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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2005 0302 CC REG ITEM 09DMOORPARK CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT TO: Honorable City Council iTE q • :D • CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA City Council Meeting of 3 -2- -2-0 0 S ACTION: A4&"4d I ,, � FROM: Hugh R. Riley, Assistant City Manager DATE: February 8 2005 (City Council Meetin 4 of 3/2/05 Y � ( Y g SUBJECT: Review and Comment on Proposed Bylaws and Legislative Agenda for Ventura County Council of Governments DISCUSSION The Administrative Committee of the Ventura County Council of Governments (VCOG) has prepared Draft Bylaws and a Draft Legislative Agenda for consideration by the VCOG Board on March 4 2005. These draft documents are attached for the City Council's review, comment and discussion. The primary objective for establishing a Legislative Agenda is to allow the organization to respond to the need for support or opposition to specific state or federal legislation in a timely manner. In general, the Administrative Committee feels that the Legislative Agenda should address only those issues that are clearly of a regional concern and not contain such detail so as to create conflict between member agencies that may have differing views. Admittedly, the attached draft agenda contains more detail than is appropriate. However the committee is seeking input from each member agency as to what should be included. STAFF RECObJMENDATION Discuss Draft Bylaws and Legislative Agenda and provide comments to Staff for transmittal to VCOG. Attachments: Draft Bylaws- VCOG Draft Legislative Agenda - VCOG VCOG Mission Statement 111 �:: 2/13/05 DRAFT BY LA WS VENTURA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Preamble The Ventura Council of Governments (the "Council ") is an agency voluntarily established by its Members pursuant to a Joint Powers Agreement ( "Agreement ") for the purpose of providing a vehicle for the Members to engage in regional and cooperative planning and coordination of government services and responsibilities to assist the Members in the conduct of their affairs. In addition, the Council will provide a regional organization for the review of federal state, and/or regional projects and studies that involve the use of federal state and/or regional funds, in various forms. It is the express intent of its Members that the Council shall not possess the authority to compel any of its Members to conduct any activities or implement any plans or strategies that they do not wish to undertake (except for the payment of dues). The goal and intent of the Council is one of voluntary cooperation among cities for the collective benefit of cities and the County in the county of Ventura. Article I - Definitions The terms "Agreement," "Regular City Member ", "Regular County Member" and "Alternate City Member" and "Alternate County Member ", -moil" and "Governing Body" as used in these Bylaws are defined in the Agreement and those definitions are incorporated by reference. The term "elected official" as used in these bylaws means the mayor and city council members and county Board of Supervisors members of the member entities. Should any conflict arise or appear to arise between these by -laws and the Agreement, the Agreement takes precedence. (Fillmore) Article II - Membership and Representation A. Membership. Members shall withdraw from or be admitted to the Council in accordance with Section 21 of the Agreement. B. Representation. The Governing Body Member and alternate Governing Body Member for a member entity shall be designated by that member's legislative body or its mayor if the mayor is so authorized by the member's charter, ordinances or rules, and the names shall be communicated in writing to the Governing Body by the appointing Member. Governing Body Members and Alternate Governing Body Members shall serve until a successor is appointed, so long as they otherwise remain eligible. Article III - Governing Body A. Powers and Duties. The powers and duties of the Governing Body, subject to the limitations of applicable law, the Agreement and these Bylaws, shall include: All of the powers of the Council provided in Section 6 of the Agreement except as may be expressly delegated to others pursuant to the provisions of the Agreement these 000199 Bylaws or the direction of the Governing Body shall be exercised by and through the Governing Body. 2. Making policy decisions and determining policy matters for the Council. 3. Conducting the affairs of the Council. 4. Appointing, fixing the compensation of and removing an Executive Director and other staff of the Council. 5. Annually reviewing the proposed Council budget and assessment schedule and adopting an annual budget and an assessment schedule. 6. Appointing standing committees and, if necessary, ad hoc committees to study specific problems, programs, or other matters the Council has approved for study. 7. Acting upon policy recommendations, including policy recommendations from committees. B. Meetings Regular meetings of the Governing Body shall be held monthly of bi ...,.nthl,. deter i :ed by u vote of the Gove ing Body not less than four times each calendar year . (comment by Simi Valley Council — to conform with JPA agreement). Special meetings of the Governing Body may be called by the Chair. All meetings shall be called and conducted, and an agenda posted, in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Sections 54950 et seq.), as it now exists or may hereafter be amended. The official agenda for each meeting shall be posted by the city clerk of the city in whose jurisdiction the meeting is scheduled to take place. City clerks of other member cities will be provided a copy of the agenda and are encouraged to post the agenda at their official posting location so as to assure widespread notice of the meetings. 