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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.05 Approve Service Authority Freeway EmergCITY OF DUBLIN AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: March 14, 1988 SUBJECT Approval of Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) EXHIBITS ATTACHED --Letter Dated February 10, 1988 from Lawrence D. Dahms, Executive Director MTC to Mayor Jeffery; --Resolution No. 17-87; --Proposed Resolution. RECOMMENDATION /'?�#Adopt the Proposed Resolution. FINANCIAL STATEMENT: The construction and operation of the Authority would be funded through a $1.00 automobile registration surcharge levied by the State on all vehicles registered within the County. DESCRIPTION At its regular meeting on February 23, 1987, the City Council received a report on the creation of a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE). The proposal at that time was being discussed among cities in Alameda County. State law has authorized the creation of a SAFE to implement emergency freeway callbox systems. The funding for these projects is derived through a $1.00 surcharge on automobile registrations in participating counties. This funding mechanism is intended to provide funding for the initial construction and continued operation of a SAFE. In February of 1987, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 17-87 which agreed to the establishment of a SAFE and urged the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to adopt and establish a SAFE which would service this county. In addition, this resolution also suggested that an evaluation of the potential to expand the service area to include more than Alameda County should be undertaken. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has undertaken a feasibility study to determine whether a SAFE is possible for an area larger than just a single county. The consultant study indicated that a nine county SAFE is technically and financially feasible. Also, the study determined that a callbox system for a subregional combination of counties in the Bay Area was also feasible. In 1987, State Law was amended to allow the MTC to function as a regional SAFE in any or all of the nine Bay Area counties. The letter dated February 10, 1988 from the Executive Director of MTC to Mayor Jeffery outlines the proposed SAFE program and the operation of a regional SAFE. MTC has proposed that their commissioners would act as the policy board regardless of the number of counties which elected to join the program. This structure is also identified in the amended State Law. In order to implement the SAFE program, it is necessary for a majority of the cities within Alameda County, representing a majority of the population, to ratify the MTC Resolution No. 18-36. In addition, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors will also have to approve the resolution. MTC in their cover letter indicated that at least two counties will need to approve participation in the Authority in order to implement the plan. The overall goal of MTC is to have all nine Bay Area counties join the regional SAFE by the end April 1988. The initial proposal is to install the regional callbox system on Interstate Highways throughout the nine Bay Area counties. Both Interstate 580 and 680 are covered by the proposed plan. The plan also designates other state highways to be considered for installation of the callboxes. Included in this category locally would be Highway 84 between Interstate 680 and Interstate 580. A map showing the entire network is included in the letter from MTC. Staff has prepared a resolution based on the model presented by MTC and recommends the City Council adopt the proposed resolution which would allow MTC to proceed with the SAFE for this area provided that the required number of cities and Alameda County adopt similiar resolutions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- COPIES TO: ITEM NO. MTC METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION February 10, 1988 Hon. Linda J. Jeffery METROCENTER Mayor, City of Dublin 101 8TH STREET -OAKLAND,CA 94607 7948 Cranford Lane , (415)464-7700 Dublin, CA 94568 Alameda County ALEX GIULIANI Dear Mayor Jeffery: . ROBERT G.KNOX Contra Costa County ROBERT 1.SCHRODER The attached brochure provides information regarding the formation STEVEWEIR of a regional Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) to operate Marin County ROBERTB STOCKWELL Arreahighways. Senate Bill f ll592 (Morgan)x amends nexisting nstatewide Napa County SAFE legislation (Streets & Highway Code Sections 2550-2556) to KATHLEEN McCULLOUGH allow the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to function as a SAFE in, any of the nine Bay Area counties. MTC.--re-quests that . � Ya�County your board or, council place the SAFE item on ts' agenda at your DORIS W.KAHN earliest convenience.' MTC staff, at your request, will be available Chair to attend any of your scheduled meetings. CAROL RUTH SILVER San N,ateoCounty The SAFE program was established by the California Legislature to JANE BAKER allow the Authority, upon county and city approval , to impose a TOM NOLAN $1 .00 fee on vehicle registrations each year to pay for the Santa Clara County implementation, operation, and maintenance of the call boxes. At JAMES T.BEALL,JR. least nine counties In the southern part of the state are pursuing a ROD DIRIDON SAFE program. Los Angeles has had call boxes on its major freeways Vice Chair since 1962. Solano County JAMES SPERING At least two counties must ratify the MTC resolution (attached). Sonoma County Ratification requires approval of both the board of supervisors and _ WILLIAM R.LUCIUS ci ty councils representing a majority of the city population in the Association of county. Bay Area Governments DIANNEMcKENNA Our goal is to have all nine Bay Area counties join the regional S.F.Bay Conservation an d Development SAFE by the end of April 1988. If you have any questions, or would Commission like MTC staff to present the SAFE proposal , please call Doug Kimsey ANGELO 1.SIRACUSA of the MTC staff at (415) 464-7794. State Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Sincerely, BURCH BACHTOLD n U.S.Department of Transportation Jlv/ ROBERT E.MAYER Lawrence D. Dahms Executive 'Director Executive Director LAWRENCE D.DAHMS LDD/DK/mmm Deputy Executive Director WILLIAM F.HEIN Enclosures 2752 FACTS ABOUT ESTABLISHING A SERVICE AUTHORITY FOR FREEWAY EMERGENCIES (SAFE) IN THE BAY AREA What Is A SAFE? o State law was enacted in 1986 to permit individual counties to establish themselves as SAFEs to implement, maintain and operate emergency call box systems on portions of the California Freeway and Expressway system within the county (Streets