2004 - Legislative Agenda`
City. of Federal Way
City. of Federal Way
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
2004 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
AND
LEGISLATIVE POLICIES
FEDERAL WAY CITY COUNCIL (2003)
Jeanne Burbidge, Mayor
Dean McColgan, Deputy Mayor
Jack Dovey
Eric Faison
Mary Gates
Linda Kochmar
Michael Park
FEDERAL WAY CITY ADMINISTRATION
David Moseley, City Manager
Donna Hanson, Assistant City Manager
Derek Matheson, Assistant City Manager (Legislative Relations)
City of Federal Way 2004 Legislative Agenda
About this Document
The City of Federal Way's 2004 Legislative Agenda and Legislative Policy Document is organized as follows:
• The Legislative Agenda reflects the City's position on matters that are expected to arise either as
legislation or in the state budget process, or both. Each major area of the Legislative Agenda first lists
local government financing, tax/revenue, and transportation issues, with remaining issues categorized in
alphabetical order. The 2004 Agenda helps note the City's level of involvement in an issue by listing it
as:
"Active" — meaning the City, as an individual entity, plans to actively involve itself in advocating
for or against a given legislative/budget provision;
"Support'— meaning the City has a great deal of interest in a given legislative/budget
provision, but is more likely to support an advocacy effort than to lead it;
• The Federal Issues portion of this document reflects the City's position and interest on several issues
that directly impact local government funding and capacity to provide general services, maintain
adequate tax revenues, address transportation, deal with core services, such as law enforcement and
,parks, and do its part on the critical issue of homeland defense.
The Legislative Policies and Statements of Principles guide the City's approach to legislative advocacy
and positions and reflect the City's principles in terms of interaction between state and local
governments. These policies and principles are meant to serve the City in its approach to legislative
issues, not just in a given year, but over time as well. However, in any legislative cycle, the City may
have both overarching policies and principles on an issue as well as specific positions on a legislative
initiative, funding effort, or bill(s).
• The Index denotes the year that specific policy positions and legislative items were adopted, amended,
and updated, and their location in this document.
2
Citv of Federal Way 2004 Legislative Agenda
Active Items for 2004
Financing Issues
Avoid Unfunded and Inadequately Funded Mandates
In keeping with its policy of vocally opposing mandates that are unfunded or inadequately funded, the
City of Federal Way will actively oppose bills and budget initiatives that contain unfunded mandates.
Being mindful of Initiatives 62 and 601, the economic hard times that have stricken our state, and the
continuing fallout from "9/11," legislators, state agencies, and courts should refrain from imposing new
mandates on local governments without the necessary funding to go with them.
Federal Way strongly urges legislators to refrain from imposing unfunded mandates, to ask if
pending bills and budget matters contain unfunded mandates, and to seek full funding for local
governments if mandates are considered a necessity for policy reasons. Specific "unfunded
mandate" items the City will be prepared to oppose, absent necessary funding, include Growth
Management Act (GMA) measures involving permitting, and "buildable lands" inventories, etc.
which impose new responsibilities on local government.
Guard Against Tax -relief and Tax -exemption Measures That Erode Local Government Revenues
Despite the budget pressures facing our state, the 2003 Legislature received scores of requests for new
tax relief or tax exemptions, as advocates of tax exemptions on business and property tax relief, etc.,
brought their cases to Olympia. The Legislature is to be commended for showing restraint in the areas
of tax relief and tax exemption.
The City of Federal Way urges the Legislature to avoid worsening the budget and fiscal
landscape for local governments by passing ill-advised measures that erode local revenues
through tax exemptions or tax relief. Specific local revenue erosion measures the City is
prepared to oppose include:
*Any initiative from the State Gambling Commission to dilute or eliminate local gambling tax
authority and revenue in favor of a state gambling tax. (NOTE: The Gambling Commission has
listed this as a possible study item heading into 2004, but has made no firm decision to pursue
it).
Ongoing Revenue/Local Government Financins
In response to a $2.6 billion state shortfall, the 2003 Legislature enacted a 2003-05 Operating Budget
that dramatically reduced the post -Initiative 695 backfill funding appropriated to assist impacted cities
and counties for 2003. The final budget document contained $3.5 million for the hardest -hit cities in the
state and $3 million for the hardest -hit counties. The City of Federal Way was not among cities
receiving the collective $6.5 million. Federal Way has already foregone the yearly $300,000 provided
by the old sales tax equalization program. Additionally, the City has dealt with property tax revenue
decreases brought on by voter -approved Initiative 747, used banked property taxing capacity to address
law enforcement needs, and worked to move police personnel away from desks and onto streets during
a post-9/11 era when citizens are demanding more safety and security. The City does not believe that
local governments should have to address these issues alone and strongly believes the State of
Washington has a long-term policy obligation to assist and partner with its cities
Federal Way urges lawmakers to discuss new revenue needs for cities and counties in the 2004
Session. The City will work closely with city and county associations and individual
jurisdictions advocating this issue. Specific local financing and funding efforts the City will be
supportive of include:
*Providing cities with a share of the $404 million in one-time federal funds the State of
Washington received through Congressional approval last May of the "Jobs Growth and Tax Act
of 2003."
*Efforts to secure a permanent funding source for public health
*Efforts to maintain critical health and human services "safety net" funding
Transportation
Additional Funding Needs — Particularly Local Funding Programs such as TIB
Last April, the 2003 State Legislature enacted a 10-year, $4.2 billion "Nickel Package" transportation
investment plan. The "Nickel Package," which took effect in July, was financed by a 5-cent increase in
the gasoline tax, a 15% truck weight fee increase, and a 0.3% sales tax surcharge on the sale of new
and used automobiles. While the package was deeply appreciated by Federal Way and other cities,
and included more than $100 million in investment on state corridors in and around the City, it was
widely acknowledged as only a first step. Additional investment in the state's congested transportation
system will still be needed, and it should be noted that the Nickel Package included no direct funding for
local governments and very little new funding for local programs that assist cities and counties in
implementing transportation improvements.
During the 2004 session, Federal Way will actively support initiatives to augment local
transportation funding, particularly any efforts to add funding for the Transportation
Improvement Board (TIB). TIB has been an excellent funding partner for local governments,
operates with low overhead, and has addressed operational inefficiencies and financing "over -
obligation" problems from previous years.
Regional Transportation Investment District (RTID)
In 2003, the Legislature passed statutory revisions that allowed the Central Puget Sound "Regional
Transportation Investment District" (RTID) to further bond against regional transportation investments.
However, in order to fully support the bonding levels contemplated in the current RTID project list,
additional enhancements to RTID's bonding authority will be needed. Additionally, within the RTID, and
particularly within parts of King County, there are philosophical disagreements regarding projects that
should be included in an RTID ballot measure. Certain officials in Seattle prefer a broader project
eligibility in the RTID statute, enabling the RTID to propose funding for light rail to Northgate. Other
officials, particularly in East King County, are adamant that Sound Transit is the proper place for light rail
investments, as the RTID is better suited for investment in state highway corridors and limited local and
transit funding needs.