2. The time and date of regular meetings of the Governing Body shall be 2nd Thursday of the month at 5:00 PM. The location of each meeting shall be determined by standing order of the Governing Body. 3. Council committees shall meet on the call of their Chair or as otherwise provided herein and in compliance with applicable law. C. Voting. Voting on the Governing Body shall be conducted as prescribed in the Agreement. Voting may be either by voice or roll call vote. A roll call vote shall be conducted upon the demand of any member, or at the discretion of the Chair. Article IV - Executive Director If an Executive Director is appointed by the Governing Body, the powers and duties of the Executive Director shall be: A. Subject to the authority of and as directed by the Governing Body, to administer the affairs of the Council. B. Subject to the authority of and as directed by the Governing Body, to appoint direct and remove all employees of the Council and to retain consultants. C. Annually to prepare and present a proposed budget to the Governing Body and to control the approved budget. D. To serve as the Secretary of the Council. 000200 2 E. To attend the meetings of the Governing Body. F. To perform such other and additional duties as the Governing Body, these Bylaws, the Agreement or applicable law may require. G. To serve as Custodian of Records of the Council. In the event no Executive Director is appointed by the Governing Body, the Chair shall perform the duties set forth in subparagraphs A, B, C, and F, above, and shall appoint a Secretary of the Council and Custodian of Records. Article V - Other Officers and Employees A. Secretary. The Executive Director shall be the Secretary of the Council and shall have no vote on the Governing Body. In the event no Executive Director is appointed by the Governing Body, the Chair shall appoint as Secretary such other person as it deems fit. The Secretary shall keep a record of all proceedings and perform the usual duties of such office. B. Treasurer and Auditor. Pursuant to Section 13 of the Agreement, the Governing Body shall designate a Treasurer of the Council. The Treasurer shall possess the powers to and shall perform those functions required by Government Code sections 6505 and 6505.5 and all other applicable laws and regulations, including any subsequent amendments thereto, the Agreement, these Bylaws or by the direction of the Governing Body. The Treasurer shall have custody of the funds and shall provide for strict accountability thereof in accordance with Government Code Section 6505.5 and other applicable laws. Pursuant to Government Code Section 6505.6, the Governing Body may appoint a qualified person to assist the Treasurer in the performance of its duties. The Treasurer shall annually cause an independent audit to be made by a certified public accountant or public accountant in accordance with Government Code sections 6505 and 6505.6. C. Additional Officers and Employees. The Governing Body shall have the power to authorize such additional officers and employees as may be appropriate. Such officers and employees may also be, but are not required to be, officers and employees of the individual Members. None of the officers, agents, or employees appointed by the Governing Body shall be deemed, by reason of their employment by the Governing Body, to be employed by any of the Members or, by reason of their employment by the Governing Body, to be subject to any of the requirements of such Members. QUESTION RE: DOES THIS CREATE DUAL EMPLOYEES? D. Bonding requirement. The Governing Body shall designate the officers or persons who shall be required to file an official bond with the Governing Body. The amount of any such bond shall be established by the Governing Body. Should the existing bond or bonds of any such officer be extended to cover the obligations provided herein, said bond shall be the official bond required herein. The premiums on any such bonds attributable to the coverage required herein shall be appropriate expenses of the Council. E. Status of Members' Officers and Employees. As provided in Government Code Section 6513, all of the privileges and immunities from liability and other benefits that apply to the activity of officers, agents, or employees of any of the Members when performing their respective functions within the territorial limits of their respective public agencies shall apply to them while engaged in the performance of any of their functions and duties extraterritorially under this Agreement. Article VI — County /City Managers Advisory Body The Governing Body shall receive and consider recommendations made from time to time by the Ventura County/City Managers Meeting. 0002011 Article VII - Standing and Ad Hoc Committees A. Formation of Committees. The Governing Body may establish Standing and Ad Hoc Committees. The Standing and Ad Hoc Committees shall be for the purpose of developing recommendations to the Governing Body. 1. All Standing and Ad Hoc Committees shall have a written statement of purpose, and the Ad Hoc Committees shall in addition have a written statement of charges, before they are formed. IS THIS NEEDED? 