , kevin .grantham.senate@state.co .us
Rockvale , Silver Plume , Victor, \Nilliamsburg , Woodland Park
3 Pueblo ANGELA GIRON (D) 303-866-4878
angela .giron .senate@state.co .us
4 Aurora , Castle Pines , Castle Rock, Franktown, Larkspur, Parker MARK SCHEFFEL (R) 303-866-4869
mark.scheffel .senate@state .co .us
Aspen, Avon , Basalt, Buena Vista , Cedaredge, Crawford ,
Crested Butte , Delta , Eagle , Gunnison , Gypsum , Hotchkiss , GAIL SCHWARTZ (D ) 303-866-4871 5 Lake City, Leadville , Marble , Minturn , Mount Crested Butte,
Orchard City, Paonia , Pitkin, Poncha Springs, Red Cliff, Salida , gail .schwartz .senate@gmail .com
Snowmass Village , Vail
Bayfield , Cortez , Dolores, Dove Creek , Durango , Ignacio,
6 Mancos , Montrose, Mountain Village , Naturita , Norwood , Nucla , ELLEN ROBERTS (R) 303-866-4884
Olathe , Ophir, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Rico , Ridgway, Sawpit, ellen .roberts .senate@state.co.us
Silverton, Telluride
7 Collbran , De Beque, Fru ita , Grand Junction, Palisade STEVE KING (R ) 303-866 -3077
steve .king .senate@state .co .us
Blue River, Breckenridge, Carbondale , Craig, Dillon , Dinosaur,
Fraser, Frisco, Glenwood Springs , Granby, Grand Lake , RANDY BAUMGARDNER 303-866-5292
8 Hayden, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling , Meeker, Montezuma , (R) randy.baumgardner.senate@state.co .
New Castle , Oak Creek, Pa rachute, Rangely, Rifle , Silt , us
Silverthorne, Steamboat Springs , Walden, \Ninter Park , Yampa
9 Colorado Springs , Monument , Palmer Lake, KENT LAMBERT (R) 303-866-4835
senatorlambert@comcast. net
10 Calhan , Colorado Springs OWEN HILL (R) 303-866-2737
owen .hill .senate@state.co .us
11 Colorado Springs , Manitou Springs JOHN MORSE (D) 303-866-6364
john.morse.senate@state.co .us
12 Colorado Springs BILL CADMAN (R ) 303-866-4880
bill .cadman .senate@state.co .us
13 Br ighton , Evans , Fort Lupton , Garden City , Gilcrest, Greeley , SCOTT RENFROE (R) 303-866-4451
La Salle , Miliken, Platteville senatorrenfroe@gmail .com
14 Fort Collins JOHN KEFALAS (D) 303-866-4841
john .kefalas .senate@state.co .us
15 Berthoud , Estes Park, Loveland , Wellington KEVIN LUNDBERG (R) 303-866-4853
kevin@kevin .lundberg .com
16 Black Hawk , Bow Mar, Central City, Coal Creek , Denver, JEANNE NICHOLSON (D) 303-866-4873
Golden , Littleton , Morrison , Superior jeanne .nicholson.senate@state.co .us
17 Broomfield , Erie , Lafayette , Longmont. Louisville MATT JONES (D ) 303-866-5291
senatorrnattjones@gmail .com
18 Boulder , Jamestown , Lyons , Nederland , Niwot, Ward ROLLIE HEATH (D) 303-866-4872
rollie.heath .senate@state.co .us
19 Arvada , Westminster EVIE HUDAK (D) 303-866-4840
senatorhudak@gmail .com
20 Arvada , Lakeside, Lakewood , Mountain View, Wheat Ridge CHERI JAHN (D) 303-866-4856
che ri .jahn.senate@state .co .us
Prepared by : CML Updated 11912013
(wlmunicipality data source provided by Colorado Legislative Council)
2013 SENATE DISTRICT & MUNICIPALITY
Phone: 303-866-2904 or Toll-Free 1-800-811-7647; www.leg.state.co.us
21 Arvada , Commerce City , Federal Heights , Westminster JESSIE ULIBARRI (D) 303-866-4857
jessie.ulibarri.senate@state .co .us
22 Edgewater, Lakewood , Littleton ANDREW KERR (R) 303-866-4859
andy.kerr .senate@state.co .us
Berthoud , Broomfield , Dacono , Erie , Firestone , Frederick, 303-866-4876 23 Johnstown . Longmont, Mead , Milliken . Northglenn, Severance , VICKI MARBLE (R) vicki .marble .senate@state .co.us Thornton, Windsor
24 Northglenn, Thornton , Westminster LOIS TOCHTROP (D) 303-866-4863
lotochtrop@aol.com
25 Aurora . Bennett, Brighton , Commerce City , Lochbuie , Thornton MARY HODGE (D) 303-866-4855
mary.hodge.senate@state .co .us
Aurora , Bow Mar, Centennial , Cherry Hills Village , Columbine 303-866-4846 26 Valley, Englewood , Foxfield , Greenwood Village , Littleton . LINDA NEWELL (D ) linda .newell .senate@gmail .com Sheridan
27 Centennial , Foxfield DAVID BALMER (R ) 303-866-4883
david .balmer.senate@state.co .us
28 Aurora NANCY TODD (D) 303-866-3432
nancy.todd .senate@state .co .us
29 Aurora , Bennett, Deer Trail MORGAN CARROLL (D) 303-866-4879
morgan.carroll .senate@state .co.us
30 Littleton , Lone Tree TED HARVEY (R) 303-866-4881
ted .harvey .senate@state .co .us
31 Denver, Glendale PAT STEADMAN (D) 303-866-4861
pat.steadman .senate@state .co .us
32 Denver IRENE AGUILAR (D) 303-866-4852
irene .aguilar.senate@state .co .us
33 Denver MICHAEL JOHNSTON (D) 303-866-4864
mike .johnston .senate@state.co .us
34 Denver LUCIA GUZMAN (D) 303-866-4862
lucia .guzman .senate@state .co .us
Aguilar, Alamosa , Antonito , Blanca , Boone , Branson, Campo ,
Center. Cheraw, City of Creede , Cokedale , Crowley, Del Norte ,
Fowler, Grenada , Hartman. Haswell , Holly , Hooper, Kim , La
35 Jara . La Junta , Lamar. Las Animas , La Veta , Manassa , Moffat . LARRY CROWDER (R) 303-866-4875
Monte Vista , Olney Springs , Ordway , Pritchett, Rocky Ford , larry.crowder.senate@state .co .us
Romeo , Rye , Saguache , Sanford , San Luis , Silver Cliff, South
Fork . Springfield , Starkville , Sugar City, Swink, Trin idad , Two
Buttes . Walsenburg , Walsh. Westcliffe
Prepared by : CML Updated 1/9/2013
(wlmunicipality data source provided by Colorado Legislative Council)
2013 HOUSE DISTRICT & MUNICIPALITY
Phone: 303-866-2904 or Toll-Free 1-800-811-7647; www.leg.state.co.us
Dist Municipality Representative Capitol Phone & E-mail #
1 Denver, Bow Mar JEANNE LABUDA (D) 303-866-2966
jeanne .labuda . house@state. co . us
2 Denver MARK FERRANDINO (D) 303-866-2346
mferrandino@yahoo.com
3 Cherry Hills Village , Englewood , Greenwood Village , DANIEL KAGAN (D) 303-866-2921
Littleton re_pkagan@gmail .com
4 Denver DANIEL PABON (D) 303-866-2954
dan .pabon .house@state .co.us
5 Denver CRISANTA DURAN (D) 303-866-2925
crisanta . duran . house@state. co . us
6 Denver LOIS COURT (D) 303-866-2967
lois .court.house@state .co.us
7 Denver ANGELA WILLIAMS (D) 303-866-2909
angela . williams. house@state . co . us
8 Denver BETH MCCANN (D) 303-866-2959
beth .mccann .house@state.co.us
9 Denver, Glendale PAUL ROSENTHAL (D) 303-866-2910
paul. rosenthal . house@state . co . us
10 Boulder DICKEY LEE HULLINGHORST (D) 303-866-2348
dl. hullinghorst. house@state . co . us
11 Boulder, Longmont, Lyons JONATHAN SINGER (D) 303-866-2780
jonathan . singer.house@state. co . us
12 Erie , Lafayette , Longmont, Louisville MIKE FOOTE (D) 303-866-2920
mike.foote .house@state .co .us
Black Hawk, Boulder, Central City , Coal Creek,
Empire , Fraser, Georgetown , Glendale , Granby, Grand 303-866-2578 13 Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs , Idaho Springs, Jamestown , CLAIRE LEVY (D) claire .levy.house@state.co.us Kremmling , Nederland, Silver Plume , Walden , Ward,
Winter Park
