12.C.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 06/21/2022
- From:
- Dan Folke, Community Development Director
Information
TITLE:
Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2022-32: A resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Flagstaff and the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (Mountain Line) for the Downtown Connection Center (DCC).
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Read Resolution No. 2022-32 by title only
2) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2022-32 by title only (if approved above)
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2022-32
2) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2022-32 by title only (if approved above)
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2022-32
Executive Summary:
Approval of the 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:
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
Financial Impact:
The IGA provides for payment to Park Flag to cover the cost off lost or relocated parking spaces at the existing parking lot on Phoenix Avenue. The IGA provides a $4,200 per impacted parking space, which Mountain Line estimates will be 77 parking spaces. The phasing of the new DCC should not impact the cost of the Rio de Flag Flood Control project
Policy Impact:
None.
Connection to PBB Priorities/Objectives, Carbon Neutrality Plan & Regional Plan:
Priority Based Budget Key Community Priorities and Objectives
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.
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 City Council approved a Parking Demand Study in support of the Conditional Use Permit required for the use and site plan in December 2021. The Conditional Use permit was approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Concepts for the DCC have been presented to City Council over the past several years and have received support.
Options and Alternatives:
City Council may approve the IGA as drafted, make changes to the IGA or not approve the IGA. An IGA is required for the DCC to proceed on the site.
Background and 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.
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 new DCC will meet a number of community goals related to transportation and sustainability. City staff has ensured the phasing allows the Rio de Flag flood control project can proceed without delays or additional expenses. Also, the phasing allows for replacing surface parking spaces for Park Flag, and will accommodate a future parking structure should that come to fruition at a future date. Project Phase 1 includes the removal of the existing warehouse and construction of the new DCC building. The configuration of the bus bays and surface parking is not changed in Phase 1. Phase 2 includes the new bus bays and reoriented surface parking. Phase 2 will not begin until after completion of the Rio de Flag Flood Control project. Phase 2 includes new civic space as depicted on the approved site plan.
Community Benefits and Considerations:
None.
Community Involvement:
The new DCC will accommodate the continued operations and growth of transit service in Flagstaff. Increasing ridership and use of transit is a key strategy in the Climate Action Plan and associated planning documents.
Expanded Options and Alternatives:
Mountain Line has hosted a number of community meetings to design the new DCC facilities and had individual meetings with stakeholders, such as the Southside Neighborhood Association. The Conditional Use Permit required a neighborhood meeting and public hearing notification to surrounding property owners. Outside of the City planning processes, Mountain Line has continually engaged their riders and the community to identify how to increase ridership and grow transit use consistent with community goals.