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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2016 0518 CCSA REG ITEM 09A ITEM 9.A. CITYOF MOORPARK,CALIFORNIA City Council Meeting Of— MOORPARK fMOORPARK CITY COUNCIL AC : AGENDA REPORT �, . _ o/ , TON Y. i. .O TO: Honorable City Council �f FROM: Sean Corrigan, City Engineer/Public Works Director y7,4,.. Prepared by: Shaun Kroes, Program Manager DATE: April 29, 2016 (CC Meeting of 05/18/16) SUBJECT: Consider Resolution Approving the Ventura County Transportation Measure Investment/Expenditure Plan and Determination of Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act; and Authorize the City Clerk to Transmit the Adopted Resolution to the Ventura County Transportation Commission, Acting as the Ventura County Local Transportation Authority BACKGROUND At a special meeting of the Ventura County Transportation CommissionNentura County Local Transportation Authority (VCTC or Commission) held Friday, April 22, 2016, the Commission approved, by a 14-0 vote, the attached draft Ventura County Transportation Measure Investment/Expenditure Plan (Plan) for distribution to all cities within Ventura County and the County of Ventura (Attachment 1). The action by the Commission is the first formal step, pursuant to Public Utilities Code(PUC) Section 180206,towards placing a transportation sales tax measure on the November 2016 general election ballot. This action followed a presentation by VCTC's voter research consultant, Dr. Richard Bernard, of the firm Fairbanks, Maslin, Maulin, & Metz who presented results from recent polling of 600 likely Ventura County voters that showed that 67% were in favor of a half-cent sales tax measure for transportation investments, projects and programs. The 67% level of support is critical since a transportation measure is considered a"special tax"and as such state law requires two-thirds voter approval for passage. DISCUSSION The Plan approved by the Commission is a 30-year$3.3 billion transportation investment strategy funded by a countywide half-cent sales tax and would be distributed in general as described in the table on the following page. 123 Honorable City Council May 18, 2016 Page 2 Investment/Expenditure Plan Component 30 Year Total % 1. Local Streets and Roads $1,650,000,000 50.00% 2. Freeway Program $ 660,000,000 20.00% 3. Regional Roads/Military Access/Freight Movement $ 227,700,000 6.90% 4. Bus Transit Enhancements & Fare Support $ 191,400,000 5.80% _5. Commuter Rail Enhancements $ 191,400,000 5.80% 6. Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements $ 99,000,000 3.00% 7. Transportation Environmental Mitigation $ 198,000,000 6.00% 8. State Board of Equalization Fees $ 49,500,000 1.50% 9. Admin/Taxpayer Oversight $ 33,000,000 1.00% Total $3,300,000,000 100.00% A clear area of concern for Ventura County residents and virtually all transportation stakeholders is the importance of maintaining local streets and roads. This message was heard through VCTC's voter research as well as through the community meetings as VCTC developed the VCTC Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The Ventura County Investment/Expenditure Plan recognizes this concern and allocates $35 million annually, the largest amount of any category, to a local streets, roads, and transportation priorities program. This funding, which is 50% of the funds generated, would be distributed by VCTC directly to cities and the County of Ventura for local street and road needs and local transportation priorities as determined by City Council and the Board of Supervisors. Based on the street lane miles formula recommended by the Ventura County City Managers group, the amount of funding for local transportation needs and priorities for the City of Moorpark is projected to be $1.21 million, annually. The remaining 50% of the funds will be focused on regional transportation priorities administered by the Commission. Over the 30-year Plan life, $660 million (20% of measure revenues) will match an equivalent amount of State and Federal transportation funds to provide major improvements to the US 101 corridor through urban Ventura County and improvements to State Route 118 between Simi Valley and Moorpark. The Regional Road/Freight Movement program is allocated approximately$228 million to fund regional roads, arterials, and state highways that play a significant role in the safe and efficient movement of freight, provide access for Ventura County's military installations and connect Ventura County communities on routes other than freeways. Public Transit, including bus and passenger rail transit, is allocated a combined $383 million (nearly 12% of measure revenues) split evenly between bus transit enhancements 124 Honorable City Council May 18, 2016 Page 3 and commuter rail enhancements. The bus system enables mobility for those who do not drive or do not have a vehicle and offers a choice to those who do. Measure funding would be used to ensure fares are kept affordable for those who need it most: seniors, students, people with disabilities and veterans and will fund the expansion of bus services, connections, bus infrastructure and improvements to countywide services. Commuter and passenger rail plays an important part in the overall transportation mix. Funding from the measure provides a stable and continuous source of funding for Metrolink rail operations, ensuring that passenger rail remains an option for commuters, and provides funding for additional capital improvements when