2. Ad Hoc Committees shall have a term not to exceed one year in duration unless such term is extended to a date certain for the purpose of concluding its work, by action of the Governing Body. (comment by Simi Valley Council) The Chair shall recommend, and the Governing Body shall appoint by a vote of fifty percent (50 %) plus one (1), the members to the standing and ad hoc committees. Members to the standing and ad hoc committees shall be appointed for one year terms, or until the committee is dissolved, whichever occurs first. In making recommendations for members to the standing and ad hoc committees, the Chair shall consider regional representation. Any elected official from a member city or the county Board of Supervisors is eligible for appointment to a standing or ad hoc committee. 4. A quorum of a Standing or Ad Hoc Committee shall be fifty percent (50 %) plus one (1) of the committee's elected official voting members, unless otherwise provided by the Governing Body. 5. Actions may be taken by Standing and Ad Hoc Committees by a majority of those members present and qualified to vote. 6. All Standing or Ad Hoc Committees shall be chaired by an elected official from a member city or the county Board of Supervisors. 7. The meetings of Standing Committees shall be held in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (California Government Code sections 54950 et seq.) B. Administrative Committee. An Administrative Committee is hereby established as a Standing Committee of the Governing Body. The Administrative Committee shall be composed of the Chair, the Chair -Elect and the immediate Past Chair of the Governing Body, the Chair of each Standing Committee or a designee appointed by the Committee Chair, and other members as recommended by the Chair and approved by the Board. Employees /contractors of the council and staff members of member cities may be designated by the Governing Body, provided that non- elected employees /contractors of the Council and staff members of member cities shall serve ex- officio and shall not have a vote. The Administrative Committee shall have the authority and duty to: a. Formulate the agendas for the meetings of the Governing Body; b. Oversee the day -to -day business of the Council, monitor the progress of ongoing contracts and provide direction to the staff of the Council; C. Approve payment of bills for receipt of goods and services within the approved annual budget; any expenditures over $5000 approved for payment and within the approved budget shall be reported to the Board at the next regular Board meeting; (suggested response to Fillmore) 000202 Suggestion that a$ or % limit cap be placed on the authority of the Administrative Committee to expend authorized and budgeted funds and that anything over that limit be referred back to the VCOG Board prior to the expenditure being made. (Fillmore) d. Make recommendations to the Governing Body regarding the work program, budget, positions to be taken on issues, contracts and all other matters within the jurisdiction of the Council; the event that tine is of the essenee, th aefien be taken on an item ef issue in bel�,veen Goveming Board meetings. Any stieh aefiens taken between Cieveming Bear-d meetings shall be feperted at the (Simi Valley Council)(E.D. comment — meeting bi- monthly or quarterly requires some flexibility) e. Evaluate Facilitate Board member evaluation of Council staff, (Simi Valley Council) Monitor the function of all Council committees; and g. Receive regular reports from outside agencies. A quorum of the Administrative Committee shall be fifty percent (50 %) plus one (1) of the committee's elected official voting members, unless otherwise provided by the Governing Body. 4. Regular meetings of the Administrative Committee shell be held -- nth! y er bi m nth! (Simi Valley Council) based upon need. Special meetings of the Administrative Committee may be called by the Chair. All meetings shall be called and conducted, and an agenda posted, in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Sections 54950 et seq.), as it now exists or may hereafter be amended. The official agenda for each meeting shall be posted by the city clerk of the city in whose jurisdiction the meeting is scheduled to take place. Article VIII — General Assembly (All Hands) Meeting A General Assembly (All Hands) meeting may be called by the Chair of the Governing Body at any time to discuss issues and make recommendations to the Governing Body. All elected officials of the legislative bodies of all Members shall be members of the General Assembly. The General Assembly is not required to meet. The Chair of the Governing Body shall be the Chair of the General Assembly. Article IX - Budgets, Dues and Disbursements A. Annual Budget and Amendments. The adoption of the annual budget shall be as specified in Section 23 of the Agreement. The Governing Body may at any time amend the budget to incorporate additional income and disbursements that might become available to the Council for its purposes during a fiscal year. B. Fiscal Year. The Council shall be operated on a fiscal year basis beginning on July 1 of each year and continuing through the succeeding June 30. C. Accounts. All funds shall be placed in appropriate accounts and the receipt, transfer, or disbursement of such funds shall be accounted for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to governmental entities and pursuant to Government Code Section 6505 