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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Creation of Iowa Metropolitan Coalition RESOLUTION NO.07-527 RESOLUTION APPROVING CREATION OF IOWA METROPOLITAN COALITION FOR THE CITY OF AMES WHEREAS, the City of Ames has been a member of the Iowa League of Cities for many decades, and one of the League's central roles has been to serve as cities'primary representative before the Iowa General Assembly;and, WHEREAS,in this capacity,the League represents the interests of Iowa cities of all sizes,and on rare occasions,this need to balance the interests of all of its members has dampened the League's capacity to strongly support legislation that would benefit larger cities like Ames;and, WHEREAS,in response to this situation and as a means of representing their own unique legislative interests,many of Iowa's larger cities have hired their own part-or full-time lobbyists;and, WHEREAS,the possibility of the state's larger cities joining together to advance their legislative priorities has been discussed for several years,and the formation of a Metropolitan Coalition was brought closer to reality when the mayors and staff of Iowa's largest cities met at the League of Cities annual meeting last fall;and, WHEREAS,the purpose of the Coalition is to unite larger cities with similar concerns in an organization intended to enhance communication and to advance their common interests and effectiveness in legislative matters;and, WHEREAS,it is anticipated that the League and the Coalition will work in partnership to advance the agenda of Iowa cities;and, WHEREAS,the City of Waterloo chose to opt out of this initiative,however,the other nine cities are presenting to their councils the proposed agreement to create the Metropolitan Coalition;and, WHEREAS,several ofthese cities have already approved the agreement,and Council Bluffs conditions its participation upon the other eight cities choosing to participate;and, WHEREAS,the budget established for this group during 2007/08 is$100,000,with the cost to Ames for the upcoming legislative session being$7,538.43 and approximately twice that amount for 2008/09;and, WHEREAS, according to the proposed Articles of Agreement, a member city may withdraw from the Coalition by giving six months notice before the beginning of a fiscal year, however, cities that help charter this group are, in effect, committing to at least two years participation;and, WHEREAS,one key concern is that the Coalition not undermine the influence of the League of Cities,however,the interim executive director of the League of Cities has stated his belief that the Metropolitan Coalition has the potential to bring additional support and focus to the League's agenda as it relates to larger cities in the state. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that the Articles of Agreement for the Metropolitan Coalition are hereby approved,and the City of Ames will become a member of the Coalition, subject to the other eight cities also participating. ADOPTED THIS 18`h day of December,2007. Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor Introduced by: Larson Seconded by: Goodman Voting aye: Doll,Goodman,Larson,Mahayni,Popken,Rice Voting nay: None Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 18"day of December,2007.