Mobility and Infrastructure Committee
TO: MOBILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE DATE: JANUARY 11, 2024
COMMITTEE
FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: APPROVE PROPOSED 2024 WORKPLANS FOR THE BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, TRANSPORTATION BOARD, AND AIRPORT COMMISSION ISSUE:
Approve the proposed 2024 Workplans for the Board of Public Utilities, Transportation Board, and Airport Commission.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Mobility and Infrastructure Committee approve the proposed 2024 Workplans for the Board of Public Utilities, Transportation Board, and Airport Commission.
BACKGROUND
To ensure the work of boards and commissions align with the City Charter and Envision Riverside 2025 Strategic Plan, the City Manager’s Office requested each board or commission to develop an Annual Workplan. Each workplan will be taken to the respective City Council Standing Committee for review and approval with the workplans earmarked to begin in March 2024 and conclude in February 2025.
Resolution 23976 identifies the three boards and commissions under the purview of the Mobility and Infrastructure Committee include the Board of Public Utilities, Transportation Board, and Airport Commission.
DISCUSSION:
Workplan development began in June 2023. Where possible draft workplans were reviewed with their respective board or commission, with copies attached to this report. Blueprints of workplan objectives are included for those boards of commissions that were unable to meet or unable to finalize a workplan due to lack of quorum or continued discussions.
Board of Public Utilities
The Board of Public Utilities was established to advise the Mayor and City Council and carry out Charter designated responsibilities to review and approve expenditures, operations, and polices of the Electric and Water utilities.
Section 1202 of the Riverside City Charter identifies the following powers and duties of the Board of Public Utilities:
The Board of Public Utilities shall have the power and duty to:
Consider the annual budget for the Department of Public Utilities during the process of its preparation and make recommendations with respect thereto to the City Council and the City Manager.
Authorize, and let public works contracts in compliance with Section 1109, within the limits of the budget of the Department of Public Utilities, any purchase of equipment, materials, supplies, goods or services, or any acquisition, construction, improvement, extension, enlargement, diminution, or curtailment of all or any part of any public utility system when the amount exceeds $50,000, and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute contracts or issue purchase orders for the same. This amount may be increased in $1,000 increments by ordinance to account for inflation whenever the cumulative increase in the consumer price index exceeds $2,000from the last increase. No such purchase, or acquisition, construction, improvement, extension, enlargement, diminution or curtailment shall be made without such prior authorization.
Notwithstanding the above, such a purchase, or acquisition, construction, extension, enlargement, diminution or curtailment may be made without prior approval (1) for work done at the request of and at the expense of a customer, pursuant to rules established by the Board of Public Utilities and approved by the City Council, or (2) if there is an urgent necessity to preserve life, health or property (i) as determined by the Director of Public Utilities or, (ii) if the amount exceeds $100,000 by the Director of Public Utilities and the City Manager. As soon as practicable thereafter, the Director of Public Utilities shall take the matter under Section 1202(b)(2) to the Board of Public Utilities for ratification.
Within the limits of the budget of the Department of Public Utilities, make appropriations from the contingency reserve fund for capital expenditures directly related to the appropriate utility function.
Require of the City Manager monthly reports of receipts and expenditures of the Department of Public Utilities, segregated as to each separate utility, and monthly statements of the general condition of the department and its facilities.
Establish rates for all utility operations as provided under Section 1200 including but not limited to water and electrical revenue producing utilities owned, controlled or operated by the City, but subject to the approval of the City Council.
Authorize the Director of Public Utilities to negotiate and execute contracts with individual retail customers for water, electric and any other utility service as provided under Section 1200, consistent with rates for such individualized service established pursuant to Section 1202(e).
Approve or disapprove the appointment of the Director of Public Utilities, who shall be the department head.
Designate its own secretary.
Make such reports and recommendations in writing to the City Council regarding the Department of Public Utilities as the City Council shall deem advisable.
Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by ordinance not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Charter. 2024 Workplan Objectives and Goals for the Board of Public Utilities include:
Develop an awareness of utility policy and operational matters through reviewing Board duties, administration, and engagement.
Review and recommend to City Council amendments to utility specific legislative policy; develop recommendations to positions on upcoming bills and actively advocate for grant opportunities.
Review and discuss the development of Master Plans including the Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment, Non-Potable and Recycled Water Master Plan, Water Quality Master Plan, Water and Energy Delivery Infrastructure Master Plan, and Integrated Resource Plan.
Remain engaged and develop advisory reports related to the Riverside Transmission and Reliability Project (RTRP).
Review and provide recommendations to the Biannual RPU budget, five-year Capital Improvement Plan, and internal services.
Transportation Board
The Transportation Board was established to serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council in matters pertaining to public parking and the operation and management of the City streets systems and recommend traffic regulations.
Riverside Municipal Code 2.62.030 identifies the powers, duties, and functions of the Transportation Board are as follows:
Advise the City Council with respect to on-street and off-street parking of vehicles.
Advise the City Council with respect to the regulation of traffic on City streets.
Annually review Public Works Department proposed Capital Improvements Projects, including traffic signal construction, and make recommendations to the City Council.
Review proposed amendments to the Circulation and Community Mobility Element of the General Plan and make recommendations to the Planning Commission and the City Council.
Annually review the City's Traffic Signal Synchronization Master Plan and make recommendations to the City Council.
Explore neighborhood traffic calming alternatives and make recommendations to the City Council.
Review speed limits, major road closures, grade crossings and other traffic operation and circulation matters and make recommendations to the City Council, when requested.
Perform other functions and duties as may be directed by the City Council. 2024 Workplan Objectives and Goals for the Transportation Board include:
Ensure all Wards are represented at Transportation Board meetings by establishing a board member attendance of 80%.
Recommend pilot and long-term complete streets-oriented improvements for regulatory compliance and community safety enhancement including, but not limited to pedestrian crossings & corridors, bicycle facilities, neighborhood traffic calming, speed limit signs, truck restrictions signs, parking signs, and turn restriction signs.
Provide recommendations during annual review of the City’s Traffic Signal Synchronization Master Plan and proposed Capital Improvement Projects.
Explore innovative transportation solutions to address neighborhood community challenges and solicit feedback through public outreach and engagement efforts.
Participate in the Safe Routes to School planning process, engage in updates to the Riverside PACT and Local Roadway Safety Plan, and coordinate with the Police Services Division to review the Major Accident Investigation Team (MIAT) report.
Airport Commission
The Airport Commission was created to serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council in all matters pertaining to administration, operation, development, improvement, and maintenance of the Airport. 2024 Workplan Objectives and Goals for the Airport Commission include:
Engage and participate in Airport events, meetings, and community outreach no less than twice a year.
Establish a commissioner attendance rate of no less than 90% for Airport Commission Meetings annually.
Engage with Airport Management to review current projects, proposals, and assist with policy recommendations.
Prepared by: Megan Stoye, Principal Management Analyst
Attachment: Section 1202 –Board of Public Utilities
Board of Public Utilities 2024 Workplan
RMC Chapter 2.62.030 – Transportation Commission
Transportation Commission 2024 Workplan
RMC Chapter 2.60.030 – Airport Commission
Airport Commission 2024 Workplan
Presentation
Mobility and Infrastructure Workplan Review ● Page 2