Members are Board appointed positions, but guests may attend to learn more about the current local, regional, state and federal issues that affect business and meet business leaders. Meets 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays at 8:15 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 1556 First Street in Napa. Learn more by contacting Kate King at (707)226-7455.

2008 Legislative Action Committee Report

January

The LAC reviewed propositions for the upcoming election. The group recommended to Oppose 91 and Support 93. Both ballot measures failed in the February 5th election.

In the latter part of the month the LAC received an update from the city regarding the recent Napa Lodging Market Study and Report. City staff was recommending four new policies for adoption. City Council has asked that the Redevelopment Department spend some time with groups like the Chamber to get feedback regarding the report and proposed policies.

Proposed policies were: Developers demonstrate mass transit activities to reduce traffic congestion; should demonstrate how they will link with Napa Valley College Hospitality training program or provide other training to staff; should meet green standards set by city; should demonstrate how they will incorporate public art into the property.
Some discussion and suggestions by the LAC  were:
•    Developing more hotels around downtown might create a need for the one way street change.
•    Offer incentives to Green building, don’t mandate.
•    Help contribute to housing and transportation of workers.
•    Development in downtown missing the stimulus of retail
•    What is City doing to attract quality retailers? What about two way streets?
•    How will new hotels impact unemployment? Napa unemployment a little under 5%, these hotels offer high employment but not high paying jobs.

February

Jim Leddy gave a brief background on NCTPA. The NCTPA is a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with all the cities and county represented. The organization by design manages congestion within the county and every county in California has one. Unlike other counties, Napa includes its transit agency and uses its dollars more effectively. The discussion included the notion of another sales tax initiative for transportation.

The next meeting, Rex Stults began with background on the Calistoga AVA and truth in labeling issue. He asked that the Chamber write a letter against Notices 77 and 78, which was accomplished.

Also at that meeting, Jennifer LaLiberte gave a Power Point presentation on accomplishments of the Redevelopment Agency from the goals established in 1995. (The Power Point can be viewed as a .pdf file by going to www.napachamber.com/download   )

March

The proposed Green Building Ordinance was discussed at this meeting, with several comments and suggestions forwarded to the City staff for consideration when drafting the final document. Members of the Chamber’s GASP were present for this meeting and for the Council meetings as well to make sure the Chamber’s voice was heard.

In addition, Michael Shaw was introduced and spoke on Supporting Prop 98 and Opposing Prop 99. (eminent domain ballot measures for June election)

The last meeting in March and the first meeting in April were both dedicated to the local  ballot Measure N the “Responsible Growth Initiative”. Both sides were heard. Ultimately, the LAC recommended opposition to the measure (the measure failed at the ballot box).

April

The final meeting in April consisted of a presentation by a representative from League of Cities Opposing Prop 98 and Supporting Prop 99. Ultimately, the LAC recommended this position of No on 98 and Yes on 99. This was also the result of the June election.

May

The first meeting in May consisted of hearing from the city on the proposed Public Art Ordinance. This was a lively meeting, with both pro and con members speaking. Many questions arose during the meeting and eventually the LAC submitted a white paper to the staff at the City citing some of the concerns. The Ordinance was put on hold and has not, to this day, gone forward to the Council for approval. (work still to be done in this)

The last meeting in May provided members with a presentation of the proposed Commemorative Air Force Museum which was positively received by the LAC.

June

Jean Hasser, City of Napa. presented the Citizen’s Housing Element Committee’s findings for the LAC. The committee was actively involved in forming and exploring different options for various housing strategies. This was very informative for the LAC.

Joe Anderson and some members of the Napa Valley Exposition visited the LAC at the end of June, promoting the upcoming fair and sharing their concerns and challenges in overseeing this large piece of property in the center of Napa.

Rounding out the presentations in June, the LAC heard from local attorney Kevin Teague and a representative from the Ritz Carlton about the proposed hotel development at the corner of Silverado Trail and First St. The LAC indicated the members would be in support at the upcoming Council meeting.

July

The LAC met only once in July, and discussed Measure P. It recommended a Support position for the Nov 3 election.

The committee also discussed the brewing Kimpton/Union issue as well as the negative reaction from the arts community resulting from the white paper submitted to the city staffers. No actions were taken however.

August – no meetings were held.

September

The first meeting in September was a discussion of the Candidate Endorsement recommendations, changes made by the Executive Committee and Board, and the process by which the Candidate Endorsement Committee has operated. This will be explored and hopefully the Board at the planning conference or at some point in the near future.

The last September and the first October meetings were dedicated to researching and discussing the 12 state ballot issues. Recommendations were made to the Executive Committee, and forwarded to the Board for ratification at it’s October 27th meeting. November 3rd will reveal how accurately the Chamber’s positions reflected the populous.

Goals for the future meetings:

There will only be one meeting in November and one in December. The December meeting will be with the Flood Control Project staff and In Harms Way, regarding the postponement of the work on Napa Creek.