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CC - Adoption of a Resolution in Support of Los Angeles County’s Measure
W - Safe Clean Water Program.
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Meeting Date: October 8, 2018
Contact Person/Dept: Helen Chin/Public Works Administration
Phone Number: (310) 253-5618
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (10/02/18);
Department Approval: Charles D. Herbertson, Public Works Director/City Engineer 9/27/18
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution in support of Los Angeles County’s Measure W - Safe Clean Water Program.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On November 8, 2016, the residents of Culver City voted to pass Measure CW, the Clean Water, Clean Beach Parcel Tax, which enables the City to implement water quality programs that prevent dangerous bacteria, pesticides, trash and other pollutants from reaching waterways via Ballona Creek to the Ocean. These projects make it possible for the City to meet the rigorous and strict storm water pollution reduction regulations implemented by the State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards. However, these funds only cover a portion of the capital required to implement all projects necessary to bring the City to compliance.
On July 17, 2018, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a resolution to place Measure W, the Safe Clean Water Parcel Tax on the November 6, 2018 ballot. Measure W is a special tax upon parcels located within the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to fund storm water capture projects and to reduce storm water and urban runoff pollution (Eligible Activities). Funds from this parcel tax will be allocated for regional multi-benefit projects, municipal projects, District Programs, and administrative costs. The resolution provides the proposed ordinance which includes the tax formula, expenditure plan, exemptions from the parcel tax, and other Program details.
If the parcel tax of 2.5 cents per square foot of impermeable surface is approved by voters in November, the total projected gross revenues would be approximately $300 million per year for the Los Angeles Region. These funds will be managed by the Flood Control District and according to AB 1180*, will be distributed as follows:
• 10% (approximately $30 million gross) would be distributed to the Flood District for Eligible Activities and for administrative costs.
• 40% (approximately $120 million gross) would be allocated to municipalities within the District in proportion to the taxes collected in each jurisdiction to carry out Eligible Activities.
• 50% (approximately $150 million gross) would be allocated to nine watershed areas to fund regional watershed-based Eligible Activities. Culver City is located within the Central Santa Monica Bay Watershed Area, which is estimated to receive $18.1 million annually. Each watershed area will have a Watershed Area Steering Committee that will prioritize and allocate funding for eligible projects.
If Measure W is approved by voters, Culver City is estimated to receive $560,000 in annual municipal program funds and additional, but unspecified funding through the watershed-based Eligible Activities.
The goals of Measure W are in line with the City’s Legislative Platform, particularly as it relates to legislation, measures, and initiatives to:
• Ensure that Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements, which represent the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards, are achievable and cost-effective. Also support efforts to provide the funding necessary to meet TMDL requirements.
• Increase the City’s ability to comply with environmental regulations.
• Protect municipalities from litigation if they are making good faith efforts to meet TMDL requirements.
• Continue partnerships to advance recycling, groundwater cleanup, and storm water capture as the largest elements in the community’s future water portfolio.
• Adopt reasonable environmental regulations aimed at enhancing air and water quality, reducing storm water pollution, and providing opportunities for corresponding funding mechanisms.
*Assembly Bill 1180 was signed into law on October 9, 2017. This amended the Los Angeles County Flood Control Act and authorized the District to impose a tax to pay for the costs of implementing storm water capture projects, which requires two-thirds passage by voters.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact associated with supporting or opposing Measure W. However, if Measure W passes with two-thirds vote from Los Angeles County voters, Culver City stands to gain $560,000 in municipal program funds and additional funding for specific projects through the Central Santa Monica Bay Watershed Area allocation.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Los Angeles County Approved Safe Clean Water Resolution 7.17.18
2. Proposed Resolution
3. Los Angeles County Flood Control District Boundary Map and Estimated Annual Funds by Municipalities and Watershed Areas
MOTION
That the City Council:
Adopt a resolution in support of Measure W, the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Water Program.