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Home My WebLink About29-Council Office . CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Date: May 13, 2001 Subject: Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino authorizing establishment of a voluntary contribution check-off program to support Action for Better Cities (ABC) through voluntary financial assistance. From: Susan Lien, Council member 0""'-'" r I L t... 1 Dept: Council Office .11 i \". . I . II Synopsis of Previous Council Action: May 22, 2001 Item discussed in Legislative Review Committee; continued to subsequent meeting of the LRC to hear presentation by representative of Action for Better Cities. August 9, 2001 Presentation to Legislative Review Committee by Ron Loveridge, Mayor, City of Riverside; item recommended for approval by Mayor and Common Council. Recommended motion: Adopt Resolution, ~~. Signature Contact person: Susan Lien, Councilmember Phone: 5222 Supporting data attached: Yes Ward: FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: No cost to City. Source: (Ace!. No.) (Ace!. Description) V,o,,,,M2cx-:,\- 2'10 Finance: No. J.-Cf, ~/w(61 CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION STAFF REPORT Subject: Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino authorizing establishment of a voluntary contribution check-off program to support Action for Better Cities through voluntary financial assistance. Background: Action for Better Cities (ABC), a political action committee (PAC) created by the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities, exists to promote local government in California. To assist ABC's mission, a Voluntary Contribution Check-Off Program is being proposed by the ABC Board of Directors. The Program would allow elected and appointed officials to direct $10.00 per month (amount suggested by ABC) through payroll deductions to help fund ABC's activities. The group will focus their received funds exclusively on projects designed to strengthen the position of local government, such as the following: . Inform important audiences about what local government means to average citizens. . Work to ensure that city officials have the resources they need to be responsive, accountable and effective in serving their constituencies and that cities already limited resources are not diverted for other purposes. . Ensure that the Legislature is informed of financial challenges facing local government and will work to secure approval of proposed solutions that constitutionally protect city revenues from other levels of government. Attached, for your consideration, is a resolution that would authorize the establishment of the Voluntary Contribution Check-Off Program. Additional program information from Action for Better Cities is also attached for your review. Individuals may opt to remit personal checks directly to the organization in lieu of participation in the payroll deduction plan. The Legislative Review Committee discussed this proposed program at their May 22, 2001, meeting. The item was continued in order to schedule a presentation by an Action for Better Cities representative. Ron Loveridge, Mayor of Riverside, attended the August 9th meeting of the Legislative Review Committee, and spoke to the Committee about the program. The Committee recommended the item for approval by Mayor and Common Council. Fiscal Impact: There is no cost to the City for the establishment of this program. Recommendation: Adopt Resolution. ACTION FOR BEnER CITIES 1400 K Street. Suite 307. Sacramento, CA 95814 916-658-8272' fax 658-8289 0 www;bettercities.org OFFICERS Ronald Bates. Chair Mayor Pro Tern, Los A/amitos Pat Eklund, Vice Chair Council MembeY, Nowto Kathy Millison, Secretary City ManAger, Clovis Bev Perry, Treasurer Council Member, Brea Mkhad Madrid, CEO DIRECTORS Andrew Fox Council Member. 7nousand Oaks Ricltard S. KeUy CoundiMember, PAlm Desert Ron Loveridge Mayor, Riverside Oscar Rios Past Pres. Latino Caucus, WatIon1JiJJe Richard Tefank Police Chief. BuenaPark 1400 K Street, Suite 307 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 658-8272 (916) 658-8289 fax madridm@bettercities.org March 15,2001 Dear city official: As Action for Better Cities (ABC) continues its efforts to strengthen the position of cities in the legislature, we recognize the need to find common cause with all who share l!ll interest in stabilizing city revenues and strengthening local control. You know, as well as anyone, the extent to which erosion has occurred in the municipal revenue base - and the growing possibility of even greater takeaways in the future. ABC is organizing education campaigns, candidate forums, training seminars and possibly political campaigns to protect remaining city revenue, strengthen local control and stop unfunded mandates. We will focus our efforts exclusively on these purposes recognizing that stabilizing our funding source is common ground upon which all cities agree. We need your help. We are asking that individual elected officials weigh in by adopting the attached resolution and contributing $10.00 per month through payroll check-off to help meet our goal. The assistance of city managers in setting up the proper procedures to make this process as easy as possible will be helpful in making this effort a success. As you know, other interests have a tremendous edge over cities now because they engage in all kinds of campaign activities in pursuit of their public