HomeMy WebLinkAbout65B - FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORMSCITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
JUNE 2, 2015
TITLE:
REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THE
2015 FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE
PLATFORM (STRATEGIC PLAN NOS. 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7)
/onz
CITY MANAGER
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Review and adopt the 2015 Federal and State Legislative Platform.
DISCUSSION
The Legislative Platform is a tool to protect and promote the City's interests on priority
programs and projects, legislative proposals, and regulatory matters that may impact the
City. The Legislative Platform includes guiding principles and policy statements that allow City
staff and legislative advocates to address legislative and regulatory issues by providing a
framework that summarizes the City's position on policy issues and priorities, without
precluding the consideration of additional legislative and budget issues that arise during the year.
The proposed 2015 Federal and State Legislative Platform was prepared by staff in collaboration
with the Legislative Council Committee and includes guiding principles that focus legislative
advocacy efforts on 1) preserving local control; 2) promoting fiscal stability; 3) supporting funding
opportunities; and 4) maximizing regional collaboration and cooperation. In addition, the policy
statements, City programs /projects, and legislative proposals identified within the Legislative
Platform are aligned with the goals of the City's Five -Year Strategic Plan and are prioritized
according to federal and state legislative priorities.
City priorities identified in the 2015 Legislative Platform include, but are not limited to: Economic
Development, Water Conservation, Affordable Housing, Active Transportation /Safe Mobility,
Veterans Assistance, Immigration Reform, Homeless Assistance, Police Officer Body Cameras,
and Information Technology (Digital Divide). Additionally, the City will continue to seek funding
for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) to sustain long -term homeland security efforts at the
65B -1
2015 Legislative Platform
June 2, 2015
Page 2
local and regional level; pursue funding for the Santa Ana /Garden Grove Fixed Guideway project
to help create a vibrant regional transit system and spur economic development opportunities;
and support for legislation that reauthorizes or increases funding for community development,
youth, and public safety related programs.
Recognizing the need to actively engage in legislative advocacy, the Legislative Platform helps
strengthen the City's ability to articulate, influence, and monitor its position on these and other
policy and priority issues. The Legislative Platform also allows the City to respond quickly in
support or opposition to issues in a manner that is consistent with the Council's policy positions
and direction.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Approval of this item supports the City's efforts to meet all seven goals and objectives of the
strategic plan which include: 1) Community Safety; 2) Youth, Education, Recreation; 3) Economic
Development; 4) City Financial Stability; 5) Community Health, Livability, Engagement and
Sustainability; 6) Community Facilities and Infrastructure; and 7) Team Santa Ana.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Attachment A- 2015 City of Santa Ana Federal and State Legislative Platform
65B -2
City of Santa Ana
FEDERAL & STATE
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
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CITY OF SANTA ANA
2015 FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Miguel Pulido
Mayor Pro Tern Vincent Sarmiento
Ward 1
Councilmember Michele Martinez
Ward 2
Councilmember Angelica Amezcua
Ward 3
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92702
Phone: (714) 6465BL4(714) 647 -6954
Councilmember David Benavides
Ward 4
Councilmember Roman A. Reyna
Ward 5
Councilmember Sal Tinajero
Ward 6
2015 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... ............................... 3
GUIDINGPRINCIPLES ............................................................................................................. ............................... 3
GOAL1: COMMUNITY SAFETY .............................................................................................. ............................... 4
GOAL 2: YOUTH, EDUCATION, RECREATION ........................................................................ ............................... 5
GOAL 3: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................... ............................... 6
GOAL4: CITY FINANCIAL STABILITY ....................................................................................... ..............................7
GOAL 5: COMMUNITY HEALTH, LIVABILITY, ENGAGEMENT & SUSTAINABILITY .................. ..............................9
GOAL 6: COMMUNITY FACILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE ..................................................... ............................... 10
GOAL 7: TEAM SANTA ANA ................................................................................................ ............................... 14
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2015 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
INTRODUCTION
The Legislative Platform is a tool to protect and
promote the City's interests on priority issues
and legislative /regulatory matters that may
impact the City. The Guiding Principles and
Policy Statements below allow City staff and
legislative advocates to address 2015 legislative
and regulatory issues in a timely and directed
manner, without precluding the consideration
of additional legislative and budget issues that
arise during the year. This Platform supplements
other City Council established policies reflected
in other plans and policy documents and is
consistent with the goals of the City's Strategic
Plan.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
I. PRESERVE LOCAL CONTROL
Preserve and protect the City's charter powers,
duties and prerogatives to enact legislation and
policy direction concerning local affairs, and
oppose legislation that preempts local authority.
