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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR2006-036RESOLUTION NO. e2OOh'O36 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, ADOPTING THE CITY OF DENTON'S 2007 STATE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM FOR THE 80TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE; PROVIDING A REPEALER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the 80th Texas Legislature will commence in January 2007; and WHEREAS, appraisal caps, revenue caps, general government, and many legislative issues affecting local government will be considered; and WHEREAS, the City of Denton desires to adopt it legislative program for the 80th Texas Legislature, attached as Exhibit "A"; NOW, THERFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HERBY RESOLVES: SECTION 1. That the City of Denton's 2007 Legislative Program from the 80th Texas Legislature is adopted as set forth in Exhibit "A," incorporated herein and made a part of this resolution for all purposes. SECTION 2. That the Mayor and City Council, City Manager and the City Attorney, or their designees shall communicate the items included in the state legislative program to members of the Texas Legislature. SECTION 3. The City Manager, or his designee, is directed to draft appropriate legislation, seek a sponsor, and actively pursue passage of such legislation by providing testimony from the Mayor and City council and City Staff and through other appropriate means. PASSED AND APPROVED this the 3rd day of October 2006. a"'61 M F1-, PERRY R. McNEILL, MAYOR ATTEST: JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY BY: APPR ED A TO LEGAL FORM: EDWIN M. SNYDER, CITY ATTORNEY City of Denton 2007 State t.egislal rogrant October 3, 2006 Page 5 Exhibit A" City of Denton 2007 State Legislative Program State of Texas 80th Legislative Session As approved by the Denton City Council October 3, 2006) TABLE OF CONTENTS City of Denton Mayor and Council Contact Information 4 City Manager, City Attorney and City Staff Contact Information 5 2007 State Legislative Program Adopting Resolution 6 Denton's Highest Legislative Priority Continue to urge the legislature not to adopt any legislation, such as reductions in the property appraisal cap or implementation of any type of revenue cap, which would negatively affect City revenues and economic development efforts.7 Erosion of Local Control over City Rights-of-Way Support TILL in "seeking introduction and passage" of legislation that would address the failure of utility companies to relocate their facilities in a timely manner as required by current law.7 Support TML in "seeking introduction and passage" of legislation that would "grandfather" the provisions of Texas law in any federal cable franchising bill if any proposed federal law provisions would erode the provisions of Senate Bill 5 (79th Legislature, Second Called Session).7 Support TML in opposing any legislation that would enact any detrimental amendments to the provisions of Senate Bill 5 or erode the provisions of Senate Bill 5 (79th Legislature, Second Called Session).7 Tax and Finance Issues City's ability to fund necessary local services Oppose legislation that would mandate a reduction in the current 10% appraisal growth cap.8 Oppose legislation that would impose revenue caps of any type, including a lowered rollback rate, mandatory tax rate ratification elections, or lowered rollback petitions requirements.8 Oppose legislation that imposes a property tax freeze that can be implemented by any mechanism other than council action.8 Textbook Sales Tax Holiday Oppose any legislation that would impose a sales tax holiday for textbooks. 9 Municipal Audit Authority Support legislation that would allow municipalities to audit a taxpayer's records for sales tax compliance, and ensures the equal tax treatment of taxpayers, regardless of their sales method.9 Regional Transportation Sales Tax for Public Transportation Initiatives Support legislation that would exempt from the two-percent cap on local sales tax any local sales tax committed to public transportation initiatives. 10 Regional Mobility Authority Oppose legislation that would create a Regional Mobility Authority in the four county area of North Central Texas including Dallas, Denton, Collin City of Denton 2005 State Legislative Program January 18, 2005 Page l and Tarrant Counties for the purpose of administering funds received through revenue sharing agreements.10 Utility Issues Electric subsidies for state universities Oppose legislation that would extend the electric subsidy to state four-year state university, upper-level institution, Texas State Technical College or college, by municipal owned utilities.11 Drainage Fees Support legislation that repeals the drainage fee exemption for state entities.11 Bioreactors and other state-of-the-art landfill technologies Propose legislation that would promote and allow the permitting of Municipal Solid Waste landfill design and operating technologies that can have a positive effect on the environment and provide improved site utilization.11 Retain Local Control over Development Issues and Fees Oppose legislation that would erode city annexation authority.12 Oppose legislation that would erode city authority in the extraterritorial jurisdiction over special districts.12 Oppose legislation that would allow voters in the ETJ to vote on whether any proposed ordinance or ordinance amendment shall apply in the ETJ. 12 Oppose legislation that would reduce a municipal authority and discretion to approve the creation of a special district within a city's incorporated area or ETJ, including the expansion of a district's boundaries or powers. 