policy goals. By the time these interests get what they want cities are left with nothing, or even a loss. We want to remedy that situation but we can't do so unless every city stakeholder contributes to the effort. Enclosed is a packet of information explaining how you can start contributing. A legal analysis of the Voluntary Contribution Check-Off Program is available for review by your city attorney at the City Attorney's Paper and Opinion Database on the City Attorney's website. Sincerely, ~ Kathy MiIlison Secretary, ABC City Manager, Clovis P.S. As City Managers and appointed staff, we also share the responsibility of 'leading by example.' I hope you'll consider donating $10 a month to this important effort. } "MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY" t'""". , Action Steps to Help ABC Make a Difference In Sacramento o Inform your council colleagues of the important role ABC will play in the future of California cities. o Introduce and pass the attached resolution establishing the voluntary contribution check-off program for elected officials in your city. o Have the city manager establish a process for payroll deduction and forwarding of contributions to: Action for Better Cities 1400 K street, Suite 307 Sacramento, CA 95814 It's as simple as that! Direct any questions you, your colleagues, city manager, city attorney, or personnel manager may have directly to Mike Madrid at Action for Better Cities at (916) 658-8272. 'ACTION FOR BEnER CITIES 1400 KStrecr. Sui", 307, S=amcnto. CA 95814 916-658-8272 . f.Ix 658-8289 .www.bcttercitics.ofJ! Newsletter March 2001 Ronald Bates Mayor Pro Tem, Los Alamitos D n one of the most lopsided contests of the November 2000 election cycle, Action for Better Cities proved that local governments can play a decisive role in the rough and tumble of California's initiative process. Proposition 37. or the "Polluter Protection Act", was a heavily funded campaign initiated by the alcohol, oil and tobacco interests. To the tune of nearly $3.3 million these industries sought to stearnroll a major court decision that gave state and local governments the right to impose mitigation fees on polluting companies. Known as the Sinclair Paint Decision California courts gave local PROPOSITION 37 - Defeating the "Polluter Protection Act" government the right to demand that corporations pay for clean ups harmful to the residents in their communities. The decision was one of a handful that had been decided in favor of cities over the course of the past decade - and Action for Better Cities wasn't about to allow local government to lose any more ground on local control. A coalition of local government organizations and environmental groups convened to stop the polluters in true 'David vs. Goliath' fashion. With no natural base of financial support our consulting team devised a strategy to beat back this effort with the understanding that we would likely be outspent by a ratio of 20 to 1. Armed with little more than strong organizational structures, city officials teamed up with environmental activists to get the word out through their networks. A strong and concerted effort was made to contact editorial boards throughout the state since we recognized this was the most cost effective way to reach the most people. Every other means of communication would have to be 'earned' - that is, we would have to get creative to get the media to cover our story since we wouldn't have the funds to buy commercials, Our accomplishments in this area were a resounding success. Every major newspaper in the state - except one - supported our position. ABC leaders stepped up and held local press conferences with their media contacts. We wrote letters to the editor in local papers and drafted op-ed pieces. We urged city councils to formally adopt resolutions in opposition to Proposition 37. And the voters responded to our efforts. Continued on page 2 Proposition 37 Why are Cities and Counties Exploring a Constitutional Amendment? The relationship between local government and the state continues to evolve. Through Legislative and Gubernatorial action, through initiatives and through Court decisions, local government has lost much of the ability to self-determine and locally control their own destinies. We have seen our property tax revenues slashed, our ability to raise local revenue limited and our control has been eroded or eliminated over salaries and program costs in many areas. Looming in our future is the potential loss of billions in Vehicle License Fee (VLF) revenue, and expanded battles over state mandates. While the property tax shift was not foreseen, the potential loss of VLF is a very real threat. The full value of VLF Voters of this state will ultimately have to decide our future - and theirs. (including the backfill to local government) was estimated at approximately $4.6 billion in 1999-00. With the latest cuts, the amount that is no longer colkc/ed from taxpayers but is owed to local governments from the state's general fund has grown to $3.6 billion per year. Protected only by a statute written largely by former Legislators and a termed out Governor, this backfill will be in serious jeopardy during any future economic downturn Continued on page 3 Constitutional Amendment What do police officers, teachers, firefighters and prison guards have in California that city officials do not? Besides political clout A voluntary contribution system that gives them a steady