and any other applicable laws. There shall be strict accountability of all funds. All revenues and expenditures shall be reported to the Governing Body. D. Expenditures Within Approved Annual Budget. The Administrative Committee is authorized to make expenditures on behalf of the Council. All expenditures shall be made within the approved 000203 budget. No expenditure in excess of .those budgeted shall be made without the approval of a majority of a quorum of the Governing Body. E. Audit. The financial records and accounts of the Council shall be audited annually by an independent certified public accountant or public accountant, in compliance with Government Code sections 6505.5 - 6505.6, and copies of such audit report shall be filed with the Auditor - Controller of the County of Ventura and the Office of the State Controller within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the audit by the governing body of the agency performing the Treasury services. Each party of the Council will be provided copies of the auditor's opinion, the Combining Statement of the Fiduciary Net Assets, Combining Statement of Changes in Assets and Liabilities for Agency Funds and applicable Notes to Basic Financial Statements related to the Council. The above separate statements are taken from the audited financial statements of the member agency that is Treasurer to the Council. G. Dues. The member entities of the Council shall be responsible for the payment to the Council annually, of dues and the amounts periodically budgeted by the Governing Body and for the operating costs of the Council ( "Dues "). Dues are payable in full within 60 days of the approval of dues or by August 1 following the date of approval, whichever is later, unless the Administrative Committee approves an alternate payment arrangement. Any changes to dues shall be subject to the provisions of Section 24 of the Agreement. H. Reimbursement of Funds. Grant funds received by the Council from any federal, state, or regional agency to pay for budgeted expenditures for which the Council has received all or a portion of said funds from the parties hereto shall be used as determined by the Governing Body. Article X - Amendments Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by a Governing Body Representative. The Amendment shall be submitted to the Governing Body at a meeting at least one month prior to the meeting at which the Amendment is voted upon. A vote of the majority (50% plus 1) of the total voting membership of the Governing Body is required to adopt an Amendment. Article XI — Effective Date The effective date of these By Laws shall be 6 000204 DRAFT 2005 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Purpose The goal and intent of VCOG is one of voluntary cooperation among cities and the county of Ventura for their collective benefit. VCOG serves as an advocate in representing the members of VCOG at the Regional, State and Federal levels on issues of importance to the Ventura County. It also serves as a forum for the review, consideration, study, development and recommendation of public policies and plans with regional significance. Overriding Principles VCOG believes that cities and counties must be able to control matters within their own jurisdictions. Therefore, VCOG will take positions on proposed legislation, rules and /or regulations that affect local control. Additionally, VCOG will take positions on issues that directly affect the county. And, when local decisions affect neighboring communities, VCOG supports local governments working collaboratively and regionally to address regional issues. Process The Legislative Program which follows was developed to allow to respond to state and federal legislation in a proactive manner. The Chair (or Vice Chair in the Chair's absence) is authorized to sign correspondence expressing VCOG's position on pending legislation consistent with the Legislative Program and /or other positions approved by the Governing Board. Staff will monitor the League of California Cities' Priority Focus and other sources to identify pending legislation that may impact the members. Letters expressing VCOG's position will be drafted for the Chair's signature, and copies will be distributed to each Governing Board member and their jurisdiction. Pending legislation not addressed by the Legislative Program, or staff recommendations that deviate from the Legislative Program, will be agendized for VCOG Governing Board consideration. Issues Of Common Concern and Areas of VCOG Commitment The areas of interest that VCOG will monitor are as follows: I. Fiscal Impact - VCOG is committed to: A. Maintain the protections that are provided in Proposition 1A to protect local revenues from seizure by the state. B. Oppose preemption of local authority. Encourage the use of state incentives for local government action rather than mandates and penalties. C. Oppose any measure that makes local agencies more dependent on the state for financial stability and policy direction. D. Support measures that provide greater fiscal independence to cities and result in greater stability and predictability in local government budgeting. E. Oppose State legislation that would further erode cities' and counties' revenue base such as property and sales tax. F. Seek funding for regional projects and inter - agency cooperation. 