City Council Minutes 1982 05 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5/18/82 Page -3- or uses their money specifically for the commercial businesses that are involved. It was his feeling the City's active parti- cipation in the Chamber was needed to speci- fically influence and see that the interest of the citizens are met. Councilman Ferrera Commented he felt Council should be supportive; however after attending the Neodata meeting, he felt this would put the City Council in a conflict position until this issue is resolved. He, therefore, questioned being a voting member for City Council. Commented he didn't feel there would be a conflict of interest - all organizations and people in organizations are going to have different views. To say that the City Council will take the same views as the Chamber on all issues he felt was not true. It was his feeling that as councilmembers some of the citizens interests could be protected as a voting member. Councilman Cussen Councilman Leary Inquired of Attorney Rautenstraus if paying dues to the Chamber of Commerce as an organi- zation that took positions on political issues would indeed violate the Campaign Reform Act, which does not allow city govern- ments to support campaigns for people.who are running for office. Rautenstraus stated he would have to review this; however the City was not precluded from joining an organization. As to the Campaign Reform Act, it would possibly hinge on how the contributions were given out. Quite likely, simply being a member of the organi- zation, and paying particular dues might not be treated as being a campaign contribution. Clearly, the City cannot pay into a specific campaign fund for an issue or an election candidate. Mayor Meier Commented he felt that the City should be in support of the Chamber but was not in agreement of being a dues paying member. He felt that the City should provide maps, and technical support to the Chamber and perhaps this could be an appropriate alter- native to paying dues to the Chamber.