33 Staff Report - League of California Cities Grassroots NetworkCOUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: June 4, 2001
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: DEBRA FIGONE, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT:
31. � �01. -v?
MEETING DATE: 6/4/01
ITEM NO.
CONSIDER REPORT ON LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
GRASSROOTS NETWORK
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider report on Grassroots Network and adoption of a resolution supporting Article XVI of the
League of California Cities Bylaws relating to the establishment of a League Grassroots Network
and increased dues schedule.
BACKGROUND:
Over the past eighteen (18) months, the League of California Cities has been developing a strategic
plan to better serve the interests of cities and towns. Through this process, the League's City
Manager's Group cultivated the idea of developing a Grassroots Network program to address the fact
that the State has amassed more resources and power at the expense of local government, and that
the new era of term limits and traditional lobbying methods have been a poor match against
grassroots campaigns and financial contributions by other competing interests. As a result, a
seventeen (17) member Grassroots Task Force, comprised of eleven (11) Mayors/Council Members,
four (4) City Managers, one (1) City Attorney and one (1) Police Chief, was created to study and
recommend alternative approaches to improve local officials' efforts to influence legislators,
legislative staff, community groups and the news media. After conducting a major education
campaign, including the collection of feedback from League members, the Task Force presented a
comprehensive Grassroots Network proposal to the League of California Cities Board of Directors,
which was approved earlier this year.
DISCUSSION:
The League of California Cities Board of Directors has proposed to develop a Grassroots Network
(GRN) comprised of coordinators whose primary mission is to restore and protect local control for
PREPARED BY: JENNY HARUYAMA, ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYS' I
N:IMGRUHaruyunw\Staff Repor.s\grassrootsnetwork.wpd
Reviewed by: Olt Attorney ' Finance Revised: 5/31/01 1:56 PM
Reformatted: 7/14/99
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: GRASSROOTS NETWORK
Cities Bylaws relating to the establishment of a League Grassroots Network and a new increased
dues schedule, it may wish to do so in the form of a resolution (Attachment No. 1). Specifically,
Article XVI (Attachment No. 2) includes language that authorizes the League to establish a
Grassroots Network and increase dues as noted in the League' s proposed dues schedule (Attachment
No. 3). Article XVI also includes accountability measures regarding the Network's performance.
These measures include the development of long-term goals, annual program objectives, regular
reports,to the membership and a professional, unbiased program evaluation three (3) times during
the first five (5) years, and a vote of the membership after five (5) years to continue the program.
Under the League's bylaws, the Board may also vote to discontinue the program at any time. Once
the Town Council has taken action to approve or disapprove the resolution, Town Council's
designated voting delegate must complete and sign the League of California Cities Grassroots
Network Ballot (Attachment No. 4) no later than July 6, 2001.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The FY 2001-2003 budget has adequate funds to cover the League of California Cities Board of
Directors' proposed dues increase.
Attachment No. 1: Resolution Supporting the League of California Cities Grassroots Network
Attachment No. 2: Article XVI: Establishment and Financing of Grassroots Network
Attachment No. 3: Proposed League of California Cities Dues Schedule
Attachment No. 4: League of California Cities Grassroots Network Ballot
Distribution:
Town Department Heads
(Th
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS SUPPORTING THE GRASSROOTS NETWORK
PROPOSED BY THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WHEREAS, the Town of Los Gatos, like other California communities is concerned that its voice
is not being heard sufficiently regarding local control and revenue issues, and the impact state decisions are having
on local government services; and
WHEREAS, legislative acts reducing the amount of property tax allocated to cities, mandating
binding arbitration of compensation issues with public safety personnel, and other restrictions on local discretion
deteriorate local government's ability to govern and provide services to its communities; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities has requested support for
the implementation of a Grassroots Coordinator Network (hereinafter "Grassroots Network"), that would include
the development of a network of a staff of ten field offices, staffed by grassroots coordinators; and
WHEREAS, the Grassroots Network would trigger greater focus on cities and towns across the
state on the acts of the legislature through more active involvement by local officials, collaboration with community
groups, effective media relations, and closer partnerships with the members of the state Legislature and their district
office staff; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of Los Gatos has had the opportunity to offer its comments on
said proposal; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of a new and aggressive advocacy effort such as the Grassroots
Network, may be necessary to advance the cause of local control and strong cities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of Los Gatos hereby supports
the proposal of the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities to create the Grassroots Network and
further supports an increase in League of California Cities' dues to fund this new initiative.
