ATTACHMENT 6

 

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL’S LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM FOR THE 2005 SESSION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2005-03-07/R-5)

 

WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill conducted a meeting with the Orange County Legislative Delegation on March 4, 2005, to discuss potential legislative issues of interest to the Town; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council has, on January 26, February 14, February 28, and March 4, 2005, discussed publicly and afforded the opportunity for public input on proposed items for inclusion in the Town’s legislative program for the 2005 Session of the North Carolina General Assembly; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council has considered the comments of its citizens and members of the Legislative Delegation;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby establishes the following as its Legislative Program for consideration in the 2005 Session of the General Assembly:  

  1. Statewide Legislation.
    1. Support the Legislature’s development of reasonable statewide legislation requiring the registration of beer kegs. (The Council defers comment on any specific proposed legislation until such a bill is drafted.)
    2. Oppose the proposed Constitutional amendment defining marriage as only the union of one man and one woman.
    3. Support the repeal of the North Carolina Defense of Marriage Act.
    4. Include sexual orientation as a category under North Carolina hate crimes law.
    5. Support the application of state vehicle regulations to electric personal assistive mobility devices.
    6. Support the repeal of N.C.G.S. 95-98 and replace it with a law that would establish collective bargaining rights for public employees.
    7. Support for the League’s position regarding annexation law.
    8. Support an adjustment to the law enforcement supplemental retirement program to provide that each agency where a retiree worked shall contribute a pro rata portion of the retirement allowance.
    9. Support a change in state law regarding public records to reaffirm the confidentiality of public agency attorney work product.
    10. Support additional state funding for municipalities providing fire protection services to state university facilities and other state buildings. 
    11. Support for adjustments to increase the scope of the homestead tax exemption.
    12. Support State funding of the State Highway Patrol 800MHz trunked radio system known as VIPER (Voice Interoperability Project for Emergency Responders).
    14. Support for additional revenue options for local governments, including:
      1. Gas tax.
      2. Vehicle registration fee.
      3. One-half cent sales tax.
    15. Support funding for additional substance abuse treatment facilities and the hiring of additional local Alcohol Law Enforcement Officers.
  2. Local Legislation.
    1. Reconsideration of a local bill to authorize an additional tax on utility bills to provide funding to put overhead power distribution lines underground.
    2. Reconsideration of a local bill to authorize a publicly funded program for Chapel Hill municipal election campaigns.
    3. Authorization of a $1.00 per-ticket fee on tickets priced at $30 or higher for events at large venues, with the revenue being earmarked for public transportation and public safety funding.

This the 7th day of March, 2005.