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RPVCCA_CC_SR_2014_07_29_C_League_of_CA_Cities_2014_Conference_ResolutionsCrrYOF Rt\NCHO PALOS VERDES MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS CAROLYNN PETRU, AICP, ACTING CITY MANAGE® JULY 29, 2014 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2014 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS Staff Coordinator: Kit Fox, AICP, Senior Administrative Analyst@) RECOMMENDATION Authorize the City Council's Voting Delegate to support the adoption of League of California Cities General Assembly Resolution No. 1 (Illegal Marijuana Grow Site) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The League of California Cities 2014 Annual Conference is being held September 3-5, 2014, in Los Angeles. At the annual conference, the League General Assembly will consider one (1) resolution at the annual business meeting. Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City's Voting Delegate and/or Alternate to support the adoption of League of California Cities General Assembly Resolution No. 1. BACKGROUND The League of California Cities (League) 2014 Annual Conference is being held September 3-5, 2014, at the Los Angeles Convention Center and the JW Marriott Hotel at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. At the annual conference, the League General Assembly will consider one (1) resolution at the annual business meeting on September 5, 2014. The City Council is encouraged to review the resolution and determine a City position on it so that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Voting Delegate (i.e., Mayor Pro Tern Knight) may most effectively represent and convey the City's position on the resolution. Policy development is a vital and on-going process within the League. The principal means for deciding policy on the important issues facing cities and the League is through the League's eight (8) standing Policy Committees 1 and the Board of Directors. 1 Resolution No. 1 will be referred to the Environmental Quality Policy and the Public Safety Policy committees, prior to its consideration by the General Assembly. C-1 MEMORANDUM: League of California Cities Annual Conference Resolutions July 29, 2014 Page2 The process allows for timely consideration of issues in a changing environment and assures city officials the opportunity to both initiate and influence policy decisions. Annual conference resolutions constitute an additional way to develop League policy. DISCUSSION The Resolution has been reviewed by Staff to identify any potential impact upon the City. A brief description of the Resolution and Staff's recommendation is provided below. The full text of the Resolution is attached to this report, along with related background information provided by the Resolution sponsors and League Staff. 1. Resolution Calling Upon the Governor and the Legislature to Convene a Summit to Address the Devastating Environmental Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows on Both Private and Public Lands throughout California and the Increasing Problems to Public Safety related to these Activities by Working in Partnership with the League of California Cities to Develop Responsive Solutions and to Secure Adequate Funding for Cost-Effective Implementation Strategies. The Redwood Empire Division proposes a Resolution that would call upon the State Legislature and the Governor to work with the League of California Cities in convening a summit to address the environmental and public safety impacts of illegal marijuana growing and providing adequate funding to develop solutions and implementation strategies. The Resolution is endorsed by the cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Clearlake, Cloverdale, Crescent City, Eureka, Fort Bragg, Healdsburg, Lakeport, Trinidad and Ukiah. The Resolution sponsors report that the voters' approval of Proposition 215 in 1996 has resulted in a tremendous increase in illegal marijuana cultivation, particularly in the predominantly rural counties along the north coast of California. Environmental impacts have included: • Habitat destruction and fragmentation; • Illegal water diversions; • Illegal connections and/or excessive electricity use for "grow houses"; • Killing and poisoning of wildlife; and, • Unregulated use of fertilizers, pesticides and rodenticides contaminating watersheds. Along with degradation of the environment, illegal marijuana cultivation has also resulted in public safety impacts, including increased violent crime and risk of wildfire. The Resolution sponsors note that much of this illegal cultivation occurs on remote public lands, thereby also threatening the health, safety and welfare of the general public. C-2 MEMORANDUM: League of California Cities Annual Conference Resolutions July 29, 2014 Page3 California cities have struggled for nearly eighteen (18) years to establish local control over the cultivation, sale and distribution of medical marijuana. Past efforts have primarily focused upon land use control, proposing to either ban or regulate the establishment of so-called "dispensaries" in the more-urbanized areas of California. As an example, the League and the California Police Chiefs Association recently co- sponsored Senate Bill No. 1262 (SB 1262) to establish a regulatory scheme for medical marijuana that protects local control, addresses the public safety concerns triggered by marijuana regulation, and imposes health and safety standards