HomeMy WebLinkAbout65A - LEGISLATIVE PLATFORMREQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
AUGUST 16, 2016
TITLE:
REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THE
2016 FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE
PLATFORM
(STRATEGIC PLAN NOS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
CITY MAN ER
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
APPROVED
❑ As Recommended
❑ As Amended
❑ Ordinance on 1s' Reading
❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading
❑ Implementing Resolution
❑ Set Public Hearing For
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
Review and adopt the 2016 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 2016 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 2016 Legislative Platform include, but are not limited to: Police
Officer Body Cameras, Homeless Assistance, Medical Marijuana Legislation and Taxation,
Parks, Library, Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Renewable Energy, Water
Conservation, the OC Streetcar, the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, and
Transparency and Engagement.
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2016 Legislative Platform
August 16, 2016
Page 2
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.
EXHIBIT: 1. City of Santa Ana Federal and State Legislative Platform 2016
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CITY OF SANTA ANA
2016 FEDERAL AND STATE
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
CITY OF SANTA ANA
2016 FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Miguel Pulido
Mayor Pro Tem Vicente Sarmiento
Ward 1
Councilmember Michele Martinez
Ward 2
Councilmember Angelica Amezcua
Ward 3
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 64CYSA&4(714) 647-6954
Councilmember David Benavides
Ward 4
Councilmember Roman Reyna
Ward 5
Councilmember Sal Tinajero
Ward 6
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................................3
GUIDINGPRINCIPLES............................................................................................................................................3
GOAL 1: COMMUNITY SAFETY..............................................................................................................................4
GOAL 2: YOUTH, EDUCATION, RECREATION........................................................................................................5
GOAL 3: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT...................................................................................................................6
GOAL 4: CITY FINANCIAL STABILITY.....................................................................................................................7
GOAL 5: COMMUNITY HEALTH, LIVABILITY, ENGAGEMENT & SUSTAINABILITY.................................................9
GOAL 6: COMMUNITY FACILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE.....................................................................................10
GOAL7: TEAM SANTA ANA................................................................................................................................15
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2016 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 2016 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
1. 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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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 / COPS Funding (Police Dept.)
Support legislation which continuously provides
funding for local police agencies to operate
body worn camera programs. Any supported
legislation should take into account, data
storage costs, personnel costs and equipment in
support of the administration of justice in
criminal cases.
Homelessness (Community Development
Agency)
Reprioritize existing affordable housing
resources allocated through HUD and the Low -
Income Housing Tax Credit Program and seek
increased funding to provide housing for
homeless individuals that is consistent with local
and regional priorities, including:
• Increase permanent housing options linked
to a range of supportive services
• Improve access to emergency shelter and
rapid rehousing opportunities
• Improve data systems to centralize and
coordinate information on homeless
individuals
• Develop systems and organizational
structures to connect homeless individuals
with employment-related supportive
services.
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.
Gangs (Police Department)
Support state legislation that would make theft
of a firearm grand theft and punishable by state
prison.
Domestic Violence (Police Department)
Support legislation that increases the efficiency
and effectiveness of protective orders to
enhance the safety of domestic violence victims.
Safe Mobility (Police Department and Public
Works Agency)
Increase local funding for infrastructure and
programs that increase traffic and pedestrian
safety in support of the City's Strategic Plan.
While the City currently receives between
$300,000 and $400,000 annually from the State
of California's Office of Traffic Safety, federal
funds have not been secured.
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The City is actively seeking funding to expand
the installation and construction of safety
infrastructure to protect pedestrians 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. As a result, the City has
one of the highest incidences of pedestrian and
bicycle fatality and accident rates in California.
New funding would prepare projects for "shovel
ready" delivery. Updated polices will be
adopted to ensure all newly rehabilitated
infrastructure meets new safety standards.
Updated design standards 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. Programs related to traffic
and pedestrian safety, and enforcement and
education are included. The estimated cost to
construct the first city-wide phase of re-
alignments is approximately $5 Million.
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, affordable housing, 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.
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)
Work with local state representatives to support
the proposed State park bond and to add a
program for joint -use funding.
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
development of cultural heritage collections
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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.
Collaborate with state and federal
representatives to identify literacy program
funding for collaborative efforts between the
Library and the Santa Ana Unified School
District.
Collaborate with state and federal
representatives to identify opportunities to add
a new Public Library in the south part of Santa
Ana.
Santa Ana Zoo (Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Agency)
Work with state and federal representatives to
identify funding for climate change education to
be provided at the Santa Ana Zoo.
