Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 950110-N - Policy on LobbyingA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, DEFINING THE POLICY OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN AND ITS EMPLOYEES REGARDING INVOLVEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS. VaIEREAS, the City Council of the City of Georgetown should identify, direct and control all sanctioned efforts to influence legislation. V;BEREAS, it is appropriate for the City of Georgetown to oppose any legislation which would erode the authority of the City to govern its own affairs; and VVBEREAS, cities represent the level of government closest to the people, and bear primary responsibility for the provision of capital infrastructure and for ensuring our citizens' health and safety, and therefore must be assured of a predictable and sufficient level of revenue and must resist efforts to diminish their revenue; and VvTIEREAS, cities must oppose the imposition of any state mandates that do not provil for a commensurate level of compensation; and W-BEREAS, the City of Georgetown is a member of the Financial Impact Analysis Team which assists the Texas Municipal League in preparing legislative testimony. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, THAT - The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this resolution are hereby found and declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly made a part hereof, as if copied verbatim. The City Council hereby finds that this resolution implements the Governmental Affairs Policy 2 of the Century Plan - Policy Plan Element, which states: "The City will encourage all citizens to actively participate in governmental functions." and further finds that the adoption of this resolution is not inconsistent or in conflict with any other Century Plan Policies, as required by Section 2.03 of the Administrative Chapter of the Policy Plan. The City Manager is hereby authorized to direct employees to influence legislation based upon the following guidelines; provided that he informs the Council in a timely fashion of all employee involvement: Lobbying Resolution No. Page I of 2 Pages The City of Georgetown will vigorously oppose any legislation that would erode the authority of Texas cities to govern their own local affairs. Cities represent the level of government closest to the people. Cities bear primary responsibility for provision of capital infrastructure and for ensuring our citizens' health and safety. Thus, cities must be assured of a predictable and sufficient level of revenue and must resist efforts to diminish municipal revenue. The City of Georgetown will oppose the imposition of any state mandates that do not provide for a commensurate level of compensation. The City Manager is hereby authorized to direct employees to influence legislation based C� upon the request of the Texas Municipal League, the Texas Water Partnership, or the Texas Public Power Association, provided the positions are consistent with those policies adopted by the City Council and provided that the City Manager inform the Council in a timely fashion of all employee involvement. RIK"Ime The City Council hereby adopts the Policy on Lobbying, attached hereto as Exhibit "A". RESOLVED this day of By: \ Leo Wood Mayor Marianne Landers Banks Lobbying Resolution No. Page 2 of 2 Pages Q 1995. d' Attest: City Secretary CDePL4�7) 11KINS1Al 10JUMMIRIEFIN-113WA109i Purpose It is appropriate for the City of Georgetown to attempt to influence legislation which affects the operation of the City, The City of Georgetown shall direct and control all City -sanctioned efforts to influence legislation. Any lobbying not sanctioned by the City, but involving City employees, shall be done without using the name, resources, or influence of the City. City -Sanctioned Lobbying 1. The City Council shall determine by resolution the City's stance upon particular legislative issues. This resolution shall serve to direct the City Manager regarding employee involvement in lobbying, and shall provide those employees with the authority to testify in the name of the City of Georgetown, 2. Given the fast -breaking nature of the legislative process, in those cases where Council has not previously stated the City's position, the City Manager shall use his discretion to direct employee involvement in the legislative process. However, in all cases the City Manager will inform the Council within a reasonable time of the action he has taken. 3. City of Georgetown involvement may take the form of testimony, informal meetings with legislators or staff, or other forms of lobbying. Wherever possible, the employee shall speak from written remarks which are prepared in advance. The employee shall provide a copy of the remarks to his or her supervisor and to the City Manager in advance of the lobbying action. 4. City employees who are involved in the legislative process in accordance with Council directives and at the direction of the City Manager shall be paid their normal compensation for such activity, Non City -Sanctioned Lobbyin 1. Any employee who desires involvement in the legislative process which is not directed by the City Manager shall do so only under the following conditions: a. The employee shall not use the name of the City of Georgetown in any way, verbal or written, including business cards, uniforms, letterhead, and verbal statements to the effect that the person is an employee of the City of Georgetown; and b. All lobbying shall be done on the employee's own time, utilizing employee vacation leave, 2. This provision shall not be construed to forbid, prevent, or intimidate employees Lobby Resolution No. 9501149—N Exhibit "A"