HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4149-11-2012A Resolution
NO. 4149 -11 -2012
ADOPTING THE CITY OF FORT WORTH'S 2013 STATE
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the 83rd" Session of the Texas Legislature will convene on January
8, 2013, and pre - filing of legislative bills began November 12, 2012; and
WHEREAS, each biennium, prior to the beginning of the regular session of the
Texas Legislature, staff seeks input from the Mayor and Council, the City Manager's
Office, City staff, and members of the Legislative delegation representing the City
regarding legislative issues that affect the City and the way in which it conducts its
business; and
WHEREAS, based upon the input received, proposed legislative initiatives are
then taken to the City Council Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee
for discussion and analysis; and
WHEREAS, the attached City of Fort Worth 2013 State Legislative Program
represents the recommended initiatives forwarded to City Council by the Legislative
and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee following its review of recommended
initiatives on September 11, 2012 and October 9, 2012; and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that other issues may arise prior to and during the
2013 legislative session and these will be brought before City Council at a later time;
and
WHEREAS, upon adoption of the 2013 State Legislative Program, staff will
distribute the program to members of the local state delegation, departments,
agencies and, upon request, and to major cities in the state in furtherance of the 2013
State Legislative Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
That the City Council:
1. Adopts the 2013 State Legislative Program as outlined in the attached
document; and
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Resolution No. 4149-11-2012
2. Authorizes and directs the City Manager to distribute copies of the City's
2013 State Legislative program to members of the Texas Legislature, to other cities,
and other interested parties; and
3. Authorizes and directs the appropriate City officials to send letters of
support or to meet with legislators or state officials to discuss the City's position on
the attached initiatives; and
4. Authorizes and directs the City's Government Relations staff and the
City's state legislative consultants to take the appropriate actions to advance the 2013
State Legislative Program before the Texas Legislature, the Administration and
corresponding state agencies.
Adopted this 12th day of November, 2012.
ATTEST:
By:
Mary JX ser, City Secretary
,FORT Wo �T
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SUPPORTIVE IlL. EGISLATION
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Support legislative appropriations and options to fund transportation
investment in Texas
Support the continue the statewide funding for supportive services, work
and housing retention services for the homeless
Support continued funding for the City of Fort Worth and UNT Health
Science Cent for the Economic Development and Technology
Commercialization Partnership
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Support legislation that enables tools to promote compatible growth such
as: Protecting the voluntary participation of coordinated efforts by
municipalities surrounding military installations
Support legislation that will grant increased land use authority to local
governments to promote responsible land development in extra - territorial
jurisdictions
Support legislation that will promote clear and simple notices to property
owners about property taxes owed to the state
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Support legislation to allow flexibility in the expenditure by local
governments of PEG Funds
Support legislation that improves the Texas education system and
appropriations that provides adequate funding to the Texas public school
finance system
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Support legislation that will prohibit harassment, bullying and cyberbullying
Support legislation that will promote increased Community Health and
Wellness Programs
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Support legislation that promotes healthy places of employment and
healthy work environments
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Support legislation for the constitutional dedication of sporting goods'
sales tax revenue for the funding of state and local parks
Support legislation to amend the Texas Penal Code to include the word
`Firearm "in the Unlawful Carrying Weapons (UCM Statute
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Support legislation that will continue to allow special events to be
incentivized
Support appropriate breed specific legislation
Support legislation that will give municipalities and the state greater
authority to address illegal recycling facilities
Support legislation that will enhance the ability of municipalities to address
prevention and control of graffiti
FORT WORTH
GENERAL LEGISLATIVE POL1 �111C',Yl
As a general policy, the City of Fort Worth seeks to preserve its
authority to responsibly govern the city, its citizens, and its
property. The City SyppgLj,,.s any legislation viewed as
advancing the City's Comprehensive Plan or the City's Strategic
Goals; or that improves the health, safety, and welfare of its
citizens; or that reduces the cost of governing the City.
In addition, the City will 02p,2§2 any legislation viewed as
detrimental to its Comprehensive Plan or its Strategic Goals; or
that is contrary to the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens;
or that mandates increased costs or decreased revenues; or that
would diminish the fundamental authority of the City.
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Preserve
City's ability to uniformly impose property taxes
City's ability to raise revenue
City's ability to zone property
City's ability to safely and fairly annex property
City's ability to impose and collect reasonable storm water fees
City's ability to impose and collect reasonable impact fees
City's ability to participate in development in the ETJ
City's authority under the current vesting laws
City's rights under the current sovereign immunity statutes
City's rights and authority under the special districts' laws
City's rights and authority under the current eminent domain
laws
City's rights and authority under current environmental laws