HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/07/2006 Blue Sheet Affirming the RTA's Adopted Policies
TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING
INFORMATION
TOWN OF MARANA
MEETING DATE:
March 7, 2006
AGENDA ITEM: J. 4
TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL
FROM: James R. DeGrood, P.E. Assistant Town Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2006-40: Relating to Transportation; affirming the
Regional Transportation Authority's adopted policies for
implementation of the twenty-year comprehensive multimodal
Regional Transportation Plan and directing the preparation of
such rules and regulations as necessary for implementation of
approved Regional Transportation Authority projects in
accordance with those policies.
DISCUSSION
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors recommended to the Pima
County Board of Supervisors that the R T A Transportation Plan and Sales Tax be set for a vote
on May 18, 2006. As part of that recommendation, the R T A Board of Directors also approved a
direction that implementation policies be developed for RTA approved projects. Those policies
are intended to ensure that:
1. Uniform mitigation is provided on all RTA projects; and,
2. Functionality of existing roadways not be diminished by RT A improvements; and,
3. Accountability and transparency for all RTA projects occurs; and,
4. Public corridor planning processes occur.
The RTA Technical and Management Committee approved this resolution for presentation to the
elected bodies of the jurisdictions. This resolution was prepared to communicate to the public
that there will be consistency in the project delivery methods used by all jurisdictions. Where
R T A corridors cross over jurisdictional boundaries, the corridors will be jointly planned, and a
lead agency will be identified.
The resolution recognizes that while rural and urban projects have different issues, all projects
must involve the public in plan development, adequately understand and address environmental
issues and demonstrate accountability to the public. At the same time, it respects that each
jurisdiction has its own methods of project delivery and does not require strict adherence to a
particular process.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council affirmation of the RTAs adopted policies as presented.
SUGGESTED MOTION
I move approval of Resolution 2006-40.
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MARANA RESOLUTION NO. 2006-40
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION, AFFIRMING THE REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY'S ADOPTED POLICIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE TWENTY-YEAR COMPREHENSIVE MULTIMODAL REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND DIRECTING THE PREPARATION OF SUCH RULES
AND REGULATIONS AS NECESSARY FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF APPROVED
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY PROJECTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THOSE POLICIES.
WHEREAS, the Regional Transportation Authority (the "RTA") is an Arizona
special taxing district, duly formed and existing, pursuant to A.R.S. 48-5302, et seq., for the
purposes of coordinating multi-jurisdictional cooperation in transportation planning,
improvements and fundraising as a municipal corporation through taxation and bonding, with
the public's input and voter approval; and
WHEREAS, the R T A membership consists of all members of the Pima Association
ofGovemments, including the City of Tucson, the City of South Tucson, the Town ofOro
Valley, the Town of Maran a, the Town ofSahuarita, Pima County, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe,
the Tohono O'odham Nation and the Pima County representative to the Arizona State
Transportation Board; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to A.R.S. 48-5309(A), the RTA has the responsibility of
preparing a twenty-year, comprehensive regional transportation plan (the "Plan") that is
primarily funded by a transportation excise tax, described in A.R.S. 42-6106 (the "Tax"),
subject to the approval of the qualified electors of the County; and
WHEREAS, unless a lead agency is later identified and mutually agreed upon for a
specific RT A project, responsibility for implementation of approved RT A projects typically
will remain with the member entity who owns and operates the transportation facility or
within whose geographic boundaries the planned project is located; and
WHEREAS, on November 30,2005, the RTA adopted Resolution No. 2005-02,
which describes policies for implementation of R T A approved projects; those polices being:
(1) uniform mitigation, (2) functionality not to be diminished, (3) accountability and
transparency, and (4) a public corridor planning process; and
WHEREAS, those policies are intended to enhance the community fabric and create a
positive force in strengthening economic vitality, enhance regional mobility, maximize the
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benefits to neighborhoods and minimize any adverse impacts related to the implementation
ofRTA approved projects; and
WHEREAS, it is an objective of the RTA and its membership to cooperatively
deliver the projects described in the RTA plan consistent with those policies, within the
adopted budget and schedule and with mutual recognition and respect for the respective
roles, obligations, missions, technical expertise, policies, procedures, practices, needs and
statutory authority of each individual member entity;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY TOWN Of MARAN A AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the Town of Marana affirms the RTA's policies as described in RTA
