HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-1003 Study Session PACKET CITY OF
ASHLAND
JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL AND RVTD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AGENDA
Monday, October 3, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
SOU Stevenson Union Arena, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
5:30 p.m. Study Session
1. Will the City Council and the RVTD Board agree on near and long term transit goals
that impact Ashland? (20 Minutes)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this
meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at(541) 468-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-
2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I).
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CITY OF
ASHLAND
Council Communication
Study Session — Joint City Council & RVTD Board Meeting
Local and Regional Transit Discussion
Meeting Date: October 3, 2011 Primary Staff Contact: Michael R. Faught
Department: Public Works Admin E-Mail: fau ght, tm(a�,ashland.or.us
Secondary Dept.: Administration Secondary Contact: N/A
Approval: Martha Berinel� Estimated Time: 20 minutes
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Question:
Will the City Council and the RVTD Board agree on near and long term transit goals that impact
Ashland?
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council and the RVTD Board discuss the 7 transit questions listed
below and then provide guidance on any proposed amendments to the transit portion of the draft
preferred and financially constrained plan.
Background:
Ashland's long and short term transit goals are currently being reviewed in conjunction with the new
21" Century Transportation System Plan (TSP) update. The TSP update goals are as follows:
Goal l — Create a"green"template for other communities in the state and nation to follow.
Goal 2 — Make safety a priority for all modes of travel.
Goal 3— Maintain the City of Ashland's small town character, support economic prosperity, and
accommodate future growth.
Goal 4 - Create a system-wide balance for serving and facilitating pedestrian, bicycle, rail, air,
transit, and vehicular traffic in terms of mobility and access within and through the City of
Ashland.
An effective transit program is an important element in accomplishing the TSP goals. While Ashland
can recommend local programs or incentive programs, long term improvements to the transit program
require regional support for transit. To that end, the Council and RVTD Board members may want to
discuss the following questions:
1. Why is transit an important element of the 21" Century Transportation System Plan?
2. What is RVTD's vision for transit in the Rogue Valley?
3. How does RVTD's transit service measure up to the transportation planning rule?
4. What near term plans or options that is RVTD contemplating?
5. What is Ashland's vision for transit both locally and regionally?
6. What is a reasonable return on Ashland's investment for increased transit ridership?
7. Does the Council want to continue to subsidize transit for Ashland riders?
Page ] of 4
CITY OF
-ASHLAND
If Council does want to subsidize transit for Ashland Riders, is Council interested in any of the options
outlined at the September 6, 2011 Council meeting? Those options are stated below.
1. End the reduced fare program and increase free fare for low-income riders at an estimate of
$50,000.
2. Create a new program that would provide a 50% subsidy for Ashland businesses at an
estimated cost of$20,000.
3. Develop a program that would subsidize a private shuttle within Ashland for tourists.
• How can Ashland and RVTD work together to improve transit ridership in the region?
As background information, the Transportation Planning Rule (TPR) as outlined in the OAR Chapter
660, Division 12 requires local governments to adopt transportation system plans and to amend land
.use regulations to implement these plans. The intent is to achieve the following objectives:
• Plan for local transportation systems in a way that is consistent with the state plans
• Develop travel demand forecasts that can reduce reliance on automobiles and achieve
compact urban development
• Plan for a road network that identifies local street connections and extensions to reduce
reliance on arterials
• Provide for bicycle and pedestrian facilities and circulation patterns
• Reduce excessive standards for local street width and right-of-way to make streets more
livable and safer for bicyclists and pedestrians
• Assure that new developments and land divisions include bicycle and pedestrian access
ways and circulation patterns
Goal 1 of the Oregon Public Transportation Plan defines the purpose of public transportation stating,
"The public transportation system should provide mobility alternatives to meet daily medical,
employment, educational, business and leisure needs without dependence on single-occupant vehicle
transportation. The system should enhance livability and economic opportunities for all Oregonians,
and lessen the transportation system's impact on the environment. The public transportation system
should provide services and meet transportation needs in a coordinated, integrated and efficient
manner. "
In addition to the TPR, the following information contained in the draft preferred and financially
constrained plan are provided as support information to assist the Council and RVTD Board in
their discussion about local and regional transit as it relates to Ashland. Page #31 thru page #47
of the draft Preferred and Financially Constrained plan outlines transit policy recommendations
based on input from the joint Transportation and Planning Commission's. Because transit
enhancement policies improve access to transit, land uses surrounding transit, and/or physical elements
or attributes which the City has the direct ability to influence. Those policy recommendations are as
follows:
• Encourage High Density Housing
• Upgrade Sidewalk Facilities
• Provide Street Lighting
• Provide Bicycle Storage
Page 2 of 4
CITY OF
-ASH LAN D
• Increase and Improve Pedestrian Crossing Opportunities
• Monitor and Improve Transit Stop Amenities
Both RVTD and Ashland's long-term transit priorities are compatible. A summary of RVTD's long-
term plans are as follows:
Transit Service Enhancement Tiers Transit Service Expansions
Tier 1 Expanded service hours on weekdays (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and
provide Saturday service (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Tier 2 Provide circulator service in Ashland on the east side of
Highway 99, four hour peak service, and express route (15
minute service) from Medford to Ashland Plaza.