In cooperation with county agencies, Federal Way will actively pursue a 2004 legislative initiative
to enhance bonding authority for the RTID.
Capital Budget Needs
2004 Session Project List
In response to its area state legislators, Federal Way has stepped up efforts to obtain funding for
needed infrastructure improvements, particularly with respect to parks and recreation, through the
state's biennial Capital Budget process. Working with its 30th District legislative delegation in 2003, the
City succeeded in obtaining $250,000 for the Hylebos State Park and $106,000 for Historical Cabins
Park.
In 2004, Federal Way will actively seek additional Capital Budget funding on a number of
projects, including a request for $1.425 million in "line item" funding in the 2004 Supplemental
Capital Budget. Detail of these projects are provided in the chart below. Because most of the
Capital Budget requests can be pursued via programs such as the Washington Wildlife &
Recreation Program (WWRP) already funded in the 2003-05 Capital Budget, the Twin Lakes
detention facility line -item request is the City's most significant 2004 Capital request.
Project
Brief Description
State Funding Needed
Capital Budget Line -Item,
or Capital Budget grant
program
*Twin Lakes Golf &
Facility would be on
$1.425 million
Line -item funding needed
Country Club regional
driving range, decrease
detention pond
stormwater flows into
Joe's Creek, reduce
erosion into creek, and
help protect salmon runs.
Existing pond frequently
floods, causing property
damage
*Downtown Park
Preliminary study to ID &
$75,000
Line -Item
develop a central park in
the City's core
*Sacajawea Park
Renovate running track
$75,000
IAC Youth Athletic
from cinder track to
Facilities grant, or line-
rubberized/asphalt track —
item
joint project with School
District
*Community/Senior
Add artworks to enhance
$272,000
Line -Item
Center
overall quality of the
project
*Dumas Bay Center
Ongoing capital upgrade,
$480,000
Line -Item
rehab
e ui ment replacements
*Poverty Bay Park
Develop master plan for
$100,000
Line -Item
this heavily -wooded
facility with beach access
Stormwater
ODDose anv Onerous Phase II Stormwater Permit Reauirements put forth by the Department of Ecolo
(DOE), Particularly if they Constitute a new "Unfunded Mandate" for Local Governments
As it prepares to draft permit requirements for scores of local agencies to comply with federal Clean
Water Act provisions, the DOE has established an advisory committee comprised of representatives of
local government, business, and environmental organizations. The agency wanted input on how
expansive to make a new "Phase II" stormwater permit under the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination (NPDES) portion of the Clean Water Act. Local advisory committee representatives,
including Federal Way stormwater program manager Paul Bucich, believe strongly that the DOE should
not enact permit requirements that exceed minimum federal guidelines already established for Phase II
communities under the Clean Water Act. To do otherwise would impose new mandates and liability on
agencies such as Federal Way.
If the DOE recommends Phase II stormwater permits which contain requirements that go above
and beyond the minimum guidelines in the Clean Water Act, Federal Way will join the AWC,
counties, and other individual local governments in urging the Legislature t to disallow this
unfunded mandate. Federal Way is proud of the significant efforts and investment it makes in
stormwater protection, but believes mandating new terms in a Phase II permit would trigger
unnecessary liability and costs on local government.
• Placeholder — Emerging Issues:The City's 2004 Legislative Agenda holds a place for issues that
may emerge after the City's Agenda document has been printed and approved by City Council, yet still
require the City's active participation. Such was the case in the 2003 session, when the City joined
other local governments in turning away Qwest-promoted legislation to undercut Local right-of-way
authority. Again in 2004, emergent issues may require the City's active attention.
City of Federal Way 2004 Legislative Agenda
Support Items for 2004
Assuming these items arise during the 2004 Legislative session, Federal Way will work in support of efforts led
by others in the following areas (grouped in alphabetical order according to general subject matter):
Economic Development/infrastructure Tools
Expansion of Tax -Increment Financing (TIF)
At a time when the economy is in an ongoing recession, the state's ability to directly assist cities is very
limited, and the electorate is leery of any new general tax increases, tools to foster infrastructure and
economic development become even more critical. One tool used by other states is "Tax -Increment
Financing." TIF directs future increments of tax revenue to finance debt payments for infrastructure that
serves new development and creates new jobs and revenue within a community and for the State. The
2001 and 2002 Legislatures authorized very limited forms of TIF that allow a jurisdiction to apply future
increments of local tax revenues toward infrastructure and economic development. Federal Way has
been involved in a coalition of governmental and business organizations working with the Governor's
Office on "Executive Request" legislation regarding TIF, which would make the State of Washington a
more active funding partner in community infrastructure and pave the way for economic development,
new jobs, and new revenue to grow the economy.
Federal Way will support legislation to expand tax -increment financing, building on legislation
such as E2SSB 5364, which twice passed off the floor of the State Senate in 2003.
Gambling
Non -Tribal Gambling Expansion Proposal
Federal Way does not believe that significantly expanding non -tribal gambling is an appropriate way to
address the fiscal crisis confronting state and local governments. Further, the City has concerns about
how such proposals affect a community's character and quality of life. In 2003, Federal Way opposed
the non -tribal gambling expansion proposal from the Entertainment Industry Coalition (EIC).
If this issue reappears in 2004, Federal Way will join others in opposing non -tribal gambling
expansion. If the Legislature feels it must make a policy choice to do so, Federal Way would join
other cities in urging the Legislature to impose local tax and revenue components to assist with
the additional law enforcement and public safety impacts that could arise.
Local Government Financing Issues
New Unincorporated Area Utility Taxing Authority
During the 2002 session, King County led county governments in advocating new countywide utility
taxing authority through bills such as HB 2950. Federal Way and suburban cities throughout King
County strongly opposed this legislation for several reasons: it was offered at a time when citizens are
asking governments not to impose new taxes; it would have added to existing utility taxes already
imposed by cities; and the City believes King County, like municipalities, should consider budget
reductions and internal belt -tightening before asking citizens to approve more taxes. King County tried
again in 2003 with a bill that would have allowed new utility tax authority only in unincorporated areas.
Because of its desire to promote annexation of unincorporated areas, King County may again pursue
this authority.
Federal Way would be supportive of a new utility tax authority in 2004 if it were restricted to
unincorporated areas only.
• Sales Tax Streamlining
The State Legislature enacted SB 5783 in 2003, legislation that largely brings Washington into
compliance with a "Streamlined Sales Tax" (SST) project underdevelopment in a few dozen states.
The SST effort involves unifying sales tax definitions and practices, in hopes that Congress will explicitly
authorize that sales tax be imposed on Internet -based transactions currently receiving tax-free
treatment.
