HomeMy WebLinkAbout65A - ADOPT FEDERAL AND STATE LEG PLATFORMREQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
MAY 2, 2017
TITLE:
REVIEW AND ADOPT THE
2017 FEDERAL AND STATE
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
{STRATEGIC PLAN NOS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}
Cl- MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
P_12231TICI f
❑ As Recommended
❑ As Amended
❑ Ordinance on 15' Reading
❑ Ordinance on 2ntl Reading
❑ Implementing Resolution
❑ Set Public Hearing For_
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
Review and adopt the 2017 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 2017 Federal and State Legislative Platform (Exhibit 1) was prepared by staff, in
collaboration with the City's federal and state lobbyists, and approved by the Legislative Affairs,
Ethics and Transparency Council Committee at the special meeting held on April 5, 2017.
The 2017 Federal and State Legislative Platform outlines the following guiding principles that the
City's legislative advocacy efforts will focus 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.
The City's state and federal lobbyists, in collaboration with City staff, provided recommendations
to outline the City's priorities in the 2017 Legislative Platform, which include, but are not limited to
the following: Police Officer Body Cameras, Homeless Assistance, Medical Marijuana Legislation,
Safe Mobility, Veterans Assistance, Immigration Reform, Parks, Library, Santa Ana Zoo,
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Review and Adopt the 2017 Federal and State Legislative Platform
May 2, 2017
Page 2
Affordable Housing, Economic Development Initiatives, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing
Districts, Transportation Infrastructure Funding, Preserve Tax - Exempt Municipal Bonds,
Renewable Energy, Santa Ana Water Conservancy, OC Streetcar, Santa Ana Regional
Transportation Center, Grade Separations, Open Data Platform, Technology, and Legislative
matters.
At the end of each calendar year, staff prepares a Legislative Scorecard, a yearly reporting tool
that summarizes the accomplishments, progress, and results achieved, with respect to the same
year's Legislative Platform. To ensure a comprehensive Scorecard, each City department uses
the Legislative Platform's guiding principles to outline the completion of various projects, grant
funds acquired, and /or development attained as they relate to each guiding principle. In addition,
the City's state and federal lobbyists provide updates on pertinent legislation as it relates to the
reporting year's Scorecard. The 2016 Legislative Scorecard summarizes these efforts for the
2016 calendar year (Exhibit 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 of or in opposition to issues in a manner that is consistent with the City 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 Five -
Year Strategic Plan: Goal 1- Community Safety; Goal 2 - Youth, Education, Recreation; Goal 3 -
Economic Development; Goal 4 - City Financial Stability; Goal 5 - Community Health, Livability,
Engagement and Sustainability; Goal 6 - Community Facilities and Infrastructure; and Goal 7 -
Team Santa Ana.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBITS: 1. City of Santa Ana 2017 Federal and State Legislative Platform
2. City of Santa Ana 2016 Federal and State Legislative Platform Scorecard
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Exhibit 1
CITY OF SANTA ANA
FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 647-6900 1 Fax: (714) 647-6954
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CITY OF SANTA ANA
2017 FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Miguel Pulido
Mayor Pro Tern Michele Martinez
Ward 2
Councilmember Vicente Sarmiento
Ward 1
Councilmember Jose Solorio
Ward 3
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 647 -6900 1 Fax: (714) 647 -6954
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Councilmember David Benavides
Ward 4
Councilmember Juan Villegas
Ward 5
Councilmember Sal Tinajero
Ward 6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1111"aOns 11411110301
III
GUIDINGPRINCIPLES .................................................................................................. ..............................1
GOAL 1: COMMUNITY SAFETY ..................................................................................... ..............................2
BodyCameras / COPS Funding ...................................................................................... ..............................2
ImmigrationReform ...................................................................................................... ..............................3
GOAL 2: YOUTH, EDUCATION, RECREATION ................................................................ ..............................3
Parks.............................................................................................................................. ..............................4
Library............................................................................................................................ ..............................4
SantaAna Zoo ................................................................................................................ ..............................4
GOAL 3: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................... ..............................4
AffordableHousing ........................................................................................................ ..............................4
Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) .............................................................. ..............................5
Reducing Impediments to Business ............................................................................... ..............................5
Economic Development Initiatives ................................................................................ ..............................5
GoodsMovement and Mobility ..................................................................................... ..............................5
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts .................................................................. ..............................5
Housing Authority /Section 8 Voucher Program ............................................................ ..............................5
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act .................................................................. ..............................6
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — Reauthorization ................... ..............................6
GOAL 4: CITY FINANCIAL STABILITY ........................................................................... ............................... 6
Transportation Infrastructure Funding .......................................................................... ..............................6
Preserve Tax - Exempt Municipal Bonds ......................................................................... ..............................7
RenewableEnergy Grants .............................................................................................. ..............................7
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2017 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
ReceivershipActions ...................................................................................................... ..............................7
GOAL 5: COMMUNITY HEALTH, LIVABILITY, ENGAGEMENT & SUSTAINABILITY ............ ..............................7
Water Conservation and Water Supply Reliability ........................................................ ..............................8
Health............................................................................................................................ ..............................9
Mobility.......................................................................................................................... ..............................9
ResidentialGroup Homes .............................................................................................. ..............................9
SustainableDevelopment .............................................................................................. ..............................9
Engagement................................................................................................................... ..............................9
GOAL 6: COMMUNITY FACILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE ............................................. ............................... 10
O.C. Streetcar ................................................................................................................ .............................10
Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center .................................................................. .............................11
First /Last Mile Connections to Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center ................. .............................11
GradeSeparations ........................................................................................................ .............................11
Automated Meter Infrastructure .................................................................................. .............................12
ReplacementWater Wells ............................................................................................ .............................12
Recycled Water System Master Plan ............................................................................ .............................13
BristolStreet ................................................................................................................. .............................13
AltonParkway ............................................................................................................... .............................13
GrandAvenue ............................................................................................................... .............................14
WarnerAvenue ............................................................................................................. .............................14
FairviewBridge ............................................................................................................. .............................14
GOAL7: TEAM SANTA ANA ..................................................................................... ...............................
14
Transparency and Engagement .................................................................................... .............................15
OpenData / Public Records .......................................................................................... .............................15
Technology.................................................................................................................... .............................15
LegislativeAgenda ........................................................................................................ .............................15
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 647 -6900 1 Fax: (714) 647 -6954
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2017 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 2017 calendar
year 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.
Note: Items are ordered within each goal to
align City of Santa Ana priorities with Federal
and State priorities.
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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 Department)
Support legislation which continuously provides
funding for local police agencies to operate
body worn camera programs. Seek grant
opportunities to fund the evaluation of the
police department's body worn camera
program. Seek to sustain the COPS and juvenile
justice programs.
Homelessness
(Community Development Agency)
At the Federal level, incentivize and reward
Public Housing Authorities for allocating Housing
Choice Voucher Program resources to reduce
homelessness. At the State level, seek changes
to the Tax Credit Allocation Committee Qualified
Allocation Plan under the scoring and selection
policies, to more effectively incentivize
developers to build more permanent supportive
housing.
- 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 /Recreation Marijuana
(Planning and Building Agency / Police
Department / Finance and Management
Services Agency)
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 state
and federal agencies in investigating marijuana
operations that are found to be associated with
international drug trafficking organizations and
engage in money laundering activities.
Monitor the implementation of Proposition 64,
California Marijuana Legalization Initiative,
which makes it legal for individuals to use and
grow marijuana for personal use.
Gangs
(Police Department)
Support grant funding that focuses on the gang
prevention and supports gang enforcement.
Support legislation or initiatives that would
maintain or seek to increase funding for the
Edward Byrne Justice Grant (JAG) program.