on marijuana for the first time. However, the League concedes that SB 1262 does not address environmental issues, due to the expense and complexity associated with adding that objective to a bill that already has far-reaching regulatory goals combined with a critical need to contain State costs. The purpose of the proposed Resolution is to encourage the State Legislature and the Governor to begin to take seriously the environmental and public safety impacts of illegal marijuana cultivation on surrounding communities. With respect to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the adoption of the proposed Resolution would appear to have little or no immediate impact upon the City. The establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries, stores or co-operatives is prohibited pursuant to Section 5.10.020.D of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code. However, there has been at least one incident of the Sheriff's Department arresting the operators of a "grow house" in the City within recent years. In addition, some of the more remote corners of the City's Palos Verdes Nature Reserve or other privately-owned open-space areas might possible prove to be attractive to individuals seeking to surreptitiously cultivate marijuana for medical (or other) use. There have also been several well- documented incidents of drug-smuggling panga boats coming ashore along the City's coastline in recent years. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes could potentially stand to benefit from increased State awareness and funding for the interdiction of illegal marijuana cultivation. Therefore, Staff believes that it is in the City's interest to support 2014 League of California Cities General Assembly Resolution No. 1. Recommendation: Staff recommends supporting the adoption of 2014 League of California Cities General Assembly Resolution No. 1. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If the City Council desires for Staff to further research issues related to this Resolution before providing direction to the Voting Delegate, this item may be continued to the City Council meetings of August 5, August 19 or September 2, 2014. Although the League conference begins on September 3, 2014, the General Assembly does not convene until noon on September 5, 2014. Attachment: • 2014 League of California Cities Annual Conference Resolutions packet M:\Legislative lssues\League of California Cities\20140729_AnnualConferenceResolutions_StaffRpt.docx C-3 1400 K Snm1rr SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 PH: (9 J 6) 658··8200 rx: (916) 658-8240 July 14, 2014 TO: Mayors, City Managers and City Clerks League Board of Directors RE: Annual Conference Resolutions Packet Notice of League Annual Meeting Enclosed please find the 2014 Annual Conference Resolutions Packet. LEA.GUE@ ··OF CALIFORNIA CITIES W'i</W.L\Cff!ES.OI«» RECEIVED CDYOFRANr-Hr. i ~:11\1.1 iS VE!'.iOES rJUL 2 1 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. This year's League Annual Conference will be held September 3-5 in Los Angeles. The conference announcement has previously been sent to all cities and we hope that you and your colleagues will be able to join us. More information about the conference is available on the League's Web site at www.cacities.org{ac. We look forward to welcoming city officials to the conference. Annual Luncheon/Business Meeting -:Friday, September 5, 12:00 p.m. The League's Annual Business Meeting will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Resolutions Packet. At the Annual Conference, the League will consider the one resolution introduced by the deadline, Saturday, July 5, 2014, midnight. The resolution is included in this packet. Resolutions submitted to the General Assembly must be concurred in by five cities or by city officials from at least five or more cities. These letters of concurrence are included with this packet. We request that you distribute this packet to your city council. We encourage each city council to consider the resolution and to determine a city position so that your voting delegate can represent your city's position on each resolution. A copy of the resolution packet is posted on the League's website for your convenience: www.cacities.org/resolutions. The resolutions packet contains additional information related to consideration of the resolution at the Annual Conference. This includes the date, time and location of the meetings at which the resolution will be considered. Voting Delegates. Each city council is encouraged to designate a voting delegate and two alternates to represent their city at the Annual Business Meeting. A letter asking city councils to designate their voting delegate and two alternates has already been sent to each city. Copies of the letter, voting delegate form, and additional information are also available at: www.cacities.org/resolutions. The deadline for submitting a voting delegate form prior to the Annual Conference is August 15, 2014. ·---------------------------------------------------------. : Please Bring This Packet to the Annual Conference : : September 3 -5, Los Angeles : C-4 Annual Conference Resolutions Packet ® 2014 Annual Conference Resolutions 1l61h Annual Conference Los Angeles September 3 -5, 2014 C-5 INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES RESOLUTIONS CONTAINED IN TIDS PACKET: The League bylaws provide that resolutions shall be referred by the president to an appropriate