FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 2, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: CONSOLIDATION OF INTER -REGIONAL TRANSIT BUS SERVICE WITH
SANTA MARIA REGIONAL TRANSIT
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council adopt Resolutions approving the:
1. Withdrawal from the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Santa Maria, City of Lompoc, County of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for Breeze Route 100 transit services, enabling the consolidation of Breeze Route 100; and
2. Withdrawal from the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Santa Maria. City of Buellton, City of Solvang. County of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for the Breeze Route 200 transit services, enabling the consolidation of Breeze Route 200; and
3. Withdrawal from the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara for the New Cuyama transit services, and
4. Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara to support Northern Santa Barbara County interregional transit services that consolidates the Breeze Routes 100 and 200, and the New Cuyama Route.
BACKGROUND
Stemming from the 2004 Unmet Transit Needs process, the Breeze Route 100 intercity transit route service began as a pilot intercity bus service between the City of Santa Maria, Vandenberg Military Base, and the City of Lompoc with eight (8) round trips each weekday. Similarly. stemming from the 2013 Unmet Transit Needs process, the Breeze 200 provides inter -community transit service between Santa Maria, Los Alamos, Buellton, Solvang, and Santa Ynez with three (3) round trips each weekday.
Subsequently in 2017, in conjunction with the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Maria became the provider for twice weekly service to the unincorporated community of New Cuyama. The City is a party to three MOUs with the respective 1 agencies, which outline the services of the Breeze and New Cuyama Routes as they are today.
The three separate MOUs for the regional routes call for a transit service that is distinct and separate from any of the partnering agencies to minimize the impact on the riders, as the administration of the service could change hands amongst the agencies party to their MOU. However, for various reasons, the rotation in the administration of the regional routes has never left the responsibility of Santa Maria and the original parameters of the pilot service have been outlived. As of today, Santa Maria uses its contractor, RATPDev, to deliver all the previously mentioned regional transit services and would expect to continue to do so moving forward.
In discussions with the partner MOU organizations, the responsibility of the administration of these intercity and regional transit routes, to and from Santa Maria, are not expected to change hands. The agencies involved in the MOU agreement are recommending the indefinite implementation of the pilot programs' services. with full integration into the Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) program. This means that the temporary pilot programs will be discontinued, and the services they provide will become a permanent part of the SMRT program.
DISCUSSION
A distinct Breeze 100, Breeze 200, and New Cuyama service, separate from other City's SMRT routes, has become inefficient, burdensome, and problematic to administer. As a separate service, regional route ridership, revenues, budgets, capital and operating expenditures, cost allocations, reporting, marketing, personnel, and fleet are inconsistently segregated from the other routes SMRT operates. All of this consumes a measurable amount of time and effort for both the limited staff of the City's Transit Division and Finance Department. This is particularly burdensome when considering that this segregation of data occurs not only between the two Breeze Routes and New Cuyama Transit route, but also the other transit services SMRT administers, that being the local fixed -route and paratransit. This is all without any benefits to the rider or partnering MOU agencies.
Discussions with the partner MOU agencies have recently revolved around the benefits of SMRT's full consolidation of north county regional routes into the fold of its other routes and services.
SMRT would consolidate the noted regional services and solely be responsible for the administration of these regional routes, as accomplished through its usual Federal, State, and City Council sanctioned process. The intention is to expedite service improvements to regional services such as establishing fare uniformity, faster onboarding of new rider -centric technologies, better coordination amongst transit services, greater access to pooled labor and fleet resources, electrification of the fleet, and simplification of service for the rider.
2 With SMRT's consolidation of the regional routes, routes would be rebranded as simply another of Santa Maria's routes (e.g., Route 20, 30, and 40) and see SMRT-branded vehicles deployed in their service. Similarly, SMRT would fully integrate staffing, fleet, ridership figures, revenues, costs to maximize efficiency, and better distribute fleet wear and tear between all its services while making more efficient data gathering, service planning, and Federal and State reporting. And for the rider, there would be three less distinct services that they would need to learn to navigate when traveling to, through, and from Santa Maria.
While the partner MOU agencies would resign direct administration in the development of the routes, they would continue to indirectly support the service as seen in a continued off -the -top apportionment of the County's allocation of Transit Development Act (TDA) State funding to support transit service to unincorporated parts of northern Santa Barbara County (i.e., Breeze Routes and Cuyama service area). Today, this off - the -top allocation roughly amounts to an additional $1.1 million added annually to SMRT's own annual allocation of TDA funds.
The partnering MOU agencies are in support of the consolidation. If approved, service consolidation of Breeze and New Cuyama routes would become effective July 1, 2023, to align with the beginning of the fiscal year.