12 Oppose legislation that will reduce or eliminate development fees, exactions or building permits.12 Oppose legislation that will restrict cities' ability to adopt or amend zoning regulations, or vest or otherwise create a property right in a zoning classification.12 Red Light Cameras Oppose legislation that would restrict a city's ability to implement a photographic red light enforcement system to use cameras at traffic lights and impose a civil penalty for running the light.13 Grandfathering of Existing Employees into Civil Service System Support legislation that expands the grandfathering clause of newly classified civil service positions to municipalities that do not meet the population requirement outlined in current legislation.13 TML Resolutions proposed by the City of Denton Beneficial Reuse/Compost/Mulch Oppose any legislation that would limit or prohibit a city's ability to make and sell compost/mulch products, inside and outside of the city limits.14 Special Districts in City's ETJ Support legislation that would place a moratorium on the creation of special districts until the State Legislature can appoint a task force to study their adverse affects; and providing for an effective date.14 City of Denton 2005 Slate Legislative Program January 18, 2005 Page 2 Support Legislation that directly benefits UNT and/or TWU Support legislation that directly benefits UNT and/or TWU, if such proposals do not adversely affect the city's interest.15 Support Legislation that directly benefits Denton ISD Support legislation that directly benefits Denton ISD, if such proposals do not adversely affect the city's interest.15 City of Denton 2005 State Legislative Program January 18, 2005 Page 3 City of Denton City Council Members Mailing Address for all of Council: 215 E. McKinney, Denton, TX 76201 Voice Mail for all of Council - 940-349-8555 Mayor Perry McNeill Office: 940-565-2364 1508 Gatewood Drive Home: 940-591-6080 Denton, TX 76205 Cell: 940-390-9463 E-mail: perry.mcneill0cityofdenton.com Fax: 940-381-0106 Council Member - District 1 Charlye Heggins Home: 243-7937 1606 E. McKinney, #11101 Cell: 391-2339 Denton, TX 76209 E-mail: charlye.heg~ins a,cityofdenton.com Mayor Pro Tern - District 2 Pete Kamp Office: 940-591-0308 110 Friar Tuck Circle Home: 940-566-5557 Denton, TX 76209 Cell: 940-390-9485 E-mail: pete.kamp@cityofdenton.com Council Member - District 3 Jack Thomson Home: 940-382-5176 1401 Amherst Dr.Cell: 940-390-2296 Denton, TX 76201 E-mail: jack.thomsonCa)cityofdenton.com Council Member - District 4 Guy McElroy Home: 262-1636 10808 Salentine Denton, TX 76207 E-mail: guy.mcelroy(a)cityofdenton.com Council Member - At Large Place 5 Bob Montgomery Home: 940-891-0051 2329 E. Windsor Cell: 940-391-6545 Denton, TX 76209 Pager: 940-380-5140 E-mail: bob. montgomery(ftityofdenton.com Deputy Mayor Pro Tern - At Large Place 6 Joe Mulroy Home: 940-382-3396 124 Hollyhill Denton, TX 76205 E-mail: joe.mulroy(a)cityofdenton.com City of Denton 2005 State Legislative Program January 18, 2005 Page 4 City Manager, City Attorney and City Staff The Denton City Council and staff would be glad to provide information, research issues and testify on the City of Denton 2005 Legislative Program. Municipal Offices:City of Denton 215 E. McKinney Denton, Texas 76201 www.cityofdenton.com George Campbell Ed Snyder City Manager City Attorney 940) 349-8306 940) 349-8336 Howard Martin Jon Fortune Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager 940) 349-8232 940) 349-8535 Sharon Mays Betty Williams Director/Electric Utilities Executive Administrator 940) 349-8487 940) 349-8302 If you or your legislative staff needs assistance from Denton or has any questions concerning Denton's legislative priorities, please contact: John Cabrales, Public Information Officer 940) 349-8509, (940) 349-7444 Fax, or email: john.cabralesgcityofdenton.com City of Denton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 5 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, ADOPTING THE CITY OF DENTON'S 2007 STATE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM FOR THE 80TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE; PROVIDING A REPEALER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the 80th Texas Legislature will commence in January 2007; and WHEREAS, appraisal caps, revenue caps, general government, and many legislative issues affecting local government will be considered; and WHEREAS, the City of Denton desires to adopt it legislative program for the 80th Texas Legislature, attached as Exhibit "A," NOW THERFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HERBY RESOLVES: SECTION 1. That the City of Denton's 2007 Legislative Program from the 80th Texas Legislature is adopted as set forth in "Exhibit A," incorporated herein and made a part of this resolution for all purposes. SECTION 2. That the Mayor and City Council, City Manager and the City Attorney, or their designees