000205 G. Oppose legislation that eliminates or restricts the taxing authority of cities and counties over development; weakens existing Government Code Section 66000 fee authority; and redefines any development tax, condition, or other monetary charge as development fees. H. Support legislation requiring the state and federal governments to provide full cost reimbursement to cities for all mandated programs and for all programs resulting in revenue losses. I. Support legislation that closes the loophole that allows companies currently doing business in California to create dot -com subsidiaries to avoid collection of sales taxes on Internet commerce. J. Support legislation that authorizes a statewide ballot measure to restore the requirement for a simple majority of voters in a city or county to approve an increase in taxes or issue general obligation bonds. Transportation & Transit - VCOG is committed to: A. Oppose legislation that redirects local transportation funds away from cities and counties. B. Support legislation that would provide additional resources to cities and counties to finance local transportation systems, facilities, and improvements. C. Support legislation that provides greater flexibility for the use of local transportation funds for both public transit and street maintenance and construction purposes. D. Seek funds for projects within the county that preserve, help to manage, and expand surface transportation through the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act (TEA 21). E. Work to ensure that California receives a fair share of its contributions to the Highway Trust Fund. F. Protect and enhance current funding levels and flexibility for existing State and Federal transportation revenues and programs G. Support the immediate halt to transfers to the State General Fund of dedicated State Transportation funds and the timely return of all previous loans. H. Support additional fund appropriations allocations from the State to cities and counties. I. Seek and support legislative and initiative measures that will increase the funding for street and highway capital improvements, maintenance, and traffic management systems. J. Seek and support State legislative and initiative measures that will increase the funding for local and regional transit systems. K. Oppose any proposals that could reduce or divert transportation revenues for other purposes or reduce program splits. Fund sources include, but are not limited to, the Petroleum Violation Escrow Account (PVEA), State Highway Account (SHA), Public Transit Account (PTA), and Transportation Development Act (TDA) and any ballot initiative sources. L. Support specialized funding for goods movement projects of international and national significance that are beyond the funding ability or responsibility of local and state 2000206 transportation programs and budgets - ex. a 'freight factor' in distribution of federal fund. M. Support the authority of cities to manage the public right -of -way and receive compensation for its use. III. Economic Development - VCOG is committed to: A. Support legislation that reforms reporting requirements for redevelopment agencies by simplifying the process and eliminating reporting confusion. B. Oppose legislation that adds restrictions and procedural requirements regarding closed session discussions on land acquisition, use of eminent domain, and disposal of property. C. Support legislation that gives cities and counties resources to finance economic development efforts, such as business attraction, retention, and growth, as well as marketing and tourism. D. Support legislation that simplifies and streamlines the process for foreign trade. E. Support the retention of the Port Hueneme Naval Station F. Support legislation to ensure sufficient funding to operate one -stop employment and training centers. G. Support Federal partnership which ensures that environmental programs are coordinated and positively impact local economy H. Oppose efforts to cut funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs and other community services and workforce assistance programs to serve low- income and /or other disadvantaged residents. IV. Land Use - VCOG is committed to: A. Support legislation that provides for shared land use determinations between counties and cities when the General Plan of the city establishes a planning area consistent with Government Code provisions. B. Support legislation that enhances local control and diminishes litigation surrounding adult entertainment facilities. C. Support legislation that strengthens local control to prepare, adopt, and implement fiscal plans for orderly growth, development, beautification, and conservation of local planning areas, including, but not limited to, regulatory authority over zoning, subdivisions, annexations, and redevelopment areas. D. Support efforts that are consistent with the doctrine of "home rule" and the local exercise of police powers, through planning and zoning processes, over local land use. V. Housing - VCOG is committed to: A. Support efforts to develop multi - jurisdictional (federal, state, county, city) participation, financial support, and incentives for programs that provide adequate, affordable housing for the elderly, handicapped, and low- income persons throughout the community as well as required infrastructure construction. B. Oppose legislation that expands the state Department of Housing and Community Development's review role for local Housing Elements. 