14 Colorado Springs DAN NORDBERG (R) 303-866-2965
dan . nord berg . house@state . co. us
15 Colorado Springs MARK WALLER (R) 303-866-5523
mark. waller.house@state.co. us
16 Colorado Springs JANAK JOSHI (R) 303-866-2937
janak.joshi .house@state .co .us
17 Colorado Springs TONY EXUM (D) 303-866-3069
thomas .exum . house@state . co. us
18 Colorado Springs , Manitou Springs PETE LEE (D) 303-866-2932
pete.lee .house@state .co.us
19 Calhan , Colorado Springs , Fountain , Monument, AMY STEPHENS (R) 303-866-2924
Ramah amy .stephens . house@state . co. us
20 Colorado Springs , Green Mountain Falls , Palmer Lake BOB GARDNER (R) 303-866-2191
bob.gardner.house@state .co. us
21 Fountain LOIS LANDGRAF (R) 303-866-2946
lois .landgraf. house@state. co . us
22 Bow Mar, Lakewood JUSTIN EVERETT (R) 303-866-2927
. justin. everett. house@state. co. us
23 Lakewood MAX TYLER (D) 303-866-2951
max@maxtvler.us
24 Arvada , Edgewater, Golden , Lakeside, Lakewood , SUE SCHAFER (D) 303-866-5522
Mountain View Wheat Ridge sue .schafer. house@state . co . us
25 Coal Creek, Morrison CHERI GEROU (R) 303-866-2582
cheri .gerou@gmail .com
Prepared by: CML Updated 1/9/2013
(wlmunicipality data source provided by Colorado Legislative Council)
2013 HOUSE DISTRICT & MUNICIPALITY
Phone: 303-866-2904 or Toll-Free 1-800-811-7647; www.leg.state.co.us
26 Avon , Basalt, Eagle, Gypsum , Hayden , Minturn, Oak DIANE MITSCH BUSH (D) 303-866-2923
Creek, Red Cliff, Steamboat Springs, Vail , Yampa diane.mitschbush .house@state.co .us
27 Arvada, Superior LIBBY SZABO (R) 303-866-2962
libby.szabo.house@state.co.us
28 Lakewood BRITIANY PETIERSEN(D) 303-866-2939
brittanv.pettersen.house@state .co .us
29 Arvada , Westminster TRACY KRAFT-THARP (D) 303-866-2950
reptracy29@gmail .com
30 Aurora, Commerce City, Thornton JENISE MAY (D) 303-866-2945
jenise.may.house@state.co.us
31 Commerce City, Northglenn, Thornton JOSEPH SALAZAR (D) 303-866-2918
joseph. sa lazar. house@state. co. us
32 Arvada , Commerce City, Thornton DOMINICK MORENO (D) 303-866-2964
dominick.moreno .house@state .co .us
33 Broomfield, Erie, Lafayette, Superior DIANNE PRIMAVERA (D) 303-866-4667
dianne.primavera .house@state .co .us
34 Federal Heights, Northglenn, Thornton STEVE LEBSOCK (D) 303-866-2931
steve.lebsock. house@state. co. us
35 Westminster CHERYLIN PENISTON (0) 303-866-2843
cherylin .peniston .house@state .co .us
36 Aurora SU RYDEN (D) 303-866-2942
su.ryden .house@state.co.us
37 Centennial , Foxfield SPENCER SWALM (R) 303-866-551 0
spencer.swalm .house@state.co.us
38 Bow Mar, Centennial , Columbine Valley, Littleton KATHLEEN CONTI (R) 303-866-2953
kathleen.conti.house@state.co.us
39 Aurora, Cripple Creek, Green Mountain Falls, POLLY LAWRENCE (R) 303-866-2935
Larkspur, Woodland Park polly .lawrence. house@state. co. us
40 Aurora , Foxfield JOHN BUCKNER (D) 303-866-2944
john.buckner.house@state.co.us
41 Aurora JAVON MELTON (D) 303-866-2919
jovan . melton. house@state. co. us
42 Aurora RHONDA FIELDS (D) 303-866-3911
rhonda. fields.house@state.co. us
43 Littleton FRANK MCNULTY (R) 303-866-2936
frank@frankmcnulty.com
44 Aurora, Lone Tree, Parker CHRIS HOLBERT (R) 303-866-2933
chris. halbert. house@state. co. us
45 Castle Pines, Castle Rock CAROL MURRAY (R) 303-866-2948
murrayhouse45@gmail.com
46 Pueblo, Rye LEROY GARCIA (D) 303-866-2968
leroy. garcia. house@state. co. us
47 Boone, Cheraw, Fowler, La Junta, Manzanola, Pueblo, CLARICE NAVARRO-RATZLAFF 303-866-2905
Rocky Ford, Swink (R) clarice. navarro. house@state .co. us
48 Ault, Eaton, Gilcrest, Greeley, Johnstown, La Salle, STEPHENHUMPHREY(R) 303-866-2943
Milliken, Pierce, Platteville, Severance, Windsor rephumphrey48@yahoo.com
49 Berthoud, Estes Park, Johnstown , Timnath , PERRY BUCK (R) 303-866-2907
Wellington, Windsor perrybuck49@gmail.com
50 Evans, Garden City, Greeley DAVE YOUNG (D) 303-866-2929
dave.young.house@state.co.us
51 Loveland BRIAN DELGROSSO (R) 303-866-2947
bria n@briandelgrosso. com
Prepared by: CML Updated 1/9/2013
(w/municipality data source provided by Colorado Legislative Councif)
2013 HOUSE DISTRICT & MUNICIPALITY
Phone: 303-866-2904 or Toll-Free 1-800-811-7647; www.leg.state.co.us
52 Fort Collins JOANN GINAL (D) 303-866-4569
joann.ginal.house@state.co.us
53 Fort Coll ins RANDY FISCHER (D) 303-866-2917
randyfischer@frii .com
54 Collbran, De Beque, Delta, Fruita , Palisade JARED WRIGHT (R) 303-866-2583
jared.wright.house@state.co .us
55 Collbran, De Beque, Grand Junction , Palisade RAY SCOTT (R) 303-866-3068
ray.scott.house@state.co.us
56 Aurora , Bennett, Brighton, Commerce City, Deer Trail , KEVIN PRIOLA (R) 303-866-2912
Lochbuie, Thornton kpriola@gmail.com
57 Carbondale, Craig, Dinosaur, Glenwood Springs, BOB RANKIN (R) 303-866-2949
Meeker, New Castle, Parachute, Rangely, Rifle , Silt bob.rankin.house@state.co.us
Cortez, Dove Creek, Dolores, Mancos, Montrose, DON CORAM (R) 303-866-2955 58 MountainVillage, Naturita, Norwood, Nucla, Olathe, don.coram.house@state.co.us Ophir, Rico, Sawpit, Telluride
59 Bayfield, Durango, Ignacio, Lake City, Ouray, Pagosa MIKE McLACHLAN (D) 303-866-2914
Springs, Ridgway, Silverton mike .mctachlan .house@state .co .us
Alma, Brookside, Buena Vista , Canon City, Coal Creek, JAMES WILSON (R) 303-866-2747 60 Fairplay, Florence , Poncha Springs, Rockvale, Salida, james.wilson .house@state.co.us Silver Cliff, Westcliffe, Williamsburg
Aspen , Basalt, Blue River, Breckenridge, Cedaredge ,
Crawford, Crested Butte, Dillon, Frisco Hotchkiss, MILLIE HAMNER (D) 303-866-2952 61 Leadville , Marble, Montezuma , Mount Crested Butte, millie. hamner. house@state.co. us Orchard City , Paonia, Pitkin , Silverthorne, Snowmass
Village
Alamosa, Antonito, Blanca, Center, City of Creede,
62 Crestone, Del Norte, Hooper, La Jara, La Veta , ED VIGIL (D) 303-866-2916
Manassa, Moffat, Monte Vista , Pueblo, Romeo, edvigil1 @gmail.com
Saguache , Sanford, San Luis , South Fork, Walsenburg
Brighton, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Fort LORI SAINE (R) 303-866-2906 63 Lupton, Grover, Hudson, Keenesburg, Kersey, Lochbuie, lori .saine.house@state.co.us Longmont, Mead , Northglenn , Nunn Raymer, Thornton
Akron , Arriba , Aguilar, Branson , Campo, Cokedale,
Crowley, Eads, Elizabeth, Genoa, Granada, Hartman ,
64 Haswell, Holly, Hugo, Kim , Kiowa , Lamar, Las Animas, TIM DORE (R) 9635 303-866-2398
Limon , Olney Springs, Ordway, Otis, Pritchett, Simla, tim.dore.house@state.co.us
Springfield, Starkville , Sugar City, Trinidad, Two Buttes,
Walsh
Bethune, Brush , Burlington, Cheyenne Wells, Crook,
Eckley, Flagler, Fort Morgan Haxtun , Hillrose, Holyoke, 303-866-3706 65 Iliff, Julesburg , Kit Carson , Log Lane Village, Merino, JERRY SONNENBERG (R) jerry@repsonnenberg . com Ovid , Peetz, Sedgwick, Seibert, Sterling, Stratton ,
Vona,Wiggins, Wray, Yuma