Domestic Violence
(Police Department)
Support legislation that increases the efficiency
and effectiveness, and enhances the safety of
domestic violence victims.
Safe Mobility
(Police Department and Public Works Agency)
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Increase local funding for infrastructure and
programs that increase traffic and pedestrian
safety in support of the City's Strategic Plan.
Continue to seek traffic safety grants and
support increased funding for California Office
of Traffic Safety grants.
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 immediate and near term city-
wide phases of safe mobility initiatives is
approximately $16 million.
Advocate for passage of AB 342 (Chiu), which
would authorize the Cities of San Jose and San
Francisco to implement a 5 -year pilot program
utilizing automated speed enforcement system
for speed limit enforcement on certain streets,
and explore opportunities to authorize the City
of Santa Ana to implement a similar program.
The pilot programs authorized by this legislation
may demonstrate new ways to reduce excessive
speeding, reduce the number of vehicle
collisions, and provide added safety to our
streets for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Veterans
(Community Development Agency)
At the State and Federal level seek increased
funding to ensure veterans have adequate
access to job training, employment
opportunities, 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 that, while
ensuring for border security, provide for
legalization and a pathway to citizenship, sustain
economic strength, and promote stronger
communities and family reunification. The City
also supports state legislation that limits state
and local law enforcement agencies
involvement in immigration enforcement and
ensures that eligible individuals are able to seek
services from state agencies without regard to
their immigration status.
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.
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Parks
(Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Agency)
Work with local state representatives to support
a proposed State park bond and ensure that
funding is included that will be available to the
City for park development and maintenance, as
well as adding a program for joint -use funding.
Library
(Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Agency)
Advocate funding to address and support
bridging the digital divide; adding art and
culture exhibits at public libraries to engage the
community to read, learn and appreciate art
and culture; advancing early literacy; workforce
development for youth; increasing library
programming for teens; and programs to
support the effectiveness of teen counselors
and teachers.
The Santa Ana Public Library was awarded a
one -time $495,000 federal grant from the
National Institute for Museum and Library
Services for the Memories of Migration
Program. The Memories of Migration program
provides youth apprenticeship opportunities for
Santa Ana's young adults.
Seek joint -use and other funding opportunities
to enhance the scope and reach of the
Roosevelt - Walker e- Library. The "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. Continue to pursue the goal of
providing a Santa Ana Public Library card to
every SAUSD student.
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.
Collaborate with local and state representatives
to identify funding for water conservation
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 Housing
(Community Development Agency)
At the Federal level, maintain or seek to
increase funding for the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
(HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
Program, and the Housing Choice Voucher
Program; support measures to expand HUD's
Promise Zone Program; oppose legislation that
would cut or reduce federal funding to
Sanctuary cities. In addition, support efforts to
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expand the Low Income Housing Tax Credit
(LIHTC) program and ensure that any federal tax
reform efforts do not negatively impact LIHTC.
At the State level, seek a permanent source of
funding for affordable housing programs, as well
as increased funding for the Low- Income
Housing Tax Credit Program, Affordable Housing
and Sustainable Communities Program and
Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Program.
Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ)
(Community Development Agency /Public Works
Agency)
Support continued funding for the Recycling
Market Development Zone Program which
incentivizes local green businesses, create jobs,
increases the use of locally collected recyclables,
reduces greenhouse gas emissions and diverts
waste from landfills through the City's
designation and participation in the Orange
County Recycling Market Development Zone.
Reducing Impediments to Business
(Community Development Agency)
Support legislation that reduces the cost of
doing business in California and the City of Santa
Ana. Support efforts to remove barriers,
decrease unnecessary burden and regulations
and assist in the streamlining of starting up a
business in the City.
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 Financing Districts
(Community Development Agency)
Support legislation to improve, promote or fund
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts 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. Seek
funding to plan and implement Enhanced
Infrastructure Financing Districts. This will help
fill a gap following the dissolution of
redevelopment agencies.
Housing Authority /Section 8 Voucher Program
(Community Development Agency)
Maintain or seek to increase 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-
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2017 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
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 that are on the
Waiting List.
Support legislation to implement an "opt -out"
model for nondisabled, nonelderly (e.g. work
capable adults) Housing Choice Voucher
Program participants to be automatically
registered for the Family Self- Sufficiency
Program (ex. Cambridge Housing Authority
Rental Assistance Asset Account model).
Oppose legislation that would implement a
lifetime limit on the receipt of housing
assistance.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(Community Development Agency)
The City will continue to work with the
Congressional delegation, and the Departments
of Labor, Commerce, and Education to support
and implement the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) with specific attention
and emphasis on opposition to reduction in
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; and continued work on alignment of all
federal workforce programs in U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development, Health and
Human Services, and Department of Education.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development— Reauthorization
(Community Development Agency)
Seek to maintain or increase funding the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program to improve low to moderate - income
neighborhoods, eliminate blight and create a
stable economic base.
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, on enhanced tax base,
and control of expenses.
Transportation Infrastructure Funding
(Public Works Agency)
The City's Gas Tax revenue has declined
precipitously in the last three years- from over
$10 million in FY2013/14 to less than $7 million
in the current fiscal year. The reduction in this
revenue is due, in part, to the increase in the
number of alternative fuel vehicles and has
restricted the ability to maintain the streets.
Gov. Jerry Brown's latest state budget may offer
a boost California's transportation funding by
raising the gas tax or some other financing plan.
Additionally, legislative leaders in both the
Senate and the Assembly have indicated that
developing a plan for the long -term financing of
transportation infrastructure is a high priority.
The City of Santa Ana is keenly interested in
raising and stabilizing gas tax based revenues
and also establishing other transportation
funding for aging public infrastructure. While
there have been a number of legislative
proposals, introduced in previous years, those
efforts have not been successful. Santa Ana
management should be kept informed of the
latest legislative developments so that timely
support may be provided.
Support legislation that would ensure that all
users of the Cities transportation system pay
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their fair share for the maintenance and
improvement of the system.
Preserve Tax - Exempt Municipal Bonds
(Finance and Management Services Agency)
As Congress and the Administration consider tax
reform, the City opposes any effort to eliminate
or alter tax - exempt municipal bonds.
Tax - exempt municipal bonds are critical for the
City's efforts to improve and expand vital
infrastructure. Ending the tax exemption would
reduce the appeal of muni bonds for investors
who would demand higher yields to compensate
for the lost exemption, which would raise debt
service costs for the City.
Renewable Energy Grants
(Public Works 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) -
currently seeking low or no cost
opportunities as they become available for
city sites
- Cogeneration within Civic Center facilities
- Ice Energy - previously implemented at
fleet, with future consideration for other
sites
- Alternative fuels vehicle and infrastructure -
continue to purchase alternate fuel vehicles
for fleet when available. Ongoing
development of Public Access CNG station at
Corporation Yard, providing public sales and
yielding revenue.
- 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.
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.
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2017 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Water Conservation and Water Supply
Reliability
(Public Works Agency)
The Drought has dominated much of the water
headlines from 2013 to 2015. However, in
2016, for the first time in three years, water
supplies available to the City's major water
suppliers exceeded demands. This change
caused a shift in operational priorities from
drought management and storage usage to
drought recovery. Conservation efforts during
the drought were successful in suppressing
water demand. The City exceeded the
Governor's mandate to conserve all throughout
the Emergency Drought Declaration. With the
increase in available supplies in early 2016
water supply allocation was lifted, however, the
City continued with its water conservation
efforts and outreach. On February 1, 2017 the
State Water Project watershed hydrology had
improved to 197 percent of average to date.
