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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE: MAY 21, 2024
FROM: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO
CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION
SHUTTLE SERVICES
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 23
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: YES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Resolution:
1. Determine that the proposed request is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 21080(b)(10) of the California Public Resources Code as this request involves passenger transportation service on existing streets;
2. Approve the application for an amendment to the non-exclusive franchise to Chapman University (“Chapman”) to provide transportation shuttle services; and,
3. Declare its intention to adopt an ordinance granting an amendment to the non- exclusive franchise and establishing a time and date of a public hearing to consider said amendment to such franchise.
DISCUSSION:
On September 10, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 6469 granting a non- exclusive franchise to Chapman to operate a transportation shuttle service connecting the University with the Chapman Grand development, a 399-unit apartment building being operated as off-campus housing, located at 915 E. Katella Avenue, in the City of Anaheim’s (“City”) Platinum Triangle. Due to the fact that the property is located in the City and the shuttle service operates on City streets, approval of a non-exclusive franchise agreement was required.
The franchise fee is $1 per year. This fee amount was determined to be appropriate as this franchise is helping the City provide transit options to the community, while reducing vehicle miles traveled (“VMT”) and greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions. The franchise was approved for a seven-year period, expiring on August 27, 2026, with extensions of time allowed in two-year increments going forward.
Amendment to Non-Exclusive Franchise to Chapman University to Provide Transportation Shuttle Services May 21, 2024
In late 2023, Chapman, through their consultant, initiated discussions with the City to see if the current franchise agreement could be amended in order to support its newest off-campus housing development known as Chapman Court. Chapman Court is a 266-unit apartment building located at 2045 S. State College Boulevard in the City’s Platinum Triangle, and will house University students, starting in August 2024, in the same manner as the Chapman Grand.
On December 18, 2023, Chapman’s consultant submitted the attached application requesting an amendment to the existing franchise. The proposed changes are summarized below. To add on to the existing shuttle route and add a shuttle stop to the existing and approved franchise agreement that utilizes City public streets within the proposed service territory for the purpose of shuttling Chapman students, faculty, staff, and their guests between Chapman Court and other Chapman university properties, per the route map provided in the attachment request.
To reduce vehicle trips and increase connections made between Chapman’s Main Campus in the City of Orange and Chapman Court in the City.
To provide students with a free, safe, and efficient alternative to using a personal vehicle to access Chapman’s Main Campus.
To conform to the requirements of the City’s Charter, Article XIC and Anaheim Municipal Code (“Code”) Chapter 1.02 to possess a valid franchise for transportation services.
Staff supports the requested franchise agreement amendment as it would allow for expanded transportation service to Chapman, and also assist the City in achieving its goals of reducing VMT and GHGs.
Prior to approving an amendment to a franchise, the Code requires the City Council to consider and weigh various factors and set forth findings supporting the Council’s decision in a Resolution of Intent. This Resolution of Intent must also set a public hearing date for City Council consideration of an ordinance approving the amendment. The attached proposed Resolution includes suggested findings supporting the approval of the franchise agreement amendment and setting a public hearing for June 18, 2024. It also calls for the City Clerk to publish the Resolution of Intent for two consecutive weeks giving notice of the June 18, 2024, public hearing.
A copy of the draft Ordinance, which will be considered by the City Council on June 18, 2024, is also attached for reference.
The proposed franchise amendment is statutorily exempt from CEQA per Section 21080(b)(1) of the California Public Resources Code as this request involves passenger transportation service on existing streets.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
There is no budgetary impact.
Amendment to Non-Exclusive Franchise to Chapman University to Provide Transportation Shuttle Services May 21, 2024
Respectfully submitted,
Rudy Emami
Director of Public Works
Attachments:
1. Resolution
2. Draft Ordinance
3. Application dated December 18, 2023 (Exhibit A-1 to Ordinance)