2013 SENATE COMMITTEES OF REFERENCE
AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND ENERGY
S members: Senators Gail Schwartz, Chair, Angela Giron, Vice-chair; Greg Brophy, Ted Harvey,
Matt Jones
APPROPRIATIONS
7 members: Senators Mary Hodge, Chair, Pat Steadman, Vice-chair; Rollie Heath, Ted Harvey,
Kent Lambert, Scott Renfroe, Jessie Ulibarri
BUSINESS, LABOR, AND TECHNOLOGY
S members: Senators Lois Tochtrop, Chair, Cheri Jahn, Vice-chair; David Balmer, Randy Baumgardner,
Rollie Heath
EDUCATION
9 members: Senators Evie Hudak, Chair, Michael Johnston, Vice-chair; Rollie Heath, Owen Hill,
Andy Kerr, Vicki Marble, Scott Renfroe, Mark Scheffel, Nancy Todd
FINANCE
S members: Senators Michael Johnston, Chair, Andy Kerr, Vice-chair; Kevin Grantham, Owen Hill,
Cheri Jahn
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
7 members: Senators Irene Aguilar, Chair, Linda Newell, Vice-chair; Larry Crowder, John Kefalas,
Kevin Lundberg, Jeanne Nicholson, Ellen Roberts
JUDICIARY
S members: Senators Lucia Guzman, Chair, Jessie Ulibarri, Vice-chair; Irene Aguilar, Steve King,
Kevin Lundberg
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S members: Senators Jeanne Nicholson, Chair, John Kefalas, Vice-chair; David Balmer, Vicki Marble,
Gail Schwartz
STATE, VETERANS, AND MILITARY AFFAIRS
S members: Senators Angela Giron, Chair, Matt Jones, Vice-chair; Larry Crowder, Ted Harvey,
EvieHudak
TRANSPORTATION
S members: Senators Rollie Heath, Chair, Nancy Todd, Vice-chair; Randy Baumgardner, Matt Jones,
Steve King
Revised: 12/4/12
2013 HOUSE COMMITTEES OF REFERENCE
AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK, & NATURAL RESOURCES
13 members: Representatives Randy Fischer, Chair; Ed Vigil, Vice-chair; Perry Buck, Don Coram,
Leroy Garcia, Steve Lebsock, Mike McLachlan, Frank McNulty, Diane Mitsch Bush, Bob Rankin, Paul
Rosenthal, Lori Saine, Jerry Sonnenberg
APPROPRIATIONS
13 members: Representatives Claire Levy, Chair; Crisanta Duran, Vice-chair; Brian DelGrosso, Tim Dore,
Bob Gardner, Cheri Gerou, Millie Hamner, Jeanne Labuda, Dan Pabon, Jonathan Singer, Jerry Sonnenberg,
Max Tyler, Dave Young
BUSINESS, LABOR & ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
11 members: Representatives Angela Williams, Chair; Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Vice-chair; Brian DelGrosso,
Tony Exum, Millie Hamner, Chris Holbert, Clarice Navarro-Ratzlaff, Dan Nordberg, Paul Rosenthal,
Su Ryden, Libby Szabo
EDUCATION
13 members: Representatives Millie Hamner, Chair; Cherylin Peniston, Vice-chair; John Buckner,
Justin Everett, Rhonda Fields, Chris Holbert, Lois Landgraf, Carole Murray, Brittany Pettersen, Kevin Priola,
Sue Schafer, Jim Wilson, Dave Young
FINANCE
l3 members: Representatives Lois Court, Chair; Jeanne Labuda, Vice-chair; Brian DelGrosso, Mike Foote,
Janak Joshi, Daniel Kagan, Jenise May, Jovan Melton, Dan Pabon, Kevin Priola, Lori Saine, Spencer Swaim,
Jim Wilson
HEALTH, INSURANCE & ENVIRONMENT
1 1 members: Representatives Beth McCann, Chair; Sue Schafer, Vice-chair; Kathleen Conti, Rhonda Fields,
Joann Gina!, Steve Humphrey, Janak Joshi, Lois Landgraf, Dianne Primavera, Amy Stephens, Dave Young
JUDICIARY
J 1 members: Representatives Daniel Kagan, Chair; Pete Lee, Vice-chair; John Buckner, Lois Court,
Bob Gardner, Polly Lawrence, Mike McLachlan, Carole Murray, Brittany Pettersen, Joe Salazar,
Jared Wright
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
13 members: Representatives Rhonda Fields, Chair; Jonathan Singer, Vice-chair; Tim Dore, Tony Exum,
Leroy Garcia, Bob Gardner, Joann Ginal, Chris Holbert, Steve Lebsock, Clarice Navarro-Ratzlaff,
Bob Rankin, Ed Vigil, Jared Wright
PUBLIC HEALTH CARE & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
13 members: Representatives Dianne Primavera, Chair; Dave Young, Vice-chair; Kathleen Conti,
Justin Everett, Janak Joshi, Jenise May, Beth McCann, Sue Schafer, Jonathan Singer, Amy Stephens,
Spencer Swaim, Max Tyler, Jim Wilson
STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS
11 members: Representatives, Su Ryden, Chair; Joe Salazar, Vice-chair; Tim Dore, Mike Foote,
Steve Humphrey, Jeanne Labuda, Jovan Melton, Dominick Moreno, Dan Nordberg, Ray Scott, Angela Williams
TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY
13 members: Representatives Max Tyler, Chair; Dominick Moreno, Vice-chair; Perry Buck, Don Coram, Justin
Everett, Randy Fischer, Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Polly Lawrence, Pete Lee, Diane Mitsch Bush, Chery lin Peniston,
Dianne Primavera, Ray Scott
Updated : December 3, 2012
Advocating for the citizens of Wheat
Ridge: Local Control & Hon1e Rule
The Issue: Local Control & Home Rule
The City of Wheat Ridge opposes pre-emption of local control by state and federal
legislation. In order to consider local conditions and local desires, community issues
and needs should be addressed locally.
Message to State Officials
The City of Wheat Ridge asks its representatives to oppose legislation that would allow
for state and federal interference into local decisions.
Request to State Officials
• State and federal government interference can undermine home rule and local
control.
• State officials should consult with municipalities in order to understand the
impacts of legislation that limits local control.
• Urge state officials to respect Colorado's tradition of local control and allow
municipal officials to address local problems without interference from the state
and federal government.
• Urges congress and the executive branch to respect the roles and responsibilities
of states and local governments and similarly urges state officials to avoid
preempting local authority.
• Support state enabling legislation that provides municipalities with authority and
flexibility to address local needs.
• Recognize the desire of the citizens statewide and in many local communities,
with adoption of a constitutional amendment in 1902 and expanded amendments
approved in 1912 and 1970, to establish municipal home rule and oppose state
action that attempts to weaken home rule authority and flexibility.
• Support the continuation of Executive Order 5 as a tool for collaboration among
state and local officials.
~~"'~ ... ~ ~ City of •
JP"WheatRl_dge
The Issue: Economic Development
Advocating for the citizens of Wheat
Ridge: EcollOIIlic Deve/opme11t
Economic development in Wheat Ridge is not only about attracting new businesses, but
more importantly, ensuring that existing businesses have the resources they need to
thrive! Robust economic development activities help create jobs, support local
spending and contribute to the overall health of the Wheat Ridge community by
supporting the programs and services the City provides.