Many of the state's reservoirs are full or above
their historic averages. Castaic Lake for example
is 92% of its capacity. Under these wet
conditions, with average rain of 27.81 inches
statewide from October 1, 2016 to February 28,
2017 the Department of Water Resources
announced a 60 percent State Water Project
(SWP) allocation. With the understanding that
droughts are cyclical, the City supports state and
regional water supply projects and initiatives to
drought proof the Southern California water
supplies. The City supports the following
projects /initiatives:
Bay -Delta and State Water Project
improvements to help achieve coequal
goals of water supply reliability and Delta
ecosystem protection and restoration.
Regional Water Resources
Management:
Support administrative /legislative action
to promote the development of a
Regional Recycled Water Program for
indirect potable reuse of recycled water
as new drought proof water resource.
Ground Water Replenishment System
Final Expansion:
Support the GWRS -Final Expansion
project to augment the existing system
to replenish the Orange County
Groundwater Basin from 100 to 130
Million Gallons per Day.
Ocean Water Desalination:
Support administrative /legislative action
to promote the development of fiscally
responsible ocean water desalination
projects as a water resource, without
compromising the operational, financial,
water quality, regulatory and customer's
interests of the City and other water
agencies.
Efficient Water Use:
Provide incentives, funding, and other
assistance where needed to facilitate
water market transformation and gain
wider implementation of water - efficient
indoor and outdoor technologies and
practices.
Improvements: Water Quality:
Support administrative /legislative action Funding that helps Cities meet state and
and federal and state funding to keep federal water quality standards.
the Bay Delta Conservation
Plan /California WaterFix to advance Water Infrastructure Financing:
conveyance and ecosystem Reduce the cost of financing water
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infrastructure planning and construction,
such as tax - credit financing, tax - exempt
municipal bonds.
The City will continue to monitor the activities
of the State Water Resources Control Board, as
well as any legislation introduced, related to
long -term urban water conservation.
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)
A safe, well- connected network of non -
motorized transportation facilities provides
many benefits to the City, including increased
mobility, greater access to fresh foods,
enhanced viability to local businesses, and
reduced traffic congestion.
Support Federal, State and regional funding
programs for improved bicycle and pedestrian
facilities such as Active Transportation Program,
Highway Safety Improvement Program, Bicycle
Corridor Improvement Program, and the
Compass Blueprint Program.
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.
Planning staff has identified regulating
residential group homes as a critical tool for
protecting the City's residential neighborhoods.
Staff will initiate the preparation of an
ordinance that will include restrictions and /or
regulations as well as development standards
for group homes such as 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)
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 such as the Santa Ana Public
Library's AGUA drought tolerant demonstration
garden. In addition, monies may be used to
support the City's existing Neighborhood
Improvement Program community engagement
efforts.
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Discuss with state and federal legislature
representatives the need to find a funding
stream to help the Santa Ana Public Library and
its cohort of Youth Civic Engagement interns
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 OC Streetcar federal
funding. This project is a modern streetcar
running from the Santa Ana Regional
Transportation Center (SARTC) 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 will expand regional transportation
system benefitting mobility and goods
movement as well as providing expanded
regional and local economic development
opportunities.
The OC Streetcar received final environmental
clearance in March 2015. In February 2016, the
OC Streetcar received federal consideration
when former President Obama included $125
million for the OC Streetcar in his budget.
The Orange County Transportation Authority
(OCTA) has become the lead agency for the
design, construction, operations and
maintenance of the project. The project is
currently in the design phase and is scheduled
to begin construction in 2018. To date, 60 %
design review has been completed.
The OC Streetcar will link the bustling Santa Ana
Regional Transportation Center (SARTC), which
provides regional rail, OCTA bus, and intercity
and international bus services, to a new
multimodal hub at Harbor Boulevard /
Westminster Avenue in Garden Grove. Along
the way, OC Streetcar will connect directly with
18 OCTA bus routes. OC Streetcar will serve the
historic downtown Santa Ana and Civic Center
which includes government offices, federal,
state and local courthouses, unique restaurants
and shops, an artists' village, several colleges
and a variety of community enrichment
organizations.
OC Streetcar will increase transportation
options and provide greater access along its
4.15 -mile route (in each direction) along Santa
Ana Boulevard, 4th Street, and the Pacific
Electric right -of -way to Harbor Boulevard in
Garden Grove. 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. Project funding is currently comprised
of the following funding sources: Federal New
Starts, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
(CMAQ), Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
5307, State Cap- and - Trade, and Measure M2
Project S. If construction begins in 2018, the OC
Streetcar Project could be operating by 2020.
In coordination with OCTA, support the inclusion
of the O.C. Streetcar Project in New Starts
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funding. The City will continue to seek Federal
and State funding opportunities for the project.
Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center
(Public Works Agency)
Funding is needed to repair and modernize the
Santa Ana Regional Transit Center (SARTC) to
support increasing mobility demands locally and
regionally. Expanding rail and other mass transit
mobility modes is critical 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 a key link between local
passenger access 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.
Specifically, the SARTC facility is in dire need of
bathroom expansion to support the increase
station demands and meet today's American's
with Disabilities Act standards, and other
modernizations to encourage travel by higher
efficiency mobility. Facility needs include
modernization of interior climate control
systems, repair of the building envelope to
make water tight, update of interior painting
and floor coverings, plumbing system upgrades,
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.
First /Last Mile Connections to Santa Ana
Regional Transportation Center
(Public Works Agency)
New first and last mile connections to regional
rail and bus passengers are critical to expand
regional mobility. One key to expand system
capacity is adding seamless travel connections
at the Santa Ana Regional Transit Center
(SARTC) to access Civic Center, Downtown, the
Museum District and other employment,
cultural, commercial and educational centers.
Funding to plan and construct these first and
last mile travel connections is needed, 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.
The City supports Federal, State and regional
funding programs and policies which would
facilitate first and last mile connections.
Grade Separations
(Public Works Agency)
Grade separation projects allow incompatible
mobility modes to coexist These types of
projects work by not only making existing
incompatible transportation systems
successfully match, but will greatly improve
crossover connections between 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 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.
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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, while also
maintaining and improving train, pedestrian and
bicycle mobility, and safety by uniting divided
neighborhoods and commercial districts.
The City of Santa Ana is the lead for the Santa
Ana Boulevard project. This is a unique Grade
Separation Plaza because it not only allows and
encourages mass pedestrian and bicycle 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 environmental clearance of the Santa Ana
Boulevard Grade Separation Plaza was
completed September 2014 and the project is
estimated to cost $73.3 million. This project is
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 I -S freeway. In
addition, 54 school buses and 309 passenger
buses cross the rail tracks. Staff seeks State
and /or 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.
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 75% 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
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2017 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
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.
Recycled Water System Master Plan
(Public Works Agency)
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) owns
and operates a recycled water system, a portion
of which traverses through parts of Santa Ana.
Santa Ana properties may connect to the
recycled water system, where available.
Currently only a limited number of parcels have
access to the system as the recycled water
pipelines only exist in a limited area. The City is
considering commissioning a recycled water
system master plan to identify opportunities to
expand the system to serve recycled water
demands. The OCWD has tentatively committed
to supply additional recycled water but Santa
Ana will have to fund construction costs
associated with expanding the system. The
recycled 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 recycled water system master plan.
Santa Ana River Conservancy Program
(Public Works Agency)
Support the Santa Ana River Conservancy
program by supporting the State of California
Coastal Conservancy in its effort to address the
resource and recreational goals of the Santa Ana
River region including open space, trails, wildlife
habitat, agricultural land protection, water
quality protection, educational use, and public
access in line with all provisions of SB 1390.
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 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.
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2017 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
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
4Ya!rc.1RY
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 and was completed
in 2015. 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
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.
