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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE: JUNE 18, 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 # 40
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: YES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, following a public hearing, introduce an ordinance to:
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. and;
2. Amend the non-exclusive franchise to Chapman University (“Chapman”) to provide transportation shuttle services.
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.
In late 2023, Chapman, through their consultant, initiated discussions with the City to see if the current franchise agreement could be amended 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.
Amendment to Non-Exclusive Franchise to Chapman University to Provide Transportation Shuttle Services June 18, 2024
On December 18, 2023, Chapman’s consultant submitted an 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. 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.
At the May 21, 2024, City Council meeting, the City Council adopted the attached resolution to:
1. Approve the application for an amendment to the non-exclusive franchise to Chapman University (“Chapman”) to provide transportation shuttle services; and,
2. 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;
3. Set a public for June 18, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, declaring its intention to adopt an Ordinance amending the Franchise to Chapman to provide transportation services. The purpose of this public hearing is for the City Council to hear testimony and consider evidence presented from interested parties and to consider any and all objections to the proposed amendment to the non-exclusive franchise to Chapman. A copy of the Resolution was published for two consecutive weeks (May 30 and June 6) giving notice of the June 18, 2024, public hearing.
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.
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 June 18, 2024
Respectfully submitted,
Rudy Emami
Director of Public Works
Attachments:
1. Ordinance (includes Exhibit A-1)
2. City Council Staff Report – May 21, 2024
3. City Council Resolution No. 2024 - 041