Message to State Officials
The City of Wheat Ridge believes strong economic development will result from a
combination of national, state and local efforts. We request that our elected officials
support legislation that will promote economic activities throughout Colorado.
Request to State Officials
• Support local government activities promoting economic development.
• Support comprehensive efforts among state and local governments and the
private sector to establish an effective tourism promotion program.
• Support adequate funds and staff for a strong, multifaceted program to promote
the economic vitality of Colorado. This program should encourage the
diversification and expansion of local economies, including support for existing
business, creation of new jobs and promotion of tourism. The program should be
closely coordinated with local governments and the state should never promote a
specific economic development project against the wishes of the community or
communities most directly affected by the project.
• Protect local municipalities' ability to use urban renewal authority powers without
onerous regulations.
~~"~ .... .,. City of ~Wheat~dge
The Issue: Land Use and Development
Advocating for the citizens of ~Jiheat
Ridge: Land Use and Deve/op111e11t
The City of Wheat Ridge supports local control and determination of local land use
issues. In general, the City supports state laws and policies that encourage new
residential, commercial and industrial development to occur within existing
municipalities.
Message to State Officials
Support legislation that preserves local control and determination of local land use
issues.
Request to State Officials
• Oppose unreasonable restrictions on urban renewal authorities.
• Support prohibition of the incorporation of new cities and towns adjacent to, or
within the service areas of, existing municipalities.
• Support appropriate efforts to permit application and enforcement of municipal
ordinances, such as building codes, fire codes, subdivision regulations and
zoning ordinances, to buildings and improvements proposed to be constructed by
government entities.
• Support municipal discretion concerning the imposition of development fees and
requirements.
• Support municipalities, when appropriate, in utilizing sub-local governments
(neighborhood, non-profit and civic organizations, homeowners' associations and
various forms of improvement districts) in developing and implementing solutions
to specific localized problems.
• Encourage measures that promote intergovernmental cooperation on land use
issues.
-Continued-
Request to State Officials Continued
• Encourage coordination of land use and transportation planning.
• Encourage municipalities when using tax increment financing to promote
communication and intergovernmental cooperation with affected local
governments.
• Oppose federal and state restrictions, beyond those constitutional restrictions that
have been defined by recent Supreme Court decisions, on the ability of federal,
state or local governments to regulate private property or to exercise the power to
condemnation for the benefit of public health, safety and welfare .
• Generally oppose efforts to restrict municipal authority to annex territory.
• Oppose delegation of municipal land use authority to state agencies or preemption
of municipal land use controls.
~II.·.(
.... # ~ City of • ~Wheat:Ri._dge
The Issue: Public Safety
Local control of services including police and courts is essential. Federal and State
agencies are an important resource to local governments and special districts in the
areas of information, coordination, training, and funding to assist in homeland security
and first responder responsibilities.
Message to State Officials
Support legislation that preserves local control of police and court services and
encourages close cooperation among all levels of government.
Request to State Officials
• Support ensuring that municipal governments retain flexibility in implementing
federal and state criminal justice programs.
• Support state-and community-based intervention, prevention and rehabilitation
programs and state initiatives that respect the key role of communities and local
government officials.
• Supports local control of local emergency services and involvement of the state
as a resource to local government in the areas of information, coordination and
training.
• Support state funds for those state agencies that serve as a resource to local
emergency services.
• Support close cooperation at all levels of government and increased federal
funding to assist local government homeland security and first responder
responsibilities.
• Oppose state preemption of municipal authority to regulate firearms within
municipalities.
• Supports ensuring that municipal governments retain flexibility in implementing
federal and state criminal justice programs.
• Supports a voluntary uniform statewide fire incidence reporting program.
• Opposes imposition of state surcharges on municipal court fines for the purpose
of funding state programs.
• Opposes limitations on the authority of municipalities to enforce their own
ordinances in municipal courts.
The Issue: Local Tax Authority
Advocating for the citizens of 1Jiheat
Ridge: Local Tax Authority
The City of Wheat Ridge's primary revenue source is local sales and use taxes.
Statewide municipalities generate more than $5 in these taxes to every $1 of property
taxes. Sales and use taxes have enabled municipalities to fund public services and
improvements and keep municipal property taxes relatively low. Appropriate actions at
federal, state and local levels should preserve or enhance these local revenues.
Message to State Officials
Changes made at the statehouse to the overall sales tax base directly affect
municipalities. Oppose legislation that undermines local tax authority.
Request to State Officials
• Support retention of authority for all municipalities to set local tax rates and for
home rule municipalities to collect their own taxes and determine their own tax
bases.
• Support broadening the state sales and use tax base.
• Support appropriate legislation or court action allowing state and local
governments to require businesses to collect state and local sales and use taxes
on remote sales.
• Support cooperative efforts among municipalities to standardize municipal sales
and use tax practices and utilization of technology for the convenience of
taxpayers, the business community, and municipalities.
• Oppose further reductions in the state and local sales and use tax base.
• Oppose legislation that would preempt the authority of state and local
governments to apply their sales and use taxes to remote sales.
~~A~
.... # .,... City o f •
?Wheat:R.i___dge
Advocating for the citizens of Wheat
Ridge: State and Federal Mandate.-..·
The Issue: State and Federal Mandates
Programs and regulations mandated by the state and federal government stretch the
financial resources of municipalities. These costs, if not paid by the state or federal
government, prevent municipalities from fulfilling local needs and priorities.
Message to State Officials
The City of Wheat Ridge opposes regulations mandated by the state and/or federal
government that stretch the financial resources of municipalities.
Request to State Officials
• Oppose unfunded state and federal mandates that impose financial burdens on
municipalities and their citizens.
• Support the requirement for the General Assembly to reimburse municipalities the
cost of state mandates and to make clearer this requirement in state fiscal notes
prepared for the General Assembly.
• Support the continuation of Executive Order 5 to encourage collaboration among
state and local municipalities regarding the impacts of unfunded mandates.
The Issue: Housing
Atlvocatingfor the citizens of H'heat
Ridge: Housing
The City of Wheat Ridge recognizes that availability and affordability of decent housing
is an important concern to Colorado's municipalities.
Message to State Officials
Support legislation that encourages adequate supplies of good housing, regardless of
income level, and continued public-and-private-sector support for such an effort.
Request to State Officials
• Support maintaining financial assistance and programs from the federal
government for housing needs of low and moderate income families.
• Support state financial support for the Division of Housing's loan and grant
program for low and moderate income housing.
• Support the continued efforts of the Colorado Housing Finance Authority to work
with municipalities on the Authority's various housing loan programs.
• Support the preservation, revitalization and redevelopment of existing
neighborhoods.
• Support public and private financial assistance programs to address the needs of
the homeless.
• Support programs that involve municipalities in addressing foreclosures.
"~·~ .. • ~ City of •
,Wheat:Ri_dge
The Issue: Lottery Funding
Advocating for the citizens of Wheat
Ridge: Lottery Funding
The City of Wheat Ridge supports preserving all lottery proceeds for parks, recreation,
open space and wildlife purposes pursuant to the Great Outdoors Colorado program
adopted by Colorado Voters in 1992. Lottery funding has played a critical role in
supporting local parks, recreation and open space developments in Wheat Ridge.
Message to State Officials
Oppose legislation that would change the current allocation of lottery proceeds.
Request to State Officials
• Support the protection of the current lottery system.
The Issue: Telecommunications
Advocating for the citizens of Wheat
Ridge: Te/econlluuuications
The City of Wheat Ridge supports the development and deployment of new
communication technologies, state and federal policies that promote universal access,
technological innovation, competition, and the implementation of new services.
Message to State Officials
Oppose legislation that would strip municipal franchising, taxing and/or regulatory
authority over public rights-of-way and telecommunication systems.
Request to State Officials
• Support the retention of municipal regulatory authority over cable television
systems to include:
o Be fairly compensated for use of public rights of way;
o Require communications service providers who use the rights of way to
obtain local permission for such use;
o Maintain local control of rights of way;
o Prevent redlining or other discriminatory practices; and
o Ensure appropriate customer protections.
• Support affordable access to all municipalities to state-of-the-art
telecommunication and information services.
• Oppose federal or state restrictions on local control of municipal rights-of-way or
on the authority of local governments to develop or acquire their own
communication infrastructure.