shall communicate the items included in the state legislative program to members of the Texas Legislature. SECTION 3. The City Manager, or his designee, is diredted to draft appropriate legislation, seek a sponsor, and actively pursue passage of such legislation by providing testimony from the Mayor and City Council and city staff and through other appropriate means. PASSED AND APPROVED this the 3`d day of October 2006. PERRY McNEILL, MAYOR ATTEST: JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY BY: APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: ED SNYDER, CITY ATTORNEY BY: City ofDenton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 6 Denton's Legislative Priorities The City of Denton has adopted the following legislative issues as priority issues for the 801h Texas Legislative Session. The City Council of the City of Denton has met in workshops, participated in legislative seminars and has received information from city staff and various groups within the community to set these priorities. Denton's Highest Legislative Priority Continue to urge the legislature not to adopt any legislation, such as reductions in the property appraisal cap or implementation of any type of revenue cap, which would negatively affect City revenues and economic development efforts. Background: The City of Denton during the 791h Texas Legislative Session and subsequent Special Sessions, worked diligently with other local governments in providing information to the Texas Legislature that helped them adopt school finance reform legislation that did not negatively impact city revenues or economic development efforts. The City of Denton continues to urge the Texas Legislature to not pass any legislation, such as reductions in the property appraisal cap or implementation of any type of revenu@ cap, which would negatively affect City revenues and economic development efforts. Erosion of Local Control over City Rights-of-Way Support TML in "seeking introduction and passage" of legislation that would address the failure of utility companies to relocate their facilities in a timely manner as required by current law. Support TAM in "seeking introduction and passage" of legislation that would "grandfather" the provisions of Texas law in any federal cable franchising bill if any proposed federal law provisions would erode the provisions of Senate Bill 5 (79th Legislature, Second Called Session). Support TML in opposing any legislation that would enact any detrimental amendments to the provisions of Senate Bill 5 or erode the provisions of Senate Bill 5 (79th Legislature, Second Called Session). Background: Historically, most utilities were required by franchises and state law to relocate their facilities at their cost when the relocation was required for a public work's project. Some utility companies are arguing that Chapter 283 of the Texas City of Denton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 7 Local Government Code (H.B. 1777) altered state law. Denton has experienced delay in public work's projects due to this confusion and a clarification of state law is necessary. Cities may impose numerous kinds of regulation on entities that use the city's right of way. These regulations will withstand legal challenge because they are reasonably connected to protection of the health, safety, or welfare of the public. Denton opposes any new legislation that limits the ability of cities to control the right of way. The Federal Legislature is considering various bills that could erode the provisions agreed to by all concerned parties in Senate Bill 5 the was passed by the 791h Texas Legislature during their Second Called Session. Denton opposes any legislation, Federal or State, which would reduce any of the provisions of Senate Bill 5, especially the definition and collection of franchise fees, the removal of existing local cable franchises, and restriction of municipal police powers in public right- of-ways. Tax & Finance Issues City's ability to fund necessary local services Oppose legislation that would mandate a reduction in the current 10% appraisal growth cap. Oppose legislation that would impose revenue caps of any type, including a lowered rollback rate, mandatory tax rate ratification elections, or lowered rollback petitions requirements. Oppose legislation that imposes a property tax freeze that can be implemented by any mechanism other than council action. Background: During the 79th Texas Legislative Session, the City of Denton adopted a resolution that urged the Legislature not to adopt school finance reforms that would adversely affect city revenues and economic development efforts. The city testified and wrote numerous letters during the session, and subsequent special called sessions. The city continues to oppose state initiatives that restrict a city's ability to fund necessary local services. TML has also placed these issues in their oppose category. City of Denton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 8 Textbook Sales Tax Holiday Oppose any legislation that would impose a sales tax holiday for textbooks. Background: There is a good chance that the State Legislature will again consider a bill providing for a "sales tax holiday" for all books bought by a full- or part-time student at an accredited public or private institution