Federal Way supports legislation to further SST compliance efforts in 2004, such as a change in
the crediting, or `sourcing' of local sales taxes to a `point of delivery' method rather than the
current `point of origin' method. However, Federal Way is mindful that a change in sourcing
could have significant negative revenue impacts on many warehousing -based cities in South
King County. The City thus supports the idea of including mitigation or `hold -harmless'
provisions into any 2004 legislative initiative on SST, providing mitigation measures do not take
away revenues that would otherwise accrue to cities.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Authority
In 2003, hotel industry interests advanced SB 5668. This legislation contained a provision that would
have given hotel -motel tax advisory committees the authority to trump the decisions of local elected
officials in terms of spending allocations.
Federal Way will support AWC and individual cities in their opposition to hotel -motel tax
legislation in 2004 that seeks to undermine local decision -making authority.
Transportation
"Local Option" and 1-776 Local Replacement Funding Needs for Cities
For the last several years, the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and a number of individual cities
have asked the Legislature to adopt new local -option financing tools to assist municipalities with local
transportation funding needs. In 2003, a local option measure again failed to make it through the
legislative process. The need for local -option or local replacement funding becomes even more critical
heading into 2004, with the recent Supreme Court ruling that Initiative 776 is constitutional. 1-776
repeals a $15 vehicle -licensing fee utilized in King County and its cities. The fee generated $750,000
per year for the City of Federal Way and was slated to fund local road maintenance and operation
(M&O) and overlay needs.
Federal Way will be strongly supportive of 2004 efforts to obtain additional local replacement
funding and "local option" tools for cities.
Transportation Permitting Efficiency & Accountability (TPEAC)
In 2003, the Legislature expanded the TPEAC effort, which had previously served as a pilot -based effort
to expedite, consolidate, and streamline the permitting process for a few'mega-project' state highway
investments. The 2003 action extended the TPEAC process to cover all roadways, including local
roadways. The Legislature directed TPEAC committees to examine ways to expedite and add efficiency
to the permit process for roadway projects of all sizes. The AWC is actively participating in the TPEAC
process and wants to ensure that additional permitting efficiencies do not have the affect of undercutting
or eliminating local authority over permits, SEPA, etc.
Federal Way will support efforts by AWC and others to protect necessary local permitting
authority and autonomy as the TPEAC process moves forward.
Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Courts
Additional Flexibility for Municipal Court Services
In the aftermath of King County's decision to renegotiate certain District Court services, a number of
King County cities are pursuing a legislative initiative that explicitly allows cities to enter into agreements
with one another for Municipal Court service provision across jurisdictional lines. The legislative effort is
similar in many respects to SSB 5500 from the 2003 Session. However, judges' representatives have
negotiated for a compromise that would grant multi -city contracting authority to Municipal Courts in
exchange for new statutory requirements regarding election of judges. Cities' proposals to require only
new multi -city municipal courts to elect judges, to have only certain -sized cities required to elect judges,
or to provide cities with initial appointment authority followed by confirmation elections, have all been
rejected by judges to date. At this writing, the outlook for 2004 legislation is uncertain.
Federal Way will support 2004 legislation on multi -city Municipal Court contracting authority if it
is brought forward. However, the City does not want to see its authority to appoint judges
unnecessarily undermined.
• Assess Convicted DV Offenders to Help Finance DV Services
During the new session, domestic violence prevention advocates may offer legislation that authorizes
courts of limited jurisdiction to impose court assessments on convicted DV offenders, with proceeds
targeted to help offset the cost of DV programs established by cities and counties.
Federal Way will support this legislative initiative if it is brought forward in 2004.
• Domestic Violence Perpetrated by Police Officers: Requiring Local Governments to have Prevention
Policy and Training in Place
On the heels of the Crystal Brame -David Brame tragedy in Tacoma earlier this year, a "Crystal
Clear" Committee has been meeting for several months and is preparing legislation for 2004. The
legislation appears to call for additional training and policy attention to the issue of domestic violence
perpetrated by police officers.
Federal Way strongly supports the idea of taking steps to avoid any DV incidents, but seeks to
ensure any 2004 legislation does not trigger new cost requirements or create further liability
exposure for financially -strapped local governments.
Technical Fix in Statute to Allow Repeat Lewd Conduct Offenders to be Prosecuted as Felons
The City of Everett, with support from law enforcement associations and prosecutors, will be bringing an
initiative to the 2004 Legislature regarding lewd conduct/indecent exposure violations. The initiative is
designed to fix an oversight in the statutes that may prevent repeat violators from being charged and
convicted as felons. -
Federal Way will support a 2004 legislative initiative ensuring that repeat violators of lewd
conduct and indecent exposure laws can be charged as felons.
Requiring All Criminal Interrogations to be Videotaped
Two Pierce County legislators may present a measure to the 2004 Legislature that would require all
criminal interrogations be videotaped. This provision was in a 2003 bill (HB 1932) that was introduced
but never moved out of its committee of origin. Federal Way, along with representatives of law
enforcement associations and prosecutors, has significant concerns regarding the cost, practicality, and
potential chilling effect of this type of legislative initiative.
Federal Way will support associations that represent law enforcement and prosecutors in their
efforts to head off any 2004 legislation, if it is introduced.
Drug Seizures: Timing and Direction of Proceeds
One of the criticisms of drug forfeiture efforts by law enforcement is that proceeds from drug seizures
are not always returned to law or drug enforcement. This is not true in Federal Way. The City has an
exacting process of returning drug seizure proceeds to law and drug enforcement and maintains very
detailed accounting records. A citizen initiative on drug seizures did not collect enough valid signatures
to qualify for the 2002 ballot. This matter did not surface in the 2003 Legislature and, thus far,
indications are that it will not come up again in 2004.
If legislation in this area is brought forth in 2004, Federal Way will join other local governments
and law enforcement agencies in strongly opposing it. Prior legislation would have limited drug
seizures to post -conviction only, along with shifting proceeds from drug seizures away from
local law enforcement and toward state drug treatment programs.
Protecting Privacy of Law Enforcement Personnel
The City supports legislation such as SB 6660, which was unsuccessful in the 2002 Legislature. The
measure protected items such as law enforcement social security numbers and home phone numbers
from public disclosure and dissemination.
If legislation is brought forward in 2004 to protect the privacy of law enforcement personnel,
Federal Way will be supportive of it.
Efficiency Measurers Promoted by Cities and Counties
• Efficiency Measures Pursued by the Tri-Association Group and Individual Local Governments
In preparation for the 2004 session of the Legislature, the Tri-Association group, comprised of the
Association of Washington Cities (AWC), Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC), and the
Washington Association of County Officials (WACO), will pursue a legislative initiative to revise certain
statutes that are obstacles to local government cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The Tri-Association
initiative involves expediting the approval of Public Works Trust Fund (PWTF) loan projects, expanding
allowable uses of the second %4% of the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), making technical corrections
to cooperative purchasing laws, and overall liability reform.
