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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.3 Calif for Better Trans Membership logo'(0 CITY OF DUBLIN AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: March 11, 1985 SUBJECT Membership in Californians for Better Transportation EXHIBITS ATTACHED Letter from Jack D . Maltester, President , Californians 4 for Better Transportation dated February 8, 1985 ; League of CA Cities Bulletin dated February 8 , 1985 RECOMMENDATION Consider membership FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Membership Fee - $250. 00 A budget transfer would be required from the City Council ' s Advertising Account to the City Council ' s Membership & Dues Account in that amount DESCRIPTION At the regular City Council meeting on February 25 , 1985 , the City Council considered a proposal for membership in Californians for Better Transportation. This organization is undertaking a public aware- ness campaign which will focus on the needs for improved transportation throughout the State . The focus of this campaign is legislation proposed by Senator Foran (SB 290) . The proposed legislation is a major transportation finance bill which was introduced on January 30, 1985 . The measure includes : a 50 gas tax increase effective January 1 , 1987; a $250 million guarantee for transit from the State General Fund ; an increase in truck weight fees ; an index which would increase transportation funding when the purchasing power of funds were eroded by rising construction costs ; and a fare box incentive for transit operators . Traditionally, gas taxes have been used to generate funds for construction and maintenance of the state ' s transportation systems. As a major revenue source , gas taxes have been impacted by several changes in the economy. This has included the legislative difficulties with increasing the tax and the limit in the revenue source expansion due to more efficient automobiles . The City Council requested additional information related to the services which will be provided to members of Californians for Better Transportation. Representatives of the organization have stated that their activities will include editorial board briefings in major media markets , development of countywide committees to support funding increases , development of infor- mation and press kits , establishment of a speaker' s bureau, development of a newsletter, information related to transportation legislation, and access to a transportation finance consulting service . The specific frequency of any publications has not been determined, however, the general intent is to develop a statewide public awareness campaign spotlighting the problems of transit and local roads . The second area of concern raised by the City Council was the question of the expenditure of public funds in an area which may be interpreted as legislative lobbying. The Californians for Better Transportation have specifically stated that City funds would not be used for lobbying purposes . The focus of these funds would be on the public awareness campaign. It should be noted that many of the State ' s larger cities expend funds on legislative lobbyists who represent a city' s interest in proposals which would impact their operations . Smaller cities often pool resources through associations such as the League of CA Cities . These groups do not provide contributions to State Legislators as do some of the private sector lobbying organizations . Instead , their focus is on explaining the cities ' interest and assisting in developing new legislative proposals of interest to public agencies . The City Attorney has reviewed State Law related to this area and has indicated that it would not be a conflict . The public funds would be utilized for promoting an awareness of the need for additional transportation funding. Staff requests that the City Council consider the additional information and determine whether the Council wishes to enlist the City as a member of Californians for Better Transportation. �-j COPIES TO : ITEM NO. /• 3 Californighs for Better Trar portation ... Working Together to Keep Californians on the Move KEVIN C. ECKERY Executive Director February 8 , 1985 E ► V E D BOARD OF [t E C DIRECTORS 1 5 A985 Jack D. Maltester President George P. Griffith Mr. Richard C. Ambrose CITY of �... Vice President City Manager Al Hollinden P.O. Box 2340 Second Vice President Dublin, CA 94568 Jerry Cremins Secretary Dear Mr. Ambrose: John C. Beckett Treasurer Three years ago, the Legislature passed and Governor Brown signed into law SB 215 (Foran) . The resulting revenue increases and formula changes were regarded as essential to the integrity of transportation, and ADVISORY many people felt that the problem of transportation COMMITTEE finance in this state had been solved. Ross Barrett Metromedia, Inc. But they were wrong. Don Benninghoven In 1981, when Californians for Better Transportation League of California Cities was formed, the State Transportation Improvement Plan Harry V. Cheshire (STIP) was $2.4 billion in the red. Today, studies Automobile Club of by the Assembly Office of Research, the Governor' s Southern California Task Force on Infrastructure, Caltrans, and others Gilbert F. Decker show a repair backlog for local streets totalling TRW, Inc. over $4.5 billion--nearly twice the deficit that led Ivan Hinderaker to the widespread support for SB 215. University of California, Riverside In Alameda County, cities are falling 80 to 90% short Cornell C. Maier of their road maintenance needs. The City of Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Oakland, for example, was only able to repave 13.3 Robert W. Murray miles of roadway last year, out of some 645 miles in Whittaker Corporation need of attention. R.W. Rood Atlantic Richfield Public transit is in trouble, too. The high demand James C. Schmidt for bus and rail service is outstripping the ability Great American Federal to purchase vehicles and train drivers. In Los T.J. Stapleton Angeles, for instance, daily patronage on public Operating Engineers, Local 3 transit has increased by more than 600,000 riders, to the point where buses in Los Angeles County carry more than 2 million people a day. This, at the same time Congress considers budget cuts that would wipe out or reduce all operating and capital assistance. 