Local agencies should preserve and enhance
authority and accountability for revenues raised
and services provided.
II. PROMOTE FISCAL STABILITY
Support measures that promote fiscal stability,
predictability, and financial independence.
Support measures that preserve the City's
revenue base and local control over local
government budgeting. Oppose measures that
make cities more dependent on the County,
State or Federal Governments for financial
stability, such as mandated costs with no
guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting
benefits. Oppose measures that shift local funds
to the County, State or Federal Governments,
without offsetting benefits.
III. SUPPORT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Support opportunities that allow the City to
compete for its fair share of regional, state and
federal funding, and that maintain funding
streams. Opportunities may include competitive
grant and funding programs. Opportunities
could also include dedicated funding streams at
the regional, state and federal levels that allow
the City to maximize local revenues, offset and
leverage capital expenditures, and maintain City
goals and standards.
IV. REGIONAL COLLABORATION AND
COOPERATION
Leverage the City's ability to preserve local
control, promote fiscal stability, and support
funding opportunities through collaboration
with municipalities, local government agencies,
special districts, regional government agencies /
organizations and local, state and federal
elected representatives. Share the City's
Legislative Platform and municipal projects /
programs with regional government agencies
and local, state, and federal elected
representatives to seek their support.
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2015 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Note: Items are ordered within each goal to
align City of Santa Ana priorities with Federal
and State priorities.
GOAL 1: COMMUNITY
SAFETY
A safe and secure community is essential to the quality of
life and economic success for the City of Santa Ana. The
City is committed to a high level of public safety and
working in partnership with the community to maintain a
safe and secure City.
Body Cameras (Police Department)
Support legislation that provides funding for
local police agencies to implement body worn
camera programs. The police department has
submitted for a $700,000 U.S. Department of
Justice grant that will yield three awards
nationwide. Any supported legislation should
take into account, victim's privacy rights, and
officer's rights and be consistent with the
administration of justice in criminal cases.
Medical Marijuana (Planning and Building/
Police Department)
Support legislation which maintains local
control, considers critical health and safety
requirements, provides for community
education opportunities, and increases
assistance and /or funding opportunities to
municipalities that have adopted medical
marijuana regulations to support enforcement
of adopted operational standards. In addition,
increase assistance and collaboration from
federal agencies in investigating marijuana
operations that are found to be associated with
international drug trafficking organizations and
engage in money laundering activities.
Safe Mobility (Police Department and Public
Works Agency)
Install and construct safety infrastructure to
protect pedestrian and bicyclists from motor
vehicles on arterial and collector roadway
corridors city -wide. The City has the fourth
highest population density in the nation and
pedestrian and bicycle volumes are the highest
in Orange County, and one of the highest in
California. The result is that the City has one of
the highest incidences of pedestrian and bicycle
fatality and accident rates in California.
The effort will lead to the design and
construction ready projects. All newly
rehabilitated infrastructure will meet new
standards. The updated infrastructure will
include new curb and roadway alignments that
will elevate the priority of pedestrian and
bicycle use on city streets, and will emphasize
shared use of the public rights -of -way. The
estimated cost to construct the first city -wide
phase of re- alignments is approximately $5
Million.
Increase local funding for programs that
increase traffic and pedestrian safety in support
of the City's Strategic Plan. The City of Santa
Ana currently receives approximately $363,000
in annual funding from the State of California's
Office of Traffic Safety and no federal money for
enforcement and education related to traffic
and pedestrian safety.