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.
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2017 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Transparency and Engagement
(City Manager's Office)
Support federal and state legislation that
promotes greater transparency and community
engagement. Continue to convey information
to residents, partners and stakeholders via
various communication platforms in accordance
with the Sunshine Ordinance.
Open Data / Public Records
(Information Technology and Clerk of the
Council)
Facilitate efforts to publish data on the City's
website which will increase transparency, access
to public information, and improve coordination
and efficiency among City agencies and partner
organizations. Through the implementation of
an Open Data site, the public will be able to
access meaningful data on one web page,
including legislative reports, 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 site will promote
government transparency and openness by
giving residents, visitors, and business access to
records and reduce the number of public
records received annually.
Technology
(Information Technology)
The City's Information Technology Department
is committed to provide insightful information
to our elected representatives regarding the
complex and multi - dimensional aspects of
technology infrastructure and business of IT
systems. The department's legislative platform
includes:
Support legislation and policies that encourage
the streamlining of business processes for
responding to open records requests and that
provide funding for these activities.
Support legislation that helps bridge the digital
divide by promoting low cost, high -speed
internet access to the city's low- income
population.
Support legislation that promotes and provides
funding for the increased use of technology and
assistance in adhering to regulatory compliance
requirements.
Support legislation that promotes and provides
funding for cybersecurity in order to reduce the
risk of cyber- attacks.
Support legislation that includes operational
expenses as an acceptable use of public,
educational, government access (PEG) funds,
collected from cable franchise fees per the
Federal Communications Commission, for
government access stations.
Support legislation and regulations that ensure
emergency communication capabilities and
interoperability for information technology and
public safety departments and agencies.
Support legislation that addresses existing labor
law limitations that discourage use of 21st
century technologies for employees.
Oppose legislation that reduces or limits local
government's discretion to approve right of way
use from unsightly and potentially hazardous
equipment placement by telecommunications
companies.
Legislative Agenda
(City Manager's Office)
Reflecting input from various departments, the
City will recommend an annual legislative
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2017 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
agenda consistent with the Strategic Plan, will
provide updates and information to the City
Council and will continue to work closely with
State and Federal lobbyists to promote the
City's legislative priorities. Council and staff will
continue to attend legislative - related events or
meetings in Sacramento and Washington D.C. to
advocate for local /regional programs and
initiatives.
The City will coordinate meetings or attend
legislative events to advocate for funding for
local /regional initiatives.
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CITY OF SANTA ANA
2017 FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Miguel Pulido
Mayor Pro Tern Michele Martinez
Ward 2
Councilmember Vicente Sarmiento
Ward 1
Councilmember Jose Solorio
Ward 3
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 647 -6900 1 Fax: (714) 647 -6954
65A -24
Councilmember David Benavides
Ward 4
Councilmember Juan Villegas
Ward 5
Councilmember Sal Tinajero
Ward 6
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................
..............................1
GUIDING PRINCIPLES ..................................................................................................................
..............................1
GOAL 1: COMMUNITY SAFETY ....................................................................................................
..............................2
GOAL 2: YOUTH, EDUCATION, RECREATION ..............................................................................
..............................8
GOAL 3: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................
.............................10
GOAL 4: CITY FINANCIAL STABILITY ..........................................................................................
.............................14
GOAL 5: COMMUNITY HEALTH, LIVABILITY, ENGAGEMENT & SUSTAINABILITY ......................
.............................17
GOAL 6: COMMUNITY FACILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE ............................................................
.............................19
GOAL7: TEAM SANTA ANA .......................................................................................................
.............................25
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 6q7 -69Q0 1 F 714) 647 -6954
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
INTRODUCTION
The Legislative Scorecard provides a summary of
actions taken to protect and promote the City of
Santa Ana's interests on priority issues and
legislative /regulatory matters which may impact
the City. The Guiding Principles and Policy
Statements below allowed 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
arose during the year. This Platform and
Scorecard supplement 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.
• (PD) The Santa Ana Police Department is
moving forward with the
implementation of the Body Worn
Camera program. A vendor has been
selected and the implementation /
training will begin in February 2017.
e (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs has been
monitoring legislation related to body
worn cameras. No funding has been
made available since the last legislative
cycle. California Police Chiefs Association
recommends the creation of statewide
minimum requirements for the use of
body worn cameras.
• (H &K) The Santa Ana Police Department
applied for the 2016 Community
Oriented Policing Services grants and
was awarded funding for the third
consecutive year. The funding allocated
will allow the Police Department to hire
ten additional police officers. With the
upcoming submission of the President's
FY 18 budget, we will continue to
showcase, as we have in the past, with
the City's delegation and with
appropriators, the success of the City of
Santa Ana's initiatives to demonstrate
the value of the COPS programs.
• (H &K) The Santa Ana Police Department
received Urban Areas Security Initiative
funding totaling $5.43 million.
Homelessness
(Community Development Agency)
Reprioritize existing affordable housing
resources allocated through the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
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 increased
permanent housing options linked to a range of
supportive services; improved access to
emergency shelter and rapid rehousing
opportunities; improved data systems to
centralize and coordinate information on
homeless individuals; and the development of
systems and organizational structures to
connect homeless individuals with employment -
related supportive services.
• (CDA) The City declared a public health
and safety crisis related to the homeless
and urged the County of Orange to take
immediate action to provide service at
the Santa Ana Bus Terminal in order to
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•
4
L]
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
improve access to emergency shelter
and rapid rehousing opportunities.
(CDA) Following a competitive RFP
process, the City awarded a project with
71 project -based vouchers for
Permanent Supportive Housing. The City
also awarded $1.2 million in HOME
Investment Partnership Program funds
to the project.
(CDA) Working in conjunction with the
Illumination Foundation and Mercy
House the City has increased permanent
housing options linked to a range of
supportive services using Housing Choice
Vouchers.
(CDA) The City awarded $45,510 to the
Illumination Foundation to hire a
Housing Navigator to increase
permanent housing options linked to a
range of supportive services using
Housing Choice Vouchers.
(CDA) The City provided $99,750 to the
County of Orange to improve access to
emergency shelter by keeping the Santa
Ana National Guard Armory Emergency
Shelter open longer.
(CDA) The City met all requirements to
continue to receive funding from the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development for the Emergency
Solutions Grant Program.
(TPA) Townsend Public Affairs (TPA)
worked with City staff on issues of
homelessness, specifically as it relates to
the potential relocation of the Orange
County Needle Exchange Program. TPA
has provided City staff with background
information on the state legislation that
allowed for the authorization of the
program, as well as potential
recommendations for moving forward.
s (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs provided
regular updates to the City's legislative
delegation on issues related to
homelessness in order for the City to be
informed in the event that outreach with
the Department of Public Health was
needed.
(H &K) Holland & Knight coordinated
meetings with the Inter - Agency Council
on Homelessness and Department of
Housing and Urban Development
leadership to highlight Santa Ana's
efforts to address homelessness,
including its project to provide
permanent supportive housing using
project based vouchers.
Medical Marijuana
(Planning and Building Agency / 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.
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® (PD) The Santa Ana Police Department
has maintained relationships with
federal and state partners in order to
investigate any marijuana operations
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
that are found to be in violation of the
passed a three -bill licensing framework
municipal code, and state and federal
for medical cannabis in California. TPA
law.
actively participated in the stakeholder
process with legislative staff,
• (PD /PBA) The Medical Marijuana Task
Administration staff, and key interested
Force has closed all but approximately
parties to help form the framework and
twenty of the illegal marijuana
ensure that local control and public
dispensaries. The remaining illegal
safety was given the highest
dispensaries continue to be the focus of
consideration.
the Task Force enforcement efforts.
