AgdaPkt 2003-02-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Position on Proposed Legislation Described in the League of California Cities Priority Focus Bulletin No. 3 -2003. Council may direct staff to act on positions taken by Council. (Copies of League of California Cities Priority Focus available in City Clerk's Department). 9.A.1 — Council Member Howard — requested staff examine the "Utility Users Tax Task Force Update ", page 3 of Priority Focus #3, dated January 24, 2003. Director of Finance and Financial Planning Ponty stated that the City is following and involved in this subject. 9.B. Proposed City Council Policy on Recycled Water: Council Member Jordan stated she did not want to discuss whether recycled water is safe because many studies are being done, there are reasonable differences and opinions as to the uses, and there will be ongoing debates in the future. She further stated that her proposal is to request Council implement a policy to not force one segment of the Redwood City population to carry the burden of a potential drought by forcing them to use recycled water near their homes, near their children or pets. Council Member Jordan continued to explain her five reasons for the policy. She stated that even if we were told that it is absolutely safe by the State or by the Federal Government, there is still a chance that they could be wrong. Stating that the primary goal of the contingency plan is to share hardship equitability among all user classes, Ms. Jordan stated that the concept of forcing Homeowner associations to use recycled water is making that particular population disproportionately carry the burden of the potential drought. Devaluation of property could be an issue disclosed upon sale of property that could be viewed as inferior. Her final point was to allow buyers in new developments the choice of whether to buy or rent in an area where recycled water is being used. Council Members asked questions and made various comments. Vice Mayor Ira stated that staff has been asked to research the full ramifications of going to a non - voluntary program, what that would mean in the rate structure, in the financing structure and the overall supply structure. He stated his hope that if the Council shows good faith by approving the policy that they will then be given in return an open mind to examine the issues. Public Comment: Rudy Luca stated his confusion with the recommendation and policy on the item. Council Member Jordan explained the recommendation as being a general recommendation and the policy to pertain to existing residences and homeowners' associations, not new developments where the choice would exist to purchase at that point or not. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2003 MINUTES PAGE 5