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 Housin¢ (Community Development
Agency)
Seek increased funding for affordable rental
housing, support homeownership programs,
and improve the City's housing stock through
funding from the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Program, 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.
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.
Goods Movement and Mobility (Public Works
Agency)
Legislation is sought which values the Economic
Development from improved goods movement
and mobility to core Santa Ana industries.
Goods movement would be enhanced by
improving roadway infrastructure in and around
the city's industrial centers estimated to cost in
the cost range of $15 Million.
Enhanced Infrastructure Financine
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
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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.
Housing Authority/Section 8 Voucher
Program (Community Development Agency)
Seek increased funding for the Family Self -
Sufficiency Program. The Santa Ana Housing
Authority administers the Housing Choice
Voucher Program (Section 8). As part of the
program, families have the opportunity to
voluntarily participate in the Family Self -
Sufficiency Program to become independent
from housing assistance. Participation in this
program reduces housing assistance costs per
family for the Housing Authority and allows the
agency to assist new families off of the Waiting
List.
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 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:
• Full fundingforWICA
• 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
• Continued work on alignment of all federal
workforce programs in HUD, Health and
Human Services, and Department of
Education
HUD — Reauthorization (Public Works Agency)
Continue Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) to cover capital cost to improve city
streets in economically disadvantaged areas.
The improvements would reduce blight and
improve 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.
Medical Marijuana Taxation (Finance and
Management Services Agency)
Monitor pending Assembly and Senate Bills:
• (Medical Marijuana Excise Tax - Senate Bill
987 (Senator McGuire) seeking to establish a
state excise tax of 15 percent on the
consumption or use of medical marijuana
purchased from any retailer in California.
Revenue allocation: 30% to the General
Fund; 30% to the Bureau for grant program
administration to distribute grants to local
agencies that are affected by the regulation
of medical marijuana activities pertaining to
the cultivation of marijuana in violation of
state law or local ordinance (upon
appropriation by the Legislature); 20% to the
Department of Parks and Recreation for the
stewardship, operation, maintenance, and
preservation of state park units, including
units operated on behalf of the state by local
or regional agencies or by nonprofit
organizations (upon appropriation by the
Legislature); 20% to counties for drug and
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alcohol treatment programs. Revenue
impact: Annual revenue of $251 million.
With an operative date of January 1, 2018,
this revenue would be reduced by half to
$125.5 million in fiscal year 2018-19.
Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act
(MMRSA) Amendment - Assembly Bill 1575
(Assembly Member Bonta) proposing term
changes in the MMRSA requiring the Board
of Equalization to create a working group to
examine strategies including point-of-sale
systems to improve financial monitoring of
cannabis businesses and would create an
enhanced financial monitoring certification
for entities licensed under the MMRSA.
Also, specifies a local ordinance that
regulates cannabis or medical cannabis shall
not require the consent of the Department
of Food and Agriculture.
Policing Authority for Medical Marijuana
Cultivation - Senate Bill 435 (Senator Pan).
An exemption from the medical marijuana
licensing requirements; does not limit or
prevent local government from exercising its
police power authority.
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.
Sales Tax (Finance and Management Services
Agency)
Monitor anticipated Professional Services Tax
Bill (Senator Hertzberg) replacing previous
Senate Bill 8 which would likewise seek to
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.
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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.
Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act (Finance and
Management Services Agency)
On February 11, 2016 federal legislation,
opposed by the City and California League of
Cities, making the 18 year temporary
moratorium on taxation of internet access
permanent was appended to the Trade
Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act and
passed.
To address defective definitional language
incorporated in Permanent Internet Tax
Freedom Act which could negatively impact the
City's telecommunication services Utility Users'
Tax (UUT), staff recommends the City adopt a
comprehensive administrative ruling and
interpretation of the City's UUT Code regarding
the bundling of taxable and non-taxable
telecommunication services, including internet
access. Staff is currently working with the City's
Professional UUT Consultants to arrive at a
suitable administrative ruling and interpretation
to be reviewed by the City Attorney and
administratively adopted by the Executive
Director of Finance and Management Services
before August 31, 2016.
