CCMIN052014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Dau said ACTC has not performed that kind of analysis, though the information could possibly be extrapolated in some form. Mayor Thorne said he did not support the last iteration of Measure B, primarily due to its perpetuity clause. He acknowledged that 30 years is not so different from perpetuity for many, but said this is likely a reasonable balance between the desired tax rate and duration of the tax. He said he generally has a low opinion of regional agencies as they are typically skewed towards the larger population centers, but that in his experience the ACTC Board considers projects based on need. He noted that ACTC took it upon itself to consolidate with ACTIA, which saved the tax payers considerable money, and that the agency has an almost unheard of AAA rating. He said his confidence in both ACTC and the watchdog committee has improved since sitting on the commission. He moved to approve the plan and support placing the measure on the ballot, and committed to doing his best to ensure that the concerns voiced do not come to fruition. Councilmember Cook-Kallio concurred with the Mayor regarding the watchdog committee and the care with which ACTC selects project. She said the lack of funding to support infrastructure, even with the tremendous job ACTC has done, is easily evidenced by driving any road in Alameda County. She said the idea that whatever tax money comes out of Pleasanton should come directly back fails to account for the fact that Pleasanton residents drive throughout the county and use the interstate. She also noted that the plan is about more than transportation; it represents job stimulus and putting local people to work. She cautioned that waiting until the tax expires to renew it would place them years behind the curve in terms of making the necessary improvements to get traffic moving along the 1-680 corridor. She reminded the public that doing something right takes years of planning and said that ACTC has been so effective because it focuses on early planning. She concurred with Mr. Dau, based on work with Senator Feinstein, that thorough planning increases the likelihood of federal support. Councilmember Brown concurred with much of what said both in favor and against the plan. She hoped the detailed financial information Mr. Miller requested would be made available if this goes to the ballot. She reiterated her concern over having some of the highest sales tax rates in the region, state and country and stressed the need to manage this for the sake of residents, local businesses and consumers. She acknowledged how often she is asked when Bart will be extended to Livermore or Route 84 improved, but said it is also frustrating to be in a situation where there are no alternatives other than to support something like a tax. She agreed that development should be supported by housing, not transit funding. She said she would continue to trust the voters' ability and willingness to vet the issue in an informed way and stated her support for placing it on the ballot. Councilmember Narum said it is no secret that transportation improves are a current and ongoing need. She said she was concerned in 2012, and remains concerned, that the eastern portion of the county is not seeing its fair share of projects. She said she would reluctantly support placing this on the ballot, though this does not necessarily mean she intends to support the tax. Vice-Mayor Pentin said it is a simple case of putting the money where the needs are. With state and federal funding all but eliminated, local agencies are required to demonstrate they're prepared to do their part. He said that while he did not support this in 2012 because of the lack of a sunset clause, he is confident in ACTC and the watchdog committee and can support moving this forward to the voters. MOTION: It was m/s by Thorne/Cook-Kallio waive full reading and adopt Resolution No. 14-688 approving the 2014 Alameda County Transportation Expenditure Plan and recommending the Board of Supervisors place a 30-year extension and augmentation of the existing Transportation Sales Tax on the November 4, 2014 General Election Ballot. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Brown, Cook-Kallio, Narum, Pentin, Mayor Thome Noes: None Absent: None City Council Minutes Page 16 of 17 May 20, 2014