Homeless (Community Development Agency)
Leverage existing resources and seek increased
funding to enhance services for the homeless
population that are consistent with local and
regional priorities, including:
• Homeless prevention and outreach
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• Improvements to the efficacy of the
emergency shelter and transitional housing
access system
• Increased permanent housing options linked
to a range of supportive services
• Improvements to data systems to accurately
define the need for housing and related
services and to measure outcomes
• Development of systems and organizational
structures to provide oversight and
accountability
Veterans (City Manager's Office)
Advocate for social policy and increased funding
to ensure veterans have adequate access to job
training, employment opportunities, medical
care, and mental health services in a dignified
manner that honors their service and
commitment to our country.
Immigration Reform (City Manager's Office)
Recognizing the liberty and civil rights of all
individuals regardless of national origin or
immigration status, and to protect the well-
being and safety of all people residing in our
community, the City supports comprehensive
federal immigration reform that provides
sensible and effective solutions to secure our
boarders, ensure economic strength, and
promote stronger communities.
Gangs (Police Department)
Increase funding to address gang and gun
violence. The City of Santa Ana currently
receives approximately $100,000 a year under
the Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) which is
dedicated to gang suppression efforts and crime
prevention programs.
Domestic Violence (Police Department)
Increase funding to address and reduce
domestic violence incidents in the City of Santa
Ana.
GOAL 2: YOUTH,
EDUCATION, RECREATION
Santa Ana enjoys a young, vibrant population. The City is
committed to working with other youth- oriented
organizations to make a full range of opportunities
available so our children and young adults can achieve
success in their lives.
Parks (Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Agency)
Support legislation that provides federal and
state funding for urban parks and recreation
programs.
The City of Santa Ana has been awarded a
$1,030,800 grant to develop a half -acre park at
Memory Lane and the Santa Ana River, adjacent
to the Vista Del Rio Housing Project.
Library (Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Agency)
Advocate funding to address and support 1)
bridging the digital divide 2) art and culture
exhibits at public libraries to engage community
to read and learn and appreciate art and culture
3) advancing literacy 4) career guidance for
youth, and library programming for teens.
The Santa Ana Public Library was awarded a
$495,000 federal grant from the National
Institute for Museum and Library Services for
the Memories of Migration Program. Memories
of Migration is a 3 -year community memory
program that builds on the Library's unique
Teen Historian Program to jump start the
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development of cultural heritage collections
around the shared stories of human migration in
America.
Seek joint -use and other funding opportunities
to establish a community e- Library. This "Biblio
Tech" leverages technology tools to help the
public access library resources.
Santa Ana Zoo (Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Agency)
Identify and pursue funding sources to support
improvements, expansion or addition of
exhibits, and public education programing for
the City of Santa Ana's Zoo at Prentice Park.
GOAL 3: ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Robust successful businesses bring jobs and opportunity
to the City and provide tax revenues for public services
that benefit the entire community. The City of Santa Ana
will work aggressively to encourage businesses to locate
and invest in our community, providing good jobs,
reducing unemployment and bolstering our City's tax
base.
Affordable Housing (Community Development
Agency)
Support homeownership programs, increase
opportunities for affordable rental housing, and
improve the City's housing stock through
funding from Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment
Partnership Program (HOME), and the City's
Housing Opportunity Ordinance. These
programs improve the City's housing stock while
providing opportunities for affordable rental
and ownership housing for residents within the
City of Santa Ana.
Promise Zone (Community Development
Agency)
Secure Round III Federal Promise Zone
designation. The Promise Zone initiative will
allow the City and local community partners to
receive preferences in accessing existing federal
resources to create jobs, improve public safety,
enhance public education and identify solutions
to overcrowded housing conditions by
identifying and implementing innovation
solutions to problems that affect the
community.
Goods Movement and Mobility (Public Works
Agency)
There are significant Economic Development
opportunities to advance goods movement and
mobility to the core of Santa Ana industries by
improving the roadway infrastructure in and
around the city's industrial centers. The
roadway improvements are estimated to be in
the cost range of $15 Million.
