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| Information |
| TITLE: |
| Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-15: A resolution approving the First Amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (Mountain Line) and the City of Flagstaff for the Downtown Connection Center (DCC). |
| STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION: |
1) Read Resolution No. 2023-15 by title only
2) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2023-15 by title only (if approved above)
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-15
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| Executive Summary: |
City Council approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Mountain Line on June 21, 2022 to allow for the construction and operation of the new Downtown Connection Center (DCC) on City property located on Phoenix Avenue at the site of the existing downtown hub.
Funding for the DCC is in part from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) who recently completed a review of the IGA and has requested minor amendments clarifying that the DCC will not interfere with the Rio de Flag Project, and the Rio de Flag Project will not interfere with the DCC. The First Amendment to the IGA makes those clarifications. |
| Financial Impact: |
| There is no financial impact from the proposed amendment. |
| Policy Impact: |
| None. |
| Connection to PBB Priorities/Objectives, Carbon Neutrality Plan & Regional Plan: |
PBB Priorities
Sustainable, Innovative Infrastructure
Identify smart traffic management, multi-modal transportation, and alternative energy opportunities.
Environmental Stewardship
Implement sustainable building practices and alternative energy and transportation options for traffic management, multi-modal transportation, and alternative energy opportunities.
Implement, maintain and further the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP).
Carbon Neutrality Plan
Decreased Dependence on Cars
DD-1: Encourage vibrancy, appropriate density, and attainability in existing neighborhoods, so that more residents live within walking distance of their daily needs.
DD-2: Create inclusive networks for walking and biking that are continuous, attractive, safe, comprehensive, and convenient for people of all ages.
DD-3: Encourage Flagstaff residents and visitors to walk, bike, roll and take the bus.
DD-4: Transform transportation policies and planning to incorporate greenhouse gas emissions analysis and reduce dependence on driving.
DD-5: Invest in comprehensive and equitable transit.
DD-6: Proactively invest to protect Flagstaff’s clean air status.
Regional Plan
Goal T.7. Provide a high-quality, safe, convenient, accessible public transportation system, where feasible, to serve as an attractive alternative to single-occupant vehicle
Policy T.7.1. Cooperate with NAIPTA in developing and implementing the five-year transit master planning goals and objectives to continuously improve service, awareness, and ridership.
Policy T.7.2. Provide public transit centers and options that are effectively distributed throughout the region to increase access to public transit.
Policy T.7.3. Support a public transit system design that encourages frequent and convenient access points, for various transportation modes and providers, such as private bus and shuttle systems, park-and-ride lots for cars and bicycles, and well-placed access to bus, railroad, and airline terminal facilities.
Policy T.7.4. Support mobility services for seniors and persons with mobility needs.
Policy T.7.5. Incorporate adopted plans and policies for non-motorized and public transportation in the permitting process for all development or land use proposals, including provisions for efficient access and mobility, and convenient links between pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.
Policy T.7.6. Coordinate with NAIPTA to establish rural transit service within the region that is consistent with County land use plans, based on funding availability, cost effectiveness, location of major trip generators, distance between generators, and the needs of transit-dependent individuals. |
| Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This: |
| The IGA was approved on June 21, 2022 by City Council. |
| Background/History: |
A new Downtown Connection Center (DCC) is identified in Mountain Line’s 2020 Strategic Plan as the highest priority capital project in order to support public transit service within the community. Since 2009, Mountain Line has operated the existing DCC under an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and licensing agreement with the City of Flagstaff for use of City owned parcels on Phoenix Avenue. This transit hub serves approximately 52,000 riders monthly and has upwards of 300 buses accessing the site daily at our current level of service.
The existing DCC has capacity for nine buses at two curb islands and two on-street loading zones developed for 30’ buses, that were in operation in 2009. Mountain Line currently operates 40’ and 60’ buses and has made minor accommodations and upgrades to fit our new fleet into the existing DCC. The existing loading zones have no additional capacity for transit service expansion and presents significant operational challenges for existing service levels. Under our current conditions, Mountain Line has to get creative about connection schedules and bus dwell locations.
The existing DCC has minimal amenities for riders and drivers. A portion of the existing City warehouse is used for a driver comfort station with restrooms and a breakroom for staff. Aside from two bus shelters, there are no customer service or amenities for patrons.
Due to these limitations, in FY2018, NAIPTA applied for and received a $6,777,938 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307/5339 grant (80% federal/20% local) awarded through ADOT for acquisition, design and construction of a new connection center. Then, in 2019, NAIPTA applied for and received a second FTA Section 5339 grant bringing an additional $15,675,000 in federal funds to the project. |
| Key Considerations: |
The approved Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) authorizes Mountain Line to construct, operate and maintain the Downtown Connection Center (DCC) located on City property at 116 and 216 W. Phoenix Avenue. The site currently includes Mountain Line's downtown transfer station, a comfort station for bus drivers, a City warehouse used for storage and Park Flag's off-street parking inventory. Terms of the IGA include:
- 50 year term with automatic renewal for additional 50 years under specific conditions
- Allowed improvements and operations
- DCC is constructed in 2 phases
- Phase 1: Construction of DCC building
- Phase 2: New bus bays, parking reconfiguration and civic space
- Includes a $4,200 fee in lieu for each lost and relocated public parking space
- Allows for the construction of the Rio de Flag flood control project without delay
- Approved site plan accommodates future parking structure
- Maintenance responsibilities of the improvements
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| Expanded Financial Considerations: |
| None |
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