REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Appoint an Alternate City Representative to Valley Transportation Authority El Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit Policy Advisory Board
Report
BACKGROUND
Traditionally, in January of each year, the City Council fills a number of positions for intergovernmental (IGR) assignments. The City Council appoints members to a variety of intergovernmental agencies in order to represent the City's interests and to influence policies and regulations of other agencies. The City Council also ratifies the appointment of Councilmembers made by other organizations. From time to time, appointments come up that require Council action outside of the normal timeframe.
The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) El Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit Project is considering enhanced rapid bus service in a corridor from HP Pavilion in San Jose to the Palo Alto Transit Center, along El Camino Real and The Alameda. The El Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit Policy Advisory Board (PAB) is an avenue for local agency policy makers along the proposed corridor to provide policy input on project proposals and the findings of technical analyses. The PAB includes representatives from each city along the corridor.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy Manual 7.3.12 Council Appointments to Intergovernmental Agencies. The City Council appoints members to a variety of intergovernmental agencies in order to represent the City’s interests and to influence policies and regulations of other agencies.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
N/A
DISCUSSION
VTA has provided one seat for a Sunnyvale City Councilmember on the PAB; Councilmember Whittum has held this assignment since 2012. At this time, VTA is requesting an alternate member appointment (Attachment 1) to ensure that Sunnyvale has representation on the PAB meeting if Councilmember Whittum cannot attend.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to making an appointment to the PAB.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, in the Council Chambers lobby, in the Office of the City Clerk, at the Library, Senior Center, Community Center, and Department of Public Safety; posting the agenda and report on the City’s Web site; and making the report available at the Library and the Office of the City Clerk.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Appoint a Councilmember to serve an intergovernmental assignment as an alternate on the VTA El Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit Policy Advisory Board.
2. Do not appoint a Councilmember to serve as an alternate on the VTA El Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit Policy Advisory Board.
3. Take no action at this time.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1: Appoint a Councilmember to serve an intergovernmental assignment as an alternate on the VTA El Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit Policy Advisory Board.
Staff
Prepared by: Manuel Pineda, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Jane Chambers, Interim Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, Assistant City Manager for Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENT
1. VTA Letter