needed. A comprehensive transportation system must support all modes, including bicycles and walking. The Plan includes $99 million that will be used to match Federal and State funds and includes funding for cycling and pedestrian projects such as Class 1 dedicated bike and pedestrian trails, improved street bike lanes and signage on routes connecting communities and safe routes to schools. It is anticipated that with local funds being used consistent with Complete Streets ordinances this program will enable local jurisdictions to make transformative investments in bicycle and pedestrian projects. Lastly, from a funding allocation perspective, the Plan allocates $198 million for capital investments and programs that have a transportation nexus to the natural environment. This program will match State and Federal resource agency grants, foundation grants and other non-governmental organization grants to fund restoration efforts and protect habitat impacted by transportation infrastructure. This program will also support local agency efforts to reduce runoff from highways, streets and roads, and maintain and improve drainage filters and facilities. The Plan has strict safeguards and accountability measures, including an independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee and requires annual independent audits. Administration expenses are capped at 1% as required by law. The Plan includes a "maintenance of effort" provision to ensure the funds augment existing funds, not replace existing local investments. The law requires that at least six (6) Ventura County cities representing no less than 50%+1 of the incorporated population plus the Board of Supervisors approve the Plan before the Commission can request that the measure be placed on the ballot. Every city council and the Board of Supervisors is being asked to approve the Plan during the months of May and June by Resolution (Attachment 2). Assuming the requisite number of cities consisting of the required population and the Board of Supervisors approve the Plan, the Commission will consider the required ordinance adopting the final plan at the regularly scheduled July 8th Commission meeting. State law requires a two-third's affirmative vote for the ordinance to be approved. Additionally the Commission may then act to formally 125 Honorable City Council May 18, 2016 Page 4 request that the Board of Supervisors place the sales tax revenue measure including the Plan on the November 2016 ballot. The decision to prepare the draft Ventura County Transportation Measure Investment/Expenditure Plan and approve it for distribution to and consideration by Ventura County and the cities therein pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 180206 is part of the process for creation of a government funding mechanism and is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4). The Community Development Director has reviewed the exemption and concurs. FISCAL IMPACT None at this time. If the Plan is approved by Ventura County voters, it is estimated that the City will receive $1.21 million annually for streets and roads projects. The City will also be eligible for funding generated by the sales tax for transit and environmental improvements. STAFF RECOMMENDATION 1. Adopt Resolution No. 2016- approving the Ventura County Transportation Measure Investment/Expenditure Plan and Determination of Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act; and 2. Authorize the City Clerk to transmit the Resolution to the Ventura County Local Transportation Authority Attachments: 1. Ventura County Transportation Investment/Expenditure Plan 2. Resolution No. 2016- 126 Attachment 1 VENTURA ,, COUNTyz 1 TRANSPORTATION _: INVESTMENT/ EXPENDITURE PLAN ,,,, ,,, ., ., . _,._ ..„,,_ ,. ,„ ,J _ mo ,; Fillmore 111 KEEP TRAIN`_ � o KEEP BUS FARE �: & BUSES ROLLIN _ , , -*-1640 IMPROVELOW FOR LOCAL STREETS 23 SENIORS & VETS entura DISABLED Q Ofel ® Santa Paula 0 REPAIR BIKE PATHS REGIONAL ROADS CONNECTING COMMU► IES db IP Q °' ® Camari ALL FUNDS STAY LOCAL IMPROVE Thousand SAFETY AT INTERSECTIONS & RAIL CROSSINGS ^ Oaks U Oxnard eine CREATE JOBS FIX OUR BOOST :ill FREEWAYS LOCAL ECONOMY ANNUAL AUDITS PEDESTRIAN &TIGHT FINANCIAL CONTROLS IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION 4 Ventura County CLEAN WATER _V/' C7'C= Transportation RUN O F F `' Commission 127 VENTURA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT/EXPENDITURE PROGRAM T H E PLAN Investment/Expenditure Plan Component 30 Year Total Percent of Total 1. Local Streets and Roads $1,650,000,000 50.0% 2. Freeway Program $660,000,000 20.0% 3. Regional Roads/Military Access/ Freight Movement $227,700,000 6.9% 4. Bus Transit Enhancements & Fare Support $191,400,000 5.8% 5. Commuter Rail Enhancements $191,400,000 5.8% 6. Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements $99,000,000 3.0% 7. Transportation Environmental Mitigation $198,000,000 6.0% 8. State Board of Equalization Fees $49,500,000 1.5% 9. Admin/Taxpayer Oversight $33,000,000 1.0% Total $3,300,000,000 100.0% Transportation touches every area of our collected in Ventura County, which should lives on a daily basis and we often overlook help support local roads, go to other its importance. We expect our roads to counties that offer local matching funds. All carry us safely and efficiently to where we this contributes to a transportation system want to go, that we have options to driving which cannot meet our current or future and can bike, walk or take a bus. Business needs. Local investment in our transportation owners need and should have easy access system enables Ventura County to compete to their locations for their workers, customers for federal and state funds and bring your and goods so that Ventura County's economy tax dollars back to the County. thrives. Mobility is an essential ingredient in the quality of life that we've come to expect The Ventura County Transportation in Ventura County. Commission/Ventura County Local Transportation Authority (VCTC) coordinates The transportation system that enables funding for most transportation activities in mobility in Ventura County is beginning Ventura County and believes now is the time to show the strain of many years of for residents to invest in the future and under-funding. Highways once free flowing repair, preserve and improve the transportation are now congested, pot holes are an all too system that adds so much to Ventura County's familiar sight on city streets and bus and rail quality of life. The VCTC has been talking services are struggling just to maintain with communities throughout the County current schedules and fares. and has developed this County Transportation Investment/Expenditure Plan, pursuant to While maintenance costs are increasing Public Utilities Codes section 180206 that significantly, State and Federal funding for prioritizes investments in the areas that residents transportation is diminishing and typically want to see improvement in, hereinafter requires a commitment (sometimes dollar for referred to in the "Plan" that is set forth in dollar) for a local investment before funds - the following pages. are allocated. Absent local funding, taxes 1 128 INVESTMENT IN LOCAL STREETS, ROADS & TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES ESTIMATED INVESTMENT: Whether by car, bus, bike or walking, nearly This Plan includes assistance for the cities and every trip in Ventura County begins on a the County of Ventura that must maintain local street. The upkeep and maintenance our local streets. A total of 50 percent of all of local streets and roads affects all of us as Plan funds, approximately $1,650,000,000, we travel throughout our day. Typically, we would be returned to local jurisdictions to only think about streets and roads when the augment their revenues for the maintenance conditions start to deteriorate. Every city and improvement of the nearly 2,500 miles and the County of Ventura have expressed of local streets and local transportation and quantified their struggle to maintain the systems. To ensure an equitable distribution condition of local streets and have advised of those funds to the local jurisdictions, a of a substantial shortfall in funding just to formula has been developed by the cities maintain road conditions in their current and the County of Ventura, that a) provides state. a minimum of$500,000 to each jurisdiction annually; b) provides the County of Ventura with 22.3% of the local street and roads funds; c) allocates the remainder of local streets and roads funds based on the percentage of lane miles within a jurisdiction. Each jurisdiction will receive funds as shown in the table below. INVESTMENT LOCAL STREETS & ROADS Juris.criction Approximate Percentage Approximate 30 Year Total- Approximate I Year Total Camarillo 8.64% $142.4 $3.02 Fillmore 1.59% $22.7 $0.50 Moorpark 3.45% $56.9 $1.21 Ojai 1.59% $24.7 $0.53 Oxnard 15.31% $252.6 $5.36 Port Hueneme 1.59% $26.3 $0.56 San Buenaventura 12.66% $208.8 $4.43 Santa Paula 2.04% $33.6 $0.71 Simi Valley 14.13% $233.1 $4.94 Thousand Oaks 17.02% $280.9 $5.96 County of Ventura 22.3% $367.9 $7.79 2 129 INVESTMENT IN LOCAL STREETS, ROADS & TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES ESTIMATED INVESTMENT: The County of Ventura and the cities are ;_ - best positioned to determine their local ° needs for maintenance and improvements * 4r' and thisro ram is designed to p g g give local jurisdictions the greatest flexibility in the use of these funds. Local jurisdictions may apply � --- these funds to any transportation related project including but not limited to street repair, pavement maintenance, road - • widening, installation of bike lanes, side- walks, pedestrian walkways, transit stop improvements, contributions to transit services, Safe Routes to School Programs, _ .r ,; '� Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), ' • -'` ` and/or other transportation projects as local jurisdictions deem necessary for the betterment of their residents under the conditions as follows: • The funds distributed through this Plan to local jurisdictions are intended to augment local jurisdictions' funds that are normally or typically designated for transportation programs or projects. Local jurisdictions must continue their normal practices to fund transportation projects. • To ensure that all users of streets and roads are considered, all jurisdictions must be compliant with Assembly Bill 1358, the California Complete Streets Act of 2008. If a jurisdiction has not yet updated its circulation plan to include a complete streets element, it may utilize the first year's Plan allocation to become compliant but no other funds will be allo- cated until the jurisdiction has completed a Complete Streets Plan as required by the legislation. • All jurisdictions must comply with re- porting requirements by submitting a five year Capital Improvement Plan out- lining the anticipated use of Plan funds, provide an annual accounting of Plan funds expended, and provide a timely use of Plan funds report for review by the Taxpayer Oversight Committee. 