Alternatives
City Council may elect for SMRT not to consolidate the regional transit service as part of its regular services. In such a case, the current agreements between the City and MOU party agencies, for SMRT to be responsible for Breeze and New Cuyama transit service delivery as a separate and distinct service, would remain in effect along with the effort to maintain separate accounts. However, this alternative is not recommended for the challenges and inefficiencies aforementioned. Further, there are missed opportunities from not consolidating service, such as the City becoming eligible for supplement funding for rural communities and being able to adjust farebox recovery requirements for the entire system.
Fiscal Considerations
There is no impact on the City's General Fund by taking this action. The Transit Program is an Enterprise Fund sustained solely on its own sources of Federal funding, State funding, and locally generated revenues (i.e., fares). SMRT's consolidation of Breeze and Cuyama Routes creates no fiscal impacts on the City's transit program as the County would continue their historical transfer of TDA funds to support these services, as outlined herein. However, there may be some undetermined staff time efficiencies gained for the Transit Division and City Finance Department as the cumbersome accounting practices are consolidated within the Transit Program's typical budget management practices and not as a distinctly separate one.
Impact on the Community
There are no anticipated impacts to either Santa Maria, Breeze, or New Cuyama riders as a result of the consolidation of the inter -regional transit service into SMRT. SMRT is 3 already responsible for the delivery of the service. Breeze and New Cuyama passengers would continue to see service levels upheld, if not improved, and are already somewhat aware that the service is being provided by SMRT, albeit under a separate branded banner. Moving forward with the consolidation would improve the service reliability as these inter -regional routes can draw from a larger pool of SMRT drivers and vehicles rather than the limited assigned staff and fleet vehicles.
Environmental Review
The activity is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required. Further, California State Bill 2922 (SB922) exempts transit projects from having to conduct the CEQA analysis until 2030.
Other Agency Review
SMRT's consolidation of Breeze 100, Breeze 200, and New Cuyama Routes is supported by the City of Lompoc, City of Solvang, City of Buellton, the County of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Council of Governments.
GAMALIEL ANGUTANO
Transit Services Manager
BRETT FULGONI
Public Works Director
Attachments A Memorandum of Understanding with Santa Barbara County 4 RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE WITHDRAWAL FROM THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CITY OF LOMPOC,
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, AND THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS FOR BREEZE ROUTE 100 TRANSIT SERVICES, ENABLING THE CONSOLIDATION OF BREEZE ROUTE 100 WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria, City of Lompoc, County of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) executed the original Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2004, establishing governance of the three (3) year pilot Breeze Route 100 service; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria began operating the Breeze Route 100 as a distinct transit service on May 9, 2005, between the City of Santa Maria, Vandenberg Military Base, and City of Lompoc; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria, City of Lompoc, County of Santa Barbara, and SBCAG executed subsequent MOUs for continued Breeze Route 100 service over the years; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria, City of Lompoc, and County of Santa Barbara desire to see inter -regional transit service continue indefinitely and beyond a pilot service by Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) consolidating Breeze 100 Route into the SMRT program; and
WHEREAS, the County of Santa Barbara will continue its indirect support of regional transit services to unincorporated parts of the county with an off -the -top appropriation of their annual allocation of Transit Development Act funds and on behalf of member agencies; and,
WHEREAS, exiting the MOU would supersede, suspend, nullify, and supplant all prior MOU's with member agencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:
1. That the Mayor is authorized and directed to sign and execute the withdrawal of the MOU with the City of Lompoc and County of Santa Barbara, enabling the consolidation of the Breeze 100 Route.
2. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing
so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, that the City Manager and/or designee is authorized to amend said exit letter to MOU partner agencies.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria held this 2nd of May 2023.
ATTEST:
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Mayor
APPRO A i • •� RM
c/e
City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT
Department D ector
City Mana er
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE WITHDRAWAL FROM THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CITY OF BUELLTON,
CITY OF SOLVANG, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, AND THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS FOR THE BREEZE ROUTE 200 TRANSIT SERVICES, ENABLING THE CONSOLIDATION OF BREEZE ROUTE 200 WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria, City of Buellton, City of Solvang, County of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) executed the original Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2013 establishing governance of the three (3) year pilot Breeze Route 200 service; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria began operating the Breeze Route 200 as a distinct transit service in 2013 between the City of Santa Maria, the town of Los Alamos, City of Buellton, and City of Solvang; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria, City of Buellton, City of Solvang, County of Santa Barbara, and SBCAG executed subsequent MOUs for continued Breeze Route 200 Route service over the years; and
WHEREAS, City of Santa Maria, City of Buellton, City of Solvang, County of Santa Barbara, and SBCAG desire to see inter -regional transit service continue indefinitely and beyond a pilot service by consolidating Breeze 200 Route into Santa Maria Regional Transit program; and
WHEREAS, the County of Santa Barbara will continue its indirect support of regional transit services to unincorporated parts of the county with an off -the -top appropriation of their annual allocation of Transit Development Act funds and on behalf of member agencies; and,
WHEREAS, this exiting the MOU would supersede, suspend, nullify, and supplant all prior MOU's with member agencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:
1. That the Mayor is authorized and directed to sign and execute the withdrawal of the MOU with the City of Buellton, City of Solvang, County of Santa Barbara, and SBCAG enabling the consolidation of the Breeze 200 Route.
2. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk
shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, that the City Manager and/or designee is authorized to amend said exit letter to MOU member agencies.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria held this 2nd of May 2023.
ATTEST:
Mayor
Chief Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED •'•RM.
City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT
Department Director
ity Man ger
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE WITHDRAWAL FROM THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA AND THE COUNTY OF
SANTA BARBARA FOR THE NEW CUYAMA TRANSIT SERVICES
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara executed the original Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2017, establishing governance of the New Cuyama transit service; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria began operating the New Cuyama transit service as a distinct transit service on July 1, 2017, between the City of Santa Maria and the unincorporated community of New Cuyama; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara executed subsequent MOUs for continued New Cuyama transit service over the years; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara desire to see inter -regional transit service continue indefinitely and beyond a pilot service by consolidating New Cuyama transit service into Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) program; and
WHEREAS, the County of Santa Barbara will continue its indirect support of regional transit services to unincorporated parts of the county with an off -the -top appropriation of their annual allocation of Transit Development Act funds and on behalf of member agencies; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:
1. That the Mayor is authorized and directed to sign and execute the withdrawal from the MOU between the City of Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara, enabling the consolidation of the New Cuyama transit services.
2. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, that the City Manager and/or designee is authorized to amend said exit letter to MOU member agency.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria held this 2nd of May 2023.
ATTEST:
Mayor
Chief Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
City Attorney
Department"D'rector
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA AND THE COUNTY OF
SANTA BARBARA TO SUPPORT NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY INTER-
REGIONAL TRANSIT SERVICES THAT CONSOLIDATES THE BREEZE ROUTES 100 AND 200, AND THE NEW CUYAMA ROUTE.
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara are parties interested in continuing to provide public transportation services in Northern Santa Barbara County, including Orcutt, Tanglewood, New Cuyama, Los Alamos, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Vandenburg, Lompoc, and other communities as determined by both parties; and
WHEREAS, both parties agree that the continuation of a service to provide public transportation service in Northern Santa Barbara County is in the best interest of the residents under a consolidated approach under Santa Maria Regional Transit; and WHEREAS, both parties agree to mutually enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the roles and responsibilities for supporting consolidated regional services; and,
WHEREAS, the MOU would establish the City of Santa Maria as the sole administrator of the service, responsible for contracting, complying with all Federal and State requirements, developing service levels, public input, financial prudency, securing the necessary capital needs in the deployment of the service, establishing, and collecting fares and revenues from the service, and data gathering and reporting to oversight bodies; and
WHEREAS, the MOU would call for the County of Santa Barbara to support the City of Santa Maria financially for the delivery of service on an annual basis with a negotiated amount of off -the -top top allocation of Transportation Development Act funds designated by the County or other funding if it becomes available; and NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:
1. That the Mayor is authorized and directed to sign and execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara regarding the provision of interregional transit services between the City of Santa Maria and unincorporated communities in northern Santa Barbara County
2. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk
shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, that the Mayor and City Clerk of the City of Santa Maria are hereby authorized and directed to execute the MOU on behalf of the City of Santa Maria.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria held this 2nd of May 2023.