of higher education if the sale takes place during certain days in August and in January. During the last legislative session we successfully opposed these types of bills through a coordinated effort with other "college cities." We estimate that this "sales tax holiday" for books would result in an approximately $444,000 annual sales tax revenue loss for the City. Municipal Audit Authority Support legislation that would allow municipalities to audit a taxpayer's records for sales tax compliance, and ensures the equal tax treatment of taxpayers, regardless of their sales method. Background: Under Chapter 151 of the Texas Tax Code, only the, State of Texas, through the Comptroller of Public Accounts and/or their representative, can audit a taxpayer's records for sales tax compliance. Although the City recognizes the proprietary and confidential nature of a taxpayer's sales records and wholeheartedly believes in maintaining an equal and competitive market place, it is the City's view that manpower limitations in the Comptroller's Office have negatively impacted its ability to effectively monitor and audit the hundreds of taxpayers located in the City of Denton and the State of Texas. By giving municipalities the authority to audit taxpayer sales records, it expands the manpower available to the Comptroller's Office, increases compliance with sales tax laws, and places local control on most municipalities largest revenue source. At the same time, the City would continue to support the equal tax treatment of all taxpayers, regardless of the sales method. Under Chapter 151 of the Texas Tax Code, the tax incidence of the Texas Sales and Use Tax is dependent on both a business' nexus and 'place of business' within the State of Texas. Therefore, the City would support the continued taxation of all taxable goods and services, regardless if provided in a traditional bricks and mortar location or over the internet. City of Denton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 9 Regional Transportation Sales Tax for Public Transportation Initiatives Support legislation that would exempt from the two-percent cap on local sales tax any local sales tax committed to public transportation initiatives. Background: The City supports the option to exclude the locally authorized transit sales tax currently dedicated to the Denton County Transportation Authority from the 2 % cap of the local option sales tax. The state mandates that a municipality can exercise no more than two percent of the local option sales tax. The City of Denton meets this cap, with 0.5 percent of local option sales taxes being contributed to the Denton County Transportation Authority and the other portion of the cap being applied for general use (1.0 percent) and property tax reduction (0.5 percent). By excluding any current and future sales tax committed to regional public transportation initiatives from the local option sales tax cap, the City may have the option to utilize local sales tax for other local needs. This initiative is also being considered by other communities in the North Central Texas Region as part of an effort to create local funding options for a seamless regional transportation network. Regional Mobility Authority Oppose legislation that would create a Regional Mobility Authority in the four county area of North Central Texas including Dallas, Denton, Collin and Tarrant Counties for the purpose of administering funds received through revenue sharing agreements. Background: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), The North Texas Tollway Authority (NNTA) and the North Central Texas Council of Governments' Regional Transportation Council (RTC) are currently exploring programming and administration policies as it relates to concession fees and excess revenue received through Comprehensive Development Agreements (CDA). TxDOT has suggested that a Regional Mobility Authority be created for this purpose as well as to develop, implement and finance regional toll projects. NCTCOG staff is opposed to the creation of an RMA as it will reduce local autonomy in the development and implementation of regional transportation infrastructure projects. The RTC staff is currently working with TxDOT and the NTTA to develop an institution to provide for the administration of the revenue sharing agreements and ensure financial accountability. The Denton Mobility Committee supports the RTC/NCTCOG position on this issue. City of Denton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 10 Utility Issues Electric subsidies for state universities Oppose legislation that would extend the electric subsidy to state four-year state university, upper-level institution, Texas State Technical College or college, by municipal owned utilities. Background: In 1995 the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring all electric utilities in Texas to reduce their base rate charges for electric service provided "to a facility of a four-year state university, upper-level institution, Texas State Technical College or college" by 20%. The total impact of this discount on the City is that the two universities pay approximately $800,000 per year less for their electric service than it costs to serve them. There is a possibility that state universities might try to extend this 20% discount