and reliable funding mechanism to support their causes! ~ It's no secret that the most powerful political forces in Sacramento rely on two factors to move their agenda - money and organization. Those interests that have both - teachers unions, prison guards, and professional firefighters - have a decided advantage in legislative politics. Cities have traditionally relied on our own network of professionals and elected officials to advance our causes - and, unfortunately have fallen short in seeing our monies and interests protected. And while our efforts to continue to refine our organizational strength advance to greater levels, there is no hiding the fact that money is indeed the 'mothers milk of politics'. Proposition 37 The idea of a voluntary contribution mechanism for elected and appointed officials has been discussed in various forms over the past few years - more seriously in the past few months. In fact, rarely does Action for Better Cities make a presentation in front of city leaders where they aren't approached about the likelihood of a voluntary check-off contribution mechanism being instituted. And though there are various forms being discussed, the concept is a simple one. A $10 contribution is voluntarily taken out of the check an elected or appointed official receives from their city pay. Every pay period an amount that is hardly noticed by each elected council member in California is combined with the contributions of hundreds of others throughout the state. Eventually cities will establish their own reliable funding source to compete with the moneyed interests in Sacramento. Have a little fun and do the math yourself - with nearly 2500 council members and mayors in California - ten bucks a month can really add up! So do your city a favor - return the attached form and indicate if you'd be interested in hearing more about a voluntary check off program in the coming months - and, of course, your ideas and suggestions on structuring it are most welcome. -> Conll_djrompage J When the dust had settled California voters rejected the "Polluter Protection Act" with fully 53% of the electorate in opposition. The majority of opposition money came in the fonn of 'in kind' contributions, with Action for Better Cities as one of the major donors. Significant staff time and resources were expended in defeating the measure _ proving that with a strong message, a solid campaign structure and a commitment to safeguard local Action for Better Cities Board of Directors government, cities can build a winning combination. .:. Ronald Bares is the Chair of Action for Better Cities and Mayor Pro Tem of Los Alamitos OFFICERS Ronald Bates, Chair Mayor Pro Tem, Los Alamitos Pat Eklund, Vice Chair Council Member, Novato Kathy MiIlison, Secretary City Manager, Clovis Bev Perry, Treasurer Council Member, Brea DIRECTORS Andrew Fox Council Member, Thousand Oaks Richard S. Kelly Council Member, Palm Desert Ron Loveridge Mayor, Riverside Oscar Rlos Past Pres. Latino Caucus, Watsonville Richard Tefank Police Chief, Buena Park Michael Madrid Chief Executive Officer .. . Constitutional Amendment Conlinuedfrom page 1 for the state. Failure to protect this revenue through the Constitution abrogates our responsibility to the future. We have worked with the Legislature to resolve our issues, but to no avail. Although we achieved a unanimous vote of the Senate and the Assembly to cap the growth on ERAF, the Governor vetoed the bill. Last year we also introduced legislation and a constitutional amendment on restructuring the state/Iocal relationship, but the Legislature failed to take action. While we will continue to work with the Legislature and the Governor, we can no longer rely on them exclusively. After nearly a decade of ERAF and other losses, the time has come to consider going directly to voters in support of local government. Due to the long time1ines involved in going directly to the voters for support, if we choose to move forward we must begin now. While taking the initial steps in a campaign for an initiative does not preclude us from other solutions or from pursuing a Legislative course of action, prudence dictates we keep every option available open to us. Only a constitutional amendment will provide sufficient protection and whether it's placed on the ballot by the Legislature or by the signatures of California's citizens - one truth has become more and more evident - the voters of this state will ultimately bave to decide our future - and theirs. Onr exploratory efforts are driven by the following principles: . Keep it simple. . Keep it relevant. It won't help to pass a constitutional amendment that doesn't accomplish significant change. · Keep the issues on point so that the measure has a consistent theme and message. . Try to limit opposition. Unlike others with unlimited bankrolls, local governments and our supporters will not be able to finance a Rolls Royce campaign. . Keep all avenues open. The ABC Board of Directors will meet again in March to consider the continued pursuit of a constitutional amendment. Your advice, input, and involvement are most welcome. Please fill out the "Friends of ABC" form below to keep updated on important developments. In the meantime, visit our website at www.bettercities.org or call us at (916)-658-8272. .:. r'-'.'-'.'-'-'.'.'.'.'.'-'.'