Federal Way supports the Tri-Association efficiencies package, and, additionally, supports the
following items, which were submitted to the AWC in the event the AWC pursues a bill a
technical fix bill related to cities in 2004:
*Eliminating the requirement in RCW 43.09.230 that cities provide the name of their labor
relations' consultants in collective bargaining. The requirement does not appear to serve any
purpose and involves needless time and paperwork.
*Eliminating the requirement under RCW 39.44 that cities provide information on their bonded
indebtedness to the State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development
(CTED). Such information already is provided to the State Auditor's Office.
*Revising the requirement that planning commissions, under RCW 35.63.040, must meet at
least nine times per year. The requirement is arbitrary and should involve more flexibility for
cities such as Federal Way.
GMA, Annexation, Housing Targets, Land -Use, Permitting, Impact Fees
Annexation Authority for Cities
In 2003, the Legislature enacted two measures designed to provide cities with some assistance in the
area of annexations: 1) SSB 5409, allowing a new double majority method of annexation, triggered
when a majority of voters and a majority of owners of the acreage in a given area are in agreement with
a proposed annexation. This augmented the petition method form of annexation that has come under
legal question in two cases currently being re-examined by the State Supreme Court; 2) SHB 1755,
allowing a more expedited way of annexing island areas of unincorporated lands surrounded by cities.
In 2004, the AWC and a number of cities will seek further annexation law reforms.
Federal Way will support additional measures that better facilitate the process of annexations,
which are expected to occur under the tenets of the Growth Management Act (GMA).
Housing Issues Involving Buildable Lands and Housing Targets
Federal Way is sympathetic to the goals and objectives of housing availability and land supply for
housing under the Growth Management Act. The City supports a thorough review of the process for
allocating housing targets as well as establishment of objective criteria for allocating targets.
Additionally, the City did not oppose the agreed -upon language in SSB 5602 from the 2003 session,
which asks cities to ensure that amendments to their comprehensive plans and GMA plans, "taken
collectively," will not diminish a city's commitment to meeting housing targets and economic
development goals. However, the City does have concerns with potential 2004 legislative pursuits
being offered by realtors, who may introduce new definitional and data -collection requirements to the
Buildable Lands program that will add new costs and requirements for cities.
Federal Way will work against measures that unnecessarily add new costs and requirements for
cities and counties within the Buildable Lands program. Additionally, the City will work against
any measures that break 20-year housing targets into smaller intervals, such as annual targets,
as well as legislative initiatives that attempt to hold cities responsible for housing market
performance.
• GMA Work Group — Potential 2004 Legislative Items
This summer and fall, stakeholders from local government, business, and environmental groups,
together with state CTED representatives, have been examining incremental improvements that might
be made to the GMA. The Work Group stakeholders are studying a variety of issues, including ways to
cut down on frivolous appeals, and to streamline ministerial reviews of GMA-related ordinances that are
amended by localities,
Federal Way will support 2004 legislation forwarded by the GMA Work Group if it has consensus
support from those around the table and has broad support from local government. However,
the City would be opposed to any legislation that compromised its authority to appeal GMA
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plans in neighboring counties or cities that do not adequately address issues such as
transportation, building standards, zoning, etc., that are critical to Federal Way.
Clarifying Local Zoning Authority on Location of Gambling Establishments
Federal Way supports legislation clarifying that localities, through their zoning and land -use
police powers, have authority to condition the location of gambling establishments and
determine where they should be situated in a community. Federal Way believes such authority
already exists in law and wants to ensure that any 2004 legislative initiative is drafted so that it
builds off of the concept of existing authority.
Oppose New Permit Processing Requirements
During the 2003-04 legislative interim, a House local government committee's "Permit Work Group" has
examined the issue of land -use permit processing at the local level. Federal Way supports efforts to
make the permitting system work better and has demonstrated that with its own emphasis on permit
?streamlining. The City also effectively met 120-day permit processing requirements that previously
existed in state statute.
The City would oppose legislative initiatives that impose new mandates and requirements on
already over -burdened cities.
Condominium Liability
During the last year, an alliance of builders, local governments, and others sought changes to state law
to reduce liability exposure for condominium builders. The builders contended that the liability they
faced from lawsuits over condominium defects, and the difficulty they had accessing affordable liability
insurance coverage, was acting as a disincentive to condominium building, and infill under the GMA.
2SSB 5536 was the product of the Condominium Alliance's work. The legislation, designed to steer
more condominium defect disputes to arbitration without unduly compromising the legal rights of
individual condominium owners, progressed through the Senate but, ultimately, stalled in the House.
Federal Way will support 2004 legislation regarding condominium liability, provided it is crafted
in a way that balances the interests of all parties.
Planning and Environmental Review Fund (PERF)
In its agency -request package for the 2004 Supplemental Operating Budget, the Department of
Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) is recommending that the Governor's Office
include $1.5 million in his budget submittal to the Legislature to recapitalize the Planning and
Environmental Review Fund (PERF). The PERF program was funded in 1995-97, but was discontinued
when the state ran into economic troubles. The program provides grants to local governments that
prefer planned action pre -planning of large areas so that there can be an overall land -use vision for
such areas vs. a parcel -by -parcel, case -by -case view. For Federal Way, which has utilized such
planning for its downtown core, PERF dollars could be put to good use.
Federal Way will support an Executive branch 2004 Supplemental Budget request to recapitalize
the PERF fund.
Liability Reform
Liability Reform Package
In 2003, a group known as the Liability Reform Coalition worked on advancing a series of liability reform
measures through the Legislature. The Liability Reform package dealt with a range of issues, such as
medical malpractice costs, "joint and several" liability, tort judgement interest rates, and liability
protection for employers who provide employee reference information in good faith. Some of the
legislative measures are ones that Federal Way has supported. However, for tactical reasons, the State
Senate leadership wanted all liability measures combined into one bill, which failed to pass.
Federal Way will support certain pieces of any 2004 liability reform package, particularly
involving liability protection on employee reference information and reforms to "joint and
several" liability costs for cities.
Parks and Recreation
• Protect Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) capital funding for parks M&O needs
10
Federal Way has concerns with legislative initiatives that would dilute existing capital funds for parks
and allow some of those funds to be used for parks M&O needs instead.
The City would rather support retaining the'/4 % REET for capital purposes.
• Conservation Futures funding
Federal Way is supportive of legislation to provide counties with additional conservation futures
taxing authority subject to public vote. However, such legislation should also contain formulas
to apportion money in proportion to where the dollars are collected, provisions to ensure that
conservation futures funds are distributed throughout a county over time, and safeguards to
ensure cities have an adequate voice in the allocation of these funds.
Rights-of-Way/Telecommunications
Federal Way will again join others in guarding against passage of legislative bills and
amendments that would require public agencies to pay utility relocation costs of private entities,
or would otherwise infringe on local authority to manage and control the use of the public rights -
of -way. In 2003, Qwest sought to undercut that authority and set a dangerous precedent in statute,
with a bill that required Sound Transit to pay all Qwest costs for relocating its facilities outside of the Link
Light Rail right-of-way. This legislation may be back again in 2004. Additionally, there is speculation
that Olympic Pipeline will pursue a 2004 initiative to reduce local authority over pipeline rights -of -way.