Housing Authority /Section 8 Voucher Program
(Community Development Agency)
The Santa Ana Housing Authority administers
the Federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
program. The program assists low income
families to secure an affordable, decent, safe,
and sanitary housing. The program also assists
with maintaining the housing stock and
preventing overcrowding in the community. It
also provides the assisted families an
opportunity to participate in the Family Self -
Sufficiency program to become independent
from government assistance.
Identify solutions to overcrowded housing
conditions by identifying and implementing
innovative solutions to problems that affect the
community.
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Economic Development Initiatives (Community
Development Agency)
Collaborate with the Governor's Office of
Business and Economic Development in support
of ongoing economic initiatives and programs
that provide direct technical and financial
assistance to businesses looking to locate or
expand in the City of Santa Ana. Programs such
as California Competes Tax Credit, Sales and Use
Tax Exemption, New Employment Hiring Tax
Credit, Industrial Development Bonds, and the
Employment Training Panel.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(Community Development Agency)
On July 22, 2014, President Barack Obama
signed into law the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) — designed to promote
a job- driven public workforce system helping to
strengthen the partnerships between Workforce
Boards, businesses, and education. The City of
Santa Ana Local Workforce Board (LWIB)
strongly supports the passage of WIOA. The City
will work with the Congressional delegation, and
the Departments of Labor, Commerce, and
Education to support and implement WIOA with
specific attention and emphasis on:
• Increase funding for WIOA
• Support for local Workforce Boards and local
control
• A single set of common performance
measures for adults, dislocated workers and
youth programs authorized under WIOA
• Allow for a summer jobs program for youth
as a stand -alone activity
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts
(Community Development Agency)
Support and establish an Enhanced
Infrastructure Financing District to issue bonds
to fund infrastructure projects such as street
improvements, highway interchanges, transit
facilities, sewage treatment and water
reclamation plants, low and moderate income
housing, and transit priority projects, pursuant
to the infrastructure financing plan and the
agreement of affected taxing entities. This will
help fill a gap left with the dissolution of
redevelopment agencies.
HUD— Reauthorization (Public Works Agency)
Fund Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) to cover capital cost to improve city
streets in economically disadvantaged areas.
The improvements would reduce blight and
improve those residential neighborhoods. The
need is approximately $5 Million.
GOAL 4: CITY FINANCIAL
STABILITY
It is essential that the City maintain fiscal stability to be
able to deliver high quality services. This requires an
effective and transparent financial system, accurate and
reliable forecasting of revenues, an enhanced tax base,
and control of expenses.
Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act (Finance and
Management Services Agency)
Oppose legislative versions that undermine or
reduce municipal government tax share or tax
base.
Oppose federal legislation or other proposals
that preempt voter control on issues related to
municipalities maintaining their fair share of tax
revenue.
As the Marketplace Fairness Act related
amendment is yet to be included in the ITFFA:
Support, Act version that will remove the unfair
advantage online vendors have over brick -and-
mortar marketplace.
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2015 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Support clear definitions of what constitutes
taxable broadband internet access such as
communication access, including, but not
limited to cable, satellite, public switch accessed
broadband.
Sales Tax (Finance and Management Services
Agency)
Monitor Senate Bill 8 (Hertzberg) which would
extend the California state sales tax to impose a
tax on services to increase revenues. Local
jurisdictions would not be authorized to
increase sales tax on services, as they are
currently able to do. The additional revenues
would be collected by the state, and the funds
allocated to local government. Health care
services, education services and small
businesses with under $100,000 of gross sales
would be exempt from the sales tax on services.
The intent of the legislation is to generate an
estimated $10 billion to be used for K -14
education, UC /CSU systems. The bill's other
possible impacts are that it may provide
additional revenues to local governments and
possibly lower personal income tax rates.
Monitoring Areas: Utilities, Taxation, Unfunded
Mandates, Business Licenses, Financing,
Municipal Structure Impacts or Reorganization,
Municipal Code and Procedure Impacts.