policy committee for review and recommendation. Resolutions with committee recommendations shall then be considered by the General Resolutions Committee at the Annual Conference. This year, one resolution has been introduced for consideration by the Annual Conference and referred to the League policy committees. POLICY COMMITTEES: Two policy committees will meet at the Annual Conference to consider and take action on the resolution referred to them. The committees are Environmental Quality and Public Safety. These committees will meet on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles. The sponsor of the resolution has been notified of the time and location of the meetings. GENERAL RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE: This committee will meet at 1 :00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, to consider the reports of the two policy committees regarding the resolution. This committee includes one representative from each of the League's regional divisions, functional departments and standing policy committees, as well as other individuals appointed by the League president. Please check in at the registration desk for room location. ANNUAL LUNCHEON/BUSINESS MEETING/GENERAL ASSEMBLY: This meeting will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. PETITIONED RESOLUTIONS: For those issues that develop after the normal 60-day deadline, a resolution may be introduced at the Annual Conference with a petition signed by designated voting delegates of 10 percent of all member cities ( 4 7 valid signatures required) and presented to the Voting Delegates Desk at least 24 hours prior to the time set for convening the Annual Business Session of the General Assembly. This year, that deadline is 12:00 p.m., Thursday, September 4. If the petitioned resolution is substantially similar in substance to a resolution already under consideration, the petitioned resolution may be disqualified by the General Resolutions Committee. Resolutions can be viewed on the League's Web site: www.cacities.org/resolutions. Any questions concerning the resolutions procedures may be directed to Meg Desmond at the League office: mdesmond@cacities.org or (916) 658-8224 C-6 GUIDELINES FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS Policy development is a vital and ongoing process within the League. The principal means for deciding policy on the important issues facing cities is through the League's eight standing policy committees and the board of directors. The process allows for timely consideration of issues in a changing environment and assures city officials the opportunity to both initiate and influence policy decisions. Annual conference resolutions constitute an additional way to develop League policy. Resolutions should adhere to the following criteria. Guidelines for Annual Conference Resolutions 1. Only issues that have a direct bearing on municipal affairs should be considered or adopted at the Annual Conference. 2. The issue is not of a purely local or regional concern. 3. The recommended policy should not simply restate existing League policy. 4. The resolution should be directed at achieving one of the following objectives: (a) Focus public or media attention on an issue of major importance to cities. (b) Establish a new direction for League policy by establishing general principals around which more detailed policies may be developed by policy committees and the board of directors. ( c) Consider important issues not adequately addressed by the policy committees and board of directors. (d) Amend the League bylaws (requires 2/3 vote at General Assembly). C-7 Policy Committee Meetings Wednesday, September 3, 2014 JW Marriott Los Angeles Hotel LOCATION OF MEETINGS 900 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles Environmental Quality: Public Safety: 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. General Resolutions Committee Thursday, September 4, 2014, 1:00 p.m. Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 Sout~ Figueroa Street, Los Angeles Annual Business Meeting and General Assembly Luncheon Friday, September 5, 2013, 12:00 p.m. ·Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles C-8 KEY TO ACTIONS TAKEN ON RESOLUTIONS Resolutions have been grouped by policy committees to which they have been assigned. Number Key Word Index Reviewing Body Action 1 I 2 I 3 I I 1 -Policy Committee Recommendation to General Resolutions Committee 2 -General Resolutions Committee 3 -General Assembly ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY POLICY COMMITTEE 1 2 3 1 Ille al Mari'uana Grow Site PUBLIC SAFETY POLICY COMMITTEE 2 3 1 I Illegal Marijuana Grow Site Information pertaining to the Annual Conference Resolutions will also be posted on each committee's page on the League website: www.cacities.org. The entire Resolutions Packet will be posted at: www.cacities.org/resolutions. · C-9 KEY TO ACTIONS TAKEN ON RESOLUTIONS (Continued) Resolutions have been grouped by policy committees to which they have been assigned. KEY TO REVIEWING BODIES 1. Policy Committee 2. General Resolutions Committee 3. General Assembly ACTION FOOTNOTES * Subject matter covered in another resolution ** Existing League policy *** Local authority presently exists KEY TO ACTIONS TAKEN A Approve D Disapprove N No Action R Refer to appropriate policy committee for study a Amend+ Aa Approve as amended+ Aaa Approve with additional amendment(s)+ Ra Refer as amended to appropriate policy