MEMORANDUM

TO: City Council

FROM: David J. Deutsch, City Manager

SUBJECT: Legislative Agenda

DATE: July 31, 2008

Attached is a proposed Legislative Agenda which incorporates concerns raised by Councilmembers and suggestions from the City lobbyist. It is hoped that Council will endorse this list, thus providing direction to staff and the lobbyist for the upcoming General Assembly Session.

DJD/asf

Attachment (below)

DRAFT
CITY OF BOWIE
2009 STATE AND LOCAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

1. LAND USE AUTHORITY - In 2005, the Maryland General Assembly authorized Prince George’s County to delegate to municipalities certain planning and zoning responsibilities. The City has sought, and continues to seek, the delegation of those responsibilities.

2. PARKS AND RECREATION – City residents pay a County park tax as well as a City tax that is partially allocated to parks. Both the City and M-NCPPC operate parks and recreation facilities in Bowie. The City wants to explore the financial contributions of each entity to determine how City residents can get the best return on their tax dollar.

3. SPEED CAMERAS – Last year, Statewide speed camera legislation came within a whisker of passage. The City supports legislation that allows it to operate speed cameras within City limits.

4. TRANSPORATION PROJECTS – The City supports the widening of Route 197 between Routes 50 and 450, the completion of the Route 450 widening project, and an interchange on US 50 at MD 193.

5. SOUTH BOWIE HIGH SCHOOL – The City supports the acceleration of the South Bowie High School project on the State/County school construction timeline.

6. PROGRAM OPEN SPACE – The City supports the loosening of State requirements on its spending of Program Open Space funds.

7. FUNDING OF NEW POLICE HEADQUARTERS – The City supports State and federal capital contributions to the funding of the new City LEED-certified police headquarters/city hall facility.