RESOLUTION NO. 2024-_
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF MERCED, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING A STATUTORY EXEMPTION PER
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT AND THE MERCED COUNTY
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS' MULTI-
JURISDICTIONAL MERCED COUNTY
REGIONAL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
WHEREAS, the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan provides goals and policies to strengthen the range of transportation choices and to support the regional collaboration and planning of our circulation and transit systems in order to balance automobile use, reduce its impact on the environment and improve the livability of the City; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Merced expects an increase of active transportation users for both recreational and commuter purposes as the City's population and the University of California, Merced's, attendance increases and the forthcoming High-Speed Rail system is completed and the station is opened; and, WHEREAS, active transportation improvements provide a variety of transportation, health, economic, environmental, and social benefits for the entire community enabling the freedom to choose a safe, low-stress, low-cost mode of transportation that as a result, reduces motor vehicle traffic; WHEREAS, The City of Merced, recognizing the benefits listed above, is intent on continuing its commitment to improving its infrastructure, including but not limited to sidewalks and bikeways; and
WHEREAS, the Multi-Jurisdictional Merced County Regional Active Transportation Plan (ATP) is a collaborative effort between the Merced Council of Governments (MCAG), the County of Merced and most of its incorporated cities to guide the region in the growth of its active transportation infrastructure and to develop and maintain intra and extra-jurisdictional linkages; and, WHEREAS, the portion of the ATP focused on the City of Merced is initially based on the work of the City of Merced 2013 Bicycle Transportation Plan and the City of Merced 2019 Active Transportation and Safe-Routes-to-School Plan and X: Resolutions\2024 Planning|CC Reso to Adopt Multi-Jurisdictional ATP 6.3.2024. docx that the ideals, data, research, information, and guidance from the City of Merced 2013 and 2019 Plans, mentioned above was incorporated into, drawn on, and directly influential in the process of creating the programs, projects and policies tor that portion of the Multi-Jurisdictional Merced County Regional Active Transportation Plan focused on the City of Merced; and, WHEREAS, the Merced County Association of Governments and the City of Merced held numerous community-focused outreach meetings and events soliciting input from a diversity of community members throughout the region and the City; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of the Merced County Association of Governments at their April 18, 2024, meeting adopted the Multi-Jurisdictional Action Transportation Plan; and,
WHEREAS, The City of Merced Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, created in 2009 to serve as an advisory body to the City Council on matters relating to improving conditions for bicycling, pedestrian activity and the mobility needs of elderly and those with disabilities, held several public information meetings including most recently a public hearing on April 23, 2024, at which time the Commission provided feedback on the final draft of the Multi- Jurisdictional Merced County Regional Active Transportation Plan and unanimously voted to recommend the Plan to the City Council with the condition that active transportation improvements be evaluated and addressed around the proposed High-Speed Rail Station; and,
WHEREAS, SB 922, until January 1, 2030, accelerates the approval of sustainable, climate friendly bicycle and pedestrian projects by exempting them from CEQA; and
WHEREAS, upon its adoption, the Multi-Jurisdictional Merced County Regional Active Transportation Plan will replace the City of Merced 2019 Active Transportation and Safe-Routes-to-School Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERCED
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE, FIND, AND ORDER AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds and determines that the adoption of the Multi-Jurisdictional Merced County Regional Active Transportation Plan is X: \Resolutions|2024\Planning|CC Reso to Adopt Multi-Jurisdictional ATP 6.3.2024.docx 2 exempt from review under CEQA and qualifies for a Statutory Exemption under SB 922 as an active transportation plan that promotes and encourages residents to choose walking or bicycling through the creation of the safe, comfortable, connected, and accessible pedestrian and bicycling networks pursuant to Public Resource Code Section 21080.20.
SECTION 2. The City Council, exercising its independent judgement and review, hereby approves the Multi-Jurisdictional Merced County Regional Active Transportation Plan and does hereby replace the City of Merced 2019 Safe-Routes- to-School Plan with the Multi-Jurisdictional Merced County Regional Active Transportation Plan.
SECTION 3. By approving the Multi-Jurisdictional Merced County Regional Active Transportation Plan, the City Council directs the City Manager and staff to assist in carrying out the intentions, goals and guidelines presented it the Multi-Jurisdictional Merced County Regional Active Transportation Plan.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Merced at a regular meeting held on the day of 202_, by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
APPROVED:
MATTHEW SERRATTO, MAYOR
Mayor
X:\Resolutions\2024\Planning\CC Reso to Adopt Multi-Jurisdictional ATP 6.3.2024.docx 3 :
ATTEST:
D. SCOTT MCBRIDE, CITY CLERK
BY:
Assistant/Deputy City Clerk
(SEAL)
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CRAIG J. CORNWELL, CITY ATTORNEY
pang oney i Cornell 5/8/2024
X: Resolutions 2024\Planning\CC Reso to Adopt Multi-Jurisdictional ATP 6.3.2024.docx 4