03 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Councilmember Testa, Mr. Ramirez stated AB 2011 is a general threat to local control. He advised the bill has been extensively amended since introduction. In response to Councilmember Arkin, Assistant to the City Manager Hopkins clarified she discussed environmental bills with East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), StopWaste, and Zone 7 Water District. She presented bills those groups have taken positions on. Councilmember Arkin reported SB 1393, AB 2143, and AB 1817 stand out to her from an environmental standpoint. Councilmember Testa agreed but noted there were over 3,000 bills submitted during the legislative session. Assistant to the City Manager Hopkins requested Councilmembers email her if they find a bill aligning with the Legislative Framework. If it is found to be in alignment with the adopted Legislative Framework it can be approved without having to come back to Council. She noted bills are discussed and positions changed regularly because they can often be amended as Mr. Ramirez described. Councilmember Narum advised 79 bills for the City to follow is already too many and called to be more strategic in collaborations like EBCE where they can drive bills of importance in their sectors. Assistant to the City Manager Hopkins confirmed part of the process is checking with relevant agencies before the City takes a position on legislation where another group is the expert. She estimated the City tracked about 50 bills last year. Councilmember Balch advised the City is becoming diluted with such a long list. He noted with SB 1457 the City is taking a position on a $25 billion bill without considering what that expenditure does to the State. He stated in AB 1771 the City is taking a stance on a matter pertaining to the State's Tax Code with no data to speculate about the proliferation of statewide housing speculation. He questioned if the City is watering down how effective it can be in achieving its goals instead of focusing on critical bills with direct impacts to the City like AB 2011. In response to Councilmember Balch, Assistant to the City Manager Hopkins explained there are times where it is and is not worth the City's political capital. She advised the Tri-Valley Cities coalition is weighed regularly in the name of creating the strongest voice. She advised Townsend Public Affairs is very helpful in making this determination. Councilmember Balch advised he cannot support AB 1771 and requested the bill be bifurcated from the item. He noted a report on financial impacts would be helpful on many of the bill positions. Councilmember Narum advised Zone 7 requested the City take a position on AB 2142. Councilmember Balch noted the Zone 7 request helps him understand why AB 2142 is on the list because the City's partnership will help amplify Zone 7's voice. In response to Councilmember Balch, Assistant to the City Manager Hopkins confirmed the stance on SB 1046 is intended to amplify StopWaste's support of the bill. Councilmember Arkin noted many of the bills are important and the City should be involved on matters like the environment. She advised PFAS is a very important issue for the City. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed. Councilmember Testa moved to approve the recommendations with an amendment to change the position on SB 1457 to support. In response to Councilmember Balch, Councilmember Testa agreed to bifurcate AB 1771 for a separate vote. City Council Minutes Page 12 of 16 May 17. 2022