on their electric service, since this discount is eliminated by law at the end of 2006. Drainage Fees Support legislation that repeals the drainage fee exemption for state entities. Background: During the 78th Texas Legislature, the legislature enacted legislation that exempts state properties, state colleges and universities from paying municipal storm water utility fees. These state entities benefit from the flood prevention and storm water control provided by city storm water program. All entities should pay their fair share of the city's efforts to prevent flooding and to respond to costly federal mandates relating to storm water run-off. When state entities are exempted from municipal drainage fees, the remaining ratepayers make up the difference. TML is opposing the exemption of any entity from paying municipal drainage fees. Bioreactors and other state-of-the-art landfill technologies Propose legislation that would promote and allow the permitting of Municipal Solid Waste landfill design and operating technologies that can have a positive effect on the environment and provide improved site utilization. Background: In March, 2006 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality TCEQ) adopted updated Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) rules, 30 TAC 330. The draft rules contained provisions to accommodate the permitting of bioreactor landfills. During the adoption process the portions of the rules regarding Bioreactors was removed and the rule package was adopted without any provision City ofDenton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 1 1 to allow for the permitting of landfills using current state-of-the-art landfill technology. This included the use of bioreactor processes and other processes that enhance the naturally occurring biodegradation of the organic components to speed up the chemical and biological stabilization of the waste. The City would like to explore the possibility of using some of these technologies. Retain Local Control over Development Issues and Fees Oppose legislation that would erode city annexation authority. Oppose legislation that would erode city authority in the extraterritorial jurisdiction over special districts. Oppose legislation that would allow voters in the ETJ to vote on whether any proposed ordinance or ordinance amendment shall apply in the ETJ. Oppose legislation that would reduce a municipal authority and discretion to approve the creation of a special district within a city's incorporated area or ETJ, including the expansion of a district's boundaries or powers. Oppose legislation that will reduce or eliminate development fees, exactions or building permits. Oppose legislation that will restrict cities' ability to adopt or amend zoning regulations, or vest or otherwise create a property right in a zoning classification. Background: Denton has allocated major staff recourses and spent significant sums on creating a development strategy, embodied in the Denton Plan, 1999- 2020, and the Denton Development Code. Denton citizens do not want these efforts to be undermined by legislation eroding local control. The city needs to retain local authority over annexation, development fees, and building permits to implement these plans. Denton provides water and wastewater to its own citizens and also provides water and wastewater services through interlocal agreements with many smaller cities in Denton County. There are 12 fresh water supply districts in Denton County. The City of Denton has had problems with a fresh water supply district forming inside the city limits and had to file litigation. Fresh water supply districts frequently have substandard infrastructure and cannot serve the development that the district City of Denton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 12 projected at build out. These systems are not required to bid competitively and are very expensive. Developers will often structure the debt to include a bond balloon payment. This balloon payment is usually due around the time the system is failing. Cities are then pressured to take over the district through annexation and are forced to spend substantial sums to correct the problem. This is the same problem Houston faced in the early 80s. Denton will urge legislators to exercise caution when creating special districts and make sure that special districts notify and receive permission from cities before forming. TML is also opposing all of these types of legislation. Red Light Cameras Oppose legislation that would restrict a city's ability to implement a photographic red light enforcement system to use cameras at traffic lights and impose a civil penalty for running the light. Background. During the 781h Texas Legislature, SB 1184 passed and amended the Texas Transportation Code to allow cities to use cameras at traffic lights and impose a civil penalty for running the red light. Each year in the United States more than 800 people die and over 200,00 are injured in crashes that involve running of a red light. Texas is ranked fourth in the nation for death rates in red- light crashes. In April 2006, the City implemented red light cameras and four intersections in the city. Since that time, the average daily red light violations have gone down significantly at these intersections, and no