HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposed Letter of Approval for SCA 7 - FAILED - State ConstDept. ID AD 13-005 Page 1 of 1
Meeting Date: 3/18/2013
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON REACH
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: 3/18/2013
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Jill Hardy, Council Member, Chair on behalf of Intergovernmental Relations
Committee Members Council Members Joe Carchio and Joe Shaw
PREPARED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of City Position for SCA 7 — State Constitutional Amendment regarding
local tax elections and construction bonds for libraries
Statement of Issue:
The City Council is requested to approve a letter of support for SCA 7, as recommended by the
Intergovernmental Relation Committee (Passed 2 — 0 Hardy, Carchio yes, Shaw absent).
Financial Impact:
None
Recommended Action:
Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for SCA 7.
Alternative Action(s):
Not approve the letter of support for SCA 7.
Analysis:
SCA-7 would reduce the local vote threshold for local special taxes and construction bonds from
the current two-thirds to 55%. The local special taxes would be dedicated to the funding of local
library operations and the bonds would allow for the renovation, rehabilitation or new construction of
library facilities.
Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) is asking for support of SCA 7. The measure would need to pass both
houses of the legislature (by a 2/3 vote in each house) and be signed by Governor Brown. It could
then be placed on the November 2014 statewide ballot where it would need to be voted on by a
majority of the statewide electorate. While there is currently no bill yet set for hearing, Senator Wolk
is seeking letters to indicate early support.
Environmental Status:
N/A
Strategic Plan Goal:
Improve the City's infrastructure.
Attachment(s):
1. Draft letter of support.
HB -17- Item 3. - I
ATTACHMENT #1
Item 3. - 2 xB -1 s-
The Honorable Lois Wolk
California State Senate
State Capitol, Room 5114
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Dear Senator Wolk,
On behalf of the City of Huntington Beach and as a strong library supporter, I am writing in support of
your proposed State Constitutional Amendment SCA 7, on Public Library measures. Thank you for
advocating for libraries and working to try and enhance the support for these essential institutions in
California. We need champions such as you to ensure that Public Libraries, our most democratic of
institutions, are well supported and available to assist all who need services.
As you know, Libraries are an essential component of the State's educational infrastructure. Libraries
are community catalysts and conveners, providing job seekers the resources they need to find their next
career; giving small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the information and creative resources
necessary to launch new companies and creating a safe haven where our children can find the
information and support they need to succeed in school. Libraries are essential first responders when
economic conditions get ugly. Everything that libraries do transforms lives and makes California smarter
and ensures our ongoing competitiveness and success.
Over the past few years, with the economic troubles of the Great Recession, cities, counties and special
districts throughout the State have been challenged in their support of essential local government
services. Libraries have seen budgets reduced significantly, even as usage and demand for services
increased. Here in Huntington Beach, we have lost 25% of the staff in our libraries and were forced to
make difficult choices about reduced hours and services, even as demand for service continued at high
levels.
Changing the majority requirement for Library tax and bond measures will make it easier for
communities to support their libraries, and will help strengthen these vital resources across our fair
State. This change will give communities greater flexibility in considering how to support their local
library, and will help us all ensure that California has the libraries needed for continued growth and
success.
Thank you for your work on behalf of Libraries throughout the State,
Sincerely,
Connie Boardman
Mayor, City of Huntington Beach
HB -19- Item 3. - 3