• Oppose federal or state restrictions on municipal franchising, regulatory and
taxing authority over telecommunication systems.
• Oppose legislation that prohibits or restricts municipalities from offering
broadband services.
~~4~
.... .. ~ City of •
r wheatRi_dge
The Issue: Transportation
Advocating for the citizens of Wheat
Ridge: Tran .\portation
The City of Wheat Ridge believes cooperation among the Colorado Department of
Transportation, counties, municipalities and interested stakeholders is necessary to
improve Colorado's transportation system. State transportation policies should
address the need to maintain and expand transportation options while providing
management options that will improve Colorado's transportation system.
Message to State Officials
Support legislation that encourages federal, state and local cooperation. Support
legislation that will preserve or increase funding for municipal transportation needs.
Request to State Officials
• Support increased funds to finance pressing surface transportation needs as
long as equitable portion of new revenues is returned to cities and towns.
• Support Colorado Department of Transportation assumption of street lighting
and general maintenance costs on state highways within municipalities.
• Support limitations on "off the top" diversions from the Highway Users Tax
Fund.
• Support preservation of the constitutional requirement that highway user
revenues be utilized only for highways, streets, and roads.
• Support greater flexibility and increased revenues for multi-modal systems
outside of the Highway Users Tax Fund.
• Support preservation of federal funding guarantees for transportation and
allocation of all federal transportation taxes and funds for their intended
transportation purposes.
• Support close cooperation among Colorado Department of Transportation,
counties, municipalities, and interested stakeholders in improving Colorado's
multi-modal transportation system.
• Encourage a balanced state transportation policy that addresses the need to
maintain and expand roadway, bicycle, pedestrian, transit, carpool/vanpool and
demand management options to improve Colorado's transportation system.
.... ~4~
... _ ~ City of •
?WheatRi._dge
The Issue: State Fiscal Fair Play
Advocating for the citizens of J¥heat
Ridge: State Fiscal Fair Play
Municipal finances are closely interrelated with state finances and policies. State
adherence to fiscal fair play policies will greatly help municipalities and their citizens.
Message to State Officials
As a home rule municipality, the City of Wheat Ridge is a fiscally conservative
community that seeks to provide a high quality of life for citizens. Therefore, Wheat
Ridge asks you to oppose legislation that undermines or negatively changes state fiscal
fair play policies.
Request to State Officials
• Support appropriate action to address the state and local financial crises caused
by the interaction of various constitutional amendments and the economy.
• Support the authority of municipal officials to determine local purchasing and
contracting procedures.
• Supports appropriate action to address the state and local financial crises caused
by the interaction of various constitutional amendments and the economy.
• Support continued state sharing with municipalities of equitable portions of
existing and future revenues derived from traditional state-collected, municipally-
shared sources.
• Urge the state to avoid or exercise restraint in relying on fees, charges and other
cash funding of programs that affect municipalities, especially in the areas of
technical assistance, in programs where municipal participation is mandated by
state law, and in regulatory programs that affect municipalities.
• Oppose state granted exemptions or other state actions that erode municipal
sales, use, property and other revenues unless the state provides adequate
replacement revenues.
• Oppose disproportionate cuts in state programs that benefit municipalities.
• Oppose the state utilizing local funds or requiring local governments to collect
state revenues in order to fund state programs.
~~4.,
, # r-City of • ~WheatRL_dge
The Issue: Energy
Advocating for the citizens of Wheat
Ridge: Energy
The City of Wheat Ridge is an environmentally minded community that recognizes
several compelling reasons for developing a comprehensive energy policy. Energy
conservation saves dollars; energy conservation and renewable energy production
creates jobs and supports local economic development efforts; energy conservation
reduces our nation's dependence upon foreign oil and improves our energy security;
and that municipalities are often in a position to lead by example.
Message to State Officials
Support the ability of municipalities to access alternative energy resources in a cost
effective manner. Use municipalities as a resource to provide education and access to
information that advocates the economic and environmental benefits of increased
energy efficiency to our residents.
Request to State Officials
• Support the development of a balanced, long-term statewide energy plan with an
overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a mix of non-
renewable fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency and
conservation programs.
• Support the creation and expansion of statewide goals that provide targets and
incentives for the implementation of renewable energy strategies .
• Support municipal efforts to assess energy efficiency opportunities in their own
operations and in their communities as a whole; setting energy efficiency targets;
and creating local action plans.
• Support retrofitting municipal facilities with energy efficient technologies; policies
that enhance municipal energy conservation; and programs that promote the
generation of alternative energy sources.
• Support working with appropriate state and local agencies to educate
municipalities on the use of energy efficient building codes.
About the CML policy statement
Colorado Municipal League
1144 Shennan Street
Denver, CO 80203
303-831-6411/866-578-0936
www.cml.org
CML supports cooperation among local, state, and federal officials to provide a strong partnership with Colorado's cities and
towns. CML employs a dedicated advocacy team, a reliable source of infonnation about legislative issues and their impact on
Colorado's cities and towns and their residents .
The CML Policy Statement has evolved throughout the history of CML and guides the CML Executive Board, committees,
and advocacy team during the legislative session and throughout the year. The CML Policy Committee, which is open to
representation from each municipal member and CML section, is charged with developing policy recommendations and
proposing amendments to the Policy Statement. During the business meeting (held each year at the CMLAnnual
Conference), CML members consider any recommendations and adopt the Policy Statement for the next year.
The CML Policy Statement consists of several major policy items, but is not all inclusive. 'Nhen legislation or policy issues are
considered, the CML staff, Policy Committee, and Executive Board look first to the Policy Statement to develop
recommendations and fonnal positions. If a specific issue is not found within the Policy Statement, then the Policy Committee
and the Executive Board will consider and establish a CML position, if any.
We welcome input and suggestions from members on CML policy and positions. We remain proud to be your source for
advocacy, infonnation, and training .
If you have questions or comments about CML policies, please contact Kevin Bommer, legislative advocacy manager, at
kbommer@cml.org, 303-831-6411, or 866-578-8175 .
local control and municipal home ~ule
In order to consider local conditions and address local desires, community issues and needs should be addressed locally. State
and federal government interference can undennine home rule and local control. Therefore, the League :
• Urges state and federal officials to respect Colorado's tradition of local control and allow municipal officials to address local
problems without interference from the state and federal government.
• Urges congress and the executive branch to respect the roles and responsibilities of states and local governments and
sirnilarty urges state officials to avoid preempting local authority.
• Supports state enabling legislation that provides municipalities with authority and flexibility to address local needs .
• Recognizes the desire of the citizens statewide and in many local communities, with adoption of a constitutional amendment
in 1902 and expanded amendments approved in 1912 and 1970, to establish municipal home rule and opposes state action
that attempts to weaken ,horne rule authority and flexibility.
Intergovernmental cooperation
Citizens are best served when officials of federal, state and local government (including municipalities, eounties, special
districts and school districts) respect the roles of each entity and work .toward common solutions. Therefore, the League :
• Supports increased dialogue and cooperation among federal, state and local officials and the development of cooperative
intergov mmental solutions to common problems .
State and federal mandates
Programs and regulations mandated by the state or federal government stretch the financial resources of municipalities . These
costs , if not paid by the state or federal government, prevent municipalities from fulfilling local needs and priorities. Therefore,
the League:
• Opposes unfunded state and federal mandates that impose financial burdens on :municipalities and their citizens .
• Supports the requirement for the General Assembly and Congress to reimburse :municipalities for the cost of state
mandates , and to make more clear this requirement in state fiscal notes prepared for the General Assembly and Congress .
State fiscal fair play
Municipal finances are closely interrelated with state finances and policies. State adherence to fiscal fair play policies will
greatly help municipalities and their citizens . Therefore, the League :
• Supports appropriate action to address the state and local financial crises caused by the interaction of various constitutional
amendments and the economy.
• Supports continued state sharing with municipalities of equitable portions of existing and future revenues derived from
traditional state-collected , municipally-shared sources .
• Urges the state to avoid or exercise restraint in relying on fees, charges and other cash funding of programs that affect
municipalities. especially in the areas of technical assistance. in programs where municipal participation is mandated by
state taw. and in regulatory programs that affect municipalities .
• Opposes state-granted exemptions or other state actions that erode municipal sales , use, property and other revenues
unless the state provides adequate replacement revenues .
• Opposes disproportionate cuts in state programs that benefit municipalities.
