HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso - CC - 030-2008RESOLUTION NO. 30-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME URGING
OPPOSITION TO PROPOSITION 98 AT THE JUNE 3, 2008, ELECTION
RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Burlingame, California:
WHEREAS, a constitutional amendment, Proposition 98, will appear on the June 3,
2008, State ballot; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 98 proponents want voters to believe the initiative is about
eminent domain, but in fact the measure contains hidden agendas and flawed language which
will eliminate inclusionary houisng programs, wipe out locally adopted rent control and other
renter protections, threaten development of public water projects, destroy local land use planning,
and impair local governments' ability to protect the environment; and
WHEREAS, the majority of the funding to qualify this measure comes from wealthy
apartment and mobile home park owners who are attempting to trick voters into abolishing rent
control and other renter protections, thereby jeopardizing an important affordable housing tool to
protect working families, seniors, single -parent homes, veterans and others; and
WHEREAS, the voters of the City of Burlingame have already adopted regulations
prohibiting rent control that would be preempted by this Proposition, and the community does
not need or want another costly and destructive State mandate imposed by special interests; and
WHEREAS, provisions in the initiative would also preclude the use of eminent domain
to acquire land or water to develop public water projects that are needed to provide our residents,
businesses, farmers and economy with a reliable and safe supply of water; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 98 is opposed by the Association of California Water Agencies
and the Western Growers Association, who warn the initiative will impair water projects to
protect water quality and supply; and
WHEREAS, language in the initiative will also prohibit the passage of regulations,
ordinances, land use and other zoning laws that enable local governments to plan and protect
communities, and in Burlingame's case, would severely limit the current Downtown planning
process; and
WHEREAS, the California Police Chiefs Association opposes the measure because it
threatens their ability to keep communities and the public safe; and
WHEREAS, leading environmental groups warn provisions in the measure would impair
our ability to enact environmental protections such as laws that control greenhouse gas
emissions, preserve open space, protect coastal areas, and regulate development; and
WHEREAS, the No on Proposition 98 campaign is represented by the League of
California Cities, California State Association of Counties, League of California Homeowners,
California League of Conservation Voters, California Alliance for Retired Americans and other
leading state and local associations who oppose Proposition 98; and
WHEREAS, this new State intrusion would override local general plans and land use
regulations without regard to Burlingame's interests, values, or needs and without any clear
environmental or planning review at any level,
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY DETERMINED:
1. The City Council of the City of Burlingame urges opposition to Proposition 98 and
this resolution and its adoption are a matter of public record.
MAYOR
I, DORIS MORTENSEN, City Clerk of the City of Burlingame, do hereby certify that the
foregoing resolution was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 7th
day of April 2008, and was adopted thereafter by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: BAYEOGR, DEAL, EEIGHRAN, NAGEL, 01MAHONY
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE \
ITIY CLERK