Renewable Energy Grants (Finance and
Management Services Agency)
Seek State of California and federal grants or
already established funding streams for
renewable energy opportunities for City
facilities, fleet operations and citywide benefit
where applicable:
• Solar Energy (photovoltaic arrays)
• Cogeneration within Civic Center facilities
• Ice Energy
• Chiller Replacement
• Backup Generator/ Emergency replacement
• Alternative fuels vehicle and infrastructure
• Cap- and -Trade (funding for public buildings
and infrastructure, i.e. transportation)
Receivership Actions (Planning and Building
Agency)
Support legislation which would amend the
California Health and Safety Code regarding
municipalities' use of receivership actions.
Specifically, revise Section 17980.7 to make the
recovery of attorney's fees unilateral, rather
than to the prevailing party.
Support legislation which would amend the
California Health and Safety Code Section
17980.7 to allow for first priority of receiver's
liens and recovery of City's attorney fees and
costs from the receivership estate.
Support legislation which would remove the 3-
day notice requirement and /or reduce the
noticing requirement to service by certified
mail.
Support legislation which would clarify that
unpaid administrative fines can be recovered as
special assessments.
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GOALS: COMMUNITY
HEALTH, LIVABILITY,
ENGAGEMENT &
SUSTAINABILITY
A vibrant community is full of energy and life,
characterized by investment in its people, its culture, and
its physical environment. Our built environment has a
direct effect on the community's overall quality of life. The
task of community planning includes envisioning new
commercial areas and new neighborhoods that enhance
quality of life, as well as improving the neighborhoods we
already have in order to create a sense of place and
community. Essential to a vibrant community is strong
community involvement, the celebration of arts and
cultural diversity, and a focus on resource conservation.
Water Conservation (Public Works Agency)
Staff will continue to seek funding to facilitate
water conservation efforts.
The State of California continues to experience
severe drought conditions. On May 5, 2015, the
State Water Resources Board adopted
mandatory water use restrictions. The City of
Santa Ana has been mandated to reduce
potable water use by 12% compared to use in
2013. The City has been leading in conservation
efforts; permanent conservation measures were
implemented in 2009, the 2020 conservation
water use target was achieved in 2010, a 3%
water use reduction from City of Santa Ana
customers was mandated in 2014, and in mid -
2015 the City will be updating its conservation
ordinance and enacting the level 2 water
shortage restrictions.
In order to achieve the 12% mandated water
use reduction, the City is preparing a
comprehensive drought action plan that will
outline all measures the City will take to achieve
water use reductions. Elements of the plan will
include replacing turf, providing rebates and an
aggressive outreach and education campaign.
Funding such efforts will be a challenge; for
example, preliminary estimates to convert
street median turf to artificial turf or drought
tolerant landscaping is up to $15 million.
Health (Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Agency)
Advocate for special grant monies for
community outreach and education efforts to
enhance the public awareness of preventing
health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart
disease, and hypertension.
Engagement (Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Agency)
Seek special grant monies for community
engagement.
Mobility (Public Works Agency and Parks,
Recreation and Community Services Agency)
Seek special grant monies for outreach and
education efforts to enhance walking and biking
safety in our town.
Support legislation that increases funding and
legal support for improved bicycle and
pedestrian facilities.
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2015 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
GOAL 6: COMMUNITY
FACILITIES &
INFRASTRUCTURE
The City of Santa Ana has the responsibility to install and
maintain the basic facilities required for a community to
operate including streets, sidewalks and bikeways,
sanitary sewers, storm drains, water systems, public
buildings and facilities, and collection of solid waste. The
City also has an important advocacy role concerning mass
transit and public utilities.
The Santa Ana /Garden Grove Fixed Guideway
(Public Works Agency)
Seek continued support for the Santa Ana /
Garden Grove Fixed Guideway.
