City Council Agenda and Packet 2008 01 07 SP

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The City also supports the principle of local control when considering employee-employer relations. The City of Louisville maintains high levels of communication and cooperation between management and staff, and works to resolve issues with fair, reasonable and equitable actions. In light of Governor Ritter's recent executive order authorizing "partnership agreements" with State employees, the City of Louisville urges legislators to respect the long-standing principal of non-interference in employee- employer relations that exists between State and local governments. Each municipality is unique and should have the ability to address issues in a distinctive manner. 7) Earlv Childhood Develonment The City of Louisville supports statewide efforts to address early childhood development issues and provide additional funding for such programming. 8) Affordahle Housinp Several mechanisms may be proposed in the 2008 session of the General Assembly to create a state housing fund. Position: Urges state officials to respect Colorado's tradition of local control and allow municipal officials to address local problems without state interference. 9) Colorado Lihraries The City of Louisville supports additional state funding for libraries in Colorado. Position: The City is supportive of any legislative efforts that lead to creation of a state affordable housing fund. 5) Tax Policv The City supports a fair and consistent state policy that respects the authority oflocal governments. Position: . Support the full appropriation of$2 Million to develop the core of the "Colorado Knowledge Initiative." This program would restore some state funding for grants to libraries. It would enable eligible public, school and academic libraries to obtain education resources they would otherwise be unable to afford. . Support an appropriation for $162,000 to the general fund for Interlibrary Loan Services formerly known as "Payment for Lending" in State Board of Education Rules 1 CCR 301-23. However Louisville is concerned about the fiscal implications of competing with our neighbors for new retail development and looking for better ways to promote sustainable development. As a result, the City is participating in a revenue sharing feasibility study with other Boulder County communities to begin discussions on a regional/statewide system to share sales tax. Position: The City opposes efforts to diminish local government sales tax authority as currently applied. However, the City would consider regional and/or statewide revenue sharing that is effectuated in a consistent manner. 6) U rhan Renewal In light of the City's efforts to revitalize the area east of downtown adjacent to Highway 42 and further north, the City supports those provisions of the Colorado Urban Renewal Law which provide effective redevelopment tools for municipalities such as Tax Increment Financing. However, the City does not oppose limitations on the inclusion of agricultural land in an urban renewal area. Other issues the City intends to monitor during the session: y Governmental Immunity y Health Insurance y Water Issues y State budget policies affecting municipalities Legislative Issues 2008 Position: . Support legislation to provide funding for local energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Position: . Preserve the ability of municipalities to use the existing redevelopment tools provided in the urban renewal statutes unless limitations are exclusive to greenfield development. Other issues the City intends to monitor during the session: y Governmental Immunity y Health Insurance y Water Issues y State budget policies affecting municipalities