Water -Sewer District Assumption
Authority for Cities to Assume Water -Sewer Districts
In the last session, Lakehaven Utility District promoted legislation (SB 5447) that would add
cumbersome requirements to cities wishing to assume existing water and sewer districts. While Federal
Way is not imminently seeking to assume water districts such as Lakehaven and, in fact, looks for
opportunities to work in concert with the Lakehaven Utility District, the City does not want to see water -
sewer assumption laws undermined.
Federal Way will work against water -sewer assumption laws that make these efforts more
difficult, cumbersome, and costly for cities.
Workers' Compensation
Legislation similar to that brought forward in 2003, which recalculates the way benefits are distributed, is
expected to be the subject of considerable discussion and activity again in 2004. Businesses and
employers say that the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) already has some of the richest
workers' compensation benefits in the country, and a health contingency reserve makes a currently
proposed 19.4 rate increase unnecessary. L&I says the rate increase is necessary and that a reduced
2003 rate hike made it unavoidable.
Federal Way will support efforts to reform workers' compensation in a manner that addresses
some of the rapidly rising cost impacts of the system on businesses and local governments.
11
City of Federal Way 2004 Legislative Agenda
Federal Issues
Sales Tax on Catalogs, Mail -Order Sales, E-Commerce
Federal Way supports congressional action allowing state and local governments to collect sales and
other applicable taxes from remote catalog and internet sellers. Past judicial decision and a federal
moratorium on Internet taxation gives out-of-state retailers an unfair competitive advantage over locally
based businesses. A sales tax simplification and streamlining project that involves at least three dozen
states, including Washington, is designed to show Congress that uniform definitions and procedures
can be used to make the sales tax process as seamless as possible for "e-tailers."
Federal Way supports this effort by Washington and other states.
• Community Development Block Grant
Federal Way supports full funding of the Community Development Block Grant program. In greater
Federal Way, CDBG funds support emergency services, public safety, and community -based
collaborations.
Federal Way opposes efforts to cut CDBG funding and is pleased that the FY 2004
appropriations process kept level CDBG funding.
COPS & Local Law Enforcement Block Grants
Since their inceptions in 1994 and 1996 respectively, the COPS grants and Local Law Enforcement
Block Grants have been important sources of revenue for the City of Federal Way's public safety efforts.
The COPS Universal Hiring Program and COPS MORE programs provided roughly $2.3 million and 28
police officers to Federal Way's new police department. In addition, the city has received nearly
$500,000 from LLEBG.
Federal Way supports maintaining federal COPS grants and Local Law Enforcement Block
Grants, which provide valuable public safety funding to cities. Similarly, the City strongly
opposes efforts to cut and consolidate COPS and LLEBG funding.
• Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century (TEA-21)
Federal Way supports reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century
(TEA-21) and efforts to streamline the requlation of funded projects. In addition, the City has
submitted the Triangle Interchange and 348 h Street projects for inclusion in the TEA-21 "High Priority
Projects" (HPP) demonstration funding category.
• Land and Water Conservation Fund
Federal Way strongly supports full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and its
stateside component to support the acquisition, construction, and repair of recreation and park
facilities. The City was pleased to see the FY 2004 appropriations process continue funding for the
stateside program.
• Homeland Security Funding
Federal Way supports funding for homeland security and is doing its part to keep local
communities as safe and secure as possible. However, the City urges Congress, in any measure
for provision of homeland security funds, to distribute those funds as directly as possible and to
consider funding for training and overtime costs that will occur.
• Airport Communities Coalition
Federal Way seeks support and assistance from its congressional delegation in pressing for a
full and impartial review of Port of Seattle third runway project -related permits by federal
regulatory agencies.
12
City of Federal Way 2004 Legislative Agenda
Legislative Policies
Home Rule
The City of Federal Way strongly supports the adoption of a constitutional home rule amendment that
would guarantee decision -making authority for local matters at the local level. The City also urges the
Legislature to refrain from enacting legislation that adversely impacts the concept of local self-
government or restricts the ability of cities and towns to exercise existing powers and authorities. The
City also believes the Legislature should affirm the home rule authority of cities, counties, and regional
bodies to retain locally enacted and locally voted taxes and fees, a principle eroded by Initiative 776,
which sought to repeal a regional transit authority funding source approved by voters and repealed a
$15 vehicle licensing fee enacted by four counties.
• Broad -based Authority to Utilize Cost -Effective and Flexible Policies
Federal Way supports state legislative efforts to establish broad -based, cost-effective policies for local
government structure, financing, and service delivery systems, combined with adequate flexibility for
local governments to adapt their structures, finances, and service delivery systems to unique local
conditions. These efforts must be focused on eliminating duplicate services and preserving local control
over service delivery. The City also supports legislation that enhances local flexibility to address issues
of local concern.
Opposition to Unfunded Mandates or Inadequately Funded Mandates
As directed by provisions in Initiative 62 (RCW 43.135.060) and subsequent Initiative 601, Federal Way
strongly urges the Legislature, state agencies, and courts not to impose financial or operating burdens
on cities unless such mandates are accompanied by the full financial resources necessary to
accommodate compliance. The City opposes legislation which mandates increased local costs or which
results in an inappropriate diminution of local authority over local affairs.
Local Government Funding and Tax Policy
Federal Way strongly supports the creation of a permanent, ongoing funding source to address the
needs of cities, counties, and other local government entities in the aftermath of the elimination of the
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET). The City also believes current taxing and revenue authority must be
protected and not undermined, as has been attempted in recent years with efforts to remove business
licensing fee authority. The City also believes municipalities should be authorized to seek voter
approval for an excess property tax levy to fund debt service on capital facilities projects contained in an
adopted Capital Facilities Plan or Transportation Improvement Plan. The bonds would be unlimited
general obligations of the City and approved by a simple majority. Further, the City suggests that future
Legislatures examine the advisability of a policy that places a sales tax on infrastructure investments,
such as parks and cultural arts facilities. Finally, the City believes the state should be obligated to share
sales tax non -remittance penalties with local governments, in the same manner that it distributes
collection of incoming sales tax.
Transportation
The City of Federal Way strongly believes the State of Washington must maintain primary responsibility
over the funding and maintenance of the state's transportation system, and that mechanisms such as
regional transportation financing should never be used as more than a supplement to the state system.