The project under consideration is a modern
streetcar running from the Santa Ana Regional
Transportation Center through Santa Ana's
Downtown and Civic Center within mixed flow
traffic in city streets and within the Pacific
Electric right -of -way to Garden Grove. The
streetcar may be extended to the east at the
SARTC, and could potentially connect with a
streetcar being planned by the City of Anaheim
via Harbor Boulevard in Garden Grove. The
streetcar will expand regional transportation
system benefitting mobility and goods
movement as well as providing expanded
regional and local economic development
opportunities.
The streetcar has received environmental
clearance, and is ready to begin final design.
The project environmental analysis was
completed including a locally preferred
alternative. The final environmental approval
was received on January 20, 2015.
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
has become the lead agency and the project will
now be known as the OC Streetcar. OCTA will
manage the project's final design, construction,
operations, and maintenance. The streetcar has
been accepted into project development phase
in the new starts Federal grant program.
The Santa Ana /Garden Grove Streetcar
alternatives are approximately 4 miles long with
about 12 station stops in each direction. The
proposed fleet size is 6 to 7 cars with headway
running 10 minutes in peak conditions and 15
minutes off peak. The ridership is expected to
reach 6,000 daily boardings during its initial
operation, and would result in a reduction of
2,165 vehicle miles traveled per day. The
streetcar ridership capacity could respond to
increased use and could also expand and extend
service. The project serves Santa Ana which is
the 4th most densely populated city in the
United States, and serves the City's densely
populated communities, many of whom (17.8 %)
do not own cars and currently use public
transportation.
The estimated cost of the project is $250
million. Potential Federal funding requests
could be from a combination of Congestion
Management and Air Quality (CMAQ) programs
or New Starts /Small Starts programs totaling
$125 million. If construction funding
commitments are made by 2015, the SA /GG
Streetcar Project could be operating by 2019.
Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center
(Public Works Agency)
Seek funding to repair and upgrade the Santa
Ana Regional Transit Center (SARTC). This
regional rail facility serves to support an ever -
increasing demand for inter - and intra - county
rail services resulting from growth in population
and employment in the surrounding areas. The
SARTC station is the local passenger access
location to the OCTA Metrolink Railroad and
Amtrak connecting Orange County to other
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2015 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
outlying areas of nearby regions, including Los
Angeles, the Inland Empire, San Diego and
beyond.
The SARTC facility is in dire need of bathroom
expansion to support the increase station
demands and upgrades to modernize them to
today's ADA standards. Other facility needs
include improved access and pathways from the
facility's perimeter and expanded passenger
loading and unloading kiosks /stalls.
The estimated cost to complete these
improvements is $4 Million.
Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center
First /Last Mile Connections (Public Works
Agency)
The need exists to provide regional rail and bus
passengers via SARTC the ability to seamlessly
travel to and from the Civic Center, Downtown,
the Museum District and other employment,
cultural, commercial and educational centers.
Seek funding to plan and construct first and last
mile travel connections including bike lanes and
infrastructure, safe and accessible pedestrian
routes, and convenient transit facilities.
Infrastructure could include protected bike
lanes, bike lockers and racks, new sidewalk and
access ramps, upgraded bus shelters. Programs
and planning efforts could include educational
campaigns, travel safety advertisements, and
community based complete streets planning.
Support Federal, State and regional funding
programs and policies which would facilitate
first and last mile connections, such as Active
Transportation Program, Highway Safety
Improvement Program, and the Compass
Blueprint Program.
Grade Separations (Public Works Agency)
Grade separation projects allow incompatible
mobility modes to intersect without impeding
with one another. These types of projects work
with existing transportation systems to greatly
improve multimodal mobility and goods
movement, and also result in reduced
congestion, improved air quality, and reduced
dependence on fossil fuels.
Three separate grade separation projects are in
or have completed the conceptual engineering
and environmental analysis phase. The three
projects are located on Santa Ana Boulevard,
Grand Avenue, and 17`" Street. The three
currently intersect with railroad tracks carrying
Amtrak and Metrolink commuter traffic, and
Union Pacific Railroad freight cars.
• Daily rail traffic is now 75 trains per day and
is expected to increase to 110 per day by the
year 2035. The grade separation projects
are essential to allow for future and current
commuter and goods movement, and
maintain and improve train, pedestrian and
bicycle mobility, and safety.