• (TPA) Proposition 64 Adult Use of
• (PD /PBA) In collaboration with the
Marijuana Act passed on November 8,
Planning and Building Agency, the Santa
2016. The Act provides for local control
Ana Police Department has issued fifteen
and defines limitations related to
Regulatory Safety Permits related to
possession, cultivation and use related to
Measure BB with an additional four in
recreational marijuana.
process. Since the program was
established two years ago over $3.8
• (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs worked
million in fees and taxes have been
generated to fund public safety efforts
closely with the Brown Administration,
the Bureau of Medical Cannabis
and program related costs.
Regulation, the Legislature, and industry
• (PBA) The City's medical marijuana
stakeholders regarding the development
regulatory safety program task force
of an integrated medical and adult -use
continues to explore options to enhance or
regulatory framework to ensure that
streamline the program. Round -table
local control is preserved.
discussions were held with industry
representatives during which participants
® (H &K) Holland & Knight monitored
shared feedback to City officials on
federal developments relating to medical
methods for improving the existing
marijuana. A bipartisan bill known as the
program.
Compassionate Access Act was re-
introduced recently. The bill would
• (CAO) On April 1.9, 2016 the City of Santa
remove cannabidiol (CDB) from the
Ana ammended Chapter 18 of the Santa
Controlled Substances Act so physicians,
Ana Municipal Code regarding unarmed
with state approval of its use, could
guards at dispensaries; establishing
prescribe CDB treatment, as in the case
regulatory safety permit application
of epilepsy, cancer or glaucoma.
deadlins; and prohibiting issuance of
Hearings on the bill have yet to be
regulatory safety permit aplications to
scheduled.
narcotic registrants.
• (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs provided
ongoing information to the City on
legislative activity to regulate medical
marijuana. The Legislature ultimately
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
Ganes
(Police Department)
Support state legislation that would make theft
of a firearm a grand theft and punishable by
state prison.
• (TPA) On November 8, 2016 Proposition
63 passed mandating that any theft of a
firearm regardless of value is to be
classified a felony.
• (H &K) In the Department of Justice,
grant opportunities are available to
support local efforts to address high
levels of youth - related gun crime and
gang violence, including its safe and
thriving communities program. With the
submission of the President's FY 18
budget, we will work with the City's
delegation and appropriators to seek to
sustain the COPS and juvenile justice
programs.
Domestic Violence
(Police Department)
Support legislation that increases the efficiency
and effectiveness of protective orders to
enhance the safety of domestic violence victims.
• (PD) The Santa Ana Police Department
partnered with local non- profit Human
Options and has received a $400,000
grant to provide enhanced resources for
domestic violence victims.
• (TPA) On January 1, 2017 the California's
Gun Violence Restraining Order Law
passed. The law will help the Police
Department in enhancing 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.
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.
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• (PWA) The City adopted the Safe
Mobility Santa Ana plan which analyzed
10 years of traffic collision data,
identified priority corridors, and
proposed projects for which to pursue
grant funding.
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
• (PWA) All of the bicycle and pedestrian
improvements identified in the Safe
Mobility Santa Ana Plan are within the
public right of way and support a safe
shared use of the public space.
• (PWA) Through funding from the State of
California Office of Traffic Safety, the
Public Works Agency (PWA) conducted
ten helmet and bike light distributions
and ten bicycle safety skills classes.
Further the PWA partnered with the
Santa Ana Unified Police Department,
Santa Ana Police Department, and Parks
and Recreation - Youth Commission to
promote and support bicycle safety
initiatives by providing helmets and
educational materials.
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.
® (CDA) Following a competitive
application process, the City was
awarded 75 U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development Veterans Affairs
Supportive Housing Project -Based
Vouchers to provide affordable housing
for homeless veterans.
• (CMO) Beginning in 2015, the City
Manager's Office had coordinated with
local organizations to host a monthly flag
raising ceremony to honor local veterans
from the community and to engage
residents to increase their awareness of
veterans' contributions. The monthly
ceremony was held at the Santa Ana
Public Library's flagpole, and regular
contributors included the American
Legion, VFW, the Santa Ana Public
Library, the Santa Ana Police
Department, the Employment
Development Department, Heroes
Elementary School, and the Main Place
Christian Fellowship, among others.
• (H &K) As part of Holland & Knight's
coalition advocacy efforts to reverse
housing cuts in the President's FY 18
budget, they are working with the City's
delegation to demonstrate the impact on
the City's homeless veterans and ensure
Department of Housing and Urban
Development / Department of Veterans
Affairs funds are sustained for homeless
veterans.
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.
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(CMO) On April 9, 2016 the City of Santa
Ana in collaboration with OCCORD, OC
Labor Federation, Public Law Center, and
several other partners, hosted a
Citizenship Fair at the Southwest Senior
Center. Over 800 people attended the
Citizenship Fair, approximately 600
citizenship applications were processed,
and another 200 people were provided
with information. There were over 340
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
volunteers, which comprised of 110 legal
volunteers that helped make the 12 hour
event a success.
• (CMO) At the December 6, 2016
meeting, the City Council adopted
Resolution No. 2016 -086, declaring the
City of Santa Ana a sanctuary for all its
residents, regardless of their
immigration status. This resolution
outlined that the City would implement
various policies called for by the
resolution, including: protecting sensitive
information; reaffirming the City's
commitment to preventing biased -based
policing and disallowing the use of City
resources for immigration enforcement;
exercising appropriate discretion in
policing; providing additional training for
all affected City employees, officials, and
agents; and establishing a task force for
oversight. An ordinance affirming these
policies was later adopted in January
2017.
• (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs provided
ongoing information on immigration and
sanctuary city status discussions at the
State level and the State's response to
the President's Executive Orders on
immigration.
• (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs (TPA)
provided updates on legislation
introduced in Sacramento to limit state
and local law enforcement agencies'
involvement with immigration
enforcement and ensure that eligible
individuals are able to seek state services
without regard to their immigration
status. TPA attended the Senate Public
Safety Committee hearing with a City of
Santa Ana Councilmember, who was one
of the three primary witnesses to testify
CITY OF SANTA ANA
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on the measure. TPA provided updates
on this legislation as well as other issues
occurring across the State that impact
this discussion.
• (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs worked
with the Office of Speaker Anthony
Rendon to provide information regarding
the City's sanctuary city ordinance.
• (H &K) Holland & Knight connected City
staff with other localities working to
proactively assist immigrant
communities to identify best practices,
including assisting the City in working
with Los Angeles' Office of Immigrant
Affairs.
• (H &K) In response to the President's
efforts to implement his campaign
promises to target sanctuary cities and
increase interior immigration raids,
Holland & Knight is working in coalition
with other sanctuary cities to counter
the Administration's current stance in
seeking to punish sanctuary cities,
meeting with both senators and House
representative, including the senior
counsels for the ranking member of the
Senate Judiciary Committee; providing
legislative analysis on sanctuary cities
legislation; and providing information
and analysis on the Administration's
change in detention policies back to
"safe communities" enforcement. We
are also continuing to meet with
congressional supporters of the Bridge
Act legislation, working towards getting
the President to sustain the Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
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.
• (PRCSA) Construction on Memory Lane
Park was completed on June 30, 2016
and a Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held
on October 4, 2016. The project includes
bike and equestrian rest stops, a shade
structure, play equipment area, exercise
equipment, and a passive rest area with
drought tolerant planting.
+ (PRCSA) The City was awarded $5 million
of Prop 84 state grant funds and $2.1
million of Community Development
Block Grant funding to construct a new
Community Center and Park at the
Roosevelt /Walker School site under a
Joint Use agreement with Santa Ana
Unified School District. A ground
breaking event was held on December
16, 2016. Construction will begin in
January 2017 and is expected to be
completed within a year.