3 000207 C. Support Housing Element reform legislation that provides greater local control and flexibility, simplifies the process, and improves its effectiveness. D. Support legislation that eliminates the current Regional Housing Needs Allocation process and defines a more equitable process to determine a "fair share" of new housing needed to respond to growth trends in the region. E. Oppose legislation that further expands the state exemption for second dwelling units in single family zones. F. Support legislation that streamlines the environmental review process for mixed -use infill development. G. Support funding and incentives for programs that promote locating services and facilities locally, reducing the need to travel H. Support legislation that promotes and provides incentives for environmentally responsible design and construction. VI. Environment - VCOG is committed to: A. Support legislation that streamlines the state's environmental review process and maintains public participation. B. Support legislation that reduces or eliminates local government's owner /operator Superfund liability. C. Air Quality Protection 1. Support legislation to either consolidate or streamline the federal and state Clean Air Acts without reducing air quality standards. 2. Support air quality efforts that emphasize use of advanced technologies and market incentives, including use of alternative fuels and development of an infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles. 3. Support mobile source emission reduction activities to improve the environment without adverse impact on local economy. 4. Support port air emission reductions. 5. Support federal agencies developing and implementing an action plan for reducing air pollution related goods movement from sources under their regulatory purview. D. Solid Waste (AB 939 issues) 1. Support legislation that provides cities and counties with financial assistance for programs designed to provide for the safe disposal of solid, hazardous, and special waste. 2. Support legislation that strengthens local governments' ability to direct municipal solid waste flow to designated solid waste facilities. 3. Support legislation that streamlines AB 939 tracking and reporting requirements. 4. Support legislation that promotes recycling and expands the market for recycled materials as well as making grants available to local agencies for programs that encourage the recycling /reclaiming of resources. MMIM: 5. Support legislation that promotes source reduction measures without creating an unfunded mandate. 6. Oppose legislation that would restrict or limit local government's ability to franchise refuse and recycling collection services, to direct municipal solid waste flow (flow control), or to contractually require haulers to guarantee achievement of AB 939 goals. 7. Support new resource recovery and conversion technologies, such as bio- diesel from organic waste. 8. Support removing impediments to the adoption of transformation or conversion technologies to help municipalities meet and exceed their requirement to divert 50% of their solid waste away from landfills. 9. Support legislation that implements the concept of extended manufacturer responsibility for electronic waste and other material types requiring incentives for recycling. E. Water Protection 1. Support state and federal funding legislation for local storm water and NPDES programs 2. Support regulations for local agencies to carry out the NPDES mission that are practical and capable of being implemented including taking into account economic considerations 3. Support scientific investigation and implementation, as funding permits, of reasonable, cost - effective, and proven best management practices (BMP) and best available technologies (BAT) to mitigate storm water pollution to the maximum extent practicable F. Natural Resources 1. Support funding and legislation for the designation and preservation of open space and preservation and restoration of natural resources 2. Support legislation and cooperative efforts to ensure adequate water supplies for Southern California VII. Public Utilities - VCOG is committed to: A. Energy 1. Oppose legislation that would limit the authority of states and local government to pursue restructuring the electric utility industry and support a role for local government in the process 2. Support establishment of a mechanism to oversee the fair and competitive allocation of funds for energy efficiency and other public good programs (e.g. self - generation and renewables) such that local governments have the opportunity and sufficient funding to implement programs that best meet the needs of their communities. 3. Support legislation and /or programs that provide money to local governments for energy conservation programs. 5 000209 4. Support legislation and regulations that ensure adequate energy supply to prevent future price volatility and poor system reliability. B. Right of Way 1. Oppose Federal mandates that would interfere with municipal revenue and rights of way authority. 2. Support change to Rule 20B projects to allow municipal or resident ownership of electrical wires. 