• Opposes the state utilizing local funds or requiring local governments to collect state revenues in order to fund state
programs .
Sales and use taxes
The primary revenue sources for municipalities are local sales and use taxes. Statewide, municipalities generate more than $5
in these taxes to every $1 of property taxes. Sales and use taxes have enabled municipalities to fund public services and
improvements and keep municipal property taxes relatively low. Appropriate actions at federal. state and local levels should
preserve or enhance these local revenues . Therefore, the League:
• Supports retention of authority for all municipalities to set local tax rates and for home rule municipalities to collect their own
taxes and detennine their own tax bases.
• Supports broadening the state sales and use tax base.
• Supports appropriate legislation or court action allowing state and local governments to require businesses to collect state
and local sales and use taxes on remote sales.
• Supports cooperative efforts among municipalities to standardize municipal sales and use tax practices and utilization of
technology for the convenience of taxpayers. the business community, and municipalities .
• Opposes further reductions in the state and local sales and use tax base.
• Opposes legislation that would preempt the authority of state and local governments to apply their sales and use taxes to
remote sales.
Miscellaneous finance issues
The League:
Capital financing
• Opposes any efforts to aboUsh or impair the effectiveness of the municipal bond interest exemption.
• Supports enhancement of municipalities' flexibility to finance public projects economically and efficiently.
Double taxation
• Supports state legislation and local practices that eliminate the financial inequities a-eated by the imposition of taxes on
municipal residents for county services that are provided primarily or solely to residents in unincorporated areas .
Federal policies
• Supports distribution of federal funds to municipal governments with a minimum of red tape and without excessive diversion
at the federal and state levels.
• Supports establishment of advisory committees comprised of local government officials to ensure ongoing local input on
state assumption and administration of federal programs that affect local governments.
• Supports continued funding of the Community Development Block Grant program .
• Supports continued direct funding of federal housing programs .
• Supports funding the Energy Block Grant program.
• Supports repeal of the Davis-Bacon Act or revisions thereto, including raising the project exemption amount, to eliminate
wasteful red tape and enable stat and local governments to stretch tax dollars for public woi'Xs projects .
• Supports repeal or revisions in the application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to local governments to avoid the Act's costly
and burdensome impacts on local government operations.
• Encourages recognition of Colorado's unique economic, social and physical characteristics when federal action affects
programs or projects of local concern .
• Opposes the direct or indirect taxation of the activities and operations of municipal government.
• Opposes tax refonn proposals that would exacerbate the federal deficit, ina-ease the cost of municipal capital investment.
interfere with traditional state and local tax systems or preempt the deductibility of state and local taxes .
• Opposes the denial of funds based upon a state's or municipality's failure to meet requirements of an unrelated program or
because of factors beyond the control of the state or municipality.
• Opposes cuts in federal programs that disproportionately affect municipalities.
• Opposes imposition of federal standards upon local government operations and employees that do not apply equally to
federal and state government operations nd employees.
• Opposes the sale of federal lands to finance federal programs without local input.
Consolidation of governments
The League supports voluntary consolidation of local government entities and services by mutual agreement.
Criminal justice
The League :
• Supports state-and community-based intervention , prevention and rehabilitation programs and state initiatives that respect
the key role of communities and local government officials .
• Supports ensuring that municipal governments retain flexibility in implementing federal and state criminal justice programs .
• Opposes state preemption of municipal authority to regulate firearms within municipalities.
Economic development
The League :
• Encou~ the state to provide adequate funds and staff for a strong, multifaceted program to promote the economic
vitality of Colorado. This program should encourage the diversification and expansion of local economies, including support
for existing business, crution of new jobs and promotion of tourism . The program should be closely coordinated with local
governments and the state should never promote a specific economic development project against the wishes of the
community or communities most directly affected by the project.
• Encourages the federal government to support state and local government activities promoting economic development.
• Encourages a comprehensive effort among state and local governments and the private sector to establish an effec:tive
tourism promotion program .
Education:
The League believes an effective education system supplies our municipalities with an educated and well-trained community
and workforce who will both alow existing businesses to expand and attract new business investment. The most effec:tive
programs are thole partnerships among our educational institutions, local stakeholders, and local governments. Due to its
importance to our communities, the League supports education as a communitywide value. Specifically, the League :
• Supports state and local policies and initiatives 1"-t encourage greater early learning, K-12, higher education , wortdorce
training opportunities, and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Supports access to information and resources that help parents and caregivers give students the greatest chances to learn
and grow in safe and healthy ways .
• Supports state initiatives that enhance creative and innovative partnership opportunities with businesses and educational
institutions, including shared facilities, school resource officers, and enhanced programming .
• Supports funding of education in the state in a balanced manner which takes into consideration the needs of all sectors of
the economy and yet not at the expense of municipal revenues .
Electric and natural gas services
The League :
• Opposes federal restrictions that would dictate territorial service areas or restrict the abUity of municipally owned utilities to
service customers within their municipalities , including newly annexed areas.
• Opposes federal legislation requiring states to implement retail competition.
• Opposes federal or state restructuring of the electric or l'llltural gas industry if such restructuring restricts municipal authority
to regulate the use of rights-of-way and to franchise and tax uWities and services, interferes with services provided by
municipally owned utilities, fails to protect interests of all consumer classes or sacrifices environmental and social objectives
protected under existing regulatory policies.
• Opposes efforts to prevent municipalities from extending utility services to newly annexed areas.
Emergency services
The League :
• Supports local control of local emergency services and involvement of the state as a resource to local government in the
areas of information, coordination and training.
• Supports state funds for those state agencies that serve as a resource to local emergency services .
• Supports a voluntary uniform statewide fire incidence reporting program .
• Supports close cooperation at all levels of government and Increased federal funding to assist local government homeland
security and first responder responsibilities .
EneriY
Energy planning
The League recognizes several compelling reasons for developing a comprehensive energy policy. Energy conservation saves
dollars. Energy conservation and renewable energy production creates jobs and supports local economic development efforts.
Energy conservation reduces our nation 's dependence upon foreign oil and improves our energy security. Municipalities are in
a position to lead by example . Municipalities are able to provide education and access to information that advocates the
economic and environmental benefits of increased energy efficiency. Therefore , the League :
• Supports the development of a balanced , long-term statewide energy plan with an overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions through a mix of non-renewable fossil fuels, renewable energy sources , and energy efficiency and conservation
programs .
• Supports the creation and expansion of statewide goals that provide targets and incentives for the implementation of
renewable energy strategies and that also recognize the unique concerns of municipal electric and gas systems .
• Supports municipal efforts to assess energy efficiency opportunities in their own operations and in their communities as a
whole ; setting energy efficiency targets ; and creating local action plans .
• Supports retrofitting municipal facilities with energy efficient technologies ; policies that enhance municipal energy
conservation; and programs that promote the generation of alternative energy sources.
• Supports working with appropriate state and local agencies to educate municipalities on the use of energy efficient building
codes .
Natural resource production
Municipalities are directly and indirectly affected by the impacts of energy extraction activity and understand the boom and bust
nature of it. The League also acknowledges the importance of the extraction industry to the state 's economy. Therefore, the
League :
• Supports enhanced local input and mitigation powers of municipalities in addressing the environmental and economic
impacts of energy extraction.
• Supports the State Oil and Gas Conservation Commission involving substantively local governments affected by energy
extraction, induding a recognition of local health and environmental impacts.
• Supports a continued dialogue with local governments regarding the collection and distribution of severance tax and federal
mineral lease revenues .
• Supports raising the severance tax rate and removing severance tax exemptions in order to generate additional revenue for
local governments .
• Supports DOLA's continuing,.administration of the Energy Impact Loan and Grant program to assure greater transparency
and accountability of the funds.
• Supports the development of a permanent trust fund using a portion of existing and/or any new revenues from severance
taxes and/or federal mineral lease revenues so long as such revenues in a trust fund can be made available to
municipalities and counties impacted by energy extraction .
• Opposes any reduction in the existing revenue streams of severance tax and federal mineral lease revenue to counties and
municipalities .
• Supports financial and technical assistance to local governments affected by the development of coal, oil shale , and other
natural resources to permit planning for, and provision of, municipal services and facilities .
• Opposes the appropriation of energy impact and mineral lease funds, historically set aside for local governments, to finance
state programs and administrative costs of state government
Environment
In addressing environmental concerns, the League :
• Supports relief for municipalities from the burden of Superfund (CERCLA) requirements and application of a reasonable
municipal settlement policy by the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Supports federal and state programs that encourage deanup and reuse of ·brownfield" property.
