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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - ORANGELINE JPA AMEND (2)CONSENT CALENDAR DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: Agenda Item: _ .7 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented by: November 23, 2004 Robert Newman RESOLUTION TO APPROVE ENTRY INTO THE FIRST AMENDED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT (JPA) WITH THE ORANGELINE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Building and Engineering RECOMMENDED ACTION Adopt a resolution approving entry into the First Amended Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA) with the Orangeline Development Authority for the purpose of promoting the development of a maglev system from North Los Angeles County to Orange County; authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the JPA, subject to City Attorney approval; and appropriate $29,688 from Proposition C fund balance to Account No. 4395-8001 to fund the City's share of participation in the JPA. BACKGROUND At the November 9, 2004 City Council meeting, staff was directed to return to Council with a resolution supporting the Orangeline Development Authority (Authority). The Authority is a joint exercise of powers authority comprised of thirteen Los Angeles County and Orange County cities. The Authority was established to examine the feasibility and deployment of a high-speed maglev (magnetic levitation) transportation system in Southern California. Known as the Orangeline, the proposed elevated maglev system would run from North Los Angeles County to downtown Los Angeles, through the southeast portion of Los Angeles County and into Orange County. Part of the system would run through unincorporated portions of Los Angeles County. Extensions to this system would be developed as other cities join the Authority. Following preliminary feasibility studies completed in December 2001 and April 2002, various city councils determined that further study was warranted, and that supporting their city's entry into the Authority was necessary to ensure that their city's interests were voiced and protected during the regional development process. �-q-) 3 A. AGREEMENT AND MEMBER STATUS The Orangeline Development Authority has met on a monthly basis since March 2003. The meefings have been attended by elected officials from the Authority's member cities and from various other interested cities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Authority has passed a set of by-laws governing its organizational and administrative structure and has begun to set policies for future corridor development. In order for the City of Santa Clarita to have full member rights and privileges as established in the Authority's by-laws, the City needs to adopt the First Amended Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA). A copy of the JPA is available in the City Clerk's reading file. The JPA establishes the relationships within the Authority and specifies the powers granted to the Authority and its members. It details the rights, obligations, and privileges apportioned to each member, and establishes that its members have agreed to them. Now that the Authority has gained momentum in its planning, solicitation of funds, and community support, it has demonstrated an ability to address the sub -region's transit needs by pursuing the Orangeline project. It is in the City's best interest to enter into the JPA with other local agencies to ensure that careful attention is paid to the City's well-being during further Orangeline planning and deployment activities. It is anticipated that a committee of the Board representing North Los Angeles County members would be developed and hold meetings to focus on the specifics of the North Los Angeles County region, and that less frequent meetings of the entire JPA would be necessary. Byjoining the Orangeline Development Authority now, the City is able to participate in an already existing entity and increase the potential for federal funding by showing a significant effort by multiple agencies having a broad range of federal representatives, The City would also participate in refining the governing structure of the JPA to ensure an efficient operation that is representative of each corridor segment of the Orangeline system. B. ORANGELINE STATUS The Orangeline Development Authority currently has 13 members. There is a provision in the JPA for jurisdictions to withdraw from the Authority with a 30 -day notice. This would not relieve the jurisdiction of any long-term obligations incurred prior to withdrawal. However, the Authority has not entered into any long-term contracts. The Authority has hired a contract support staff, including an Executive Director. Currently, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments and the City of Cerritos are providing support services to the Executive Director and to the Authority Board. The Authority has been successful in gaining Congressional support for the Orangeline. H.R. 3550 currently identifies the Orangeline as a national "High Priority Project" and includes a funding earmark to support further studies. C. JPA AMENDMENTS The JPA is being reviewed and considered by other cities. There is a possibility that after this City Council action the JPA may be altered to reflect the interests of the City of Santa Clarita and other cities. Should the Authority in any way revise the JPA, Authority staff and the City's appointed Authority representative will ensure that such changes reflect the overall essence and intent of the current agreement. Should more substantial changes be made, the JPA will be brought back to the City Council for reconsideration and re -adoption. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Deny the JPA. 2. Other action as determined by the City Council. FISCAL DvIPACT The City of Santa Clarita would incur an expense of $29,688 for the 2004-05 Fiscal Year as its contribution to support the work of the Authority. The expense is eligible for Proposition C local return funds, and sufficient funds are available in the Proposition C fund balance to cover the expense. ATTACHMENTS Resolution Orangeline Development Authority First Amended Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement available in the City Clerk's Reading File Bylaws of Orangeline Development Authority available in the City Clerk's Reading File