committee for study+ Raa Additional amendments and refer+ Da Amend (for clarity or brevity) and Disapprove+ Na Amend (for clarity or brevity) and take No Action+ W Withdrawn by Sponsor Procedural Note: Resolutions that are approved by the General Resolutions Committee, as well as all qualified petitioned resolutions, are reported to the floor of the General Assembly. In addition, League policy provides the following procedure for resolutions approved by League policy committees but not approved by the General Resolutions Committee: Resolutions initially recommended for approval and adoption by all the League policy committees to which the resolution is assigned, but subsequently recommended for disapproval, referral or no action by the General Resolutions Committee, shall then be placed on a consent agenda for consideration by the General Assembly. The consent agenda shall include a brief description of the basis for the recommendations by both the policy committee(s) and General Resolutions Committee, as well as the recommended action by each. Any voting delegate may make a motion to pull a resolution from the consent agenda in order to request the opportunity to fully debate the resolution. If, upon a majority vote of the General Assembly, the request for debate is approved, the General Assembly shall have the opportunity to debate and subsequently vote on the resolution. C-10 2014 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY POLICY COMMITTEES 1. A RESOLUTION CALLING UPON THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE TO CONVENE A SUMMIT TO ADDRESS THE DEVASTATING ENVIRONMENTAL IMP ACTS OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA GROWS ON Born PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LANDS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA AND THE INCREASING PROBLEMS TO PUBLIC SAFETY RELATED TO THESE ACTIVITIES BY WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES TO DEVELOP RESPONSIVE SOLUTIONS AND TO SECURE ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR COST-EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES. Source: Redwood Empire Division Concurrence of five or more cities/city officials: Cities of Arcata; Blue Lake; Clearlake; Cloverdale; Crescent City; Eureka; Fort Bragg; Healdsburg; Lakeport; Trinidad; and Ukiah Referred to: Environmental Quality and Public Safety Policy Committees Recommendation to General Resolutions Committee: WHEREAS, public concerns in response to widespread damage to fish and wildlife resources and degradation to California's environment, and threats to public safety resulting from illegal marijuana cultivation statewide requires urgent action by the Governor and the Legislature, and WHEREAS, local governments and the public support the State's primary objectives in complying with environmental laws including the Clean Water Act, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and Endangered Species Act and are supported by substantial public investments at all levels of government to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment for future citizens of California, and WHEREAS, illegal marijuana cultivation activities include habitat destruction and fragmentation, poaching wildlife, illegal water diversions, unregulated use of fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, rodenticides, soil amendments contaminating land and waters without regard for the cumulative impacts to the environment or public health, and WHEREAS, changing global climate conditions are posing escalated threats in California to health, well-being, nature and property; as evidenced by critical water shortages across the state due to prolonged drought conditions, and WHEREAS, illegal water diversion for the purpose of cultivating marijuana plantations poses a direct threat to California's endangered and threatened anadromous fish species, including coho salmon, Chinook salmon, steelhead trout and other aquatic species, especially at critical life phases during seasonally low flow conditions; and WHEREAS, California is a leader in the global effort to fight climate change and is pursuing a broad, integrated strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy, yet in a recent Lawrence Livermore Lab study estimated that upwards of 10% of electricity usage statewide can be attributed to indoor marijuana cultivation; these sites are often the causation of fires and home invasion incidents due to criminal activity, and C-11 WHEREAS, the presence of illegal marijuana growing sites on State and federal public lands is creating unsafe conditions for visitors; these lands are taxpayer supported and intended to be managed for recreation, resource conservation and the enjoyment by the public, and WHEREAS, increasing violence and threats to public safety related to illegal marijuana grows is contributing to a sense of lawlessness and impacting nearby communities where criminal activities are expanding, and WHEREAS, the issue of illegal marijuana grows has reached a crisis level across the state as evidenced by the murder of former League Board member, Fort Bragg Councilmember and veteran forester Jere Melo who was fatally shot down while investigating a report of a marijuana grow on private timberlands in northern California. RESOLVED, at the League General Assembly, assembled at the League Annual Conference on September 5, 2014 in Los Angeles, that the League calls for the Governor and the Legislature to work with the Le&.gue and other stakeholders to convene a summit to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands and the increasing problems to public safety related to these activities. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the League will work with its member cities to educate State and federal officials regarding emerging concerns from their communities and citizenry and to the challenges facing local governments. Therefore, we request the Governor and the Legislature to work with the League to provide responsive solutions with adequate funding support and effective State and federal government leadership to address widespread environmental damage and associated threats to public safety impacting every region in the State of California. ////////// Background Information on Resolution No. 1 Source: Redwood Empire Division Background: When California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996 there was little thought given to a wide range of problems which have emerged in association with the increased availability and demand for marijuana. Cities within the Redwood Empire Division have grappled with the impacts of illicit marijuana grow sites for decades. Yet in recent years the environmental degradation from marijuana growing operations and public safety threats has grown exponentially. In 2011, Fort Bragg City Council Member Jere Melo was fatally shot while investigating illegal marijuana cultivation on private timber lands in Mendocino County. Illegal marijuana cultivation activities are causing extreme environmental degradation including habitat destruction and fragmentation, illegal water diversions, killing and poisoning wildlife, unregulated use of fertilizers, pesticides, rodenticides contaminating land and polluting waters without regard for the cumulative impacts to the environment and the public's health and safety. It is expensive to remediate this environmental destruction that often destroys significant, federal, state, local, tribal and private investments in restoring or protecting the surrounding landscape. Public concern for widespread, landscape-level environmental damage resulting from unregulated growing operations and escalating violent crimes associated with the marijuana industry has reached a tipping point across the state. The Redwood Empire Division joins with other cities throughout the state in a call for action to reverse these trends. C-12 Current Problem Facing California's Cities: Cities throughout California state have struggled with regulating medical marijuana dispensaries and grow houses along with the associated community impacts of those facilities and land use activities. Many unforeseen environmental impacts and public safety concerns are now emerging as a consequence of increased production and demand for marijuana. Critical water shortages across the state due to prolonged drought conditions have resulted in the Governor declaring a Drought State of Emergency. Illegal water diversions for the purposes of cultivating marijuana plantations are increasing throughout the state. These activities impact agricultural production and domestic water use. The cumulative impacts to watershed health are considerable and pose direct threats to California's salmon, trout and other sensitive aquatic species, especially at critical life stages during seasonally low flow conditions. In addition, under drought conditions, the risk of fire is elevated. The presence of marijuana grow sites in fire prone areas contributes to potential wildfire risks at the Wildland/Urban Interface. The presenc.e of illegal marijuana growing sites on state and federal public lands creates unsafe conditions for visitors. These lands are managed with taxpayer support and are intended to be for enjoyment by the public, recreation and conservation. However, the increasing level of violence and threats to public safety related to illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands are contributing to a sense of ~awlessness and impacting nearby communities where criminal activities are expanding. The lack of oversight of marijuana cultivation operations to ensure compliance with existing state and federal environmental regulations is impacting water quality and quantity statewide. The current legal and regulatory framework is inadequate to address numerous environmental issues, as well as public health and safety. Redwood Empire Division Resolution: The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the rising threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions, and secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. The issues surrounding marijuana production and distribution are complex and require a comprehensive statewide approach. California cities need to have a strong voice in this process. The mission of the League of California Cities is to enhance the quality of life for all Californians and we believe that our strength lies in the unity of our diverse communities on issues of mutual concern. Staff: Committee: Summary: ////////// League of California Cities Staff Analysis on Resolution No. 1 Tim Cromartie (916) 658-8252 Public Safety Policy Committee This Resolution seeks to highlight the environmental and public safety issues triggered by illegal marijuana cultivation, and calls upon the League, the Governor and the Legislature to take action by convening a summit to address the environmental impacts of such cultivation sites. It also calls