• Supports full federal funding for deanup of contaminated federally owned or managed sites, such as Rocky Flats .
• Opposes increases in the proportion of municipal cash funding support for state environmental programs.
• Opposes state preemption of local government authority to adopt environmental ordinances .
Housing
The availability and affordability of decent housing is an important concern to Colorado 's municipalities . Th.erefore , the League :
• Supports an adequate supply of good housing , regardless of income level, and continued public-and private-sector support
for such an effort.
• Supports increased financial assistance from the federal government for housing needs of low-and moderate-income
families .
• Supports state financial support for the Division of Housing's loan and grant program for low-and moderate-income
housing.
• Supports the continued efforts of the Colorado Housing Finance Authority to work with municipalities on the Authority's
various housing loan programs .
• Supports the preservation, revitalization and redevelopment of existing neighborhoods .
• Supports public and private financial assistance programs to address the needs of the homeless.
• Supports programs that involve municipalities in addressing foredosures .
• Supports the creation of an adequately financed statewide housing trust fund .
Human rights
The League supports programs that protect the rights and dignity of the individual and encourages programs that address such
issues as employment , housing , health care, substance abuse and equal opportunity.
Initiative reform
The League supports efforts to reform the state's initiative and referendum procedures.
Lottery
The League supports preserving all lottery proceeds for park, recreation, open space and wildlife purposes pursuant to the
Great Outdoors Colorado program adopted by Colorado voters .
Municipal court operations
The League:
• Opposes imposition of state surcharges on municipal court fines for the purpose of funding state programs.
• Opposes limitations on the authority of municipalities to enforce their own ordinances in municipal courts .
Municipal development and land use
The League supports local control and determination of local land use issues. In general, the League supports state laws and
policies that encourage new residential, commercial and industrial development to occur within existing municipalities and that
discourage the sprawl of urban, suburban or exurban development into rural and unincorporated areas of the state. In addition,
the League specifically:
• Supports prohibition of the incorporation of new cities and towns adjacent to, or within the service areas of, existing munici-
palities.
• Supports increased municipal and, within unincorporated areas, county controls over the formation of special districts,
placing additional limitations on the powers exercised by such districts and, where practicable, providing for the dissolution
or phasing out of special districts.
• Supports appropriate efforts to permit application and enforcement of municipal ordinances, such as building codes, fire
codes, subdivision regulations and zoning ordinances, to buildings and improvements proposed to be constructed by
government entities.
• Supports municipal discretion concerning the imposition of development fees and requirements.
• Supports the clear authority of municipalities to collect an impact fee for schools.
• Supports financial and technical assistance to municipal governments in the areas of planning and land use.
• Supports municipalities, when appropriate, in utilizing sub-local governments (neighborhood, nonprofit, and civic
organizations and homeowners' associations) in developing and implementing solutions to specific localized issues.
• Encourages measures that promote intergovet'Mlefltal cooperation on land use issues.
• Encourages coordination of land use and transportation plaming.
• Encourages municipalities when using tax inaement financing to promote communication and intergovernmental
cooperation with aft'ected local governments.
• Generally opposes efforts to resbict municipal authority to annex territory.
• Opposes delegation of municipal land use authority to state agencies or preemption of municipal land use controls.
• Opposes federal or state restrictions, beyond those constitutional restrictions that have been defined by recent Supreme
Court decisions, on the ability of federal, state or local governments to regulate private property or to exercise the power of
condemnation for the benefit of public health, safety and welfare.
• Opposes unreasonable restrictions on urban renewal authorities.
Police, fire, and other pension and employee benefits
The League:
• Supports continuation of state matching funds to assist in retiring unfunded liabilities that acaued under the old police and
fire pension plans.
• Supports equitable levels of state funding for volunteer firefighters' pensions.
• Opposes mandates that increase the cost of or aeate inequities among municipal employee pension, workers'
compensation or other employee benefits.
• Opposes mandated Social Security or Medicare coverage for public employees, mandated benefit levels or funding
standards for lmllicipal employee pension plans, or other unreasonable burdens or restrictions in connection with the
administration of municipal employee benefit plans .
• Opposes mandated so-called "Police Officers Bill of Rights• interfering with the management and budget prerogatives of
local governments.
Postal service
The League supports legislation and administrative action by the United States Postal Service requiring use of mailing
addresses and ZIP codes that reflect the corporate boundaries of cities and towns in order to eliminate confusion among
citizens and businesses and to reinforce community identities.
Privatization
The league supports the use of private-sector businesses to provide public services when determined by municipal officials to
be in the public interest.
Public employment
The league opposes efforts to interfere with a municipality's ability to determine the terms and conditions of municipal
employment.
Public liability
Because of the financial burdens caused by the increasing number of lawsuits against municipalities and their officers and
employees, the deterrent that litigation presents to continued service by public officials and the need to assure that municipal
liability does not impair the provision of necessary services to the public, the league:
• Supports the availability of public liability insurance at reasonable costs and the ability of municipalities to reduce such costs
through self-insurance or other reasonable means .
• Supports reasonable federal limitations on and reduction in the liability for monetary damages payable by public entities and
public employees in suits brought under federal laws.
• Supports limitations on the liability of municipalities and their officers and employees .
• Opposes efforts to expand the liability of public entities and public employees.
Purchasing
The League supports the authority of municipal officials to determine local purchasing and contracting procedures.
Telecommunications
The league:
• Supports the retention of municipal regulatory authority over cable television systems.
• Supports affordable access by all municipalities to state-of-the-art telecommunication and information services.
• Opposes federal or state restrictions on local control of municipal rights-of-way or on the authority of local governments to
develop or acquire their own telecommunications infrastructure.
• Opposes federal or state restrictions on municipal franchising, regulatory and taxing authority over telecommunications
systems .
Transportation
The League :
• Supports increased funds to finance pressing surface transportation needs as long as an equitable portion of new revenues
is returned to cities and towns .
• Supports state Department of Transportation assumption of street lighting and general maintenance costs on state highways
within municipalities.
• Supports limitations on "off-the-top· diversions from the Highway Users Tax Fund.
• Supports preservation of the constitutional requirement that highway user revenues be used for the construction,
maintenance, and supervision of the public highways of the state, comprising all modes including facilities for air, transit,
bicycle, and pedestrian travel .
• Supports greater flexibility and increased revenues for multi-modal transportation systems .
• Supports clarification that federal railroad laws do not preempt local governmental authority to protect the safety and
environment of citizens.
• Supports preservation of the federal funding guarantees for transportation and aUocation of all federal transportation taxes
and funds for their intended transportation purposes.
• Supports efforts to improve air transportation throughout Colorado .
• Supports close cooperation among Colorado Department of Transportation, counties, municipalities and interested
stakeholders in improving Colorado's multi-modal transportation system.
• Encourages a balanced state transportation policy that addresses the need to maintain and expand roadway, bicycle,
pedestrian , transit , carpooVvanpool and demand management options to improve-Colorado's transportation system .
Water
In addressing statewide water concerns, the League:
• Supports water policies that protect Colorado water resources .
• Supports the constitutional doctrine of prior appropriation and the constitutional priority given to domestic water use .
• Supports the inventorying and protection by municipalities of their water rights.
• Supports appropriate water conservation efforts and sustainable water resource management practices by all users.
• Supports efforts to increase knoWledge of water-related issues of concern around the state to municipalities .
• Supports participation in statewide discussions of water use and distribution.
• Supports appropriate coordination of municipal water use with other uses including agriculture. mineral resource
development, energy development, recreation and open space.
• Supports federal and state financial aid programs assisting municipalities, including recognition of the special needs of
smaller municipalities, with the construction and improvement of water systems to protect water quality and to comply with
federal and state mandates .
• Supports continued federal and state funding for wastewater treatment and drinking water facilities to reduce local costs and
expedite construction of necessary treatment and collection facilities .
• Supports stakeholder input and involvement in developing laws and regulations related to water and wastewater issues.
• Supports reasonable and practical application of air and water pollution control laws by federal and state administrative
officials and encourages restraint in modifying legislation and regulations that have a fiscal impact on municipalities .
Particularly in the area of water quality, enforcement should be correlated with the availability of funds necessary to achieve
stated goals .
