AgdaPkt 2008-06-30 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Under the bill, cities and urban counties with high rates of foreclosure, along with the states, would be eligible for the funding directly. The Senate version of the package also includes funding for foreclosed property rehabilitation, and would provide $3.9 billion in funding to local governments for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed properties. It would also require the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop a funding formula for grant distribution. House and Senate housing committee leaders hope to finalize the package soon in order to send it to the White House for the President's approval by the upcoming Fourth of July recess. Decision Pending in Labor Dispute Jurisdictional Disagreement California Supreme Court to Review Case in San Jose Last week, Priority Focus reported on County o( Contra Costa v. Public Employees Union Local One, a recent decision in which the California First District Court of Appeal concluded the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) does not have exclusive initial jurisdiction over labor disputes between public agencies and their employees whose job duties are essential to preserving public health and safety. The decision was a victory for local governments that want the option of going to court in lieu of PERB when a dispute arises. The Contra Costa decision conflicted with another California appellate court's ruling in City o( San Jose v. Operating Engineers Local Union No.3. In that case, the Sixth District Court of Appeal ruled that PERB does in fact have exclusive initial jurisdiction over these types of disputes. This week, the California Supreme Court granted review in the San Jose case. The two cases involve similar fact patterns. In both cases.. the unions gave the local governments notice of their intent to strike. The local governments went to court to prevent those employees who are essential to preserving public health and safety, such as wastewater treatment plant operators and hospital workers, from striking. PERB intervened. arguing it has exclusive jurisdiction over these matters and that the local governments were required to come before them before seeking relief in court. The Supreme Court's decision in the San Jose case will settle the disagreement between the appellate courts and provide local governments with guidance as to how to proceed when these disputes arise. The League wiD file an amicus brief with the Court in support of San Jose. Cities Urged to Respond to Statewide Climate Action Survey The deadline to respond to the Public Policy Institute of California's (PPIC) Climate Action Survey has been extended to July 2. The survey wiU help identify climate change-related policies and programs already undertaken at the local level and the kind of support needed for further action. The survey was designed for city managers and county administrative officers and is being undertaken by PPIC in association with the Institute for Local Government, the League of California Cities, and the California State Association of Counties. Responses may be completed online or submitted via fax. Not sure if your city or county has responded? Want another copy of the survey sent to you? Please contact PPIC Staff Ellen Hanak at hanak@ppic.orgor(415) 291-4433. Public-Private Partnerships Conference Registration Open Registration is now open for .Performance-Based Infrastructure: Making Public-Private Partnerships Work for California.. This informative conference helping city leaders explore the possibilities available with public-private partnerships is slated for Friday. July 18 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the San Jose City Hall. The event is organized by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and is co-sponsored by the League of California Cities. 8A Page 4 4