HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2004-075 N.C.S. 05/17/2004 '1
a.
Resolution No.2004-075 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA
ENCOURAGING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE SONOMA-MARIN AREA RAIL TRANSIT AUTHORITY
TO PLACE A QUARTER CENT SALES TAX MEASURE
ON THE NOVEMBER 2004 BALLOT
TO SUPPORT PASSENGER RAIL
WHEREAS, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit Authority ("SMART") was created as
a result of AB 2224, authored by Assemblyman Nation in the 2001-2002 session of the
California Legislature, for the purpose of creating and operating passenger rail service in Marin
and Sonoma Counties; and,
WHEREAS, SMART is governed by a twelve member board including five city and
county elected officials from Marin County and five city and county elected officials from
Sonoma County; and,
WHEREAS, AB 2224 authorizes SMART to submit a sales tax measure to the voters of
Marin and Sonoma Counties by a majority vote of the SMART board, provided that at least three
of the local elected officials from each county vote in the affirmative; and,
WHEREAS, a quarter cent sales tax has been determined to be sufficient to fund
passenger rail service; and,
WHEREAS, atwo-thirds majority of voters would be necessary to approve a bi-county
sales tax measure; and,
WHEREAS, a public opinion poll commissioned by SMART and released on May 5,
2004 indicates that at least 70% of likely voters would support a quarter cent sales tax measure
for passenger rail at this time; and,
WHEREAS, the SMART board of directors will consider placing such a sales tax
measure on the November 2004 ballot at its meeting on May 19, 2004; and,
WHEREAS, supporting the start of passenger rail has been a high priority of the citizens
of the City of Petaluma for many years, as evidenced by the 63.5% yes vote in Petaluma for
Measure C on the March 2000 ballot, and the public support for passenger rail has intensified
since that time; and,
WHEREAS, the high voter turnout anticipated in the November 2004 election due to the
presidential election presents a particularly favorable environment for passage of a sales tax
measure for passenger rail that will not be duplicated for at least another four years.
Resolution No. 2004-075 N.C.S.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of
Petaluma strongly encourages the SMART board of directors to place a quarter cent sales tax
measure on the ballot for the November 2004 election so as not to miss this unique opportunity
to achieve the long-held goal of passenger rail in the North Bay by deferring the sales tax
measure to the future.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Petaluma, in
particular, strongly encourages the five local elected officials from Marin County serving on the
SMART board of directors -Directors Boro, Breen, Eklund, Murray and Rose - to seize this
exceptional opportunity to achieve a transportation link of critical long-term regional. importance.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is directed to provide copies of this
Resolution to each of the SMART directors prior to their meeting of May 19, 2004.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Ap rov o
Council of the City of Petaluma at a (Regular) (Adjourned) (Special) meeting
on the .........1.7.`.':........... day of .......Delay 20.Q4., by the
following vote:
City Attorney
AYES: Mayor Glass, Harris, Healy, O'Brien, Thompson, Torliatt
NOES: Vice Mayor Moynihan
ABSENT: N e
A, ~ J~
ATTEST: ' .r~l~~/~?..S..l................................. ......~r'~
City Clerk ayor
Council File
Res. No.......2004-07.5.........N.GS.