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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 4108RESOLUTION NO. 4108 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE2 CITY OF AZUSA STATING THE POSITION OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DIVISION LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES REGARDING MTA PROPOSALS FOR NEW AND ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION IN- CIDENTAL TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MASS RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA WHEREAS, for a considerable period of time there has been a growing need for a mass rapid transit system in the Los Angeles Area, and WHEREAS, the MTA at considerable expense has caused in the recent past to be instituted careful and comprehensive studies of the best type of mass rapid transit systems for,this area, and WHEREAS, the MTA has recently caused to be published, a report of the type of rapid transit system as recommended by Daniel, Mann, Johnson, and Mendenhall to fill the said need in this area for a rapid transit system, and WHEREAS, the establishment of such a system would affect a number of the basic rights of the municipalities con- cerned, their property -owners, businesses, and &itizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Azusa adopt the statement of position of the Lee Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities, a copy of which is attached hereto, and marked as "Exhibit A". The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution. Adopted and approved this 21st day of November, 1960. I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Azusa at a regular meeting thereof held on the 21st day of November, 1960, by the following vote of the Council: AYES: Councilmen: Paul, McLees, Johnson, Teasley, Ortuno NOES: Councilmen: None ABSENT: Councilmen: None ' WVA;X14A �� EXHIBIT A • •October 24, STATEMENT OF POSITION OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DIVISION - LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES REGARDING MTA PROPOSALS FOR NEW AND ADDITIONAL LEGISLA- TION INCIDENTAL TO THE ESTAB- LISHMENT OF A MASS RAPID TRAN- SIT SYSTEM IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA, 1560 The need for a mass rapid transit system in the Los Angeles area similar to that recently proposed by the MTA is clearly and unequivo- cally recognized by the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities. Nothing herein contained should be construed as indicating a contrary stand or attitude of the League. The various cities which will be affected by such a system, how- ever, are deeply concerned with the means and the manner by which the project is to be brought into fulfillment, Therefore, the League s position is that the following suggestions, safeguards and procedures, or reasonable adaptations thereof, should be considered and included in any legislation passed by the California Legislature to implement this program: 1. The League believes that the MTA should not and need not be given absolute and totally unrestricted authority to select whatever route it deems best for the system through our cities. We feel that con- aideration mast be shown not only for what route is best for the ATA, but what route is best or the least harmful to the citizens, property -owners, and businesses in the cities affected. El 0 0 OR Statement of Position October 24, 1960 Page 2 Therefore, before any route is finally decided upon, the cities should have the right to call for hearings and the execution of agreements if they desire to do so similar to those procedures contained in our laws relative to the selection of Freeway routes in this state. Such provisions have certainly not prevented nor impeded the construction of our vast and sweeping freeway system throughout the state and there is no reason to believe that they would have any different or adverse effect in deter- mining a mass rapid transit route through the various cities. 2. Similar safeguards should also be provided for prior to the selection of locations for major on and off stops, depots or stations. Parking in such areas, particularly all -day parking, will be a local problem and local authorities should not be handed the problem without having been first consulted. Any legislation passed should also specifically deal with the question of by whom the cost of such parking facilities is to be borne. It is the League's position that the cost of providing and developing off-street parking, stations and depots should in the first instance, be paid for by the MTA since in many cases, it is possible that a local community would be totally incapable of financing F1 1 0 • Statement of Positiof: October 24, 1960 Page 3 such facilites. In any event, since it appears that adequate parking facilities are an integral part of the transit system, the entire cost of making the system work should be in the first instance, borne by the Y2 A. This would not necessarily eliminate, however, the drawing of agreements whereby the City and the MTA would share in the income from such parking facilities until the MTA has been reimbursed for its initial cost of acquiri-g and developing them. It is the League's position, however, that thereafter, the income and title to such parking facilities should vest in the city since the city will have to bear the cost of providing police, fire, and other such services, and also, since this land would be removed from business operations and the tax rolls with a resulting tax loss to the cities. 3, Any legislation that is passed also should guarantee that the MTA will pay for reconstructing or re -arranging any sewers, water mains, streets or other: public utilities facilities where their use- fulness is disrupted or substantially impaired by the construction of the transit system. For example, enough space might be taken from a narrow street by RR Statement of Position Octcber 24, 1950 Page 4 the system to require a major project of street widening to keep the street functioning at its previous level of service. Therefore, the League's position is that the MPA should be required, or other funds should be made available by the State, to cover the cost of street widening, relocating facilities, or any other such action made necessary by the taking of property for WA purposes. 4. The MTA's proposed legislation at this time includes a requirement that the municipalities pay for the cost of temporary or permanent alterations in `J A facilities which might in the future be necessary to accommodate street, sewer, storm drain, or other municipal construction. The League's stand is against this, as it is not in conformity with existing relationships with other public utilities which traditionally are required to re- locate at their own cost, facilities which might be needed to accommodate the public. 5. The League is also opposed to the proposed 11TA legislation which would give to it the unlimited power at its sole discretion to establish bus stops at any location without consulting with or obtaining the consent of interested municipalities. It is the League's position that such locations should be chosen jointly by the MTA and the municipality involved, as 0 • Statement of Position October 24, 1960 Page 5 experience has proven that this system has worked satisfactorily in the past. 6. Where competing bus or transit lines have to be taken over or bought out by the TBPA, the law should require an equitable method of doing so by which the TTA would compensate the company being bought out, not only for that portion of the system that the MTA was taking over, but also for any loss or damage that would be sustained by reason of the company being left only with unprofitable and minor feeder lines. 7. The League recognizes the fact that the MTA cannot be expected to build a mass rapid transit system in the Los Angeles area if each city can cause the system to skirt or zig and zag its way through each town. It is felt, however, that the above suggestions and proposals can be included in appropriate legislation so as to safeguard the rights and interests of the cities, their property -owners, businesses, and citizens without prejudice to the ultimate aims, rights and objectives of the MTA.