Tier 3 Provide additional transit routes in south Ashland.
In contrast, the draft preferred and financially constrained plan recommends the following priorities for
Ashland.
1. Establish a customized bus pass program
2. Extend service hours
3. Provide express bus service to Medford and the Rogue Valley International Airport
4. Expand service area
5. Central hub
6. Increase service frequency based on the following:
Transit Service Frequency Residential Density Threshold
Local bus service (1 bus per hour) 4-5 dwelling units/net acre 1
Intermediate bus service (1 bus every 30 minutes) 7-8 dwelling units/net acre 1
Fre uent bus service (I bus every 10 minutes) 12-15 dwelling units/net acre 1
High capacity transit systems (e.g., street car, light 25-50 dwelling units net acre 1,2
rail
7. Support private transit circulator
8. Support SOU transit
9. Support fare free transit in Ashland
The draft preferred and financially constrained plan also provides the following annual funding
recommendations for transit programs in Ashland.
Transit Service Program Funds
The Transit Service Program funding approach is outlined below. The City will use the funds to
support policies L14 through L19 and priorities I through 9 discussed above. This includes
establishing transit hubs, supporting circulator service to serve visitors, and supporting service to SOU
students.
• Years 0 to 5 - $200,000/year
• Years 5 to. 10 - $250,000/year
• Years 10 to 15 - $300,000/year
• Years 15 to 25 - $350,000/year
Page 3 of 4
�r,
CITY OF
ASHLAND
In conclusion, the goal of the joint meeting between the City Council and the RVTD Board is to ensure
continuity between Ashland's final 21" Century TSP and RVTD's near and longterm transit goal.
Related City Policies:
N/A
Council Options:
N/A
Potential Motions:
No motion is required.
Attachments:
• FY 2009-11 Agreement between the City of Ashland and RVTD
• Draft Preferred and Financially Constrained Plan, available on line at
http://www.ashlandtsp.com/statics/draft documents
• RVTD Five-Year Strategic Business and Operations Plan 2008-2015 which can be viewed online
at http://www.rvid.or i/nnews.php?a=detail&id=33
• RVTD Ten-Year Long Range Plan 2007-2017 Strategic Business and Operations Plan. Please
view this plan online at http://www.rvtd.orp/resources.php
Pagc 4 of 4
Ir,
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF ASHLAND AND THE ROGUE VALLEY
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT FOR REDUCED FARE PROGRAM
2009-2011
This Agreement is made and entered into this j—/ day of 2009 by and
between ROGUE VALLEY TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT, district,
hereinafter referred to as "RVTD," and THE CITY OF ASHLAND, an.Oregon municipal
corporation, hereinafter referred to as "Ashland."
RECITALS
A. ORS 190.010 permits units of local government to enter into intergovernmental
agreements for the performance of any or all functions and activities that a party to the agreement
has authority to perform; and
B. The Rogue Valley Transportation District is an Oregon Special District providing
transit services in Southern Oregon; and
C. The City of Ashland desires to support RVTD's provision of transit services by,
inter alia, subsidizing the cost of fixed route fares through a Reduce Fare Program; and
D. The Reduced Fare Program furthers the public interest by making efficient use of
Ashland's transportation infrastructure, reducing greenhouse gases and promoting energy
efficiency;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the mutual covenants contained herein the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. RECITALS. The recitals set. forth above are true and correct and are
incorporated herein by this reference.
2. DURATION. [ORS 190.020(1)(e)]. The tern of this Agreement shall commence
and the agreement shall be effective on September 8, 2009 and after execution by both parties.
