Minutes 1997 0602 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - City of San Leandro City Council Meeting Page - 6 - June 2, 1997 A. Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Leandro in Support of the Reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act [ISTEA], by Congress (endorses efforts by the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency for the extension of ISTEA and funding beyond its expiration on September 30, 1997). The City Manager gave a brief overview of the Resolution being proposed and introduced Bill Algire, Engineering and Transportation Director, who gave the background and explanation of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). Mayor Corbett briefly commented that the Council is grateful for the funding for local projects. She added that transportation issues are very important to San Leandro because a very important element of our business mix is distribution and warehousing in San Leandro. Therefore, trucking is very crucial to do business in that important area. Being close to the Port of Oakland also calls out the importance of moving people as well as goods. She commented further that the Act was originally initiated in 1991. Prior to that, basically, the focus was on the area of the interstate highway system. The focus changed in 1935 with the reauthorization of ISTEA to include more heavily used roadways. ISTEA's innovative approach included a number of key changes, including: (1) a greater emphasis on intermodalism; (2) a greater emphasis on local decision making and public participation at a state and local level and through metropolitan planning organizations; (3) a greater emphasis on funding flexibility to meet local needs; and (4) new targeted programs such as the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program and other programs, as well. She added that the City is very concerned because this funding will expire on September 30, 1997; there are a number of competing reauthorization proposals, and there is a need to take a close look at the options. There has been no consensus legislation developed to date. She added that San Leandro is fortunate to have a local advocate, Congresswoman Ellen Tausher, who is on the committee considering ISTEA legislation. Vice Mayor Loeffler stated he supports the concept of ISTEA but has concerns with the process. He is not sure the community has been included on the issues. He referenced Juana Avenue and issues with buses and parking as they relate to the quality of businesses in that area. He questioned, at what point do we reach out to citizens to get their input on ISTEA issues? He questioned whether there should be a citizens' committee in order to receive grass-roots input. He concluded by stating there should be more citizen input on local projects. Council Member Young asked, if ISTEA expires in September of 1997, is it anticipated that one of the proposals will be adopted by that time? The Mayor responded by stating there are national organizations that are following the issues/proposals, and there will be time for additional input before final action is taken. She concluded by commenting that the Resolution before Council this evening is fairly generic, and it represents the City's support of the general concept.