3 130 FREEWAY PROGRAM $660 MILLION Traffic relief is the focal point of the freeway program in the Plan.Over the past 10 years '. 1 Caltrans with funding allocated by VCTC has built several freeway traffic flow improvement projects, -.. �a�.; ,t.� �! --- - thanks to the 2006 passage of Proposition 1B,a 0!ikt<1:*- _ statewide transportation bond measure. However, ' as the economy has improved traffic has become ��-,. •_ a source of frustration for commuters and - -- ' • -- ; . • businesses alike,especially on sections of 101 and 118 that have not recently been improved.All of the Proposition 1B funds are now spent and • meanwhile other state funds for road improve- •1 'I ti ments have dwindled.With current state and federal funding it will be many years before there can be any new freeway traffic flow improvement projects started in Ventura County. This Plan will implement critically-needed freeway projects to improve the 101 and 118 freeways. By making local tax funds available,state and federal funds available for freeways can be leveraged more quickly. The funding plan for these improvements includes the cost of related environmental mitigation measures such as new soundwalls and water runoff pollution control features. The Plan and tax measure make available $660 million for the freeway program. The overall transportation program is also funded using 100% of expected State Transportation Improvement Program revenue ($249 million) and 100% of federal Surface Transportation Program funds ($332 million), for a total of$1,241,000,000. • 4 131 FREEWAY PROGRAM Route 101 from Ventura/Los Route 118 from Route 23 in Angeles County Line to Route 33 Moorpark to Tapo Canyon Road in Ventura in Simi Valley Route 101 is the"Main Street"of Ventura County Thanks to Proposition 1B, Route 118 has been and most of this freeway has not been improved widened from Tapo Canyon Road in Simi Valley since the 1980's.Congestion has become much to the Ventura/Los Angeles county line at worse in the past 10 years,causing several major Santa Susanna Pass Road. However, choke- bottlenecks, including those near the Moorpark points have now formed at Tapo Canyon, and Road, Rice Avenue,and Johnson Drive inter- also at the western end of the 118 Freeway changes,as well as the entire stretch through where it joins the wider 23 Freeway. Camarillo. The Plan includes widening over 9 miles of The freeway carries an average of 140,000 freeway between Tapo Canyon and Route 23, vehicles per day,and traffic congestion is to eliminate the traffic bottlenecks and expected to increase by 50%by 2035.The increase safety. Besides adding lanes, the planned improvements will improve traffic flow, widening plan includes soundwalls, a concrete increase safety,and expedite VCTC Intercity median safety barrier, and interchange and Bus service over 28 miles through Thousand bridge improvements. Caltrans will take the Oaks,Camarillo,Oxnard,and Ventura, by adding lead in implementing the project with VCTC carpool lanes in the center median and merging administering the funds. When completed, the lanes between interchanges.Additionally, local project will result in Routes 23 and 118 forming interchanges will be rebuilt to accommodate a continuous freeway of 3 lanes in each mobility and safety improvements. VCTC will direction from the 101 in Thousand Oaks to take the lead in the project,with Caltrans Collins Drive in Moorpark, and 4 lanes in each providing oversight in its role as the freeway direction from Collins Drive in Moorpark to owner/operator. Specific improvements will be Santa Susana Pass Road near Simi Valley. subject to approved plans developed in Specific improvements will be subject to cooperation with local jurisdictions and affected approved plans developed in cooperation with communities. local jurisdictions and affected communities. n Fillmore 232 .smr tea-- �' - m�...,- -.. • WWW / K^ ,..,.....-.«...... Li 42 a aoo.Pe:k del • 5 132 REGIONAL ROADS/ MILITARY ACCESS/ ESTIMATED FREIGHT MOVEMENT INVESTMENT: $227.7 MILLION Freight movement plays a vital role in The project will build a bridge for Rice maintaining Ventura County's economy. It's Avenue to pass over the tracks and also particularly important to keep freight over Fifth Street. Traffic ramps will be built flowing quickly and safely to and from the to connect Rice and Fifth. Port of Hueneme as well as to allow people and goods to access Naval Base Ventura • Enhance traffic flow, safety, and pavement County without degrading local traffic. The strength on the main access route serving County's regional roads and state highways the Port of Hueneme, by implementing play a significant role in connecting together the following: (1) widening Hueneme Road the cities within the County, and linking Routes from 2 to 4 lanes from Edison Drive to Rice 101 and 126. Avenue;and (2) Install safety improvements and strengthen pavement on Rice Avenue The proposed road improvements will reduce from Route 101 to Hueneme Road. the chance of auto, truck and bicycle accidents in rural areas. These projects will • Better connect 101 and 126 through the also make it easier for residents to access following projects: (1) widen from 2 to freeways, for emergency vehicles to respond 4 lanes Rose Avenue from Central in quickly to serious incidents, and for goods, Oxnard to Route 118 in Saticoy, Rice Avenue including agricultural products, to move freely from Auto Center Drive in