COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: February 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Confirming the Transit Division’s Legal Capacity to Administer F ederal Transit Administration-Funded Programs and Projects
Description:
The City Council will consider confirming the legal capacity of the City of Santa Maria Transit Division to administer and implement programs and projects funded by the Federal Transit Administration. This acknowledgment will serve to reinforce the City’s commitment to responsible stewardship of federal funds and compliance with all applicable regulations.
Environmental Notice: 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.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution confirming the Transit Division’s legal capacity to admi nister Federal Transit Administration-funded programs and projects.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria Transit Division receives funding from the F ederal Transit Authority (FTA) to support various transit programs and projects, including fixed-route bus service, paratransit services, and procurement of buses. The FTA requires grantees to demonstrate legal capacity to administer these funds and comply with federal requirements. This report serves to document and affirm the City’s legal capacity in this regard.
DISCUSSION:
Per the Dear Colleague letter from the FTA, dated December 6, 2024, all FTA grantees are required to provide documentation and certification that it has the leg al capacity to carry out FTA-funded programs and projects.
Opinion of Counsel: Each recipient must be legally empowered to carry out the activities specified in the award.
Authorizing Resolution: Each recipient organization must have a Resolution or equivalent from the recipient’s Board of Directors or an equivalent Authorizing 2 Official, confirming responsibility for applying for assistance and legally committing the applicant or recipient to compliance with terms of an award.
Alternative(s)
No alternative is recommended. Beginning March 5, 2025, the FTA will prevent any recipients who have not properly identified the Opinion of Counsel and Authorizing Resolution in their Recipient Document profile from transmitting or submitting new applications unless the y have correctly labeled and uploaded the required legal documents.
Environmental Review
This does not constitute a project. Furthermore, California State Bill 2922 (SB922) exempts transit projects from having to conduct the CEQA analysis requirements until 2030.
Fiscal Considerations
There are no impacts on the City’s General Fund. As an Enterprise fund, Transit is fully funded with federal and state funding and as such requires this documentation to further obtain federal funding through FTA.
Impact to the Community
There are no anticipated community impacts in Santa Maria.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution
B. Dear Colleague letter from FTA