2018-8-15 LEGISLATIVE - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Casey Elliott provided an overview of activities undertaken by Townsend Public Affairs (TPA) over the month of July, working on behalf of the City of Santa Ana. State Budget was signed by Governor. The largest focus of the legislation administration was addressing issues associated with homelessness. Big 11 Mayors recently had a proposal for a billion and a half dollars of funding that would go to homelessness. He mentioned meeting Chair Sarmiento in Sacramento and the positive discussions regarding the proposal. The legislation ended with the inclusion of $500 million for homelessness, of that $150 million going to the Big 11 Cities, Santa Ana's share will be just under $3.7 million dollars with an additional $15.5 million that will be available to the Orange County Continuum of Care. TPA has provided City staff with information regarding the timing and what information will be needed, for the disbursement of the funding. Chair Sarmiento inquired about how much of the $15.5 million for the Orange County Continuum of Care is available. Casey clarified that the funds go directly to the Continuum of Care not the County. The Continuum of Care creates a plan to determine where and how the funding will be dispersed and utilized. TPA worked with Public Works staff through Assembly Member Daly's office to submit a budget request to the State. It was a great effort resulting in $4 million for Advanced Metering Infrastructure in Santa Ana. TPA plans to work with staff again next fiscal year to apply for State General Funds assistance. Chair Sarmiento asked about SB 1302 a bill currently on the Inactive File, however, the language of the bill has now been incorporated into the Proposed Cannabis Regulations which are currently in a 45 -day public comment period. Discussion was had by committee and Jorge Garcia, Assistant to the City Manager, regarding SB 1302. Specifically, on the League of California Cities' opposition to the bill compared to where the City stands on issues surrounding deliveries of cannabis. The City's Ordinance allows for the deliveries and that the bill may have a negative impact for the City. Jorge reported that the City is currently taking a neutral position on that bill; pending updated regulations. He stated that the City has had discussions with the Santa Ana Cannabis Association (SACA). Chair Sarmiento asked who oversees the County's policy positions that impact the City. He stated that the City needs a mechanism in place to have its voice heard in County matters that impact the City. Chair Sarmiento requested that the City consider reviewing TPA's scope of work to see identify if they would be able to assist with this effort. Legislative Affairs, Ethics, Transparency and Communications Council Committee Meeting Minutes August 15, 2018 Page 3