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January 23, 2024
ITEM TITLE
Agreement: Approve an Agreement with TeamCivX to Provide Public Education on Measure P and the Development of a Potential Similar Ballot Measure
Report Number: 24-0042
Location: No specific geographic location.
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308: Yes.
Environmental Notice: This activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving an agreement with TeamCivX to provide public education on Measure P and the development of a potential similar ballot measure.
SUMMARY
In 2016 voters approved Measure P, a 10-year one-half cent general sales tax. Collection of this general sales tax began in March 2017 and is anticipated to raise $245 million for high priority infrastructure needs within the City during the collection period . As the 10 -year term of Measure P is coming to an end, the City contracted with TeamCivX in September 2023 to gauge voters’ opinions regarding the quality of life and City services provided by the City of Chula Vista and the feasibility of renewing Measure P.
Approval of the agreement with TeamCivX will allow the City to further educate t he public through awareness and develop a potential similar ballot measure. Prior to the potential placement of a ballot measure on the November 2024 ballot, staff would return to council to seek direction.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with CEQA and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment. The refore, pursuant to Section 15060 P a g e | 2
(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
A summary of this presentation and council action will be provided to the Measure P Citizens' Oversight Committee at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
DISCUSSION
In 2016 voters approved Measure P, a 10-year one-half cent general sales tax. Collection of this general sales tax began in March 2017 and is anticipated to raise $245 million for high priority infrastructure needs within the City during the collection period. Prior to the City Council placing Measure P on the ballot in 2016 , the City completed a public education and information gathering campaign regarding the state of the City’s infrastructure, which culminated in the development of the Measure P Infrastructure, Facilities and Equipment Expenditure Plan (the “Expenditure Plan”, Attachment 1). The Expenditure Plan continues to guide the use of Measure P funds today. A summary of the major accomplishments can be viewed in Measure P: Delivering on the Promise (Attachment 2).
Citizens’ Oversight Commission
With the approval of Measure P , the City Council created the Measure P Citizens ’ Oversight Committee (“COC”). The COC was created to review and report on City’s compliance with the provisions of Measure P, particularly with respect to the City ’s accounting and expenditure of Measure P revenues. The COC is composed of nine members, consisting of five at-large members, with at least one from each Council district, and four members selected from candidates nominated by designated n ominating authorities. The COC meets quarterly.
The COC reviews all planned Measure P fund expenditures for consistency with the Council approved Expenditure Plan and makes recommendations to the City Council regarding such expenditures.
Measure P Improvements
To date Measure P has generated $190.8 million of the $247.5 million in revenue anticipated over the life of the program. A summary of major infrastructure projects completed to date includes:
4,100+ sidewalk segments were serviced to alleviate trip hazards. 337 residential street segments rehabilitated and repaired. 175 public safety vehicles replaced.
150 storm drain locations repaired or replaced to prevent sinkholes. 13 City buildings and public facilities renovated.
o Two fire stations relocated to improve response times. o Construction of new Loma Verde Community Center.
o Reconstruction of basketball courts, bleachers, picnic benches, drinking fountains, expanded ADA access and new restrooms at Rohr Park.
o ADA, roof and electrical upgrades to the Civic Center Library. 9 Energy efficient HVAC upgrades at City facilities
1 citywide water efficient irrigation system installed.
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While great strides have been made to address the critical infrastructure needs of the City, there are significant areas and needs that have yet to be addressed. City staff is continually assessing the state of the City’s infrastructure and updating the Expenditure Plan to address the most critical needs.
Sole Source
TeamCivX was chosen based on their unique qualifications, including previous ballot measure consulting for the City. The team at TeamCivX, including surveyor True North, are the same individuals that completed research and education for the City’s efforts in 2016 for Measure P and 2018 for Measure A, providing unique historical perspective and continuity.
Staff, with the approval of the Purchasing Agent, therefore recommends awarding the subject contract on a “single/sole source” basis under the authority of Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 2.56.110 (H)(3) and
2.56.070(B)(4).
Survey Results and Next Steps
As the 10 -year term of Measure P nears its end, the City c ontracted with TeamCivX in September 2023 to gauge voters’ opinions regarding the quality of life and City services provided by the City of Chula Vista and the feasibility of renewing Measure P. The survey showed seven-in-ten voters shared favorable opinions of both the quality of life in Chula Vista and are satisfied with the job the City of Chula Vista is doing to provide City services. The survey also identified community priorities and gathered information needed for communication and future outreach.
Approval of the agreement with TeamCivX will allow the City to further educate the public through awareness building that would include:
Non-advocacy communication
Informational mailers/digital ads
Internal and external audiences
Feedback
Refining potential proposals
Evaluating community readiness
This agreement (Attachment 3) will also provide the City with a proposed ballot resolution/ordinance similar to Measure P.
Prior to the potential placement of a ballot measure on the November 2024 ballot, staff would return to the City Council to seek direction. If Council were to proceed with placement of an item on the November 2024 ballot, action would need to be taken no later than the August 9, 2024.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code § 87110, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
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CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the resolution a pproves an agreement with TeamCivX for $37,500 with the potential of an additional $30,000 if an additional public survey is warranted , at the City’s sole discretion . There are sufficient anticipated budgetary savings to offset this cost in the General Fund in the current fiscal year.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Should City Council elect to proceed with a ballot measure, the fiscal year 2024-25 estimated fiscal impact totals $45,000. If the City determines, at its sole discretion, that an additional public survey is warranted, an additional impact of $30,000 is anticipated in fiscal year 2024-25. These funds will be incorporated into the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, as appropriate.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Measure P – Infrastructure, Facilities and Equipment Expenditure Plan
2. Measure P – Delivering on the Promise (2023)
3. Two Party Agreement – TeamCivX
Staff Contact: Courtney Chase, Deputy City Manager