Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-12-13MINUTES LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON 12:00 NOON - DECEMBER 13, 1985 I. INTRODUCTIONS BY MAYOR DICK KELLY Mayor Kelly expressed his appreciation to everyone for taking the time to attend this luncheon. He felt that it gives everyone an opportunity to help each other on local. as well as nation-wide issues through these discussions. Mayor Kelly introduced everyone present. Senator Robert Presley Assemblyman William Bradley Supervisor Patricia "Corky" Larson Carl Classen. League of Calif. Cities Mayor Richard Kelly Councilmember Phyllis Jackson Councilmember Jean Benson Councilmember Roy Wilson Councilmember Walter Snyder Fire Chief Eric Vogt Sheriff's Captain Mike Lewis City Manager Bruce Altman Assistant City Manager Carlos Ortega Larry McAllister. Administrative Serv. Ofcr. Kirby Warner, Director of Admin. Services Frank Allen. Director of Code Compliance Pat Conlon. Director of Building and Safety Dick Folkers. Director of Public Works Steve Smith. Acting Director of Community Svcs David Yrigoyen, Administrative Assistant Linda Russe I I , Secretary to the C i ry Mdn i'aer- I[. PURPOSE OF SESSION BY BRUCE ALTMAN Mr. Altman stated that the luncheon gives also a chance to thank the legislators for their efforts throughout the year. II1. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Senator. Preslev ,rated that the city of Palm Desert it. one of the cities that snares its issues or problems. An i s5Ir0 nt current concern is the L i abi 1 i tv 1 nc.urance. He stated 'hat they have been hearing about problems from everyone. He is not sure of a sniuri(,n. • • but felt that the premiums have been too low and the rates too high. Lawsuits should be minimized. This is a problem similar to medical malpractice. He felt this will be a big issue for the coming year (86). Senator Presley believed that in the Coachella Valley, transportation and traffic were major problems. He felt there was not enough money and perhaps a gas tax increase would help traffic funding. Assembyman ,_Bra dl ey_ spoke on the issue of toxic waste and explained how the problem can be resolved. He felt landfills will be a thing of the past and people are needed who are experienced in this field. This is the issue that has to be dealt with right now. In reference to the Joint Powers Insurance Authority, he suggested that it he a state-wide program. Assemblyman Bradley stated that they have tried setting a limit to the Density Bonus requirement to 10%. He believed this coming year will be exciting and many new programs will be implemented. Assemblyman Bradley noted a hill will be before the Senate floor that would give 1/4 to 1 cent of sales tax to roads. He stated that 50% of the votes are needed to pass the bill and letters should be sent by February. 5.per_v i sir _ Larson reviewed local projects and be 1 i eyed people were coming to the desert to see what's happening and to get the feel of the excitement. She concluded with positive feelings of the area and felt we are al 1 lucky to have Senator Presley and Assemblyman Bradley with us. Carl Classen. of the League of California Cities, expressed his gratituted to Senator Presley and Assemblyman Bradley for helping accomplish so many things that are important to Southern California. Mr. Classen noted that due to Senator Presley's tremendous help the Public Employees Relation Board (PERB) Bill was defeated. In regards to the tax reform. it was not defeated but measures are being taken to bring it up to the floor again. • • The Gramm-Rudman Amendment will have several impacts on cities for funding on various projects. But Mr. Classen felt SB 300 would offset the loss. Mr. Classen briefly reviewed upcoming ballot issues, one being the liability insurance which he felt was the critical one. IV. COMMENTS Ms. Phyllis Jackson felt that increasing our road tax would be more beneficial than increasing the gas tax. Senator Presley replied that the legislation would not vote for a road tax increase because the revenues are not there. Mr. Altman reviewed some current concerns: 1. Funding of Cook Street Bridge 2. Liability Insurance He felt this was a very critical issue and should be brought up every chance they get. 3. SB 1091 - No Property Tax Assemblyman Bradley felt it would not pass. V. ADJOURNMENT - 2:30 P.M. /Ir