1118 Tenth Street • Sacramento, California 95814 • (916) 446-3275 4:) This is why CBT has begun a new public awareness campaign spotlighting the problems of transit and local roads. We want to educate the public so that they will understand the needs and support new funding in the future. The outlook for success is good but, like most things, it will require money. The minimum budget is estimated to be $150,000; but in a tough fight, that could easily double. As the Mayor Emeritus of San Leandro and a former President of the League of California Cities, I hope your city will consider supporting this campaign by joining CBT. A $250 to $1,000 membership from each city in California would allow CBT to effectively convey the proven transportation funding needs of local government. Californians for Better Transportation is not a lobbying organization. It is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation supported by business, trade unions, and government agencies concerned about transportation. City funds would not be used for lobbying purposes (A membership roster is attached) . California cities need a break. With your help, we can show how important good transportation is to the overall well-being of a community, and the disastrous impact poor transportation would have on economic development. Please read the enclosed material. If you need further information, please get in touch with me or CBT Executive Director, Kevin Eckery at (916 ) 446-3275. Sincerely, Jack D. Maltester P.S. : Memberships fall in the following population groups: 200 ,000 and above $1,000.00 100,000 to 199,999 750.00 25, 000 to 99,999 500.00 24,999 and below 250.00 (Please send checks to our Sacramento office noted on letterhead) . • •air ■a111z ;;M; League of California Cities u m ni- 1400 K STREET • SACRAMENTO,CA 95814 • (916)444-5790 11111111111-` Sacramento, California California Cities February 8, 1985 Work Together TO: City Managers FROM: Don Benninghoven, Executive Director RE: Transportation Financing and The Californians for Better Transportation The 1984 Legislative Session was one of major accomplishment. The local government finance package passed last year now permits cities to make reasonable long-term financial plans for city operations. This stability is finally achieved after six years of post-Proposition 13 financial turmoil. With the operating side of city budgets in reasonably stable condition, time has arrived to address the deterioration of our city public works facilities. Many people argue that the real victims of recent city financial problems have been our streets, roads, transit, water, sewer and park systems. Capital budgets to support these facilities were cut or eliminated; maintenance necessary to guard the public's investment was deferred. This growing problem can no longer be ignored without multiplying the price tag for repair and expansion. On the top of any list of city public works needs is our local transportation system, i.e., streets, roads, and transit. The Californians for Better Transportation (CBT) is spearheading an effort this session to secure funding for that portion of our public works facilities in most desperate need: the transportation system. CBT is a coalition of interests. concerned about the inadequacy and deterioration of our transportation system in California. The League of California Cities is a member of the CBT and has been since its inception. CBT was formed to direct the public's attention on this growing problem in California's transportation system and has dedicated its 1 efforts over the past three years to that purpose. CBT is focusing its efforts this year on a push to pass Senate Bill 290 (Foran). This is a major transportation-finance proposal introduced in the California Legislature on January 30, 1985. The measure does the following: 1. Five-Cent Gas Tax Increase. Two of the five cents goes to the state and three cents to cities and counties; the increase will take effect on January 1, 1987. 2. $250 Million Transit Guarantee. A state general fund guarantee for transit of $250 million per year; this constitutes an increase of approximately $140 million over current funding levels and will take effect in the 1985-86 budget year. 3. Truck Weight Fees. An increase of 50 percent in weight fees for all trucks, except pickups. This is estimated to produce approximately $80 million and this revenue will go to the state. 0 . 0 4. Modified Index: . A modified index to trigger the Governor and Legislature to act in the budget to increase transportation funding when the purchasing power of transportation funds is eroded by rising construction costs. 