• Supports adequate state regulation and enforcement of drilling and mining sites, production facilities and waste product
storage and disposal facilities; supports practices to assure citizen safety, environmental protection and the protection of
domestic water sources; and opposes state preemption of local land use and watershed regulations .
• Encourages on-going communication by federal land managers with affected municipalities regarding the leasing of federal
lands that might impact local land use and environmental policies including, but not limited to, local watershed ordinances .
Youth
The League:
• Supports municipal and other efforts to address youth issues and needs .
• Recognizes the influence that parents in partnership with nonprofit and
religious organizations, local businesses and other governmental
jurisdictions have on the development of youth.
• Encourages utilization by public schools in cooperation with local
governments of League-published or other civics curriculum to educate
students in state and local government.
The Colorado Munfdpal League
CML was founded in 1923 to provide technical assistance and advocacy
on behalf of our municipal membership. There are 265 cities and towns
that are members of the league. The CML Policy Committee is responsible
for developing policy recommendations and recommended positions on
legislation. Every municipal member has the option to have a representative
on the CML Policy Committee. A 19-member Executive Board governs the
operations of the organization. The League has 2-4 sections (i .e .• planning
officials, police chiefs, city managers) and 1-4 regional districts that provide
input and technical expertise in development of League policy.
Executive Board Officers
President Aden Hogan, Jr., Evans city manager
Vice President Marc VVilliams, Arvada councilmember
Secretary/Treasurer Charles .Bayley, Bennett mayor pro tern
Immediate Past President Diana Allen, Lakewood councilmember
Joe Baker, Dacono mayor pro tern
VVilliam Bell, Montrose city manager
VVilliam Buck, Mt. Crested Butte mayor
Carol Dodge, Northglenn councilmember
Joe Gierlach. Nederland mayor
Sarah Levison, Longmont councilmember
Jan Martin, Colorado Springs president pro tern
Nancy McNally, Westminster mayor
Deborah Ortega, Denver councilmember-at-large
Christina Rinderle, Durango mayor
Dave Sturges, Glenwood Springs councilmember
Jim Taylor, Littleton councilmember
Don Van Wormer, Monte Vista city manager
Karen Weitkunat, Fort Collins mayor
Jim VVhite , Minturn town manager
Colorado Municipal Facts
Number of Incorporated municipalities:
Population (201 0 estimates)
State:
Municipal :
Municipal as percent of state:
Range in municipal population :
271
5,050,870
3,699 ,120
73.2%
Lakeside : 8 Denver: 605 ,722
Municipalities with CML membership : 265
Structure of Colorado municipal governments
Structure
Home Rule
Statutory
Territorial Charter
#
100
170
1
Pooulation
3,443 ,242
254 ,842
1,036
Number of municipalities with city/town
%ofPoo.
93.08%
6 .89%
0 .03%
manager or administrator: 171
Municipal elected officials
Mayors, councilmembers , trustees: 1,763
Percent of elected officials who are women : 29 .9%
Sources of municipal tax revenue (2008)
Total tax revenue : $2 ,223,395,480
Property taxes : $314 ,718 ,519 14.2%
Sales/use taxes : $1 ,655,953 ,588 74.5%
Total taxes as % of total revenue 63 .8%
Property tax (2010)
Assessed Valuations
State:
Municipal:
Municipal as percent of state :
Sales tax (2009)
$92.79 billion
$47 .28 billion
51%
Total municipalities levying a local sales tax: 218
64
High : 5%
Municipalities with self-collected sales tax :
Low : 1%
Municipal elections (1993-spring 2012)
BaiiQtluuu eaued Ea i ~d OfQ ea~~
TABOR Revenue and
Spending Changes 454 69 87%
Municipal Tax/Tax Rate 367 302 55%
Municipal Debt/Obligation 256 122 68%
Term-Limits 111 79 58%
Prepared by the Colorado Municipal League, May 2012
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013
AT THE HISTORY COLORADO CENTER, 1200 BROADWAY, DENVER, CO 80203
ABOUT
Plan to attend the CML Annual Legislative Worlcshop
on Wednesday, Feb. 20 , at the History Colorado Center,
1200 Broadway, Denver. Municipal officials from across the
state will gather at this daylong workshop to discuss key
municipal issues before the 2013 General Assembly, the
CML legislative program, and what municipal officials can
do to influence the legislative process.
CML will host an open-house reception for state legislators and
all attendees will follow the workshop at the CML offices, 1144
Sherman St., Denver, 4:30-6 :30 p.m.
CML MUNIVERSJTY
Five Elected Of'ficials' Leadership Training Program
(MUNivERSITY) credits are available for this training .
PARKING
There is limited complimentary parking at the League building
(approximately one block from the venue) and garage parking
across from the venue at the Cultural Center Garage (enter on
12th from Broadway) for approximately $8 for the day.
LODGING
CML has a discounted room rate at the Warwick Denver Hotel,
located at 1 n6 Grant Street, approximately two blocks north of
the Capitol and six blocks from CML. Hotel rooms, including
W1-Fi, continental breakfast, and overnight valet parking, are
$129 plus tax. Courtesy car service within a two-mile radius of
the hotel is offered, but it must be requested when checking in;
based on availability. For reservations, call303-861-2000 or
visit www.warwickdenver.com and use the code : COMUN.
REGISTRATION OR QUESTIONS
For more information or special needs, call303-831-6411 or
866-578-0936 . Return the registration form to CML by
Wednesday, Feb. 6 , or visit www.cml.org to register online.
AGENDA
8:00 Registration and continental breakfast
8:30 Welcome by Ed Nichols, History Colorado Center president
8:45 The Sta18 of Colorado Cities & Towns
9:00 Opening session: 2013 General Assembly:
Wlurt municipal ofllclals can expect
Prnetrled by CML adllocacy tNm
10:15 Morning break
10:30 Concurrent sessions
Session 1: Amendment 64: Implementation
and locallssu•
Session 2: 011 & gas: Lawmaking and rulemaklng -
What's hot
Noon Lunch : lAglslatlve leadership panel
All membets ol the Legisl.tln's leedership heve been invited to
/New 2013 Stetehouse ectivity ol rnunicip« concem
1:45 General session : Federalluues
Prnetw. Carolyn Cdemen, difec:tor; omce o1 Federel Reletions,
Netionel Leegue ol Cities
2:45 General session : The stlltll of statHnunlclpal relations
3:45 Self-tour of the museum (all attendees are invited)
4:25 Adjourn to CML for open house
4:30 L.Ngue Open House
SPONSORSHIP
Want to demonstrate your support more fully? Think about
sponsoring this premier event; sponsorship is only $850.
Sponsors reoeive an exhibit table, verbal recognition at the
workshop luncheon, acknowledgement in the CML Newsletter,
and one free registration . Contact Lisa White at lwhite@cml.org or
303-831-6411 for details. (CMLAssociate Members only benefit!)
REGISTRATION FORM -CML ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP -WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20
Pleese submit e ~rete form for each participant. This form mey be copied. Retum by ~sdey, Feb . 6-edd e S30 late fee if received after that dele.
Name _______________________________________________________________________________ __
Trtle ---------------------------------------Representing ---------------------------------
Phone Fax--------------------------------------
Email _______________________________________________________________________________ __
Address ____________________________________________________________________________ __
City, State, ZIP _____________________________________________________________ _
0 Check here for a vegetarian meal 0 Check here for a gluten-free meal 0 Check here if you plan to attend the League's Open House
Registration fees :*
0 $110 (CML municipaVassociate members if received bv feb 6)
0 $225 (all nonmembers if received by Feb 6)
0 Check enclosed 0 Visa 0 MasterCard
0 $140 (CML municipaVassociate members if recejyed after Feb, 6)
0 $255 (all nonmembers if received after Feb. 6)
Visa/MC t1 --------------------------------Exp . date -----------------------------------
Name on card Signature ---------------------------------
Registration Is available online at www.cml.org. Or you can mail or fax this form and send payment to CML, 1144 Sherman St., Denver, CO
80203-2207; fax 303-860-8175. Make check payable to Colorado Municipal League .
• Registretions may be canceled up to seven days prior to the scheduled event. C.nceled reglstretions received prior to this time will be refunded, less e
$30 processing fee. C.noellations less than seven days prior to the event cannot be accepted; however, ettendee substitutions can be made enytime.
If you fell to ettend the event, you are still responsible for peyment. Your reglstretion will not be fine/ until payment Is received.
6 CML NEWSLETTER