Oxnard to 118 throughout Ventura County. The final scope in Saticoy, and Central Avenue between and project limits of all improvements will be Santa Clara Avenue and Del Norte Road in determined through noticed public hearings, Oxnard; and (2) improve the Rose/118 and environmental clearance process, and agree- Rice/118 intersections in Saticoy. ment with affected agencies. • Construct other projects selected by Congress recently authorized a new federal VCTC on a competitive basis. Projects • program to annually make available $1.9 bil- will be selected based on congestion lion nationwide for freight projects. Given that relief,safety improvement,cost effectiveness, VCTC has already developed a comprehensive project readiness, and similar criteria to be transportation plan that addresses freight determined. State highways including but movement needs, Ventura County is well- not limited to, State Route 1, 23, 33, 34, 232, positioned to benefit from this federal and 150 will be eligible for these funds. program, but only if there are local funds to leverage the newly-available federal funds. • Implement qualifying projects in the This Plan will provide those necessary funds. local jurisdictions' General Plan Circulation Elements. The Plan will provide nearly $228 million for the regional road program. Under the Plan this funding would be used to leverage an additional $63 million over 30 years from the newly-established federal freight program. Ventura The projects will be implemented by local jurisdictions such as the County of Ventura r ✓�+ �r and the cities. Gamar1110 **A Oxnard ZZ The Plan includes the following projects: Port cis., i • Improve safety and traffic flow on Rice o w°'.: ueneme Avenue at Fifth Street in Oxnard, by eliminating the train crossing which has been the site of several recent accidents. 6 133 BUS TRANSIT ENHANCEMENT & FARE SUPPORT PROGRAM ESTIMATED INVESTMENT: ,. . 4 .:aFP ... ..... ........ Improving bus transit is a key component in II , Ventura County's transportation system. The r bus system enables mobility for those who _ j,' don't drive and offers a choice to those who ' .'r do. Underscoring the need for improved bus '. service is the projection from the U.S. Census I .14x77 Bureau that the 65 and older population will / double by 2030. The bus transit elements of ` • this Plan benefits people who live in Ventura County by keeping fares affordable for seniors, youth/students, veterans, and . : ; , people with disabilities, and maintaining and expanding bus, and demand responsive services. This program provides transit operators with a flexible, consistent funding source for maintaining, restoring, and improving transit services in Ventura County. Countywide Affordable Fares Program: $38,280,000 The plan provides funding for regional fare programs that keep fares affordable for seniors, youth/students, veterans, and people with disabilities. VCTC will work collaboratively with all Ventura County transit operators, providing direct funding to keep fares affordable and utilizing proven technologies and fare mediums to ensure an effective and sustainable program. County Transit Improvement Program: $153,120,000 This program provides funds for local solutions to the growing transportation needs through a flexible need-based process that will expand public transit services (including services to seniors and persons with disabilities) through increased frequencies, neighborhood feeder services, peak hour commute and express service, bus-rapid transit, expanded bike/bus programs, vehicles purchases, capital improvements and improved connectivity through enhanced intercity and intercounty service. 7 134 $191.4 MILLION These funds will maintain and increase safe _ and reliable commuter/passenger rail service � = for Ventura County residents. This program -�� --- provides a stable and continuous source of I _likiu w -• ,i�>'�, funding for Metrolink commuter rail service. Ilvirl,- ,, . Metrolink commuter rail service is critical + to all residents of Ventura County to relieve - - congestion and provide a commute ''"' _ .- alternative. Moreover, Metrolink service plays - a key role in our environment, by reducing ,/ vehicle emissions to keep our air clean. This plan provides the funds to continue f commuter/passenger rail operations in Ventura County and make the needed safety and capital improvements on all commuter/ passenger rail lines and support operating costs. Eligible expenditures are capital and operating costs. Legend Metrolink Stations 11111 Metrolink Tracks '1- Coast Mainline v U3.i Fillmore • 01 i ‘-'-'7,:1-7-,..r.--:-.'-'''-VaaWra, SiniValayi-- _ — <,- Oxnard _ '' s _ Hi H� Thousand oaks Port 8 135 INVESTMENT IN BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ESTIMATED IMPROVEMENTS INVESTMENT. $99 MILLION A comprehensive transportation system must ensure that all modes of transportation are integrated udes intotit anced or supported. ortted This � - -Plan ns specifically for bicycle and pedestrian - : !.1.�" n l projects. A total of 3% of all Plan funds, ` • ,r ,. J.