The City of Santa Ana is the lead for the Santa
Ana Boulevard project. This is a unique Grade
Separation Plaza because it allows and
encourages mass pedestrian and bicyclist traffic
to safely cross rail tracks adjacent to the Santa
Ana Regional Transit Center (Amtrak and
Metrolink station). It would also allow for the
extension of the streetcar across the rail tracks
without any additional infrastructure but the
streetcar line.
• The Santa Ana Boulevard Grade Separation
Plaza is estimated to cost $73.3 million and
the environmental clearance was completed
September 2014. The environmental
clearance places this project on the state's
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priority list. The roadway carries over
20,000 vehicles per day within a very
congested segment of roadway adjacent to
an interchange with 1 -5 freeway. In addition,
54 school buses and 309 passenger buses
cross the rail tracks. Staff seeks Federal
funding support either through OCTA or
independently for 25% to 50% of the project
construction cost through Regional Surface
Transportation Program, CMACZ,
Demonstration, and Federal Section 130
funds.
OCTA has been the lead agency for the planning
and environmental studies of the other two
grade separations at (2) Grand Avenue and (3)
17th Street. It's anticipated that they will seek
funding to implement those two projects.
Automated Meter Infrastructure (Public Works
Agency)
The City supplies potable water to over 45,000
customer accounts which include all of the City's
324,000 plus residents, business, and
institutions. All customer accounts are metered
by traditional dummy meters which record
water usage mechanically and are manually
read every two months. The City is committed
to pursuing Automated Meter Infrastructure
(AMI) and converting all meters to new smart
meters capable of detecting leaks and allows
customers to manage their water consumption
on a daily basis. The proposed system will have
customer engagement which will generate
notifications such as excessive water use,
irregular consumption patterns, and most
importantly water leaks. The system is planned
to be completely wireless and accessible
through the Web. This is a key water
conservation project. The City has awarded a
contract to perform a feasibility study and
implementation plan. Full AMI conversion and
implementation costs are estimated to be in the
range of $14 million. Staff will continue to seek
funding for automated meter infrastructure.
Replacement Water Wells (Public Works
Agency)
The City supplies up to 70% of water demand via
a system of groundwater wells. A number of
these wells are aging and no longer produce the
quantity or quality of water they once did. In
order to sustain the quantity and quality of
water for the community at the lowest cost
possible, it is essential to retain our
groundwater pumping capacity. A need exists
to drill and equip new replacement wells. As a
regional aquifer, this project would also protect
the integrity of the aquifer for other water
producers. The City is in the process of
acquiring a site and has prepared a preliminary
feasibility study for up to two new replacement
wells. The replacement well improvements are
estimated to be in the cost range of $7 million.
Staff will continue to seek funding for the
replacement of water wells.
Reclaimed Water System Master Plan (Public
Works Agency)
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) owns
and operates a reclaimed water system, a
portion of which traverses through parts of
Santa Ana. Santa Ana properties may connect
to the reclaimed water system, where available.
Currently only a limited number of parcels have
access to the system as the reclaimed water
pipelines only exists in a limited area. The City is
considering commissioning a reclaimed water
system master plan to identify opportunities to
expand the system to serve reclaimed water
demands. The OCWD has tentatively committed
to supply additional reclaimed water but Santa
Ana will have to fund construction costs
associated with expanding the system. The
reclaimed water master plan is estimated to
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cost $100,000. The cost to construct additional
reclaimed water pipeline is estimated to be
$1.25 million per mile. Staff will seek funding to
develop a reclaimed water system master plan.
Bristol Street (Public Works Agency)
The City of Santa Ana has been in the process of
improving 3.9 miles of Bristol Street between
Warner Avenue and Memory Lane in
conformance with the City's General Plan, and
OCTA's Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The
project adds one through lane in each direction,
bike lanes, sidewalk, landscaping and medians,
as well additional turn lanes and bus turnouts at
major intersections. The completed or near
completed portions of the project total over 2.5
miles.
