TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Kristen M. Crane, Assistant City Manager
PREPARED BY: Julie Mercker, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: Amend the City Council Legislative Workgroup Subcommittee
Membership
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RECOMMENDATION
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Consider amending the non-Mayor membership of the City Council Legislative Workgroup
from a quarterly rotating member to a standing member; and
If approved, nominate, and appoint the standing member with the term ending December 31,
2023.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On October 7, 2008, the City Council adopted Resolution No 08-2122 to establish the Legislative Workgroup.
On January 31, 2022, the City Council amended the membership of the Legislative Workgroup to include the Mayor and a quarterly rotating member (Vote: 5-0).
On January 17, 2023, the City Council appointed Delegates/representatives to various City Council Subcommittees and City Affiliated Organizations (Vote: 5-0).
On August 1, 2023, Mayor DeForest requested City Council consensus to bring an agenda item to the August 15, 2023, City Council meeting to amend the membership of the Legislative Workgroup. Consensus was received.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Maintain a high performing organization that values fiscal sustainability, transparency, accountability and organizational efficiency.
BACKGROUND
The City of Murrieta (City) recognizes the need for an active legislative engagement at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for the interests of Murrieta’s residents and businesses. City officials maintain close relationships with Murrieta’s state and federal representatives.
The City of Murrieta created a Legislative Workgroup (Workgroup) comprised of the Mayor and one other City Council Member. Per the current City Council-established process, in addition to the Mayor, the second member is selected on a quarterly rotation of remaining Council Members determined by the City Clerk based on previous membership, interest, and random draw.
The Workgroup, in tandem with the City Manager's Office, reviews and revises the Legislative Platform prior to Council adoption, meets with area legislators, reviews, and evaluates the services provided by the City’s legislative advocacy consultant, and, if funds are available, travels to Sacramento and Washington D.C. annually to meet with legislative representatives about the City’s priorities and needs.
Additionally, the Workgroup is designed to address the determination of City positions on legislation not clearly addressed by the City’s Legislative Platform. Staff may work with the Workgroup to place an item on the City Council agenda for consideration. The Legislative Platform only addresses issues directly relevant to or impacting the provision of municipal services.
At the City Council meeting on August 1, 2023, Mayor Deforest requested to bring an item to a future City Council meeting to consider amending the appointment procedure for City Council Member representatives for the Legislative Workgroup. There was consensus from the full City Council to do so.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with approving the amendment to the Legislative Workgroup membership assignment.
ATTACHMENTS
None.