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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2022-013 N.C.S. 01/24/2022 DocuSign Envelope ID: ECB4EF99-1D87-4C8E-9E5C-1818F64B4C04 Resolution No. 2022-013 N.C.S. of the City of Petaluma, California RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A VETERAN &ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY SUBSIDIZED FARE PILOT PROGRAM FOR PETALUMA TRANSIT WHEREAS,the City of Petaluma provides transit service throughout the community to help improve the quality of life for its residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma desires to "encourage transit use through expanded service,pass programs, partnerships, and promotion" as outlined in the FY21-22 City Goals.; and WHEREAS,the Petaluma Veteran and Active-Duty Military population has been identified as one of the most vital and resource challenged communities throughout Petaluma; and WHEREAS,the City wishes to provide additional resources to the Veteran and Active-Duty Military community throughout Petaluma to increase quality of life and decrease the cost of living; and WHEREAS,the City seeks to create a Veteran&Active-duty Military Fare Free Pilot Program to run for a period of six months or beyond if successful; and WHEREAS, Increased usage of public transit, as is expected to result from this program, should reduce GHG emissions as a result compared to travel via single occupant vehicle; and WHEREAS,the City of Petaluma collects fare revenue necessary to help fund operations of the Petaluma Transit system; and WHEREAS, the City has identified funding to cover the costs for the Veteran&Active-duty Military fare free pilot program through reimbursement of expenses with a maximum amount to be later allocated in the City budget; and WHEREAS, the proposed action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) under the common-sense exemption, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3),because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed action could have a significant impact on the environment as providing free bus fares for veterans and the active military will encourage them to ride the bus as opposed to driving automobiles; and WHEREAS, alternatively, the proposed action is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA), in accordance with the Public Resources Code § 21080.25 (Added 1-1-2021 pursuant to SB 288), as the project will increase bus fares; and 1 DocuSign Envelope ID:ECB4EF99-1 D87-4C8E-9E5C-1818F64B4C04 WHEREAS, Council approves staff to include the cost of the if the program is deemed successful upon completion of the pilot period and continuation of the program is desired. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Petaluma hereby: 1. Declares that the above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated into this Resolution as findings of the City Council. 2. The proposed action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)under the common-sense exemption, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed action could have a significant impact on the environment as providing free bus fares for veterans and the active military will encourage them to ride the bus as opposed to driving automobiles. Alternatively, the proposed action is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA), in accordance with the Public Resources Code § 21080.25 (Added 1-1-2021 pursuant to SB 288), as the project will increase bus fares. 3. Authorizes staff to create a Veteran &Active-Duty Military Fare subsidy pilot program to run for a period of 6 months and longer if successful. 4. Permit staff to be reimbursed for the costs of the program for fare reimbursement and marketing costs up to an amount to be determined per the annual budget allocation process. 5. Finds that the program is necessary to meet the social needs of the community and is in the best interest of the City and public. 6. Directs and designates the City Manager, or designee, to sign any related documentation or agreements related to creating the Veteran&Active-Duty Military Fare Free Program. 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 Approved as to the Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 241h day }fined by: of January 2022,by the following vote: �gS�p��gggF 1 EXffl 1 F}048D... AYES: Mayor Barrett,Barnacle,Fischer,Healy,King,McDonnell,Vice Mayor Pocekay NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None DocuSigned by: DocuSigned by: �,�yy 4� 1- fit,V't,Sa �°jaV'V�,{� ATTEST "^ A, � 5 604102E6B48F42E... €ra4� City Clerk Mayor 2