2014-06-25 LEGISLATIVE - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Cavazos added that staff tries to leverage resources with other agencies. As an example he discussed the Streetcar Project on page 5 of the Platform under Goal 6. He mentioned that the City Council has been extremely supportive of the project and OCTA is working on the funding as well as the implementation plan, which should be done by August. He reported that the review period closes July 7 h. The City plans to go to Washington, DC in concert with OCTA with the goal to maximize federal funding. Mark Lawrence mentioned that City Manager's Office staff will work closely with the federal and state lobbyists and will get a quarterly update from each lobbyist, which will be incorporated into legislative platform. Councilwoman Martinez requested a matrix showing pending as well as completed legislative items at the end of the year. This matrix can be used to update the City Council on the accomplishments by the Legislative Committee, staff and lobbyists. Mark Lawrence recommended that staff update the Legislative Platform quarterly and provide a matrix. Councilmember Sarmiento mentioned that it's important to show progress to the City Council, and more importantly to the public. This will help demonstrate that there is tangible, quantitative value to the contracts with the lobbyists. Councilmember Sarmiento also requested that reports reflect important priorities up front. He added that the strategic plan goals should be prioritized to help identify deadlines as well as help point firms in the right direction so they can be more effective. David Cavazos added that staff will also insure that multiple grant applications are put in priority order. 5. Review and Discussion of Legislative Resolutions and Letter Requests Process Mark Lawrence mentioned that this item was on the agenda as requested by Councilmember Sarmiento at the last Committee meeting. Sonia Carvalho explained that currently staff looks at requests and if the City Council has previously acted on the policy issue, staff will place request on the agenda for consideration by the Council. If there are requests that may not be supported by the City's existing positions or interests or the City Manager seeks direction or clarification, then the Council member will be advised to request the item be placed on the agenda as an 85A item and the Resolution will be prepared if directed by the Council. Vince Sarmiento asked if individual Council members can send letters of support. David Cavazos explained that individual Council members can send letters of support; the letter just needs to make it clear that it's being supported by one Council member and not the entire City Council. Legislative City Council Committee Minutes June 25, 2014, Page 4