• (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs worked
directly with members of the Orange
County delegation, as well as the author
and sponsors of AB 2444 (the proposed
legislative park bond) throughout the
legislative session, to ensure that any
final park bond contained funding that
would be accessible by the City. The
final version of the bill included per
capita funding for cities, competitive
grant funding for park poor
communities, as well as dedicated
funding for the Santa Ana River
Conservancy Program (with preference
to projects in cities with high
populations), all which would be
available to the City. While AB 2444 was
unsuccessful, there is a commitment
among the key stakeholders to work to
place a bond on the ballot in 2018.
• (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs worked
closely with the authors of AB 18 and SB
5, as well as the City's legislative
delegation and other stakeholders to
include dedicated parks and recreation
funding for the City.
Library
(Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Agency)
Advocate funding to address and support
bridging the digital divide; adding art and
culture exhibits at public libraries to engage the
community to read, learn and appreciate art
and culture; advancing literacy; providing career
guidance for youth; and increasing library
programming for teens.
® (PRCSA) The library has utilized a
consultant to create the framework for a
website devoted exclusively to career,
job, and internship information and
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•
•
•
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
opportunities for Santa Ana youth. The
site is expected to go live early in 2017.
(PRCSA) The library coordinates its
Workforce Investment Opportunity Act
program with CTV -3 to engage youth in
training in producing videos to interest,
engage and inform youth.
(PRCSA) In April of 2016, the Santa Ana
Public Library hosted a Youth Services
Provider Summit for the city's key
stakeholders in youth development and
education. Nearly one hundred
attendees explored the subject under
the aegis of Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg who is
one of the country's best -known experts
on the treatment of homeless and
marginalized youth.
(PRCSA) The library's Children's Services
Department has committed itself to
increasing early literacy among Santa
Ana's young children by providing Early
Literacy stations which contain games,
books and tablets that promote
academic development and enable
parents to read to their children in an
interactive environment.
(PRCSA) The library continues to expand
services to teens and young adults. With
the help of volunteers, staff, and Youth
Civic Engagement Interns, the Young
Adult Department supports the City's
Youth Commission, offers workshops on
college choice, financial aid, FAFSA
applications, provides tutoring,
computer access and 12 -15 programs
weekly for teens. Staff also recruits and
mentors youth volunteers, encouraging
community service and engaging them
with the library.
• (PRCSA) The library has hosted exhibits
of traditional toys from Mexico provided
by the Mexican Consulate and complex
origami created by a nine -year old
Orange County boy.
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
around the shared stories of human migration in
America.
• (PRCSA) The Memories of Migration
Program grant is in its third and final
year. The Teen Historians have
developed and implemented techniques
for gathering migration stories from local
residents. The archive to date consists of
oral histories, photos and media. The
project can be found on Facebook,
History Pin, and the library's website.
The team has also provided training and
support for similar projects at West
Hartford, CN, Queens, NY, New Mexico
Highlands University and the New
Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Seek joint -use and other funding opportunities
to establish a community e- Library. The "Biblio
Tech" leverages technology tools to help the
public access library resources.
CITY OF SANTA ANA
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r (PRCSA) The e- Library has two
components. The first is an
enhancement to the number and kinds
of e- resources the library provides to the
community. The second will be a physical
presence in the new Roosevelt / Walker
Community Center, for which ground
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
was broken in late 2016. These efforts
are serving to narrow the digital divide in
the community.
Collaborate with state and federal
representatives to identify literacy program
funding for collaborative efforts between the
Library and the Santa Ana Unified School
District.
• (PRCSA) The library has partnered with
the Santa Ana Unified School District to
provide all SAUSD students with a library
card. So far, students at three Santa Ana
high schools, four elementary schools
and eight Head Start programs have
received cards.
Collaborate with state and federal
representatives to identify opportunities to add
a new Public Library in the south part of Santa
Ana.
• (PRCSA) In an effort to extend library
services to residents located further
away from the Main and Newhope
Libraries, the library has placed satellite
services in several Community Centers.
Residents may visit teen centers in
Garfield and Jerome Centers, get
computer access and training at Garfield
and El Salvador Centers, and find
children's services at Garfield. Recently,
the library has begun an after - school
homework help program at the Delhi
Center.
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.
• (PRCSA) Worked with the U.S.
Geological Survey's Western Ecological
Research Center to develop and build a
new exhibit and breeding center for the
locally endangered Mountain Yellow -
Legged Frog, a species located in the
Santa Ana River drainage and directly
affected by climate change. Exhibit
signage will discuss effects of climate
change on animals and people.
• (PRCSA) Two zoo education staff went
through the National Network for Ocean
and Climate Change Interpretation
(sponsored by the National Science
Foundation) training workshop learning
best practices to communicate climate
change to the general public through
programs and signage. These climate
change education practices have been
incorporated into existing education
programs and will be integrated into the
new Zoo Master Plan and signage for the
new Giant River Otter exhibit.
GOAL 3: ECONOMIC
IaDVAD100WuIDRIN
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)
Seek increased funding for affordable rental
housing, support homeownership programs,
and improve the City's housing stock through
funding from the Community Development
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
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.
® (CDA) To support homeownership, the
City administered a down payment
assistance program for first -time
homebuyers with funding from the
HOME Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) and Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Programs. A total of
105 applications were distributed, four
were received and approved for this
program. The City also provided a
quarterly workshop for interested
applicants in the community.
• (CDA) To improve the City's housing
stock, the City administered Residential
Rehabilitation Programs for single- family
homes, mobile homes, historic homes
and multi - family properties. For the
Single - Family Home Rehabilitation
Program, a total of 73 applications were
distributed, three were received, and
one application was approved for this
program. From applications that were
approved a total of two (2) single- family
homes were repaired through the City's
program in 2016. For the Mobile Home
Rehabilitation Program, a total of 57
applications were distributed, eight were
received, and four applications were
approved for this program. Three
mobile home units were funded and the
rehabilitation of one unit was completed
in 2016.
® (CDA) The City issued an RFP for $1.2
million in HOME Investment Partnership
Program funds and awarded the funds to
a project which provides 71 units of
permanent supportive housing for
homeless individuals.
• (CDA) For the City's Housing Opportunity
Ordinance, the City executed a pre -
commitment for $2,600,000 of
inclusionary housing in -lieu fees for a 69-
unit affordable housing project. The City
also executed a loan agreement for
$1,875,000 for a 57 -unit affordable
housing project.
• (CDA) The City met all requirements to
continue to receive funding from the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development for the Community
Development Block Grant and HOME
Investment Partnership Program.
• (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs provided
information to the City on various
legislative and budget proposals related
to affordable housing, including
Governor Brown's "by- right" housing
proposal.
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.
• (CDA) On July 26, 2016, along with the
Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, the
CITY OF SANTA ANA
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
City co- hosted the Governor's Office of
Business and Economic Development
Go -Biz Workshop to inform businesses
on the process for applying for the
California Competes Tax Credit.
• (H &K) With the expectation that
Congress will seek to move forward on
tax reform through the budget
reconciliation process sometime later
this year, Holland & Knight will again
seek to include extension of the
empowerment zone tax incentives as
they did successfully in tax extender
legislation. In addition, Holland & Knight
has worked to mobilize an active
coalition to support expansion of the
Low Income Housing Tax Credit and will
continue to advocate for its inclusion in
tax reform.
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.
+ (PWA) The street reconstruction within
the Warner Industrial Community is
planned to commence in April 2017 and
be completed by the end of 2017.