Resolution No. 2005-02 for implementation ofRTA approved projects and identifies the
following objectives to facilitate application ofthose policies; and
Section 2. That in order to deliver the projects described in the RTA plan in accordance
with the phasing and construction schedule set forth therein and as approved by the voters of
Pima County, the Town of Marana agrees time is of the essence. Further, the intent ofthis
resolution is to enhance coordination, cooperation and understanding in order to deliver
projects in a timely manner and it is not intended to create any unnecessary process,
additional approvals or other undue burden or delay; and
Section 3. That the Town of Marana agrees to cooperatively develop any appropriate
Intergovernmental Agreement(s) and/or Memorandum ofUnderstanding(s) with the RT A
and/or RTA member entities establishing how the RTA and its membership will work
cooperatively in a coordinated and expedited effort to implement the plan, by setting forth
procedures, processes, reporting requirements and authorizations; and by identifying their
respective roles, responsibilities, timeframes and obligations for specific projects or
programs. Intergovernmental Agreements to be developed should address issues such as
facility design, environmental review, utility relocation, public involvement, real property
acquisition, permitting, identification of any mitigation expectations, funding procedures and
requirements, provision of matching funds, changes in project scope, any required
documentation, certifications, collaborate problem solving and issue resolution procedures,
construction, schedule and budget requirements and limitations; and
Section 4. That to address the objectives ofRTA Resolution No. 2005-02 item (1), Uniform
Mitigation, the Town of Marana agrees to apply appropriate environmental and mitigation
standards that may be agreed upon, adopted or otherwise commonly used by the Town of
Marana, including standards related to native plant usage or preservation, noise abatement,
roadway or highway development and design policies, public participation, business
assistance and communication and also agrees to explore opportunities to ensure that their
RTA approved projects incorporate appropriate provisions for environmental protection and
stewardship. This recognizes that different types of roadways (urban/suburban/rural) may
require different types of mitigation; and
Section 5. That to address the objectives ofRTA Resolution No. 2005-02 item (2),
Functionality Not to Be Diminished, the Town of Maran a agrees that the specific capacity
and/or performance improvements recommended by the RTA Technical/Management
Committee and the RT A Citizens Advisory Committee shall be implemented by the
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jurisdiction responsible for building the specific project so that the completed project shall
reflect the RTA Technical/Management Committee and the RTA Citizens Advisory
Committee recommended roadway lane additions, intersection improvements, bicycle lanes,
sidewalks or paths, and transit facilities, systems or improvements. the Town of Marana
further agrees to work cooperatively with other entities to ensure a seamless transportation
system and transition between projects regardless of jurisdictional boundaries; and
Section 6. That to address the objectives ofRTA Resolution No. 2005-02 item (3),
Accountability and Transparency, the Town of Marana recognizes the importance of
providing timely, appropriate, inclusive, and final decisions that will help maintain RTA
approved project budgets and schedules. The Town of Marana agrees to provide accurate,
complete and timely documentation to the RT A as needed for the RT A to produce, as
required by law, an annual five-year transportation improvement program, an annual report
and an annual audit of all project financial records and transactions. The Town of Marana
agrees to make that documentation or other information available as requested to the public;
and
Section 7. That to address the objectives ofRTA Resolution No. 2005-02 item (4), Public
Corridor Planning Process, the Town of Marana agrees to engage the public throughout the
various phases of planning, design, and construction for major corridor improvements by
including the neighborhood and business interests that may be most directly affected and/or
impacted by the corridor improvements. For those RT A approved projects where a major
corridor planning process is appropriate, the corridor planning process should consider issues
such as access management, needs of bicycle, pedestrian and transit users, safe and
accessible facilities, business vitality and economic redevelopment, urban/suburban/rural
design compatibility and other aesthetics such as public art and landscaping, historic and
environmental considerations, and open space; and
Section 8. That the Town of Marana staff is hereby authorized and directed to prepare such
resolutions, ordinances, rules, and regulations as may be necessary to implement approved
RTA projects and programs consistent with the objectives set forth herein, and to present
such rules, regulations, resolutions, and ordinances to the Town of Maran a for official action
as may be necessary; and
Section 9. That this resolution is hereby found to be necessary for the immediate
preservation of the public health, welfare, and safety and shall be in full force and effect.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Marana,
Arizona, this 7th day of March, 2006.
ATTEST:
Mayor Ed Honea
Jocelyn C. Bronson
Town Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Frank Cassidy, Town Attorney
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