HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-10 - AGENDA REPORTS - STORM DRAIN TRANSFERS (2)CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT:
Agenda Item:_
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
February 10, 2004
Michael P. M by
STATE LEGISLATION: STORM DRAIN TRANSFERS
City Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION
The City Council Legislative Committee recommends that the City Council authorize
sponsorship of state legislation to streamline the process of storm drain system transfers between
cities in Los Angeles County and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the Los Angeles Flood Control Act is to provide for the control and conservation
of the flood, storm and other waste waters of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. The
Los Angeles County Flood Control Act is contained within California Water Code Appendix
Chapter 28. Specific sections of Chapter 28 provides that public agencies may request transfer of
storm drain improvements under their jurisdiction to the Los Angeles County Flood Control
District. The Act specifically requires that the mechanism for transfer be made by passage of a
resolution from the governing board of the requesting agency and acceptance by the governing
board (Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors) of the Los Angeles County Flood Control
District.
Currently, there are over 200 drainage systems in the City of Santa Clarita that are in the process
of being constructed, inspected, and transferred to the Los Angeles County Flood Control
District. Stone drain improvements or "systems" are identified by drain number without regard
to size or complexity. Each transfer request, regardless of size of the system, from the City of
Santa Clarita to the County of Los Angeles is processed in the same way, requiring preparation of
reports and specific action by the governing boards of both jurisdictions.
Li,:�� U LID
The City of Santa Clarita proposes to sponsor state legislation which would simplify the typically
routine process of transferring storm drains between local agencies and the Los Angeles County
Flood Control District. The proposed changes would remove specific statutory language
directing the transfers. This would enable the transfers to be completed at the administrative
level rather than requiring separate routine actions by the governing boards of both the
transferring and receiving agencies. Ultimately, however, the Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors would retain final authority to determine the specific process to be utilized for the
transfers. Rather than having the specific transfer requirements in statute, the Board of
Supervisors would retain the flexibility to enact procedures which best meet the needs of Los
Angeles County and the jurisdictions which seek to transfer storm drain improvements.
State Senator William J. "Pete" Knight has agreed to introduce the measure on the City's behalf.
As sponsor of the bill, the City is responsible for working closely with the bill's author to move
the bill through the committee process, provide technical assistance to the author, provide
testimony at committee hearings, secure support for the measure, and satisfactorily address
concerns raised about the bill. City staff has been working with Los Angeles County
representatives regarding the proposed measure and will continue to do so throughout the
legislative process. Preliminary contact with the county indicates their support of the bill.
This bill would not have statewide application but only be applicable to the Los Angeles County
Flood Control Act.
The City Council Legislative Committee reviewed the proposal at their meeting of
February 4, 2004. The Legislative Committee recommends that the full Council authorize City
of Santa Clarita sponsorship of the measure.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. City not sponsor legislative proposal.
2. Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the recommendation requires no additional resources beyond those already
authorized for legislative activities under the approved 2003/04 City budget.