• (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs (TPA)
provided information to the City
regarding legislative and administration
proposals to generate funding for
transportation infrastructure. TPA
advocated with the authors of the
measure, as well as the City's legislative
delegation, to include significant funding
for local streets and roads, as well as
other programs that would be available
to fund City projects.
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.
• (CDA) The City continues to research
eligibility to create a Community
Revitalization Investment Authority as
authorized under AB 2492.
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.
• (CDA) Following a competitive grant
application process, the City was
successful in its application and received
CITY OF SANTA ANA
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
an award of $138,000 to administer the
Family Self- Sufficiency Program for
calendar year 2017.
• (H &K) Holland & Knight is working with
the City's delegation and appropriators
to counter drastic cuts in the
Department of Housing and Urban
Development programs. Please
reference the Homelessness section.
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 the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(WIOA) with specific attention and emphasis on
full 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; and continued work on
alignment of all federal workforce programs in
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, Health and Human Services, and
Department of Education.
• (CDA) To meet the requirements of the
new legislation the City formed a
Workforce Development Board to
provide grant oversight and engage
regionally on workforce issues. The State
of California approved the new structure
and the continuation of receipt of
federal workforce funding.
• (CDA) The State of California announced
that the City exceeded its Workforce
Investment Act / Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act performance
measures for PY 2015 -16.
• (CDA) The WORK Center was awarded a
Sling Shot Grant funded by The Orange
County Workforce Development Board.
Sling Shot is an initiative of the State of
California which encourages and
supports regional partnerships across
the state promoting engagement in new
collective actions on workforce
challenges.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development— 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.
• (CDA) Using the resources provided by
the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development, the City allocated
Community Development Block Grant
funds in the amount of $749,261,
equivalent to 14% of the annual grant
allocation, for residential street
improvements in the Annual Action Plan.
® (H &K) In light of drastic cuts in the
President's proposed FY 18 budget for
Department of Housing and Urban
Development programs, we are
organizing a concerted effort among key
cities and mayors including the City of
Santa Ana to build strong bipartisan
CITY OF SANTA ANA
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
support in Congress to sustain funding
• (FMSA) SB 987 passed the State Senate
for CDBG.
on June 1, 2016 and was ordered to the
State Assembly. On June 20, 2016,
however, it failed passage in the
GOAL 4: CITY FINANCIAL
Revenue & Tax Committee and was
subsequently returned to the Chief Clerk
STABILITY
on Nov. 30, 2016 where it was left
inactive.
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
— Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act
reliable forecasting of revenues, an enhanced tax base,
(MMRSA) Amendment - Assembly Bill 1575
and control of expenses.
(Assembly Member Bonta) proposing term
changes in the MMRSA requiring the Board
Medical Mariivana Taxation
of Equalization to create a working group to
(Finance and Management Services Agency)
examine strategies including point -of -sale
systems to improve financial monitoring of
Monitor pending Assembly and Senate Bills:
cannabis businesses and would create an
enhanced financial monitoring certification
- Medical Marijuana Excise Tax - Senate Bill
for entities licensed under the MMRSA.
987 (Senator McGuire) seeking to establish a
Also, specifies a local ordinance that
state excise tax of 15 percent on the
regulates cannabis or medical cannabis shall
consumption or use of medical marijuana
not require the consent of the Department
purchased from any retailer in California.
of Food and Agriculture.
Revenue allocation: 30% to the General
Fund; 30% to the Bureau for grant program
• (FMSA) AB 1575 was passed by the State
administration to distribute grants to local
Assembly on June 1, 2016 and ordered
agencies that are affected by the regulation
to the State Senate. On June 29, 2016 it
of medical marijuana activities pertaining to
was referred to the Government &
the cultivation of marijuana in violation of
Finance Committee. However, on
state law or local ordinance (upon
August 8, 2016 it was referred to the
appropriation by the Legislature); 20% to the
Committee on Appropriations suspense
Department of Parks and Recreation for the
file. It was held under submission in
stewardship, operation, maintenance, and
committee, reported from Senate
preservation of state park units, including
committee without further action on
units operated on behalf of the state by local
November 30, 2016, and left inactive.
or regional agencies or by nonprofit
organizations (upon appropriation by the
- Policing Authority for Medical Marijuana
Legislature); 20% to counties for drug and
Cultivation - Senate Bill 435 (Senator Pan).
alcohol treatment programs. Revenue
An exemption from the medical marijuana
impact: Annual revenue of $251 million.
licensing requirements; does not limit or
With an operative date of January 1, 2018,
prevent local government from exercising its
this revenue would be reduced by half to
police power authority.
$125.5 million in fiscal year 2018 -19.
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
• (FMSA) SB 435 (multi -year bill) passed
the State Senate and was ordered to the
State Assembly on June 3, 2015. It was
referred to the Committee on Health and
passed committee on August 31, 2015,
but was classified inactive on request of
Assembly Member Holden. On January
19, 2016 it was re- referred to the
Committee on Health and subsequently
reported both from committee and State
Assembly without further action. On
November 30, 2016 it was left inactive.
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)
• (FMSA) FMSA has evaluated and
received approval from Southern
California Edison (SCE) to establish light
retrofitting projects at three City library
facilities. The retrofit projects are
scheduled to begin construction during
calendar year 2017.
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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• (PBA) The Code Enforcement Division of
the Planning and Building Agency
continues efforts to uncover unsanitary
conditions and life safety hazards for
occupants of residential rental
properties. Staff has continued working
with property owners, or managers of
rental properties to make repairs and
conduct preventative building
maintenance. These efforts help to
prevent deteriorated conditions in rental
properties. City staff continues to
coordinate with all governmental
agencies to inspect and enforce city
codes to remedy code violations and to
expedite compliance. In 2015, city staff
generated structural permits with a
valuation of over $1.5 million in
improvements to rental properties. In
2016, City Council renewed the Proactive
Rental Enforcement Program with
support from the Orange County Rental
Association.
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
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.
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.
• (FMSA) SB 1445 was introduced
February 19, 2016 as a spot bill to carry
forward the prior session's unsuccessful
SB 8 sales tax restructuring bill. It was
referred to the Committee on
Government & Finance and remained
there in suspense until it was reported
out from committee without further
action on November 30, 2016.
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.
• (FMSA) To address defective definitional
language incorporated into federal law
with the passage of the Permanent
Internet Tax Freedom Act (PIFA), City
staff working together with the City's
Professional Utility Users' tax Consultant,
MuniServices, successfully developed a
comprehensive administrative ruling and
interpretation of the City's Utility Users'
Tax Code regarding the bundling of
taxable and non - taxable tele-
communication services, including
internet access. Acting at the same time
as over 60 California cities, Santa Ana's
administrative ruling was approved by
the City Attorney and administratively
adopted by the Executive Director of
Finance and Management Services on
December 22, 2016.
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GOAL 5: 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
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.
• (PWA) Moving to bolster California's
climate and drought resilience, Governor
Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued an executive
order in May 2016 that builds on
temporary statewide emergency water
restrictions to establish longer -term
water conservation measures, including
permanent monthly water use reporting,
new permanent water use standards in
California communities and bans on
clearly wasteful practices such as hosing
off sidewalks, driveways and other
hardscapes. In the latter part of 2016 the
State Water Board stressed the need for
continued conservation given that
Central and Southern California remain
in drought conditions despite recent
storms. The water conservation target
for City customers remains at 3% and all
permanent water conservation measures
are in full force.
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.
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® (PRCSA) State and Federal funds were
used to develop a new park at
Roosevelt /Walker school. The new park
2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
includes a community garden, exercise
equipment, basketball courts, jogging
track and multi - purpose field which help
address health issues and obesity.