ATTEST:
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Mayor
City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
City Manager
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA
AND COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA
Regarding the City of Santa Maria (Santa Maria Regional Transit) Providing Interregional Transit Between the City and Unincorporated Communities in Northern Santa Barbara County
Effective Date: The later of the following to occur: i) July 1, 2023, or ii) the last date on which all PARTIES have signed this Memorandum of Understanding This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU, also referred to herein as Agreement) is entered into by and between the City of Santa Maria, a municipal corporation (hereinafter referred to as "City") and the County of Santa Barbara, a local governmental subdivision of the State (hereinafter referred to as "County"), collectively referred to herein as "PARTIES" or "The PARTIES" and individually as "PARTY" for the purpose of defining the Parties' roles, responsibilities, and commitments in conjunction with the continuation of a SERVICE to provide public transportation service in northern Santa Barbara County.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions contained herein, the PARTIES agree as follows:
1. Service Description
The CITY shall be solely responsible to provide and administer regularly scheduled Transit Service ("SERVICE") fixed -route, demand response, and intercity bus service between Santa Maria and the communities of northern Santa Barbara, including:
Orcutt, Tanglewood, New Cuyama, Los Alamos, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Vandenburg, Lompoc and others, as deemed appropriate by both PARTIES. The SERVICE will be open to the public, for all trip purposes, and will be fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
2. Lead Agency
The City shall be the sole administrator of the SERVICE and shall be responsible for service contracting with a qualified bus operator ("CONTRACTOR") and in compliance with all federal and state requirements. The City, in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws, will be responsible for procurements, expenditures and other contracts in the administration of the system. The City shall develop SERVICE levels based on its State, Federal, and Locally governed policies for public input and financial prudency. The City shall secure the necessary fleet, equipment, and other capital needs in the deployment of the SERVICE. The City shall be responsible for data gathering and reporting to oversight bodies. The City shall establish and collect fares and revenues from the SERVICE.
- TDA MOU - Page 1
July 1, 2023 ATTACHMENT A
3. Nondiscrimination
The CITY and its CONTRACTOR of the SERVICE shall comply with each Party's nondiscrimination policies, as well as the non-discrimination requirements of any other funding agencies, including the following nondiscrimination language insofar as consistent with those requirements:
During the performance of this Agreement, CONTRACTOR and its subcontractors shall not unlawfully discriminate, harass, or allow harassment against any employee, applicant for employment or service customer because of legally protected characteristics or conduct including sex, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability, medical condition, age, or marital status. CONTRACTOR shall insure that the evaluation and treatment of their employees, applicants for employment and service customers are free from such discrimination.
4. Funding
The COUNTY will support the CITY financially for the delivery of SERVICE on an annual basis with a to -be -negotiated amount of off -the -top allocation of Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds designated by the COUNTY or other funding, if it becomes available.
The PARTIES will work cooperatively to pursue other Federal or State grant opportunities, where appropriate, for the SERVICE in order to augment or reduce TDA and local funds needed for continuation of the SERVICE.
5. Amendment
This Agreement may be amended or extended only by the written consent of all PARTIES.
6. Termination
Any PARTY to this MOU may terminate its participation under this Agreement by giving 90 days written notification to the other PARTIES.
7. Integration
This Agreement represents the entire and integrated Agreement between THE PARTIES and supersedes any and all other negotiations, representations, and/or agreements, either oral or in writing, between THE PARTIES hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and no other agreement, statement or promise relating to the subject matter of this Agreement which is not contained herein shall be valid or binding.
- TDA MOU - Page 2
July 1, 2023
8. California and Federal Law to Apply
This Agreement shall be construed under and in accordance with the laws of the State of California and the Federal Government.
9. Warranty of Authority
Each person signing this Agreement on behalf of a PARTY warrants that he or she has authority to do so.
10. Waivers
The waiver by any PARTY to this Agreement of any term, covenant, or condition of this Agreement or of any provision, ordinance, or law, shall not be deemed to be a continuing waiver of such term, covenant, condition, or law, or of any subsequent breach or violation of the same, or of any other term, covenant, and ordinance of law.
Failure to enforce with respect to a default shall not be construed as a waiver.
13. Severability
The provisions of this Agreement are severable. If any part of this Agreement is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless amended or modified by mutual written consent of THE PARTIES.
14. Points of Contact
All notices referenced in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by first class mail addressed as follows, or at such other address or to such person THE PARTIES may from time to time designate in writing:
City of Santa Maria
Transit Services Manager
110 South Pine Street, Suite 101
Santa Maria, CA 93458
15. Counterpart Signatures & Effective Date
County of Santa Barbara
Alternative Transportation
Manager
123 East Anapamu Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
THE PARTIES agree that this Agreement may be signed by counterparts and shall become effective when fully executed by all PARTIES. CITY OF SANTA MARIA - TDA MOU - Page 3
July 1, 2023
Mayor
ATTEST:
Chief Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Risk Manager
City Attorney
- TDA MOU - Page 4
July 1, 2023
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA
ATTEST:
Mona Miyasato
County Executive Officer
Clerk of the Board
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA:
By: By:
Deputy Clerk
Date:
Das Williams, Chair
Board of Supervisors
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO ACCOUNTING
FORM:
Rachel Van Mullem Betsy M. Schaffer, CPA
County Counsel Auditor -Controller
By: By:
Deputy County Counsel Deputy
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Greg Milligan
Risk Manager
By:
- TDA MOU - Page 5
July 1, 2023