A RESOLUTION CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE CITIZEN COMMENT ON A PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL FOR THE 2006 SHORT SESSION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2006-03-27/R-14)

 

WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly will convene on May 9, 2006, to consider a limited number of topics; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town Council wishes to receive public comment on matters which it is considering as possible legislative initiatives in the 2006 “Short Session” of the General Assembly;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council calls a public hearing and invites public comment on the following potential legislative initiatives for 2006:

1.      A local bill seeking annexation of a small portion of public right-of-way along the Durham-Chapel Hill annexation boundary overlooked when other parcels in the area were legislatively annexed a few years ago.

2.      Legislation related to the authority of public agencies to acquire property by eminent domain for economic development purposes.

3.      Legislation to permit electronic meetings by public bodies.

4.      Establishment of a study commission to evaluate the State’s sales tax distribution formula.

5.      A local bill to clarify the Town’s authority to require contributions to support public transportation, in addition to just physical improvements to streets and sidewalks, as a condition of approval of new development, based on the relative impact of that development.

6.      Legislation to establish standards and limitations on percentage increases in taxable assessments that may be imposed locally for ad valorem property tax purposes.

7.      State legislation related to minimum wage.

8.      State Legislation related to local authority to franchise cable television companies.

9.      Items carried over from 2005 Legislative Agenda, including:

 

(Statewide Legislation)

a.        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.)

b.         Oppose the proposed Constitutional amendment defining marriage as only the union of one man and one woman.

c.         Support the repeal of the North Carolina Defense of Marriage Act.

d.         Include sexual orientation as a category under North Carolina hate crimes law.

e.         Support the application of state vehicle regulations to electric personal assistive mobility devices.

f.          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.

g.         Support for the League’s position regarding annexation law.

h.         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.

i.          Support a change in state law regarding public records to reaffirm the confidentiality of public agency attorney work product.

j.          Support additional state funding for municipalities providing fire protection services to state university facilities and other state buildings. 

k.         Support for adjustments to increase the scope of the homestead tax exemption.

l.          Support State funding of the State Highway Patrol 800MHz trunked radio system known as VIPER (Voice Interoperability Project for Emergency Responders).

m.        Support for additional revenue options for local governments, including:

1.         Gas tax.

            2.         Vehicle registration fee.

            3.         One-half cent sales tax.

n.         Support funding for additional substance abuse treatment facilities and the hiring of additional local Alcohol Law Enforcement Officers.

(Local Legislation)

a.         Reconsideration of a local bill to authorize an additional tax on utility bills to provide funding to put overhead power distribution lines underground.

b.         Reconsideration of a local bill to authorize a publicly funded program for Chapel Hill municipal election campaigns.

c.         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.

10.  Such other proposals that may be raised by Council members and citizens.

 

This the 27th day of March, 2006.