upon the State of California to provide solutions in response, including sufficient funding to decisively address the problem. C-13 Background: The sponsor of this resolution argues that when California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996, little thought was given to a wide range of problems which have emerged in association with the increased availability and demand for marijuana. Cities within the Redwood Empire Division have grappled with the impacts of illicit marijuana cultivation sites for decades. Yet in recent years the environmental degradation from marijuana growing operations and public safety threats has grown exponentially. In 2011, Fort Bragg City Council Member Jere Melo was fatally shot while investigating illegal marijuana cultivation on private timber lands in Mendocino County. Illegal marijuana cultivation activities are causing extreme environmental degradation including habitat destruction and fragmentation, illegal water diversions, killing and poisoning wildlife, unregulated use of fertilizers, pesticides, rodenticides contaminating land and polluting waters without regard for the cumulative impacts to the environment and the public's health and safety. It is expensive to remediate this environmental destruction which often destroys significant, federal, state, local, tribal and private investments in restoring or protecting the surrounding landscape. Critical water shortages across the state due to prolonged drought conditions have resulted in the Governor declaring a Drought State of Emergency. Illegal water diversions for the purposes of cultivating marijuana plantations are increasing throughout the state. These activities impact agricultural production and domestic water use. The cumulative impacts to watershed health are considerable and pose direct threats to California's salmon, trout and other sensitive aquatic species, especially at critical life stages during seasonally low flow conditions. In addition, under drought conditions, the risk of fire is elevated. The presence of marijuana grow sites in fire prone areas contributes to potential wildfire risks at the Wildland/Urban Interface. The lack of oversight of marijuana cultivation operations to ensure compliance with existing state and federal environmental regulations is impacting water quality and quantity statewide. The current legal and regulatory framework is inadequate to address numerous environmental issues, as well as public health and safety. Public concern for widespread environmental damage resulting from unregulated growing operations and escalating violent crimes associated with the marijuana industry has reached a tipping point across the state. The Redwood Empire Division joins with other cities throughout the state in a call for action to reverse these trends. Note: The League of Cities has joined with the California Police Chiefs Association to co-sponsor legislation, SB 1262 (Correa), to establish a regulatory scheme for medical marijuana that protects local control, addresses the public safety concerns triggered by marijuana regulation, and imposes health and safety standards on marijuana for the first time. However, the measure does not address environmental issues, due to the expense and complexity associated with adding that objective to a bill that already has far-reaching regulatory goals combined with a critical need to contain state costs. Fiscal Impact: If the policy advocated by the Resolution is implemented by the state, there will be ongoing and unspecified costs to the State General Fund for enforcement activities, primarily in the rural counties where many of the illicit marijuana cultivation sites are located. Conservatively, the annual costs could run in the hundreds of thousands to low millions to patrol likely grow sites, crack down on illegal water diversion activities, and provide consistent environmental clean-up made necessary by illegal rodenticides and pesticides. C-14 Comment: To assure success, counties will have to be actively involved in any policy change geared toward rigorous and consistent enforcement against illegal marijuana grows, given the fact that many of the cultivation sites are located in rural areas under the direct authority of county governments. This will require a dialogue with counties, during which the question of local political will to enforce the law, in addition to securing the necessary funding, will arise. If counties should opt not to play an active part in an aggressive enforcement strategy, the chances of success are questionable. Existing League Policy: Related to this Resolution, existing policy provides: • The League opposes the legalization of marijuana cultivation and use for non-medicinal purposes. • Reaffirming that local control is paramount, the League holds that cities should have the authority to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries, cooperatives, collectives or other distribution points if the regulation relates to location, operation or establishment to best suit the needs of the community. • The League affirms that revenue or other financial benefits from creating a statewide tax structure on medical marijuana should be considered only after the public safety and health ramifications are fully evaluated. C-15 LETTERS OF CONCURRENCE Resolution No. 1 Illegal Marijuana Grow Site C-16 City Manager (707) 822'5953 Community Develof;menl 736 F Street Arcata, CA 95521 July 2, 2014 Jose Cisneros, President