A1" iA(ihiviEN'i' 1
1
Attachment A:
Proposed Addition to League Bylaws
Article XVI: Establishment and Financing of
Grassroots Network
Section 1: Enhancement of Advocacy Efforts.
To enhance the League's advocacy efforts on behalf of cities, the League hereby
establishes a Grassroots Network. The Grassroots Network consists of a series of field
offices throughout California, responsible for coordinating city advocacy efforts and
promoting statewide League policy priorities.
Section 2: Dues Increase
(a) Initial Financing. The dues increase approved concurrently with the addition
of Article XVI shall finance the League's Grassroots Network for the second half
of 2001 and for 2002. The increase shall be used exclusively to finance the
Grassroots Network.
(b) Continued Financing. Any subsequent dues increases shall occur in
accordance with Article IV.1
Section 3: Accountability
(a) Annual Goal -Setting and Performance Assessment. The League Board
shall set long-term goals and annual objectives for the League's Grassroots
Network. The League Board shall periodically report to the League's Member
Cities on the Grassroots Network's performance in meeting those goals and
objectives.
(b) Board Discontinuance. If at any time the League Board finds the
Grassroots Network is not meeting its objectives on behalf of cities, the League
Board may discontinue the Grassroots Network.
(c) Membership Vote on Program Continuation. On or before December 31,
2007, the Board shall ask Member Cities to vote on whether to continue the
Grassroots Network beyond December 31, 2008.2
1 Explanatory Note: "Article IV" is the existing section of the League's bylaws, which provide for 1) a
two-thirds vote of approval by the League board for all dues increases as well as 2) division ratification of dues
increases in excess of the Consumer Price Index. Article IV also caps individual city dues increases at $5,000
per year.
2 The League's bylaws provide that a majority of votes cast is necessary for decision on League votes.
See Article XII, § 4.
AT IACiiivthN ' 2
Attachment B:
Proposed Dues to Establish the Grassroots Network
(A)
Base
Dues
Paid in
For cities having a population of: 2001
(B)
Additional
Dues for
Grassroots;
Last half
of 2001
(C)
Base
Dues for
2002
(Est.)
[A + 4%]
(D) 4-...
Annual .y
Dues:fort:
Grassroots ,.
Network•::
2002'(Est)-`
[Bx.2+4%1. •
(E)
Total Dues
Including
Grassroots
Network
2002 (Est)
[C + D]
1 to 500 $37
501 to 600 99
601 to 700 197
701 to 800 216
801 to 900 ... 259
901 to 1,000 317
1,001 to 1,250 494
1,251 to 1,500 611
1,501 to 1,750 ... 727
1,751 to 2,000 865
2,001 to 2,250 921
2,251 to 2,550 1,020
2,501 to 2,750 1,078
2,751 to 3,000 1,176
3,001 to 4,000 1,316
4,001 to 5,000 1,570
5,001 to 7,500 2,044
7,501 to 10,000 2,359
10,001 to 15,000 .. 2,848
15,001 to 20,000 3,279
20,001 to 25,000 4,105
25,001 to 30,000 4,930
30,001 to 40,000 6,068
40,001 to 50,000 7,382
50,001 to 60,000 8,504
60,001 to 70,000 ... 9,346
70,001 to 80,000 9,817
80,001 to 90,000 10,464
90,001 to 100,000 11,464
100,001 to 125,000 13,075
125,001 to 150,000 14,392
150,001 to 200,000 16,357
$10
26
52
57:
68
,83
130
160
191.
227
242
268
283
309
346
412-:
536'
619
747
861.
1,078'
1,294
1,593
1,938
2,232
2,453
2,577
2,747
3,009
3,432
3,778
4,294
200,001 to 500,000 17,176 4,509
Plus 819 215
per each full 10,606 of
500,001 to 640,000 41,693 10,944
Plus 757 199
per each full 10,000 o_ f
Over 640,000 51,950 f 13,637
$39
103
205
225
269
330
514
635
756
900
958
1,061
1,122
1,223
1,369
1,633
2,125
2,453
2,961
3,411
4,269
5,127
6,311
7,677
8,844
9,720
10,210
10,883
11,923
13,598
14,968
17,011
$20
54-
108
118`:`.
141`'.
'173'
270'
334
397
473
503.
557
589
642.
719z.
857-
1,116 -
,1 288 .
