AgdaPkt 2003-04-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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%2-A I REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager April 14, 2003 Subject Support for Assembly Bill 1546 (AB 1546) and Assembly Constitutional Amendment 10 (ACA 10) Recommendation Approve the attached resolutions, one supporting Assembly Bill 1546 and one supporting Assembly Constitutional Amendment 10 Background The City /County Association of Governments (C /CAG) of San Mateo County is sponsoring AB 1546, authored by Assemblyman Joseph Simitian. This bill would authorize C /CAG to asses up to $4 annually in motorvehicle fees within San Mateo County. This bill would raise an estimated $2.8 million annually, through the proposed fee on the approximately 700,000 vehicles registered in San Mateo County. C /CAG staff is recommending that if approved, this fee would 'sunset' in four years. After four years, the program would be reviewed by the legislature for consideration of extension, if deemed successful. The purpose of the fee is twofold: first, it would establish a pilot program for the purpose of addressing traffic congestion in San Mateo County. This funding would be used for a wide range of transportation services throughout the County, including increasing shuttle services, implementing 'intelligent' transportation systems such as signal improvements, providing more bicycle and pedestrian facilities and park- and -ride lots, and enhancing the Countywide transit network. Second, it would address the storm water pollution that results directly from automobile usage, including residue from brake pads, condensation of mercury from exhaust, and other auto use byproducts. These have been identified as major sources of pollution into storm drains throughout the County, and ultimately as significant contributors to pollution in our streams, creeks, the Bay, and the ocean. Funding from this bill would support Countywide efforts to manage storm water pollution, and provide grants to cities and the County for locally- managed programs. Attached are a C /CAG summary of the proposed program, outlining the potential revenues and the elements of the congestion relief program and the storm water pollution prevention program, and a C /CAG explanation of AB 1546's nexus with motor vehicle fees. C /CAG is supporting and asking for endorsement of another piece of legislation, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 10, authored by Assemblyman Tom Harmon, which will provide enhanced opportunities for local government to secure local funding. Under Proposition 218, either a two- thirds voter approval or a weighted majority vote of owners of affected properties is required to enact a fee on parcels. There are a few exceptions from this voting requirement, such as for sewer projects.