-,-,-,.,.,.,.,_,.,_,_,.,.,_............._....._._......._._..._....._._._......._,...._._... , o , , Friends of Action for Better Cities I would like to help California Cities by assisting Action for Better Cities with political action. I can help by: o Serving as a sUlTOgate speaker. o Assisting in local fundraising. o Serving as a regional coordinator for Action for Better Cities' efforts. o Please send me more information on the voluntary check-off for elected and appointed city officials. Enclosed is my personal check as a Friend of Action for Better Cities in the amount of: 0$25.00 0 $50.00 0 $100.00 0 $500.00 Other Name: (Note: Yes, donations can be made from political campaign and/or officeholder accounts.) Title: Home Address: City/Zip: Home Phone: Fax: Home e-mail:' ! · We may use your e-moil/or political activities of Ac/ion/or Beller Cities. L..._..._..._..._._........................._..........._..................._._..._......._........._....._......._._... About Our Organization... . "~ction for Better Cities is a non- profit corporation created to help California cities protect and strengthen decision-making control and stabilize city fmance. + ABC will inform important audiences about what local government means to average citizens. + ABC will work to ensure that city officials have the resources they need to be responsive, accountable and effective in serving their constituencies and that cities already limited resources are not diverted for other purposes. + ABC will help ensure that the Legislature is informed of fmancial challenges facing local governments and will work to secure approval for proposed solutions that constitutionaIly protect city revenues from. other levels of government. ABC is privately funded and uses no tax money. While ABC can engage in political activities, it will not make eandidate contributions. Your fmancial support appreciated. Visit www.bettercities.org. .:. is greatly us at I q'lie QuaCity Of Ca{ifornia Life (])epenas on tlie QuaCity of Ca{ifornia Citiesl Action for Better Cities 1400 K Street, Suite 307 Sacramento, CA 95814 . :; liS ':;1.~ . <H Susan Lien Council Member 300 North "0" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418-0001 ,-'" 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 - .#--> --. '-- RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AUTHORIZING ESTABLISHMENT OF A VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION CHECK-OFF PROGRAM TO SUPPORT ACTION FOR BETTER CITIES THROUGH VOLUNTARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino at a meeting thereof, held on the _ day of ,2001, by the following vote, to wit: Council Members: AYES NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT ESTRADA LIEN MC GINNIS SCHNETZ SUAREZ ANDERSON MILLER City Clerk 2001. The foregoing resolution is hereby approved this day of Approved as to Form and legal content: Judith Valles, Mayor City of San Bernardino JAMES F. PENMAN, City Attorney By: if; 7/N !Z O"t1 " J~;;! OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK RAcHEL G. CLARK, C.M.C. . CITY CLERX '" P.O. Box 1318. San Bernardino. CA92402 300 North "D" Street. San Bernardino. CA 92418-0001 909.384.5002 0 Fax: 909.384.5158 Business Registration Division: 909.384.5302 Passport Acceptance Facility: 909.384.5128 www.cLsan-bernardino.ca.us August 27. 2001 Mr. Mike Madrid Action for Better Cities 1400 "K" Street #307 Sacramento, CA 95814 Mr. Madrid, At the Mayor and Common Council meeting of August 20, 2001, the City of San Bernardino adopted Resolution No. 2001-270 - Resolution of the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino authorizing establishment of a voluntary contribution check-off program to support Action for Better Cities through voluntary jinancial assistance. I have enclosed a copy of the resolution for your records. If you have any questions, please call our office at (909) 384-5002. Thank you,. ')' , I . / { !_ !;~ !,_O (_ \, \ ,e Michelle Taylor ' Senior Secretary Enclosure CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ADOPTED SHARED VALUES: Integrity. Accountability. Respect for Human Dignity. Honesty ** FOR OFFICE USE ONLY - NOT A PUBLIC DOCUMENT ** RESOLUTION AGENDA ITEM TRACKING FORM Meeting Date (Date Adopted): "(.. zo-o\ Item # 619 Vote: Ayes IA-f) Nays-6 Change to motion to amend original documents: Resolution # 2.Dc) \- 2.1[ 0 Abstain -e- Absent ,;) I "'l, Reso. # On Attachments: ~ Contract term: - Note on Resolution of Attachment stored separately: -=- Direct City Clerk to (circle 1): PUBLISH, POST, RECORD W/COUNTY Date Sentto Mayor: %-27-<:::::'1 Date of Mayor's Signature: ~- 2."2,-0\ Date ofClerk/CDC Signature: '6-23-0) Die . nature: See Attached: See Attached: See 60 Day Reminder Letter Sent on 30th day: 90 Day Reminder Letter Sent on 45th day: Request for Council Action & Staff Report Attached: Updated Prior Resolutions (Other Than Below): Updated CITY Personnel Folders (6413, 6429, 6433, 10584, 10585, 12634): Updated CDC Personnel Folders (5557): Updated Traffic Folders (3985, 8234, 655, 92-389): Copies Distributed to: City Attorney ,/ Parks & Rec. Code Compliance Dev. Services Public Services Police Water Notes: NullNoid After: - By: - Reso. Log Updated: ,,/ Seal Impressed: ,/" Date Returned: - d: Yes ,/ No B Yes No~ By Yes No....L..... By Yes No V By Yes No V By EDA Finance MIS S.Gt'N CC)()()C,'v , Others: BEFORE FILING. REVIEW FORM TO ENSURE ANY NOTATIONS MADE HERE ARE TRANSFERRED TO THE YEARLY RESOLUTION CHRONOLOGICAL LOG FOR FUTURE REFERENCE (Contract Term. etc.) Ready to File: ..ffiL Date: 8-- ri9 -DI Revised 01/12/01