The City strongly supports ongoing local funding assistance and distribution in any state transportation
financing efforts, as well as funding of multiple modes of transportation. The transportation system must
operate as a whole, with each part of the system receiving equal funding focus
• Economic Development Infrastructure, Parks Open Space
In an era when citizens are wary of increased taxes and fees, the City of Federal Way strongly supports
legislative initiatives that provide cities with increased economic development tools capable of growing
local economies and the local job base, thus providing increased revenue for local government
operations and key services. Federal Way believes that in structuring economic development
13
programs, the state should place equal emphasis on job retention and job creation, refraining from
policies that provide a preference for one over the other. The City also strongly supports legislative
initiatives and funding to protect and enhance parks and open space, and legislation that ensures
reliable and dependable funding for infrastructure in general. The Public Works Trust Fund (PWTF),
one of the state's best infrastructure funding sources, should be protected, not diverted, and should not
be required to incur a legislative approval process that results in delays, missed construction windows,
and increased costs.
ESA Water Resources Flood Prevention
The Endangered Species Act is essentially an unfunded mandate from the federal government. In
addressing the ESA and specifying requirements for local governments, the state should provide
funding without exacerbating the unfunded mandate nature of ESA. Providing local governments with
meaningful input and flexibility to address their unique local conditions is also critical. Federal Way
supports continued state financial assistance for water supply, groundwater, stormwater, and surface
water facilities, which are important in complying with state and federal water quality standards. The
City also supports the authority of water districts to manage their systems, have the tools they need to
address current and future supply demands, and participate in regional planning as appropriate. Finally,
given the number of flood -prone areas in Federal Way, the City strongly supports and urges
comprehensive flood damage prevention planning accomplished at the local level as a partnership
among impacted cities, the county, state, and affected area interests. Each flood prone area is unique
and should be planned for accordingly.
Energy & Telecommunication:
Federal Way strongly supports maintaining the authority of local governments to manage their publicly
owned rights -of -way, and opposes efforts to pre-empt or diminish that authority. The City supports
maintaining the requirement that private utilities bear the costs of relocating their facilities within city
rights -of -way, and that local governments may charge a fee to wireless telecommunications providers
seeking to locate facilities in rights -of -way. On electric industry deregulation, Federal Way supports
provisions to ensure service is available at affordable and reasonable prices, that providers pay their fair
share of taxes, and that local governments continue to manage industry facilities within the rights -of -
way. The City also urges that in any electricity deregulation, state law should require out-of-state
electricity providers to collect state and local utility taxes on services provided to in -state customers.
Land -Use and Permitting Issues, Including Growth Management, Shorelines, Critical Areas,
Comprehensive Plans
The City of Federal Way endorses the Growth Management Act (GMA) as an essential and responsible
planning tool, and supports the land -use and permitting framework that includes the State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), local comprehensive plans, shoreline plans, and critical areas
ordinances. However, the GMA and other land -use requirements pose funding and timing challenges
for local governments. Federal Way urges the Legislature to assist local governments in meeting these
challenges by ensuring adequate and ongoing funding, providing sufficient time for refinements and
updates of plans, and coordinating, simplifying, and streamlining existing plans and Acts. One example
of simplicity and flexibility is to allow technical amendments to comprehensive plans more than once a
year. The City also believes in ultimately eliminating state -level shoreline use permits and elimination of
Boundary Review Boards as an outdated, obsolete function. Federal Way supports legislative initiatives
requiring Growth Management Hearings Boards to defer to local decisions, policies, and processes.
The City supports practical solutions to private property issues and disputes, including regulatory
reform, in a manner that does not alter the constitutional definition of takings, does not place an undue
financial burden on taxpayers, or diminish local governments' ability to protect the public health, safety
and welfare of their communities. Finally, the City supports legislative initiatives that ensure Forest
Practice permits issued within city limits or designated urban growth boundaries be subject to the same
local government review process now provided for consideration and issuance of Class IV Forest
Practice permits. Alternatively, cities should be allowed to adopt and enforce land clearing, significant
tree protection, and related issues for Class II and III forest permits.
14
Social and Human Services, Housing, and Public Health
Federal Way supports maintenance and adequate funding of human service programs, including those
that may be delegated to the state from the federal government. Any legislative action delegating
federal authority should ensure appropriate local government input into development of block grant
dispersal regulations or procedures and development of any new processes to assist or support low-
income, high -need populations. The City supports a dedicated capita► and ongoing funding source for
affordable housing that is acceptable to developers, realtors, and state and local government. Such
funding should be integrated into the larger social services system that supports families living in
affordable housing. Federal Way also strongly supports continued state funding for public health
services, and believes County Boards of Public Health should provide representative seats for city
officials.
Youth Issues and Juvenile Offenders
Federal Way supports legislative initiatives that enhance funding to local governments to initiate and
expand youth services, especially for youth violence reduction programs. The City supports enhancing
the Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) ability to enforce day-care licensing
requirements, improve services for daycare providers, and ensure accessibility to childcare for all
citizens. The City supports funding for programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect. Federal
Way also supports efforts to make parents more accountable for children who are juvenile offenders,
and any initiatives to provider stronger sanctions for chronic, persistent offenders, as well as greater
court discretion to impose detention or secure treatment where warranted.
Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Emergency Services
Federal Way opposes legislative initiatives to remove authority and discretion for local law enforcement
agencies to provide local and specialized services for their citizens. The City also opposes efforts to
transfer incarceration responsibilities from the state to localities without additional funding. The City
supports flexibility for police officers to enforce the state's laws anywhere in the state, better enabling
officers to assist with incidents outside a city's borders and easing liability concerns. Further, given
rising costs and increasing public demands in public safety and criminal justice, Federal Way strongly
supports legislative initiatives to assist cities and counties with full cost recovery for items such as
incarceration, driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions, and witness costs. The City also supports
measures to strengthen DWI laws, such as defining a third offense as a `felony'. Federal Way supports
court admissibility of radar speed -measuring devices. Federal Way strongly supports maintaining and
enhancing the emergency 911 system and opposes the unnecessary creation of non -emergency
communications systems suggested in the past, such as E-311.
Municipal Court Oversight and Local Authority
Federal Way appreciates the need to achieve greater efficiencies in the state's court system, but
strongly opposes any effort to eliminate local authority and budget/personnel oversight over Municipal
Courts that have been used to control costs and increase local flexibility. The City opposes any new
unfunded responsibilities placed on the local court system, and any initiatives that require increased
remittance of district and municipal court revenues to the state. Federal Way opposes efforts to place
new election and full -time -status requirements on part-time Municipal Court judges. The City supports
increased recognition of Municipal Court Commissioners, providing such Commissioners with the same
authority provided to Municipal Court judges. Federal Way further supports clarifying Municipal Court
authority to hold sessions outside of city limits under certain circumstances. Finally, Federal Way urges
legislative attention and focus to reducing local liability in operating misdemeanor probation and pre-trial
release programs.
• Gambling and Liquor Control, Adult Entertainment and Retail
Federal Way supports legislative initiatives that provide cities with more direct involvement in the
commercial liquor license and card room application processes, along with enhanced public hearing,
public input, and written comment authority. Federal Way opposes the expansion of non -Tribal
gambling. The City supports confirming local government zoning authority over the location within a
community of gambling establishments. The City supports the idea of model ordinance authority
consistent with provisions of adult entertainment ordinances upheld by the courts. Federal Way also
supports increased authority for local governments to minimize secondary impacts of adult retail
establishments by adopting strict requirements for location and hours of operation.
