WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill conducted a meeting with Senator Atwater Eleanor Kinnaird and Representatives Bill Faison, Joe Hackney, and Verla Insko on February 23, 2009, to discuss potential legislative issues of interest to the Town; and
WHEREAS, the Council has, February 9, 2009 and March 9, 2009, discussed publicly and afforded the opportunity for public input on proposed items for inclusion in the Town’s legislative program for the 2009 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 2009 Session of the General Assembly:
Local Issues
1. A local bill to allow disclosure of personnel information to a citizen review panel established to review disciplinary matters for Town police employees or, possibly, all Town employees.
2. A local bill to permit a tax on tickets purchased for large entertainment and sports events, with the revenue dedicated to the support of public transit and transportation programs.
Statewide Issues
1. Support for State legislation to increase the emphasis on bicycle safety issues in drivers’ education courses and on the State drivers’ license examination.
2. Support for State legislation to affirm the Jordan Lake watershed regulations.
3. Support for State legislation that would further regulate or prohibit the use of herbicides for the clearing and maintenance of easements and rights of way by utility companies.
4. Support for changes to State law to lower the metering fees assessed by utility companies for facilities that produce electricity from renewable sources.
5. Support for changes to State law to provide additional funding options for local transit services.
This the 9th day of March, 2009.