`, °'o l4lyilb�l�E(li"�, approximately $99,000,000, will be ;�,_s ' '1 dedicated for bicycle and pedestrian '•� projects. , . . � \\\\\\\1\jl', 1)4.:� ��� Funding would occur through a competitive ,� grant program designed to improve both 111 1 -1 the bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure ' throughout Ventura County. Funds could be used for planning, project development, construction, maintenance and/or to match federal and/or state grant funds including but not limited to Safe Routes to School Programs, Active Transportation Program (ATP) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ). Along with the cities and the County of Ventura, school districts, colleges, and universities would be eligible to compete for these funds. These funds are meant to augment any existing funds and not as a replacement for funds that an entity has historically used for this activity. Each grant recipient would be subject to requirements for the timely use of funds and an annual reporting of expenditures for review by the Taxpayer Oversight Committee. 9 136 TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT IN THE NATURAL ESTIMATED INVESTMENT: ENVIRONEMENT $198 MILLION A transportation system that ensures „,` mobility throughout Ventura County adds „ay! substantially to the quality of life but development of that transportation system cannot ignore the impacts that it may have 1 on the environment. While individual projects in this Plan would include project specific mitigations, this program includes a total of 6% of all Plan funds, approximately $198,000,000, for transportation invest- Priority will be given to projects that have ments that enable the preservation and/or improvement of Ventura County's natural strong community and stakeholder support, environment. demonstrated readiness, and the ability to attract matching funds, grants, and in-kind A regional advanced mitigation program will contributions from local state, federal and enhance funding for individual project non-profit entities. Projects must provide a mitigations by enabling comprehensive, direct nexus to transportation and may rather than piecemeal mitigation of the include but are not limited to: environmental impacts of major regional transportation improvements funded by • Reduction or elimination of runoff from the Plan. Funds will be available to provide highways, streets and roads including high-value, landscape-scale benefits such drainage improvements; bioswales and as habitat protection, wildlife corridors, biofiltration channels; maintenance of and watershed protection in exchange for catch basins, filters and screens; or other streamlined programmatic permits and water quality improvements. approvals from regulatory agencies such as: • Protection and/or restoration of habitat • California Department of Fish and and watersheds including wetlands, rivers, Wildlife streams, riparian corridors, and removal or • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service modification of fish passage barriers that State and Regional Water Quality are or have been impacted by transporta- • Control Boards tion infrastructure. • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency • Infrastructure or programs designed to enhance and protect opportunities for Funding would occur through a competitive human interaction in natural areas such as grant program, based upon an open, hiking trails, raised trails, biking trails, trail science-based process, involving interested, bridges, signage, or other improvements. knowledgeable stakeholders, to ensure Along with the cities and the County of maximum benefit and protection to impacted Ventura, special districts, Caltrans, California areas and sensitive,threatened and endangered habitat and species. Funds could be used Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish for planning, project development, land and Wildlife and U.S. Army Corps of acquisition, construction, maintenance, and/ Engineers would be eligible to compete for or to match other grant funds. these funds. Each grant recipient would be subject to requirements for the timely use of funds and an annual reporting of expenditures for review by the Taxpayer Oversight Committee. Plan funds must augment, not replace, existing transportation related environmental quality, environmental mitigation, water quality and watershed expenditures. 10 137 ADMINISTRATION, ACCOUNTABILITY & ESTIMATED OVERSIGHT INVESTMENT: $33 MILLION Implementation of the Transportation No Diversion of Funds Investment/Expenditure Plan and all Funds can be spent only on projects and spending is subject to the following specific programs that serve Ventura County out- safeguards and requirements to ensure that lined in the Plan. Under no circumstances sales tax funds collected for the Plan may may these funds be appropriated by the be spent only for the purposes identified in State of California or any other entity not the Plan. Under no circumstances may the identified in the Plan. The state and other proceeds be applied to any purpose other public agencies may qualify for grant than transportation and transportation- funding identified elsewhere in the Plan. related improvements, projects, and programs benefitting Ventura County, Open Decision Making Process including administration of the Plan, the All decisions must be made through a fully costs of which will be limited to one percent noticed public process. The Commission of funding over the 30-year life of the Plan. will hold noticed public meetings subject to Under no circumstances may these funds the Brown Act open meeting law; prepare be diverted or appropriated by the State of annual budgets, strategic plans and annual California or any other governmental spending reports with full public review and agency. The State and other public agencies participation. may qualify for grant funding identified elsewhere in the Plan. Strict Limit on Administrative Administration