15
Public Works: Bidding, and Contracting:
Federal Way supports increasing the dollar threshold for small public works projects and exempting
such projects from the state's definition of public works projects. The City supports continued
streamlining and flexibility of laws and regulations governing the bidding process, including raising the
ceiling of small works roster projects. On recycling, Federal Way opposes legislative and other efforts
to fund countywide solid waste by allowing counties to collect a fee directly from customers of city
franchisers.
Personnel, Labor, and Contracting/Wage Issues:
Federal Way supports civil service reform allowing cities to streamline hiring processes, diversify
workforces, and recruit, retain, terminate and reward employees. The City strongly supports changes to
the binding interest arbitration statutes, introducing factors such as a city's financial ability to meet
contract costs, local labor market conditions, and internal equity with other city employees. The City
also supports mandating final offer arbitration. Concerning prevailing wage, Federal Way supports
legislation clarifying that maintenance activities performed through contract are exempt from prevailing
wage requirements, as is maintenance work performed by regular employees.
General Government/Governmental Operations
Federal Way supports the rights of citizens to access the records and operations of their local
government, but urges that full cost recovery be allowed on records retrieval. The City supports
eliminating an outdated requirement that interlocal agreements be filed with county auditors, since
agreements are recorded with all governments that are signatory to such an interlocal. Federal Way
supports allowing advisory boards to provide analysis and input to City Councils on ballot propositions,
and recommends that cities be allowed to take a position on such propositions. The City further
supports standardizing voter registration maintenance costs to local governments in a manner that
accurately reflects the cost of maintaining such records.
• Building Code Council
Federal Way supports continued State Building Code Council jurisdiction over building -related codes
and other codes now under its jurisdiction.
• Tort Reform Issues:
Federal Way supports any legislative initiatives to clarify that a defendant should not be mandatorily
required to join all potential "at fault" entities into litigation or risk losing the ability to apportion fault to
the third party(s). Any move to the contrary would inappropriately shift the burden of proof from the
plaintiffs to the defendant in proving fault.
16
City of Federal Way 2004 Legislative Agenda
Index
This Index provides the reader with a sense of when the City adopted, amended, and updated items listed in its
legislative agenda and policy documents. The list is in alphabetical order:
State Issues
Adult Entertainment - support for model ordinance approach consistent with Federal Way's
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Adult Retail — support local authority to take steps to minimize secondary impacts
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Advisory Boards - clarify allowed to do analysis/review of ballot measures
Adopted 9/99, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Affordable Housing,— dedicated capital funding source
Amended 9/00, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Annexation Law - legislative remedies needed in wake of Supreme Court decision
Placed in 2002 Legislative Agenda, 9/01; placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda, 9/02, amended
12/03.
Assumption of Special Purpose Districts - oppose legislation that diminishes city authority
Amended 9/99, placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 9/02, amended 12/03.
Binding Arbitration - support additional factors being incorporated into
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Boundary Review Boards (BRBs) - support elimination of
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Buildable Lands — oppose changes to program that add new responsibilities and costs without
funding
Placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda, 12/03
Building Codes — adopt updated codes based on technical merit
Adopted 9/01, placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda, 9/02.
Building Code Council Jurisdiction
Adopted 9/99, amended 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Business Licenses - oppose limits to fee authority
Adopted 9/01, placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 9/02.
Capital Budget needs — Capital Budget project list
Placed in "Active" section of Action Agenda, 12/03.
Card Room and Liquor Licenses Application Processes - greater local authority over and input into
Amended 9/99, 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Child Care — support budget provisions to enhance DSHS licensing and oversight
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
17
Child Abuse — support funding for programs to prevent child abuse and neglect
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles
9/02.
Civil Service Reform
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline, and Critical Areas Updates
Adopted 9/01, referenced in "Support" section of Action Agenda 9/02.
Comprehensive Plans - technical amendments to more than once/year
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Condominium Builder Liability support efforts to address
Placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 10/03.
Conservation Futures funds — support counties having increased authority, so long as funds
apportioned in proportion to where they are collected, distributed throughout a county, and cities
have input into process
Placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 12/03.
Countywide Recycling Programs - oppose counties collecting fee from customers of city franchisers
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, included in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Criminal Justice Funding Allocations - eliminate yearly grant -application requirement for general
fund account allocations
Adopted 9/00, placed in Policy/Principles and "Support" Section of Action Agenda 9/02. Deleted from 2004
Agenda document based on 2003 legislation that eliminated the yearly application requirement
District and Municipal Court Judges — support legislation allowing counties to determine
appropriate number of District Court judges
Adopted 9/99, amended 9/01, placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 9/02.
Domestic Violence —1) support courts' authority to impose assessments against convicted
offenders to help support cost of DV programs 2) support training and policies to prevent DV
incidents perpetrated by police officers
Placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 12/03.
Drug Seizure Funding and Authority — oppose legislation to divert funds and limit authority
Amended 9/01, placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 9/02.
DUI Laws — strengthen laws and cost recovery on expenses
Amended 9/00, placed in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Economic Development Funding Sources and Incentives
Amended 9/00, included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in "Support" section of Action
Agenda and placed in Policy/Principles 9/02
Electronic Commerce — level tax system for e-commerce and non -electronic businesses
Adopted 9/99, placed in federal issues portion of document 9/02, amended 12/03.
Electric Industry Deregulation — ensure reasonable, affordable services available
Amended 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Emergency Communications — support for 9-1-1, oppose any new E-311
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Empty Chair Defense
in
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles under "Tort Reform" 9/02.
ESAISalmon Issues — funding needs, recognize varying conditions across state
Amended 9/00, included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Flood Damage Reduction - retain local discretion to consider uniqueness of different areas
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Forest Permits — inside UGAs, should be subject to same review process now provided in
consideration and issuance of Class IV permits
Amended 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Gambling — opposed to expansion of non -Tribal
Adopted 11/02, placed in "Active" section of 2003 Action Agenda, placed in Support section of Agenda
12/03. Also placed in Policy/Principles.
Gambling Facility Zoning - clarify local authority
Adopted 9/99, placed in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in "Support' section of Action
Agenda 9/02, amended 12/03.
Growth Management Act — refinements/clarifications needed, time and money
Amended 9/00, placed in Policy/Principles and referenced in "Support" section of Action Agenda 9/02,
amended 12/03 ("GMA Work Group").
Growth Management Act Hearings Boards - defer to local decisions
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Growth Management Act capital facilities planning - include special districts where appropriate
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01.
GMA Impact Fees - protect authority to collect at time of permit issuance
Adopted 9/99, placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda, 9/02.