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. Winter 2015 saw
improved hydrologic conditions in parts of
California. More rain and snow fell in Northern
California as compared to Central and Southern
California, yet, due to California's water
conveyance systems, concerns over supply
reliability have eased even in urban Southern
California. Consequently, the City's 12%
conservation standard has been adjusted by the
State Water Resources Control Board and
Governor Brown's May 9, 2016 Executive
Order. The new order allows the City to define
its individualized conservation standard based
on its unique water supply and demand
conditions. The City has evaluated its supply
portfolio and although we have self -certified to
the State a zero percent conservation target,
because the drought is not over, the City has
elected to reduce water usage by 3% and step
down the Phase Two Water Supply Shortage to
Phase One Water Supply Shortage allowing
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residents to water their lawns three days per
week and keeping all permanent water
conservation measures in full force.
In order to achieve the 3% water use reduction,
the City will continue with its comprehensive
drought outreach plan.
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.
Mobility (Public Works Agency and Parks,
Recreation and Community Services Agency)
Support legislation which increases funding and
legal support for improved bicycle and
pedestrian facilities.
Seek special grant monies for outreach and
education efforts to enhance walking and biking
safety in our town.
Residential Group Homes (Planning and
Building Agency)
To protect residential neighborhoods, support
legislation which promotes local control of
residential groups homes including sober living
facilities.
Sustainable Development (Planning and
Building Agency)
Seek special grant monies for planning, outreach
and education efforts to support sustainable
development. Projects may include
comprehensive planning efforts, zoning and
building code updates and specific planning
efforts.
Engagement (Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Agency and Planning and Building
Agency and Neighborhood Improvement
Program)
Seek special grant monies for community
engagement. These grant monies may be used
to support public outreach on a number of
planning efforts including the City General Plan
update, historic preservation programs and
survey efforts as well as specific planning urban
design projects. In addition, monies may be
used to support the City's existing
Neighborhood Improvement Program
community engagement efforts.
Discuss with state and federal legislature
representatives the need to find a funding
stream to help the Santa Ana Public Library
provide a 5 -year effort to increase voter
registration.
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.
O.C. Streetcar (Public Works Agency)
Seek continued support for the OC Streetcar.
The project under consideration is a modern
streetcar running from the Santa Ana Regional
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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 OC
Streetcar may be extended to the east at the
SARTC, and could potentially connect with a OC
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 OC 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 for the project.
OCTA will manage the project's final design,
construction, operations, and maintenance. The
OC Streetcar has been accepted into project
development phase in the new starts Federal
grant program.
The OC Streetcar alternatives are approximately
four miles long with about twelve station stops
in each direction. The proposed fleet size is six
to seven cars with headway running ten minutes
in peak conditions and fifteen 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 OC Streetcar ridership
capacity could respond to increased use and
could also expand and extend service. The
project serves Santa Ana which is the fourth
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 $298
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
over $200 million. If construction begins in
Federal Fiscal Year 2016/17, the OC Streetcar
Project could be operating by 2020.
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
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 American's with Disabilities Act
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.
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Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center
First/Last Mile Connections (Public Works
Agency)
The need exists to provide regional rail and bus
passengers via SARK 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 may 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 17th 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 OC 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 in 18th place on
the state's 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 the Orange
County Transportation Authority or
independently for 100% of the project
construction cost through Regional Surface
Transportation Program, CMAQ,
Demonstration, and Federal Section 130
funds.
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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
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,
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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 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
$49 million. A Federal $24 million grant to
match the anticipated future OCTA Measure M2
funding could cover construction and project
delivery.
Warner Avenue (Public Works Agency)
The City finalized the Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) in 2015 to widen Warner Avenue
between Main Street and Grand Avenue. The
project, similar to Bristol Street and Grand
Avenue, 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 project's cost is estimated at $60 million for
design, right-of-way, and construction phases.
OCTA has funded the design phase and a
portion of right-of-way for Phase I (Main Street
to Oak Street). Staff seeks the remaining
funding of $53 million through federal support
independently or via OCTA.
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
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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
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 $14
million, 88.53% of which could be requested
through the Federal Highway Bridge
Replacement and Rehabilitation program with
matching funds requested through OCTA
Measure M2. To receive federal funding, the
segment would need to be cleared under the
National Environmental Policy Act.
1 : a u y.1�YIG�:1►G
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.
Transparency and Engagement (City Manager's
Office)
Support federal/state legislation that allows the
City to promote 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.
Technology (Information Technology)
Support federal/state legislation which allows
the City to promote innovation and efficiency
through greater use of technology.
Protect local government franchise fees and
core local functions such as the Public,
Educational and Government Programs
channels (PEG).
Protect local government's right of way use
from unsightly and potentially hazardous
equipment placement by telecommunications
companies.
Legislative Agenda (City Manager's Office)
The City will recommend an annual legislative
agenda consistent with the Strategic Plan.
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