Costs Cost for staff salaries and benefits to Plan and Sales Tax Duration administer the Plan will be strictly limited to no more than one percent of the revenues The duration of the Plan will be thirty years or $33 million over thirty years. Costs of beginning April 2017 and terminating March administration include reasonable consultant 2047. The Plan and the sales tax revenue costs; reasonable attorneys' fees, including cannot be extended unless they are re- costs of defense of the Plan or the sales tax submitted to the voters under the laws and measure; and the costs of the election regulations in effect at that time. seeking voter approval of the sales tax. Governing Body Annual Spending Limit The governing body for the Plan will be A limit on the amount that the Commis- the Ventura County Transportation sion may spend annually will be established Commission (Commission), acting as pursuant to Section 4 of Article XIII B of the the Local Transportation Authority under California Constitution. the Local Transportation Authority and Improvement Act, California Public Utilities Maintenance of Effort Code Section 180000 et seq. The Pursuant to California Public Utilities Code Commission consists of seventeen Section 180000 (e), it is the intent of this voting members as follows: Plan that funds generated by the sales tax of be used to supplement, not replace, existing • oard of AllSupervisors five members rs of the Ventura County local revenues used for transportation Bpurposes. • A mayor or councilmember from each of the ten cities in Ventura County • Two citizen representatives 11 138 ADMINISTRATION, ACCOUNTABILITY & OVERSIGHT CONT. Comprehensive Review of Progress Matching Funds and Performance Leveraging matching funds from federal, At least every ten years, a comprehensive state and local sources is strongly encouraged review of all programs and projects and incentivized by the Plan. Any sales tax implemented under the Plan will be under- funds made available through replacement taken to evaluate the status and performance by matching funds will be allocated to of the overall program. The review shall another project or program of the same type include consideration of changes to local, as outlined in the Plan and shall not be state and federal transportation plans and diverted to any other use. policies; changes in land use, travel and growth projections; changes in environmental Project and Program Financing standards and policies; changes in project "Pay as you go" is the preferred method of cost estimates and revenue projections; financing transportation improvements and project constraints; level of public support operations under the Plan. However, the for the Plan; and the progress of the Commission may and is authorized to use Commission and local jurisdictions in bond financing as an alternative method if implementing the Plan. The Commission may the scope and timing of planned expenditures amend the Plan based upon its comprehensive makes "pay as you go" infeasible. If used, review, subject to the following amendment bonds will be repaid with the proceeds of the process. sales tax. Costs associated with bonding, including interest payments, will be borne Amendments Require 2/3rd only by the capital projects or programs in Support of the Commission the Plan that utilize bond proceeds. All costs The Plan may be amended to provide for the and risks associated with bonding will be use of additional federal, state or local presented in the Commission's strategic plan revenues, to account for unexpected and subject to public comment before any revenues, to take into consideration unfore- bond sale is approved. seen circumstances or respond to a comprehensive review. An amendment must be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Commission acting as both the Commission and the Local Transportation Authority. The public and all jurisdictions in the County will be given a minimum of 45 days to comment on any proposed amendment. 12 139 AUDITS & ANNUAL SPENDING REVIEW All funds will be subject to an annual audit, • Each city and the County of Ventura and all expenditures will be reviewed annually shall solicit and appoint a member of the by a Taxpayer Oversight Committee. public from its jurisdictional boundaries to the Committee. Appointees should Taxpayer Oversight Committee have expertise in one of the following The Taxpayer Oversight Committee will have areas: accounting, active transportation, the responsibility to review and oversee all construction, environmental sciences, expenditures of sales tax funds under the engineering, finance, mobility, public Plan. The Committee reports directly to the transit, or project management. Terms public and has the following responsibilities: of service will be four (4) years with no appointee serving more than two terms. • Hold public hearings and issue reports on at least an annual basis to inform Ventura Commitments from Fund Recipients County residents about how sales tax • All local jurisdictions receiving funds funds are being spent. Meetings and hear- under the Plan for transit, roads, highways, ings of the full Committee will be open to bicycle and pedestrian improvements, the public and subject to the Brown Act goods movement, and environmental open meeting law. enhancements must expend funds expeditiously and report annually on • The Committee will have full access to completed or committed expenditures the Commission's independent auditor and any future planned expenditures. and will