Home Rule - strong support for
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02,
Housing Targets/Buildable Lands - support objective criteria/goals, oppose break 20=year targets
into smaller intervals, hold cities responsible for housing market performance
Amended 9/00, placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 9/02, amended 12/03.
Human Services - support funding
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Incarceration - cost recovery for costs of
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Interlocal Agreements - not need to file with county auditor —
Adopted 9/00, included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Interrogations — Oppose legislative efforts to require videotaping of all criminal interrogations
Placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 12/03.
Job Creation and Job Retention — oppose legislation to give one economic development preference
over the other
Adopted 9/01, included in Legislative Agenda 9/02, reflected in Policy/Principles under Economic
Development 9/02.
Juvenile Offenders — support legislation to make parents more accountable for
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Juvenile Offenders - stronger sanctions for chronic misdemeanor behavior
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Land -Use Decisions and Permitting — support further streamlining, integration
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Land Use, Private Property Dispute Resolution — practical resolutions to
Included in Legislative Agenda 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Lewd Conduct/Indecent Exposure — Support technical fixes in law to ensure repeat offenders can be
charged and prosecuted as felons
Placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 12/03.
Liability Reform — support certain parts of Liability Reform Package
Placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 12/03.
Liquor Control Board - support performance audit of
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01.
Local Law Enforcement Authority - including over special services
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, reflected in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Local Government Financing Needs
Placed in "Active" section of Action Agenda 9/02, amended 12/03.
Local Government Efficiencies
Added to "Support" Section of Action Agenda 9/02, amended 12/03.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committees — legislative proposals to provide more authority
Placed in "Support" section (support the opposition efforts) of Agenda 12/03.
Municipal Court Reform — support efficiencies, oppose mandate or reduced/eliminated Municipal
Court authority
Adopted 9/00, placed in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Municipal Court Services — flexibly for inter -local agreements and contracting across jurisdictional
lines
Added to "Support" section of Action Agenda 9/02, amended 12/03.
MVET Funding Replacement — permanent/ongoing
Amended 9/99, 9/00, 9/01, placed in Policy Document and "Active" section of Action Agenda 9/02.
Municipal Court Judges and Commissioners - retain local authority and discretion, authority on
where to hold Municipal Court sessions, court revenues
Adopted 9/99, amended 9/01, placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda and in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Court Revenues item adopted 9/99, amended 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Parks and Open Space — state funding support, exempt parks and cultural arts facilities from sate
and local sales tax
Amended 9/99, included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Permit processing for land -use applications — oppose any new unfunded mandates
Placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 12/03,
PERS III — Annual opportunity for employees to adjust their employee contribution rate.
Placed in "Support" Section of 2003 Legislative Agenda 9/02.
20
Planning and Environmental Review Fund (PERF) — Support "re -capitalizing"
Placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 12/03.
Police Officer Jurisdiction - authority to enforce state's laws anywhere in state
Amended 9/99, included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Prevailing Wage — clarify to ensure contracted maintenance services not subject to
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Probation Liability — support legislation to reduce local liability in misdemeanor probation or pre-
trial release
Adopted 9/00, placed in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Property tax — allow municipalities to use voted Excess Levy for Capital Improvement Bonds to fund
debt service
Amended 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Public Disclosure Act Amendments — protect law enforcement personnel information
Adopted 9/99, amended 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles and in Action Agenda 9/02.
Public Health Funding — strong support for
Amended 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Public Health Boards — city representation on
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Public records - cost recovery for providing to public
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Public Works Bidding Procedures and Limits —
Amended 9/00, included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Public Works Project — broaden definition and threshold for what is local project
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Public Works Trust Fund - support for, eliminate legislative approval requirement
Amended 9/99, 9/00, Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Radar Testimony - allow for admission in court of speed -measuring devices without additional
expert testimony
Adopted 9/99, included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Real Estate Excise Tax — support broader overall uses for, but concerned about allowing second '/4
% to be used for parks O&M
Broader overall uses referenced in "Active" section of 2004 Action Agenda; concern about second %4%
being allowed for parks O&M placed in "Support" section of 2004 Action Agenda 12/03.
Reference checks - limit employer liability for providing reference information on former, current,
prospective employees
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in "Support' section of Action Agenda 9/02,
amended 12/03.
Sales Tax Exemption for Parks and Cultural Arts Facilities Construction Amended 9/00, placed in
Policy/Principles 9/02.
Sales Tax Non -Remittance Penalties - local distribution
Adopted 9/99, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
21
Shorelines Management Act - integrate with comp plans, eliminate requirement for separate master
plans
Amended 9/99, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Stormwater Funding and Flexibility
Added to "Support" Section of Action Agenda 9/02, placed in "Active" Section of Agenda 12/03.
Tax Collections — ensure they are imposed on out-of-state electricity providers supplying in -state
services
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02
Tax Increment Financing — support authority and streamlining of 2001 legislation
Amended 9/01, placed in "Active" section of Action Agenda 9/02, amended 12/03.
Tax Rollback/Expenditure Limitations to — oppose without consideration of local funding needs
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in "Active" section of Action Agenda and placed
in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Telecommunications/Utility Relocations - authority over local rights -of -way and to charge wireless
fees
Amended 9/99, 9/00, included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in "Support" section of
Action Agenda 9/02. Utility relocation provision amended 9/00, included in 2002 Legislative Agenda
document 9/01, placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 9/02, amended 12/03.
Transportation - state and regional transportation packages
Adopted 9/01, placed in "Active" section of Action Agenda 9/02, amended 12/03.
Transportation - local transportation funding needs
Amended 9/01, placed in "Active" section of Action Agenda 9/02, amended 12/03.
Transportation Permitting Efficiency & Accountability Committee (TPEAC)
Placed in "Support" section of Action Agenda 12/03.
Unfunded Mandates Prevention
Amended 9/00, 9/01, placed in Policy Document and "Support' section of Action Agenda 9/02, amended
12/03.
Voter Registration Maintenance fees— should be limited to actual cities' costs
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Water Resource Management - support continued financial assistance, authority of suppliers to
manage for future water needs
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Workers' Compensation Reform —Support of
Placed in "Support' section of Action Agenda 12/03.
Youth Programs —funding for, especially in reduce youth violence
Included in 2002 Legislative Agenda document 9/01, placed in Policy/Principles 9/02.
Federal Issues
Catalog and Internet Taxation - support congressional action allowing states and localities to collect
sales tax on transactions
Adopted 9/01.
Community Development Block Grants - support/protect funding for
22
Adopted 9/01.
COPS & Local Law Enforcement Block Grants - support/protect funding for
Adopted 9/01.
Homeland Security Funding
Added to Federal Issues list 9/02.
Land and Water Conservation Fund - support full funding for
Adopted 9/01.
TEA-21 -- support funding, efforts to streamline projects, Federal Way demonstration projects
Adopted 9/01.
Third Runway and Airport Communities Coalition - support full/impartial review of Port of Seattle
project -related permits
Adopted 9/01.
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