• (TPA) Townsend Public Affairs monitored
funding opportunities through
Proposition 47 which provide funding for
mental health services, substance use
disorder treatment, diversion programs
for people in the criminal justice system
and other community based supportive
services.
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.
• (PWA) In 2016, the City applied for over
$30 million in grant funding and expects
to receive over $25 Million in Active
Transportation Program, Highway Safety
Improvement Program, and Bicycle
Improvement Program Grant funds.
® (PRCSA) Parks and Recreation staff along
with County of Orange staff worked
together to develop another segment of
a Class I bike trail along the Santa Ana
Gardens Flood Control Channel. The
project is being paid for by the County of
Orange and maintained by the City.
® (PRCSA) A mural
promoting
the
importance
of sharing
the road
and
pedestrian
safety was
created at
the
Corbin Community Center. Community
volunteers participated in the mural
concept development, design and
production.
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.
(TPA) Townsend Public Affairs provided
information to the City regarding AB
2403 (Bloom), which would have
required the Department of Health Care
Services to deny applications for new
sober living facilities in areas of over -
concentration. The bill was ultimately
held on the Suspense File in the
Assembly Appropriations Committee.
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.
• (PBA) The City received monies from Air
Quality Management District to help
fund sustainable planning programs such
as the Metro East Specific Plan
Expansion and the Santa Ana General
Plan Update.
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
Engagement
(Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Agency and Planning and Building Agency)
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.
cl
(PRCSA) The library has utilized volunteer
assistance and staff expertise to begin
creating a drought - tolerant
demonstration garden adjacent to the
library. The first phase was planted
during the Dia de los Nino celebration in
2016. The library plans to continue
development of this community
resource in 2017, adding plantings and
explanatory signage, along with a
specialized collection of books to assist
residents with developing their own low -
water -use gardens.
(PBA) This past year the Santa Ana Public
Library submitted a grant funding
proposal, on behalf of the Santa Ana
Civic Atlas to the Knight Foundation. The
proposal was not funded, but staff will
continue to pursue funding for the Civic
Atlas and community engagement in
Santa Ana on an ongoing basis.
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.
• (PRCSA) In November 2016, the library's
Young Adult Department and its Youth
Civic Engagement Interns collaborated
with the City Clerk in a city -wide project
to outreach to Santa Ana youth,
promoting increased voter participation
among 18 -24 year olds.
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
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.
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
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.
(H &K) As the County of Orange /City of
Santa Ana moves forward to secure a
Full Funding Grant Agreement with the
Federal Transit Administration, Holland
& Knight has continued to work with the
City's delegation to include funding in
the FY 17 Transportation — Department
of Housing and Urban Development
Appropriations Bill. While funding in the
Senate and House bills provides
approximately $75 Million in New Starts
funding for the OC Streetcar Project, no
final action has been taken on the bills.
The Department of Transportation, along
with most Federal departments and
agencies, has been operating under a
Continuing Resolution which expires
April 28, pending either an extension of
the CR until the end of this fiscal year or
final House - Senate conference and
passage of the Transportation and other
appropriations bills. Getting final
passage of the FY 17 Transportation bill
is important in order to initiate funding
for OC Streetcar Project. The City's
delegation with key support from our
Senate appropriator remains fully
supportive of the Project. Once
Congress disposes of the FY 17
appropriations, work on the President's
FY 18 budget request will begin. Since
his budget is expected to drastically cut
the Federal Transit Administration
programs including New Starts, the City's
advocacy effort with the delegation,
while coordinated closely with OCTA, will
continue in high gear to gain House and
Senate appropriations support for New
Start funding of the OC Streetcar Project.
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
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
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.
• (PBA) The Public Works Agency has
identified approximately $6 million in
deferred maintenance and upgrades
required at the Santa Ana Regional
Transportation Center ( SARTC). SARTC
facility needs include the following:
restroom upgrade and ADA compliance,
a new roof, HVAC system replacement /
upgrade, repair / resurfacing of parking
lot, exterior and interior painting,
electrical and plumbing upgrades,
generator replacement, improved access
and expanded passenger loading and
unloading The Public Works Agency has
begun project development for restroom
upgrade and ADA compliance.
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 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.
• (PWA) New bicycle parking was installed
at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation
Center utilizing funding from the Orange
County Transportation Authority's
Bicycle Corridor Improvement Program.
• (PWA) Funded through the Affordable
Housing and Sustainable Communities
Program, the Bush Street Bicycle
Boulevard extends connections from the
SARTC north toward 17th Street.
® (PWA) Through funding from the Active
Transportation Program, pedestrian
improvements were made to enhance
connectivity along First Street through
Downtown Santa Ana.
® (PWA) Davis Elementary School's 'Safe
Routes to School' program funded
through the Active Transportation
Program included the installation of
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
pedestrian improvements throughout
the neighborhood to the north of the
Santa Ana Regional Transportation
Center.
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.
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
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
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.
• (PWA) The Public Works Agency has
been actively seeking funding for this
project.
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. Asa
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.
• (PWA) The Public Works Agency received
funding for the purchase of replacement
water wells and is awaiting approval
from the City Council for the sale.
• (PWA) The site for a new replacement
well has been located and the feasibility
study has been completed. The Public
Works Agency will seek the City Council's
approval for the site location in 2017.
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.
® (PWA) The Public Works Agency has
actively applied for grant funds.
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.
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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.
• (PWA) Current Bristol Phases for
improvements consist of three
segments: 1) Bristol from Civic Center to
Washington Street; 2) Bristol from
Washington Street to 17th Street; 3)
Bristol from Warner Avenue to St.
Andrew Place.
• (PWA) The City acquired properties along
Bristol St. and continued to make
improvements. The upcoming
construction schedule includes work
from Civic Center to St. Andrew Place.
Alton Parkwav
(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.
• (PWA) Funding was not available
through the Measure M Regional
Capacity Program in 2016. The Public
Works Agency will continue to seek grant
funding for the right -of -way and
construction phases of the project.
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 and was completed
in 2015. 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.
• (PWA) The initial 900 -foot segment
between 1st Street and 4th Street was
completed in 2015. The remaining
segment from 4th Street to 17th Street is
in the design phase and should be
completed by the end of 2017.
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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.
• (PWA) in October 2016, the Public
Works Agency applied for the remaining
balance of right -of -way funding for the
segment from Main Street to Oak Street
and design funding for the segment from
Oak Street to Grand Avenue through the
Orange County Transportation
Authority's (OCTA) Regional Capacity
Program (RCP), The OCTA Board of
Director will review and approve the
funding for RCP in March 2017.
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
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.
• (PWA) In 2016, City applied for
additional Federal Highway Bridge
Replacement and Rehabilitation funding
($1.6 million) to replace the bridge. it is
anticipated that the funding will be
received by the spring of 2017.
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.
Transparency and Engagement
(City Manager's Office)
Support federal /state legislation that allows the
City to promote greater transparency and
community engagement.
• (CMO) the City has increased and
improved transparency and engagement
throughout the community by adhering
to the Sunshine Ordinance, publishing
the Strategic Plan, providing open data
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2016 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM SCORECARD
platform on City's financial information
& budget, conducting community budget
meetings, leading meetings with the
community to gain input on the General
Plan Update, hosting neighborhood
association meetings, agendizing
monthly updates on Public Works
projects, sharing information to the
community via Nixie and other social
media platforms.
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.
« (IT) Software demonstrations have been
scheduled with five Open Data platform
vendors in order to evaluate the
functionality of their systems and obtain
price quotes. Discussions have begun
with City departments to identify specific
data sets which can be made available.
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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(CMO) The City Council Legislative
Council Committee met twice
throughout 2016 in concurrence with
State and Federal lobbyist to solidify the
annual legislative agenda consistent with
the Strategic Plan.
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