have the authority to request and The reports will be made available to the review specific information regarding the public. use of sales tax funds and to comment on the auditor's reports. • All recipients of funds allocated under the Plan will be required to sign a Master • The Committee will have access to all Funding Agreement which details their sales tax audit reports prepared for role and responsibilities in spending the local jurisdictions who receive sales tax funds. Funding agreements will include allocations under the Plan. performance and accountability measures, and recipients will be required to have an • The Taxpayer Oversight Committee will annual audit conducted by an independent prepare an annual report on spending and CPA to ensure that funds are managed progress in implementing the Plan, and and spent in accordance with the require- will make an annual finding, published ments of the Plan and Master Funding and given broad distribution through- Agreement. out Ventura County, as to whether the Commission is proceeding in accordance Annual Budget and Strategic Plan with the Plan. Each year the Commission will adopt an annual budget that projects expected sales • Taxpayer Oversight Committee tax receipts, other anticipated revenues and members will be private citizens who are planned expenditures for administration, not elected or appointed officials at any programs and projects under the Plan. The level of government, nor public employees Commission will also prepare a strategic plan from agencies that either oversee or that will identify the priority for projects, and benefit from the proceeds of the sales tax. dates for project and/or program implemen- Membership is limited to individuals who tation based upon readiness, the ability to live in Ventura County. Members will be attract matching funds and other relevant required to submit an annual statement criteria. Both the budget and the strategic of financial disclosure, and membership plan will be adopted at a fully noticed public is restricted to those with no economic meeting of the Commission. interest in any of the Plan's projects or programs. 13 140 Attachment 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2016 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE VENTURA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT/EXPENDITURE PLAN AND DETERMINATION OF EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT WHEREAS, the City of Moorpark is in receipt of the Ventura County Investment/Expenditure Plan approved for distribution to cities and the County of Ventura by the Ventura County Transportation Commission acting as the Ventura County Local Transportation Authority on April 22, 2016, by a 14-0 vote. The Ventura County Investment/Expenditure Plan was prepared pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 180206 and is required as part of consideration of the potential placement of a retail transactions and use tax (1/2 cent sales tax) revenue measure on the ballot for the November 8, 2016 general election. The revenue measure, if placed on the ballot and approved by the voters, is estimated to generate $70,000,000.00 annually to repair, preserve, and improve the transportation system of Ventura County; and WHEREAS, the lack of a "self-help" transportation revenue measure has placed Ventura County at a competitive disadvantage when competing for federal and state transportation funds with other California counties; and WHEREAS, 50% of the revenue received from a voter-approved revenue measure and allocated pursuant to the proposed Ventura County Transportation Investment/Expenditure Plan will go back to each of the ten cities and the County of Ventura for local transportation needs. This represents an estimated $1,650,000,000 of funding over thirty years; and WHEREAS, the City of Moorpark has significant transportation needs, including local street and road repair, pedestrian improvements, and active transportation needs. Moreover, the cost in recent years of deferred street maintenance needs has grown, while traditional sources of funding for street repairs have diminished; and WHEREAS, the Community Development Director has determined that the Ventura County Investment/Expenditure Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4) in that the CEQA definition of a "Project" does not include the creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities, which do not involve any commitment to any other specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City Council concurs with the determination of the Community Development Director that the Ventura County 141 Resolution 2016 - Page 2 Investment/Expenditure Plan is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15378(b)(4), in that the CEQA definition of a"Project"does not include the creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities, which do not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. SECTION 2. The City of Moorpark approves the County Investment/Expenditure Plan dated April 22, 2016. SECTION 3. The City Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Ventura County Transportation Commission, acting as the Ventura County Local Transportation Authority. SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of the resolution and shall cause a certified resolution to be filed in the book of original Resolutions. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 18`" day of May, 2016. Janice S. Parvin, Mayor ATTEST: Maureen Benson, City Clerk 142