and Highways Code Sections 2550-2556) . At least nine counties in Southern and Central California are implementing SAFE call box systems. o State law was amended in 1987 to allow the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to function as a regional SAFE in any or all of the nine Bay Area counties (Chapter 250 of the Statutes of 1987) . Why Have A SAFE? o Each motorist may, at any time, be caught in a situation where a call box is needed while travelling on the freeway. o Caltrans estimates that unpredictable events (incident delays) contribute at least 50 percent of present—day congestion. A call box system will help reduce this delay and increase safety. o While car cellular phone sales are growing, total market penetration in the Bay Area is estimated to be less than ten percent of registered vehicles over the next ten years. This is not considered a high enough percentage to make mobile phones a viable alternative to call boxes. o A cellular—equipped driver has no way of indicating to the CHP the exact nature of the disabled vehicle' s problem. What Are The Advantages Of A Regional SAFE? o With one authority building the system, it is likely that per—unit costs of operations and maintenance will be less than if done by nine counties independently. o The regional SAFE will assume all implementation, maintenance and operation of the system to free counties from assuming the responsibility. o Motorists will benefit because they will have a uniformly designated system throughout the region. 2744p — 1 — What Are The Advantages Of A Regional SAFE? (Continued) o System design costs are only incurred once and spread among all participating counties. o Agencies such as CHP and Caltrans will be more supportive and effective since they will have a single point of contact. Is A Regional SAFE Feasible? o A consultant study(l ) funded by MTC concluded that a nine county SAFE is technically and financially feasible. o The study also determined that a call box system for a subregional combination of counties in the Bay Area is also technically and financially feasible. What Funds The Operation And Maintenance Of A SAFE? o A fee of $1 .00 per registered vehicle per year in each county will fund the SAFE. o Upon county approval , vehicle owners are notified that an additional $1 .00 fee has been added to their vehicle registration for the call box system. o By law, the $1 .00 fee can be used only for implementation, maintenance and operation of the SAFE. How Will The Bay Area SAFE Be Administered? o Once a county has joined the SAFE, DMV will be notified to begin collection of the $1 .00. fee. All funds will come to the SAFE for implementation, operation and maintenance of the SAFE. o Policy direction will be provided by a SAFE Board comprised of all MTC commissioners, regardless of the number of counties joining the SAFE. o MTC staff will provide contract administration for operation and maintenance of the call box system. (1 ) Feasibility study for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission on a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE), Techplan Corporation, October, 1987. 2744p — 2 — How Will The Bay Area SAFE Be Administered? (Continued) o A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will be created (a TAC was formed to provide assistance to MTC in completing its feasibility study) to provide administrative assistance in all aspects of the proposed call box project. Members will consist of MTC staff, county staffs, CHP, Caltrans and automobile service clubs. o According to the SAFE statute, CHP will handle all dispatching of call box calls. At the operator's discretion and/or motorist' s request, a tow truck and/or officer will be dispatched for motorist assistance. Where Will Call Boxes Be Installed? o The SAFE statute specifies that call boxes can be placed on the California Freeway and Expressway system, a county -expressway system under CHP jurisdiction and State highway routes that connect segments of these systems. (See attached map) o The feasibility study conducted by MTC, and assisted by county representatives, identified 695 miles of routes that will be good candidates for placement of about 3,300 call boxes in the nine county region. Once the SAFE is established, it will hire a consultant to design a call box system and determine specific call box locations in the region. County and city participation in system design and call box placement will be requested through formation of a Technical Advisory Committee. How Does A County Join The SAFE? o The SAFE statute requires each county board of supervisors and city councils within each county representing a majority of the population of the cities in such county ratify MTC' s SAFE resolution (see attached) . o MTC requests that your board of supervisors and city councils consider ratification of MTC' s SAFE resolution at its earliest convenience. MTC staff will be available to attend your board or city council meetings for any additional questions you might have. o Maximum county participation will be sought to provide the largest amount of revenue collection prior to system construction. DK/mmm 2744p — 3 — RESOLUTION NO. 17 - 87 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN ************************** AGREEING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SERVICE AUTHORITY FOR FREEWAY EMERGENCIES WHEREAS, Section 2550 of the California Streets and Highways Code provides for the establishment of a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) if the Board of Supervisors of the County and a majority of the cities within the County having a majority of the population adopt a resolution providing for the establishment of the authority; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Dublin finds that a Freeway Emergency Motorist Aid System consisting of a freeway call box system, is needed to protect the safety of motorists on the freeway; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that a Freeway Emergency Motorist Aid System. is needed to reduce the time spent by law enforcement officers responding to routine vehicle disablements; and WHEREAS, SAFE will have responsibility for implementing a Freeway Emergency Motorist Aid System in Alameda County; and WHEREAS, State Law allows a $1.00 automobile registration surcharge to fund the establishment and operation of a SAFE; and WHEREAS, Section 2550 of the Streets and Highways Code provides for a seven member SAFE Board with two members selected by the Board of Supervisors and five members selected jointly by the individual cities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin agrees to the establishment of a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies within Alameda County. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is recognized that sharing a system gives greater purchasing power and reduces administrative costs and therefore, the City Council urges an evaluation of the potential to expand the service area to include more than Alameda County. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council urges the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and the City Councils of other cities within Alameda County to agree to the establishment of a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 23th day of February, 1987. AYES: Cm. Hegarty, Moffatt, Snyder, Vonheeder, and Mayor Jeffery NOES: None ABSENT: None May ATTEST CiyCer RESOLUTION NO. — 88 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN AUTHORIZING METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (MTC) AS A SERVICE AUTHORITY FOR FREEWAY EMERGENCIES (SAFE) WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Dublin adopted Resolution 17-87 on February 23, 1987; and WHEREAS, Resolution 17-87 agreed to the establishment of a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE); and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin urged an evaluation of the potential to expand the service area to include more than Alameda County; and WHEREAS, Chapter 250 of the Statues of 1987 amended the Streets and Highways Code beginning at Section 2550 to provide that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) may function as the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) in any or all of the Counties of Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Solano, Sonoma, Napa and the City and County of San Francisco; and WHEREAS, the adoption of a resolution by MTC to act as a service authority and ratification of MTC`s resolution in a particular county by the Board of Supervisors of the county and by the City Councils of the cities within the county having a majority of the population of the cities within the county is required to implement the SAFE; and WHEREAS, the SAFE would have the responsibility for implementing a freeway and highway emergency motorist aid system for emergency call boxes in those counties which agree to participate in the establishment of a SAFE, to be paid for with funds obtained by the SAFE pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 2553 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.10; and WHEREAS, MTC has adopted a resolution agreeing to function as the SAFE for the nine county Bay Area region and has requested ratification of its resolution by the City of Dublin City Council; and WHEREAS, the MTC resolution is attached as Exhibit A and by reference made a part hereof; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that a freeway and highway emergency motorist aid system for call boxes would benefit motorists on freeways and highways in the City of Dublin and is needed to ensure the safety of motorists and reduce the time spent by law enforcement officers responding to routine vehicle disablements. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Dublin hereby ratifies MTC Resolution No. 1836 (Exhibit A) authorizing MTC to function as a Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) in the City of Dublin pursuant to Streets and Highways Code §2550 et se g. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Dublin authorizes the Metropolitan Transporation Commission, acting as a SAFE, to undertake any and all acts necessary to the implementation and operation of the SAFE, as provided by law. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of March, 1988. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk ..ate: January 27, 1988 W.I.: 902.75.01 W.A.: 0232r Referred By: WPRRC RE: Establishment of MTC as the Regional Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE). METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1836 WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the regional transportation planning agency for the San Francisco Bay Area pursuant to Government Code Sections 66500 et seq.; and WHEREAS, Chapter 250 of the Statutes of 1987 amends the Streets and Highways Code begining at Section 2550 to provide that MTC may function as the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) in any or all of the Counties of Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Solano, Sonoma, Napa and the City and County of San Francisco, upon adoption of a resolution by the Commission to act as a service authority and upon ratification of the Commission's resolution in a particular county by the Board of Supervisors of the County and by the City Councils of the Cities within the County having a majority of the population of the Cities within the County; and WHEREAS, MTC finds that a freeway and highway emergency motorist aid system for call boxes would benefit motorists on freeways and highways in the Bay Area and is needed to ensure the safety of motorists and reduce the time spent by law enforcement officers responding to routine vehicle disablements; and WHEREAS, the SAFE will have the responsibility for implementing a freeway and highway emergency motorist aid system in those counties which agree to participate in the establishment of a SAFE, tor be paid for with funds obtained by the SAFE pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 2553 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.10; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission agrees to function as the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies in any or all of the Counties of Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Solano, Sonoma, Napa and the City and County of San Francisco, as authorized by Streets and Highways Code Section 2550 and pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Sections 2550 to 2556; and, be it further RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 2550, requests ratification of this resolution by the boards of supervisors of each of the aforementioned counties and by the city councils of the cities within such counties having a majority of the population of the votes within each such county. METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION oris Kahn, Chair The above resolution was entered into by the Metropolitan Transportation ���;�;� Commission at a regular meeting of Iq the Commission held in Oakland, P,1 4 C......:. -- 77 i noo SONOMA �. NAPA 12 MARIN • SAN FRANCISCO 0 t380 `. REGIONAL CALL BOX SYSTEM (Routes eligible for System) Candidate State Highways Other State Highways to be Considered Eligible County Expressways WWI (With C.H.P. Patrol) 1188 SAFE SERVICE AUTHORITY FOR FREEWAY EMERGENCIES SOLANO 1 CONTRA COSTA ;`\Xisr ALAMEDA SAN MATEDIN SANTA CLARA