1,555
1,791':
2,241
2,692,
3i313
4,031
4,643
5,103
5,360
5,714
6,260
7,139
7,858
8,931
17,863 9,378
852 447
population over 200,001
143, 361 787 22,764
413
population over 500,001
l 54,028 I 28,365
$59
157
312
342
410
503
784
969
1,152
1,373
1,461
1,618
1,710
1,865
2,088
2,490
3,241
3,741
4,516
5,201
6,511
7,818
9,624
11,708
13,487
14,823
15,570
16,597
18,182
20,737
22,826
25,942
27,241
1,299
66,125
1,201
82,393
For purposes of establishing the grassroots network, the $5,000 dues cap in League bylaws article IV, section 2, is
suspended for the years 2001 and 2002. The dues cap will apply to base dues without interruption and will apply
to total dues in year 2003 and years following.
The League board will consider in September whether a cost -of -living adjustment for dues will be needed in 2002.
This table shows 2002 dues with a cost -of -living adjustment of 4%.
ATi'ACHNtENT 3
League of California Cities
Ballot on Grassroots Network
City of
Does your city vote to approve the addition of article XVI to the
League's bylaws relating to the establishment of a League
Grassroots Network (attached as Attachment A and
incorporated by reference in this ballot), along with the dues
schedule (attached as Attachment B and also incorporated by
reference in this ballot)?
Yes
No
Ballot returned by:
City Official Name
City Official Title
Ballots must be returned by First Class Mail and postmarked no
later than July 6, 2001.
Return ballots to:
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, 4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Attention: Counting Committee
ATTACHMENT':
RESOLUTION 2001 - 65
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
SUPPORTING THE GRASSROOTS NETWORK
PROPOSED BY THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WHEREAS, the Town of Los Gatos, like other California communities is concerned that its voice
is not being heard sufficiently regarding local control and revenue issues, and the impact state decisions are having
on local government services; and
WHEREAS, legislative acts reducing the amount of property tax allocated to cities, mandating
binding arbitration of compensation issues with public safety personnel, and other restrictions on local discretion
deteriorate local government's ability to govern and provide services to its communities; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities has requested support for
the implementation of a Grassroots Coordinator Network (hereinafter "Grassroots Network"), that would include
the development of a network of a staff of ten field offices, staffed by grassroots coordinators; and
WHEREAS, the Grassroots Network would trigger greater focus on cities and towns across the
state on the acts of the legislature through more active involvement by local officials, collaboration with community
groups, effective media relations, and closer partnerships with the members of the state legislature and their district
office staff; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of Los Gatos has had the opportunity to offer its comments on
said proposal; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of a new and aggressive advocacy effort such as the Grassroots
Network, may be necessary to advance the cause of local control and strong cities.
1
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of Los Gatos hereby supports
the proposal of the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities to create the Grassroots Network and
further supports an increase in League of California Cities' dues to fund this new initiative.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los
Gatos, California, held on the 4th day of June, 2001 by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Randy Attaway, Steve Glickman, Mayor Joe Pirzynski.
NAYS: Sandy Decker
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Steven Blanton
SIGNED:/s/ Joe Pirzynski
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
/s/ Marian V. Cosgrove
CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
2
Town Council Minutes June 4, 2001
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
GRASSROOTS NETWORK/LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES/RESOLUTION 2001-65 (33.28)
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mrs. Decker, to direct the Town Manager to cast the ballot
on behalf of the Town. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Blanton abstained.
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council adopt Resolution 2001-65 entitled,
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS SUPPORTING THE GRASSROOTS
NETWORK PROPOSED BY THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES BOARD OF
DIRECTORS. Carried by a vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Blanton abstained. Mrs. Decker voted no, noting
that there would be 86 cities represented by 3 representatives, and she did not believe that our voice
would be heard. She noted the larger cities involved and suggested that one representative should be
delegated to the smaller cities concerns and issues.
TOWN PLAZA RENOVATION PROJECT/FOUNTAIN RESTORATION (34.33)
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Council authorize staff to proceed with
minimal repairs to Plaza Park Fountain. Carried unanimously.
3% at 50/RETIREMENTBENEFITS/POLICE OFFICERS/URGENCY ORDINANCE 2086 (35.06&29)
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Council waive the reading of the Proposed
Urgency Ordinance. Carried unanimously.
The Town Clerk read the Title of the Proposed Ordinance.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Blanton, that Council introduce and adopt Urgency
Ordinance 2086 entitled, URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOWN
COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF
THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM. Carried unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (36.28)
There were no reports given this evening.
TOWN MANAGER REPORTS (37.28)
There were no reports given this evening.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mrs. Decker, to adjourn this evening's meeting at 10:48 p.m.
Carried unanimously.
TC:D13:MM060401
ATTEST:
Marian V. Cosgrove
Town Clerk
10