League 9f California Cities 1400 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 822·5955 Environmental Services Police 822·8184 822·2428 Finance Public Works 822·5951 822·5957 . RE: Environmental a~td Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution Dear President Cisneros: Recreation 822·7091 Tramportation 822-3775 The Arcata City Council supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California, and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. ALL of the rural areas adjacent to the City of Arcata and throughout Humboldt County have been greatly affected by the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows! As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact me at any time at mwheetley@cityofarcata.org if you have any questions. · %i~~?t---> Mark E. \Vheetley, Mayo;r cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division, c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, via email srounds@cacities.org C-17 CITY OF BLUE LAKE Post Office Box 458, 111 Greenwood Road, Phone 707 .668.5655 June 30, 2014 Jose Cisneros, President League of California Cities 1400 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 Blue Lake, CA 95525 Fax 707.668.5916 RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Mari,juana Grows Resolution Dear President Cisneros: The City of Blue Lake supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and pi.1blic lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact Lana Manzanita, Mayor Pro-Tem at 707-497-8159 or joe2zitherl@gmail.com, if you have any questions. Sini?'~ Lana Manzanita Mayor Pro-Tem City of Blue Lake cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, srounds@cacities.org C-18 City of Clearlake 14050 Olympic Drive, Clearlake, California 95422 July 2, 2014 Jose Cisneros, President League of California Cities 1400 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 (707) 994-8201 Fax (707) 995-2653 RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution Dear President Cisneros: .The City of Clearlake supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. The City of Clearlake is experiencing significant issues with illegal grows in the city limits. Individuals are squatting on lands not belonging to them and planting large grows. Grows are being planted near and along creeks going through the city with unknown substances potentially leeching into the waterways. Others are renting properties and clear cutting them of oak and other trees for plant sites often without the knowledge of the prope1iy owner. Homeowners tell of not being able to enjoy their own properties with grow sites next to them creating untenable odors, spewing of foul language and concern of threats to their personal safety if they complain. We hear often the concern ofincreased crime due to the grows in the city. As a member of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact Joan Phillipe at 707-994-8201 x120 or city.administrator@clearlake.ca.us, if you have any questions. Sincerely, 0lkd~ Jotd. Phillipe City Manager cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, srounds@cacities.org C-19 CITY OF CLOVER._DALE June 25, 2014 Jose Cisneros. President League of California Cities 1400 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution Dear President Cisneros: The City of Cloverdale supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. Throughout the Redwood Empire region including the City of Cloverdale, illegal marijuana grows negatively impact our environmental health and public safety. Last year, the Cloverdale Police Department eradicated over 300 plants within our City Limits. Please note that Cloverdale is a total of 2.5 square miles. These plants use scarce water resources during a water shortage emergency caused by the current drought and contribute to lawlessness that threats the public safety of our citizens. On a personal level, the City of Cloverdale continues to be heartsick for the loss of City of Fort Bragg Council Member JereMelo. Jere was murdered as a result of investigating an illegal marijuana grow. Jere was an exceptional leader in our region, the League of California Cities and the State of California. The City of Cloverdale misses him greatly. As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact Cloverdale City Manager Paul Cayler at 707-894-1710, if you have any questions. Sincerely, /'y -----·/ ~:.:t+:~_%4Q __ Carol Russell Mayor City of Cloverdale cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, srounds1£i.1.caciti1;.&.org C-20 Counci.l M<~mbt~r Richard Enea * Council Member Kelly Scbellong *Council Member Kflthryn Murniy City Clerk Robin Patch• City Attorney Robert N. Black* City Manager Eugene M .. Palazzo June 23, 2014 Jose Cisneros, President League of California Cities J 400 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: Environmental and Public Safety lmpacts of Illegal MariJmma Grows Resolution Dear President Cisneros: The City of Crescent City supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consi.deration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. Illegal marijuana grows have a devastating impact on the State and foderal public lands surrounding our community. They create unsafe conditions for our visitors. The use of nnregulated fortilizers, pesticides, insecticides and rodenticides contaminate the land and ground water. As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact Eugene Palazzo, City M.anager at 707-464-7483 ex 232 or epalazzo@crescentcity.org, if you have any questions. · Sincerely, 7/«;µ Richard Holley ~ Mayor J Crescent City cc: Kathryn Mtmay, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs l\.fai1ager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, srounqs(t:V.cacities.org C-21 r~·r~~;s,,11~~--~11J~UW&"~!l:~l~~.co.