The Agreement shall expire June 30, 2010 at 11:59 p.m., unless adtnihistratively extended in
writing as provided for herein. The Ashland City Administrator may extend this Agreement
twice, by twelve(12) months each extension, by indicating in writing to RVTD that an extension
of the Agreement is sought under the same terms and conditions, of this Agreement. Provided
however, that the rate of compensation set forth in paragraph 4 below is subject to a mutually
agreed upon adjustment. The extension shall be effective only upon receipt of a document from
an authorized RVTD representative consenting to the extension under the same terms and
conditions
3. RVTD FUNCTIONS OR ACTIVITIES. [ORS 190.020(1)].
a. PROGRAM. RVTD shall provide transportation services consistent with
its mission, including but not limited to the Reduced Fare Program (hereinafter
Intergovernmental Agreement For Reduced Fare Program Page I of 7
"Program") as well as other services paid for by the City; the Program includes
but is not limited to the following:
i. the addition of Route 15, providing I5-minute fixed-route service
between the downtown, Ashland St, Tolman Creek Rd and Highway
66/Siskiyou Boulevard; and
ii. concomitant Valley Lift service; and
iii. reduced fares for Route 10 and Route 15 rides and for concomitant
Valley Lift rides.
iv. Route 10 service is Ashland's base service provided by RVTD, and its
operation (with the exception of fare reduction outlined in this
Agreement) is not affected by the Program or this Agreement.
v. The City-funded passenger fare subsidy for the fixed route system
(Routes 10 and 15)will be$1.00 per ride and the Valley Lift fare
subsidy will be$2.00 per ride for passengers picked up and delivered
within the City of Ashland.
vi. RVTD will provide the City with quarterly ridership accountings
showing total Route 10 ridership on Route 10 within the City of
Ashland, ridership on Route 15 and Valley Lift ridership within the
City of Ashland.
vii. In the event that the $251,797 annual allotment from the City will
be/becomes exhausted prior to the end of the fiscal year, the Program
for that fiscal year will end and fixed route and Valley Lift paratransit
fares will revert to standard RVTD fares for the balance of the fiscal
year.
b. LNING WAGE. RVTD shall comply with Chapter 3.12 of the Ashland
Municipal code by paying a living wage, as defined in City Code to all
employees performing work under this Agreement and to any subcontractor
who performs 50%or more of the service work under this Agreement. RVTD
is also required to post the code required living wage notice predominantly in
areas where all employees will see it.
c. ACCESS TO RECORDS: The City and its duly authorized representatives
shall have access to the records of RVTD and any subcontractors which are
directly pertinent to this Agreement for the purpose of making audit,
examination, excerpts, and transcripts.
d. PUBLICITY.
i. Any publicity or advertising regarding the Program shall first be
reviewed by RVTD and the City for accuracy and must be approved by
both parties.
ii. RVTD shall establish a marketing plan for a Loop system or any fare
changes with through local resources. RVTD will do the following:
1. Replace the removed placards in the shelters; and
Intergovernmental Agreement For Reduced Fare Program Page 2 of 7
t
2. Update the information on all placards with new route/schedule
information; and
3. Provide free bus advertising space on one vehicle; and
4. Continue to promote Ashland's system at local events; and
S. RVTD will post a map and schedule at each designated bus
shelter in Ashland detailing the Route 10 and Route 15 bits
stops and schedule; and Pr-omdtt., y„
6. RVTD will provide information concerning and [note the ° d
Ashland Reduced Fare Program and service, at events, at
map/schedule distribution points, and at mvw.rvtd.org.
iii. In partnership with the City of Ashland , RVTD will do the following:
1. Create a tri-fold specific to the Ashland system and distribute
to local businesses; and
2. Distribute promotional information through utility bill stuffers;
and
3. Coordinate a public relations event to launch the new service;
and
4. Approach SOU Administration to request ongoing support of a
fare buy-down; and
5. Approach the Chamber of Commerce and local employers to
encourage employees to use transit, especially in downtown;
and
6. Create a bus ad to utilize free ad space offer from RVTD.
e. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. RVTD, its subcontractors, and
all employers working under this Agreement must comply with Oregon State
Laws related to the work performed including but not limited to laws
concerning workers compensation, employment, payroll taxes and required
insurances for general liability for loss of property, injury to persons and
property. City may require RVTD to demonstrate compliance with applicable
insurance requirements, including but not limited to proof of coverages.
4. CITY FUNCTIONS OR ACTIVITIES. [ORS 190.020(1)]. The City of
Ashland shall fund the Reduced Fare Program as provided herein and subject to Section 9.
Specifically the City shall offset the cost of the fixed-route fares within the City and support
more frequent service as outlined under PAYMENT in paragraph 5 below.