OCTA has funded or indicated a high potential to
fund construction of the remaining segments
between Warner Avenue and 17th Street.
However, no funding sources exist for the
portion between 17th Street and Elm Street (the
north -most half mile), which handles an average
of 48,000 vehicles per day. The estimated cost
for this segment is $40 million. Depending on
future federal funding programs, the City would
anticipate a request of up to one half, or $20
million of total project cost.
Alton Parkway (Public Works Agency)
The City of Santa Ana has been the lead agency
in coordinating the design and environmental
clearance of the Alton Parkway Grade
Separation. Alton is part of the Master Plan of
Arterial Highways, and the proposal is to cross
over SR -55. The roadway would expand
regional connectivity, benefitting mobility and
goods movement as well as providing expanded
regional and local economic development
opportunities, and significant benefits to local
Santa Ana businesses located in the fringes of
this project. Coordination with neighboring
Irvine has been completed.
This project's design / environmental phases
were previously done but need to be updated
per the latest state requirements. This will take
an estimated 8 -12 months to update. $55
million in construction and right -of -way funding
is needed to implement this project. Half of this
funding would be requested through the
Measure M Regional Capacity Program with the
remaining $22.5 million from Federal or other
sources.
Grand Avenue (Public Works Agency)
The City has a project to widen Grand Avenue
between 1st Street and 17th Street. The
project, similar to Bristol, adds one through lane
in each direction, bike lanes, sidewalk,
landscaping and medians, as well as additional
turn lanes and bus turnouts at major
intersections in conformance with OCTA and
City plans. The initial 900 -foot segment
between 1st Street and 4th Street began
construction earlier in 2014. Except for design
phase funding, no funding has been identified
for the remaining 4,300 feet, estimated to cost
$48 million. A Federal $24 million grant to
match the anticipated future OCTA Measure M2
funding could cover construction and project
delivery.
Fairview Bridge (Public Works Agency)
Fairview Street is planned for three lanes in
each direction on the City's General Plan and
OCTA's Master Plan of Arterial Highways.
However, because the Fairview Bridge over
Santa Ana River is only about 50 feet wide, the
roadway can accommodate only two lanes in
each direction. Further, the bridge lacks
separated sidewalks and the barrier rail does
not meet current standards. For a similar
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project (First Street Bridge), the City received
Federal funding to cover half the cost to replace
and widen the bridge. For the Fairview Bridge,
the cost is conceptually estimated at about $6
million, about half of which could be requested
through the Federal Highway Bridge
Replacement and Rehabilitation program. To
receive federal funding, the segment would
need to be cleared under NEPA.
GOAL 7: TEAM SANTA ANA
The City continues to face increasing demands for service
with limited resources. This challenge provides an
opportunity for the organization to become innovative
and efficient in the delivery of City Services. Success in this
effort requires that the City retain and attract
experienced, motivated employees who are committed to
engaging and serving the community. Additionally,
improving interdepartmental and community lines of
communication will ensure greater transparency and
community engagement.
Open Data Platform (Clerk of the Council)
Seek funding to implement an Open Data
Platform (ODP) which will increase
transparency, access to public information, and
improve coordination and efficiency among City
agencies and partner organizations. Through
the implementation of the ODP, the public will
be able to access meaningful data on one web
page, create reports and download information
including building permit activity, crime reports,
budget information, and land use
data. Allowing the public to access, visualize,
and sync to public information promotes a new
kind of civic engagement and allows them to
provide valuable feedback on local issues. An
Open Data Platform will promote government
transparency and openness by giving residents,
visitors, and business access to all City public
records.
Transparency and Encasement (City Manager's
Office)
Support federal /state legislation that allows the
City to promote greater transparency and
community engagement.
Technology (City Manager's Office)
Support federal /state legislation which allows
the City to promote innovation and efficiency
through greater use of technology.
Legislative Agenda (City Manager's Office)
The City will include a legislative agenda that is
consistent with Team Santa Ana primary
objectives.
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