3. Support legislation that reinstates effective local regulation of the cable television industry and other deregulated utilities, including financial reimbursement for use of public right -of -ways. VIII. Public Safety and Homeland Security - VCOG is committed to: A. Support legislation that would provide cities and counties with a greater share of fines and forfeitures. B. Support legislation that would provide additional resources for commercial truck safety inspections and the enforcement of commercial truck vehicle codes. C. Oppose legislation that weakens enforcement of, and penalties for, commercial truck violations. D. Support legislation that increases local law enforcement resources without increasing taxes E. Support legislation that allows use of state and federal public safety grants for maintenance efforts in addition to service increases. F. Support funding for cooperative efforts among Ventura local governments on emergency preparedness and hometown security. G. Support maintenance of existing health care facilities within the county for emergency response with adequate funding and staffing. H. Support funding for improved public safety programs, specifically the State Grants that have provided police departments with the funds necessary to support technology improvements which make law enforcement more efficient and delay the hiring of new personnel. This would also apply to grants that support homeland security, traffic grants through the Office of Traffic Safety, as well as other grants that support the hiring of law enforcement personnel. I. Support funding for all hazards, not just terrorism and encourage comprehensive all hazards planning IX. Labor Relations - VCOG is committed to: A. Support legislation that would reform the Workers' Compensation system to reduce employer cost through the reduction of system abuse. B. Support efforts to reduce costs of health care coverage for public employees. C. Support legislation that reduces and /or controls the increasing costs of contributions to PERS. D. Support revisions to regulations and /or legislation to limit expansions of types of work subject to prevailing wages and specifically to reversing a recent ruling that contractual 6 000210 street sweeping is so subject. E. Oppose legislation that would restrict the county or a city's ability to use its own employees on public works projects when such projects have previously been advertised for bid. F. Oppose legislation that requires the use of county or city employees rather than contracting out. G. Oppose any legislation that would grant employee benefits that should be decided at the local bargaining table. H. Oppose legislation that removes or reduces management rights, such as deciding staffing or service levels, either by direct action or increased liability. I. Support legislation that limits the ability of employees to receive Workers' Compensation benefits for occupational injuries /illnesses that result from stress, disciplinary action, or performance evaluation consultations. J. Oppose legislation that expands or extends any presumptions of occupational injury or illness. K. Oppose any measure that imposes compulsory and binding interest arbitration. L. Oppose efforts that reduce local control over public employee disputes or impose regulations of an outside agency on such disputes. IX. General Government - VCOG is committed to: A. Support legislation that provides financial assistance for local public libraries without the imposition of new taxes. B. Support legislation limiting the county and a city's liability associated with hazardous recreational activities, such as skateboarding and in -line skating. C. Oppose legislation that increases local government's exposure to litigation. D. Support maximum local flexibility in contracting for services. E. Support legislation that makes funds available to refurbish and improve parks. 7 000211 Ventura Council of Governemnts Pagel of 2 joint powers authority representing the 10 cities of Ventura County as well as the County. VCOG's goal is to facilitate cooperative subregional and regional planning, coordination and technical assistance on issues of mutual concern. VCOG is based on the premise that Ventura County can have more representation without more government and that issues of common concern often extend beyond the purview of local jurisdictions and agencies, requiring insight and input from a wide range of affected interests. VCOG works efficiently by utilizing existing resources to the greatest extent possible, collaboratively finding new ways to perform needed activities for less, while eliminating duplication of effort. The following information is intended to provide a framework for establishing future goals and priorities for the Ventura Council of Governments. VCOG Mission Statement Work to make Ventura County a unique national model of orderly development and smart growth to promote economic opportunity and environmental sustainability by: • Promoting cooperation between the municipalities of Ventura County in the discussion of area -wide issues of mutual interest as well as advancing city- county cooperation • Unifying Ventura County cities and the county to speak with a collective voice on important regional issues • Seeking solutions to issues of common concern through joint studies and cost - effective, multi - jurisdictional programs • Supporting members' proposals that further the objectives of the Ventura Council of Governments 000212 http: / /www.venturacog.org /about.html 2/18/2005 Ventura Council of Governemnts Page 2 of 2 • Providing a forum for communication and representation on behalf of the Ventura County cities and the county with other governing bodies and organizations in the county, as well as facilitate the exchange of ideas and information • Increasing visibility and awareness of Ventura County as an outstanding place to live, work and play @2005 Ventura Council of Governments 000213 http: / /www.venturacog.org /about.html 2/18/2005