5. Fare Box Incentive. A financial Transit Assistance the local when a transit system generates ocal fare box. While the legislative lobbying effort to push SB 290 will be the responsibility of CBT members such as the League, County Supervisors Association, Associated General Contractors, California Publicly Owned Transit Systems, and, most importantly,numerous California business community representatives, the CBT organization will perform the vital role of developing public support for SB 290. Without that support, it will be impossible to get the Legislature and the Governor to seriously consider the bill. CBT is asking League member cities to join the organization. A CBT member can expect the following services: 1. Editorial Board Briefings in California's major media markets by CBT members from public and private sector on the transportation funding crisis. 2. Development of countywide committees to support a transportation funding increase. 3. Information and analysis in press kits to support countywide committee efforts with local community groups and the media. 4. Speakers Bureau on Transportation Funding issues. 5. Access to information and activities of statewide business and public sector interest groups involved in transportation funding effort. 6. CBT Newsletter on pertinent transportation finance issues. . 7. CBT update on transportation related legislation. 8. Access to CBT transportation finance consulting service for local inquiry and research issues. 1 The League supports the CBT effort to solicit more city membership. The CBT organization will provide the critical support effort needed if there is any hope for the passage of SB 290. A package of information on CBT is enclosed for your review. We encourage you to review this information and to join as a member of the Californians for Better Transportation. Californians for Better Transportation Working Together to Keep Californians on the Move KEVIN C. ECKERY Executive Director MEMBERSHIP ROSTER Aggregates & Concrete Assn. County Supervisors Association of Northern California of California American Medical International CPS Partnership Ameron Daley Corporation Associated General Contractors Daniel, Mann, Johnson & of California Mendenhall Astec Industries, Inc. DeLeuw, Cather and Company Atkinson, Guy F. Construction Diani, A. J. Construction Atlantic Richfield Dilorio, Joseph N. Automobile Club of Southern Edgington Oil Company California ESL, Inc. Baker International Corporation Fait, Kenneth E. Bank of America Farmer, Justin F. Barton-Aschman Associates Fenton, H.G. Material Company Basalt Rock Products First American Title Insurance Bay Area Coalition for Company Transportation Fluor Corporation Bay Area Rapid Transit District Fontana Paving, Inc. Brutoco Engineering and Foundation Constructors, Inc. Construction, Inc. Gallagher & Burk, Inc. Bullock's Genstar Cement & Lime Company Butler, Roy Getty Oil Company California Asphalt Pavement Assn Grade-Way Construction California Assn. of Publicly Granite Construction Company Owned Transit Systems Great American First Savings California Building Industry Bank Association Greek, Don & Associates California Institute of Public Griffith Company Transportation Grossmont Bank California Portland Cement Co. Hacienda Business Park Owners California Railroad Association Association California Trucking Association Haskell, John Carter Hawley Hale Stores, Inc. Hawley, L.S. Corporation Chadwick & Buchanan, Inc. Hazard, R.E. Contracting Company Chevron, U.S.A. Hermreck, M.J. , Inc. Chicago Title Insurance Company Hewlett-Packard of San Diego Hinderaker, Ivan Chumo Construction, Inc. Hollinden, Al Church Engineering, Inc. Huntway Refining Company Clorox Company IBM Corporation Conrock Company Independent Construction Company Construction Industry Research Industrial Asphalt Board Irvine Company _ ' -° 0 0 Johnson Tractor Company Penhall International Jones, Gordon B. Peterson, Dan J. K West Engineering and Pick, Art Contracting, Inc. PRC Engineering Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Ransome Company Kahn, Robert Regional Transit, Sacramento Kasler Corporation Richter, Ruth Keces, Mery Roberts, Earl V. Kiewit Pacific San Bernardino Association of Kimmel, Herman & Associates Governments Lawrence, Bill San Diego Fence Company League of California Cities San Diego Gas & Electric Company Long Beach Transit San Diego Metropolitan Transit Lockheed Corporation Development Board Lone Star Industries San Diego Rock Producers Los Angeles County Association Transportation Commission Santa Clara County Los Angeles District Council Transportation Agency of Carpenters Schlaefli , Andrew P. Marconi, William Schmidt, James C. Matich Corporation Schultz, Thomas G. , Ph.D. Maxwell, W.F. , Inc. Security Pacific National Bank McClain, Bruce W. Segerstrom, C.J. & Sons McKean, Keith E. Sentinels Mendel Associates, Inc. Shell Oil Company Merced County Department of Simmons, Thomas N. Public Works Southern California Contractors Metromedia, Inc. Association Metropolitan Transportation Southern California District Commission Council of Laborers Moseman Construction Southern California Gas Company Nelson & Belding Contracting Southern California Rapid Transit Corporation District Nelson & Sloan Southern California Rock Nelson, William E. Products Association Newman & Sons So. California Transportation Noble, R.J. Company Action Committee Novo-Rados Southern Pacific Transportation Operating Engineers, Local 3 Company Operating Engineers, Local 12 Southwestern Portland Cement Pacific Gas & Electric Company Company Parsons, Brinkerhoff , Quade and State Building & Construction Douglas Trades Council of California Sully-Miller Contracting Company Superior Gunite TRW, Inc. Taxicab Paratransit Association of California Teichert, A. & Son, Inc. Ticor Underground Construction Company Union Oil Company Utility Industrial Supply, Inc. Watt Industries Whittaker Corporation Wilberg, Dennis Wood, Claude C. Company, Inc. Woods, Doyle Young, William P. , Inc. Zoraster, Albert