5. PAYMENT. [ORS 190.020(1)(a)]. Subject to Section 9, below, City shall
promptly pay all bills for services provided by RVTD pursuant to this Agreement, including but
not limited to the following:
a. RVTD shall bill the City quarterly$1.00 for each Route 10 passenger picked
up and delivered in the City of Ashland during the term of this Agreement.
b. RVTD will bill the City-$16,028.25 per month minus the Route 15 farebox
revenue for that month.
Intergovernmemal Agreement For Reduced Fare Program Page 3 of 7
c. RVTD will bill the City quarterly 52.00 for each Valley Lift ride within the
City during the term of this Agreement. In addition, City will pay RVTD a
fixed amount per Valley Lift ride to cover operating costs for providing Valley
Lift rides in Ashland to the extent they exceed 9,800 rides in the period from
July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 and to the extent Valley Lift rides in
Ashland exceed 9,800 rides per year in each this Agreement is extended. The
amount City will pay to cover operating costs for Valley Lift rides in excess of
the 9,800 annual Valley Lift rides in the City shall be$18.31 per ride.
d. With the exception of Route 15 which shall be billed monthly as noted above,
RVTD will bill the City as provided in this section. Specifically, RVTD will
send the City invoices on the following schedule:
i. October 15, 2009 (services provided 9/8/2009 to 9/30/2009)
ii. January 15, 2009 (services provided 10/1/2009 to 12/30/2009)
iii. Aprill5, 2010(services provided 1/1/2010-to 3/28/2010)
iv. July 15, 2010 (services provided-4/1/2010 to 6/30/2010)
e. Payment is due to RVTD within 30 calendar days of receipt of each invoice.
6. REVENUE. [ORS 190.020(1)(b)]. Except where specifically provided herein to
the contrary, no revenues expected to be derived pursuant to this Agreement need to be
apportioned between the parties.
7. PERSONNEL. [ORS 190.020(1)(c)]. No employees will be transferred pursuant
to this Agreement. RVTD and the City of Ashland are subject employers under ORS Chapter
656, and shall procure and maintain current valid workers compensation insurance coverage for
all subject workers throughout the period of this Agreement. This Agreement does not change
the status of any employee, contractor or officer of the respective entities.
8. REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY. [ORS 190.020(l)(d)]. There shall be no
transfer of title or possession to any real or personal property pursuant to this Agreement.
9. TERMINATION. [I90.020(l)(Q].
a. TERMINATION by Mutual Consent: This Agreement may be terminated at any time
by mutual consent of both parties.
b. TERMINATION for Convenience: This Agreement may be terminated by either
party for that parry's convenience upon thirty days prior written notice to the other
party, delivered by certified mail or in person. . RVTD shall be compensated for all
services performed under this Agreement up to the effective termination date.
c. TERMINATION for Default or Breach: Either RVTD or City may terminate this
contract in the event of a breach of the contract by the other. Prior to such
termination the party seeking termination shall give to the other party written notice
of the breach and intent to terminate. If the party committing the breach has not
Intergovernmental Agreement For Reduced Fare Program Page 4 of 7
entirely cured the breach within thirty(30) days of the date of the notice, or within
such other period as the party giving the notice may authorize or require, then the
contract may be terminated at any time thereafter by a written notice of termination by
the party giving notice. Notwithstanding the cure provisions above, either party may
immediately terminate this Agreement for cause upon delivery of written notice to the
other party under any of the following conditions:
i. If Federal or state laws, rules or regulation are modified, changed or
interpreted in such a manner that the services are no longer allowable or
appropriate under this Agreement;
ii. If any license or certification required by law or regulation required for the
provision of the services under this Agreement is for any reason denied,
revoked, suspended, or not renewed.
d. OBLIGATION/LIABILITY OF PARTIES: Termination or modification of this
contract pursuant to subsections A, B, and C, above, shall be without prejudice to any
obligations or liabilities of either party already accrued prior to such termination or
modification. The rights and remedies of the parties provided in this subsection are
not exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or
under this contract.
e. NON-APPROPRIATION: Notwithstanding the termination provisions above,
termination may occur for non-appropriation. Specifically, all City obligations to
expend money under this Intergovernmental Agreement are contingent upon future
appropriation as part of the City budget process and local budget law, and the failure of
the Council and Budget Committee to make the appropriation shall necessarily result in
termination of the Agreement, and shall not be considered a breach.
f FORCE MAJEURE. Neither party shall be responsible for delay or default caused by
fire, flood, riot, acts of God, and/or war which are beyond the party's reasonable
control. RVTD may terminate this Agreement by written notice after determining
such delay or default will reasonably prevent successful performance of this
Agreement.