motor vehicle accidents have occurred at these intersections. Grandfathering of Existing Employees into Civil Service System Support legislation that expands the grandfathering clause of newly classified civil service positions to municipalities that do not meet the population requirement outlined in current legislation. Background: The City is in favor of supporting legislation that lowers the population requirements for grandfathering newly classified civil service positions under Chapter 143.021 of the local government code. Current legislation grandfathers newly classified civil service positions if a municipality meets population requirements of 220,000 or more. While the City was able to successfully reclassify some civil service positions through the meet and confer process, a more permanent solution through legislative change is favored. City ofDenton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 13 TML Resolutions proposed by the City of Denton Beneficial Reuse/Compost/Mulch Oppose any legislation that would limit or prohibit a city's ability to make and sell composttmulch products, inside and outside of the city limits. Background: Rep. Dennis Bonnen, District 25, has asked the Texas Attorney General for an opinion on "whether or not a city can operate a well-organized, competitive and commercial compost/mulch business and sell its products outside its city limits in direct competition with private enterprise. If representative Bonnen receives a favorable opinion from the Attorney General or if he is successful in passing this type of legislation, this would severely impact the financial viability of our composting operation. The City of Denton Water Reclamation Division initiated the composting operation in 1990. The division had been exploring alternative methods of biosolid disposal and the composting process seemed very promising for an urban environment. The option exists to put wastewater biosolids in the landfill however this is not an environmentally responsible solution. If the Water Reclamation Division stops composting not only will the wastewater biosolids have to be disposed in the landfill but the construction lumber, wood waste and yard waste will have to be disposed of in the landfill as well. To put this volume of waste material in perspective, since 1990 approximately 1,000,000 yards of wood waste and bio solids have been diverted from the landfill. It is estimated that the value of landfill airspace saved in excess of $2,000,000. Not only is the composting operation saving landfill space it is extending the operating life of the landfill. Special Districts in City's ETJ Support legislation that would place a moratorium on the creation of special districts until the State Legislature can appoint a task force to study their adverse affects; and providing for an effective date. Background: Special districts were originally formed to allow rural areas to obtain adequate water and sewer supplies in areas not served by municipal facilities. In conjunction with the reduction in city authority to annex and vested rights legislation designed to protect developers, developers of dense urban City of Denton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 14 developments in rural ETJ areas are using this special district legislation to create mini-quasi-political subdivisions in the ETFs of cities. The incentive for creating special districts is that the developer obtains public financing where all of his development costs are reimbursed on the front end when the bonds for special district infrastructure are sold. The bondholders are paid back through ad valorem taxes assessed against the future homeowners that are typically at a tax rate that is dramatically higher than normal city tax rates. If the city decides to annex the special district area it must assume the special district's debt, thus putting the city in the position of having to pay for infrastructure through a much lower tax rate. This in turn becomes a disincentive for a city to annex the area until the debt is paid off, thereby further eroding the city's ability to annex area within its ETJ. Cities are not allowed to apply there zoning controls in the ETJ, counties generally have no zoning controls, and there are no regional or state authorities that have zoning power in ETFs. Under current law cities only have two options, try to negotiate a development agreement with the developer proposing the special district or institute involuntary annexation proceedings. However, a city's ability to involuntary annex property in the ETJ has been greatly curtailed by state law, and it is often difficult to negotiate a favorable agreement because of the vested rights laws that lock in development rights once any kind of application is filed. We think that cities, and not developers, are better suited to look out for the public interest in these ETJ areas. Support Legislation that directly benefits UNT and/or TWU Support legislation that directly benefits UNT and/or TWU, if such proposals do not adversely affect the city's interest. Support Legislation that directly benefits Denton ISD Support legislation that directly benefits Denton ISD, if such proposals do not adversely affect the city's interest. City of Denton 2007 State Legislative Program October 3, 2006 Page 15