Title
City Commission Discussion of Key City/County Issues (B)
This is a request for the City Commission to discuss key City/County issues including the Local Option Gas Tax, the Voter Referendum on Extension of Wild Spaces Public Places, the Annexation Transition Agreement, a Shared Fire Station Alerting System to Improve Fire Rescue Response Times and The Evolution of Bed Tax Funding for the Arts.
Explanation
The City/County relationship/partnership is of great importance. The City and County have many common interests and existing partnerships that work to the benefit of both the City and County. In reviewing key outstanding issues between the City and County, staff believes the City Commission would be well served by dedicating time to discuss some of these key issues in preparation for future City Commission discussion/engagement with the County Commission on the topics.
The key issues for discussion on May 12, 2016 include: the Local Option Gas Tax, the Voter Referendum on Extension of Wild Spaces Public Places, the Annexation Transition Agreement, a Shared Fire Station Alerting System to Improve Fire Rescue Response Times and The Evolution of Bed Tax Funding for the Arts.
Brief summaries of these items are provided below; however, staff analyses have been prepared providing a more comprehensive briefing on the topics.
The Local Option Gas Tax was discussed at the May 5, 2016 City Commission meeting. City staff will address questions/issues raised and seek direction from the City Commission in preparation for the May 19, 2016 City Commission meeting.
The Voter Referendum on Extension of Wild Spaces Public Places has proceeded with the County and municipalities providing project lists. One key outstanding issue is the need for an agreement with the County for distribution of funds raised through the sales surtax. City and County staff have met on a number of occasions to discuss the distribution of funds. The City Commission will be updated on the status of these negotiations.
The Annexation Transition Agreement expired at the end of September 2014. Commissioner Carter and City staff as well as Commissioner Pinkoson and County staff have met on a number of occasions to negotiate revisions to the previous Annexation Transition Agreement. The City Commission will be updated on the status of these negotiations.
The Shared Fire Station Alerting System to Improve Fire Rescue Response Times has been under discussion between Fire Chief Lane and his counterpart with the County Chief Northcutt. The City Commission recently approved the City’s purchase of the new system. The City Commission will be provided with an update on negotiations for a City/County partnership in implementing this new system.
The Evolution of Bed Tax Funding for the Arts addresses City staff concerns with a report sent by Hippodrome staff to the County Commission that included inaccurate statements and recommendations detrimental to the City. The report was included as the sole backup for a County Commission discussion of the topic. City staff recently met with members of the Hippodrome Board and staff. City staff will provide an update.
Fiscal Note
Fiscal impact is addressed as appropriate in the staff analyses.
Recommendation
The City Commission discuss the key City/County issues and provide guidance and direction as appropriate.