10. HOLD HARMLESS. To the exient permitted by the Oregon Constitution and
the Oregon Tort Claims Act, RVTD shall hold harmless, defend and indemnify the City of
Ashland from any and all claims, demands, damages or injuries, liability of damage that anyone
may have or assert by reason of the any error, act or omission of RVTD, its officers, employees
and agents, in the performance of their duties under the terms of this Agreement. It is further
agrees and understood that neither party is, by virtue of this Agreement, a partner or joint
venturing with the other party and neither party shall have any obligation with respect to the other
parry's debts or liabilities of whatever kind or nature. if any aspect of this indemnity shall be
found to be illegal or invalid for any reason whatsoever, such illegality or invalidity shall not
affect the validity of the remainder of this indemnification.
11. METHOD AND PLACE OF GIVING NOTICE, SUBMITTING BILLS,
AND MAKING PAYMENTS. All notices, bills, and payments shall be made in writing and
may be given by personal delivery or by snail. Notices, bills, and payments sent by mail should
be addressed as follows:
Intergovernmental Agreement For Reduced Fare Program Page 5 of 7
City of Ashland
Attn: Martha Bennett City Administrator
20 East Main Street
Ashland, Oregon 97520
Phone: 541-485-2100
Fax: 541-552-2092
RVTD
Attn: 'Accounts Receivable
3200 Crater Lake Avenue
Medford, OR 97504-9075'
Phone: (541) 608-2431
and when so addressed, shall be deemed given upon deposit in the United States Mail, postage
prepaid. In all other instances, notices, bills, and payments shall be deemed given at the time of
actual delivery. Changes may be made to the names and addresses of the person to whom
notices, bills, and payments are to be given by providing notice pursuant to this paragraph.
12. NON-DISCRIMINATION. Each party agrees that no person shall, on the
grounds of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, or age, suffer discrimination in
the performance of this agreement when employed by either party. Each party agrees to comply
with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, with Section V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
and with all applicable requirements of federal and state civil rights and rehabilitation statutes,
rules and regulations. Additionally, each party shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (Pub. L. No. 101-336), ORS 659.425, andr all regulations and administrative rules
established pursuant to those laws.
13. ATTORNEY FEES. In the event an action, lawsuit or proceeding, including
appeal there from, is brought for failure to fulfill or comply with any of the terms of this
agreement, each party shall be responsible for their own attorney fees, expenses, costs and
disbursements for said action, lawsuit, proceeding or appeal.
14. NO WAIVER. The failure by any party to enforce any provision of this
Agreement shall not constitute a waiver by that party of that provision or of any other provision
of this Agreement.
15. SEVERABILITY. Should any provision or provisions of this Agreement be
construed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void, invalid or unenforceable, such
construction shall affect only the provision or provisions so construed, and shall not affect,
impair or invalidate any of the other provisions of this Agreement which shall remain in full
force and effect.
16. HEADINGS. The headings of this Agreement are for convenience only and shall
not be used to construe or interpret any provisions of this Agreement.
Intergovernmental Agreement For Reduced Fare Program Page 6 of 7
17. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon.
18. ASSIGNMENT/DELEGATION. RVTD shall not delegate the responsibility for
providing services hereunder to any other individual or agency. Neither this Agreement nor any
of the rights granted by this Agreement may be assigned or transferred by either party.
19. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY. Neither the Federal Government, nor any
other entity other than the parties named herein are parties to this Agreement and shall have no
obligation to any third party.
20. AMENDMENT. The terms of this Agreement shall not be waived, altered,
modified, supplemented or amended in any manner whatsoever without prior written approval of
RVTD and the City. To be effective, any amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and
must be signed by authorized representatives of both parties.
21. MERGER. This writing is intended both as the final expression of the
Agreement between the parties with respect to the included terms and as a complete and
exclusive statement of the terms of the Agreement.
22. BINDING EFFECT. The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of each of the parties and each of their respective administrators, agents,
representatives, successors and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed in two
(2)duplicate originals, either as individuals, or.by their officers, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated this 4th day of August 2009.
ROGUE VALLEY TRANSPORTATION DISTICT CITY OF ASHLAND
By By
Julie Brown John 4tjornberg
General Manager Mayor
Reviewed as to form: Reviewed as to form:
By By�&.
David Lohman Richard AppicellokV
Legal Counsel for RVTD City Attyney 0
Date: Da 3'
te:
Intergovernmental Agreement For Reduced Fare Program Page 7 of 7