CC - Reso - 99-09 - Opposing Prop 224 - Gov Cost savings and Taxpayer Protection - Box 067V
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
FROM: FRANK G. TRIPEPI, CITY MANAGER
DATE: MARCH 18, 1998
RE: RESOLUTION 98-09 - OPPOSING PROPOSITION 224, THE "GOVERNMENT
COST SAVINGS AND TAXPAYER PROTECTION AMENDMENT"
Earlier this year, a group called the Professional Engineers of California Government (PECG)
qualified a measure for the June ballot with the inappropriate title of "Government Cost Savings and
Taxpayer Protection Amendment." The measure is an attempt by engineers employed by the State
of California to ensure that all projects, public or private, that are funded wholly or partially with
State funds will be reviewed by the State Controller's office to determine whether it would be more
cost efficient to allow state employees to complete the design and engineering work required for the
project.
The flaws in the initiative are apparent. First, there is no way to verify the actual cost estimates for
the work submitted by the State for the work; second, the initiative would place an undue burden on
the State Controller's office to review projects submitted by local governments, thus resulting in
additional delays; third, the initiative would force local government employees to work with Caltrans
on a regular basis for most public works projects involving State funds, thus resulting in even more
unreasonable delays.
Proposition 224 is quite clearly an attempted guarantee of continued employment for State engineers.
It is impractical and ill-conceived. Thus, staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution
No. 98-09 opposing the ballot measure. A copy of the language of the ballot measure, with liner
notes prepared by opponents of the measure has been attached of the Council's review.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution 98-09.
mmemo eS980910
COUNCIL AGENDA
MAR 2 41. 1998
ITEM No. =