(~~!)fl'!"'.-~~lnVhJfr11!1'~11*11'.o'llllW.~"'f.~--~..w.i~ . CITY OF EUREKA CITY MANAGER 531 K Street • Eureka, California 95501-1I46 • (707) 441-4144 fax (707) 441-4!38 June 26, 2014 Jose Cisneros, President League of California Cities 1400 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: Environmental and Public S~foty Impacti;; of Illegal Mari.fuan2 Grows Resolutfo~ Dear President Cisneros: -The City of Eureka supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and. to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. Our city has seen an increase in gang activity and organized crime within the Greater Eureka Area as a result of illegal growing operations. Our law enforcement and community safety have been negatively impacted by these criminal activities. As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact City Manager Greg Sparks at 707.441.4140 or gsparks@ci.eureka.ca.gov, if you have any questions. Sincerely, Greg L. ;:,mrrKl:i-..._ City Man ger City of Eureka !~ I I I cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o I' Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, srounds@cacities.org I **111kll~~oi,i",J.~ ... ~~.~-.. ~~~"~-~~".fhMMl~tlro!111''¥.lt!~4'--~'tl~~\.'il~l~~/WMUl'~lllll'~!:',f-~.m,,~~t'll~ttrnl!!lllfl.l:#'.:Jlll#l!~~.'C.'OQll~ C-22 CITY OF FORT BRAGG June 23, 2014 Jose Cisneros, President League of California Cities 1400 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 Incorporated August 5, 1889 416 N. Franklin St. Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Phone: (707) 961-2823 Fax: (707) 961-2802 http://city.fortbragg.com RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution Dear President Cisneros: The City of Fort Bragg supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. The City of Fort Bragg lost City Councilmember and former Mayor Jere Melo in August 2011 when he walked into an illegal grow site and was shot and killed by the person guarding said site. As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact City Manager Linda Ruffing at 707-961-2823 or lruffing@fortbragg.com, if you have any questions. ,,.,---....... .---/----~in~;rely, ) -~·--~-- /' / .,.-/' ---- -~-· ....... _,,. ..... _/~ _,.,.,,,_..,.,,..,.,.,.,_.. ----------~ -·-·"/ / -----~ __ /"1.-c-,,z,.--- .oave urner M yor Scott Deitz Councilmember d;,{/;U)Shj I A , Meg Court~;YV"-'f 4 ;; ice Mayor ~-~·--~~ g a merstrom Heidi Kraut Gou cilmember Councilmember cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, srounds@cacities.org C-23 June 30, 2014 Jose Cisneros, President League of California Cities 1400 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 CITY OF HEALDSBURG ADMINISTRATION 401 Grove Street Healdsburg, CA 95448-4723 Phone: (707) 431-3317 Fax: (707) 431-3321 Visit us at www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution Dear President Cisneros: The City of Healdsburg supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact me either by phone at (707) 431-33 l ?lor bye- mail at jwood@ci.healdsburg.ca.us if you have any questions. ~All James D. Wood Mayor City of Healdsburg cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, srounds@cacities.org C-24 CITY Of LAKEPORT Over 100 years nf curnm1111ity pl'ide, progress onrl service July 1, 2014 Jose Cisneros, President League of California Cities 1400 K Street~ Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC SAFETY IMPACTS OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA GROWS RESOLUTION Dear President Cisneros: The City of Lakeport supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact me at {707) 263-5615, Ext. 12 or by email at kparlet@cityoflakeport.com if you have any questions. Sincerely, ~l)V~~ Kenneth Parlet, II Mayor cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, ?_r:._ounds@.cacitjes"_org C-25 CITY OF TRINIDAD P.O. Box390 409 Trinity Street Trinidad, CA 95570 (707) 677-0223 Fax: (707) 677-3759 July 2, 2014 Jose Cisneros, President League of California Cities 1400 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: .Enyironmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution Dear President Cisneros: The City of Trinidad supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Sincerely, ~ \:e (A )k,__ Julie Fulkerson Mayor Cc: Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division C-26 \ June 30, 2014 Jose Cisrieros, President League of California Cities 1400 K Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution Dear President Cisneros: The City 9f Ukiah supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles. The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal · marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact Jane Chambers, City Manager, at 7407-463-6210 or jchambers@cityofukiah.com, if you have any questions. /fare1y. fP>YDu. Phili~dwin Mary A n Landis Mayor Vice Mayor Q ~' -, A ./ I \ '-;"'.'." ..... , i~~~~e,,~ Douglas F. Crane Councilmember Steve Scalmanini Council member Cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, srounds@cacities.org 300 SEMINARY AVENUE UKIAH, CA 95482-5400 Phone# 707/463-6200 Fax# 707/463-6204 Web Address: www.cityofukiah.com C-27