Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-011 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY’S EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH TERRIS BARNES WALTERS BOIGON HEATH, INC. (TBWB) TO INCREASE THE ORIGINAL AGREEMENT FROM $35,000 TO $70,000 TO FUND AN ADDITIONAL VOTER SURVEY AND FEASIBILITY STUDY REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING TWO TAX MEASURES ON THE JUNE 2018 BALLOT
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
Staff presented the City of Chula Vista Public Safety Staffing Report at the September 26, 2017 City Council meeting and the Public Safety Staffing Strategies report and public opinion survey results at the December 19, 2017 City Council meeting. At the December 19 meeting, the City Council directed the City Manager to report back regarding options and recommendations for placing a half-cent sales tax measure to support public safety and public services on the June or November 2018 ballot.
Staff secured consultant assistance from TBWB and True North Research to develop and conduct a survey in November 2017 to determine voter interest in supporting a general sales tax measure to provide funding for public safety and public services. The agreement also required TBWB and True North Research to analyze results and provide a report to staff and the City Council regarding the survey results. Staff recommends conducting an additional public opinion survey to determine the feasibility of a half-cent sales tax measure on the same ballot as a potential excise tax in Chula Vista for cannabis.
Date |
TBWB |
True North Research |
November 2017 Survey |
$10,000 |
$25,000 |
January 2018 Survey |
$10,000 |
$25,000 |
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
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Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
As the City Council considers potential funding for public safety and public services, staff recommends conducting an additional public opinion survey to determine the feasibility of a half-cent sales tax measure on the same ballot as a potential excise tax in Chula Vista for cannabis. TBWB and True North Research provided consultant services to conduct a survey in November 2017 to gauge voter interest in a half-cent sales tax. The original agreement for consultant services was for $35,000 and was within the $50,000 threshold for City Manager authorization. The agreement amendment for TBWB and True North Research to conduct an additional survey will bring the total amount for consultant services to $70,000 which exceeds the City Manager’s authority and requires City Council approval.
Staff requests City Council approval of the agreement amendment to conduct another public opinion survey. Results will be presented at the February 13, 2017 City Council meeting.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has determined that the action contemplated by this item is ministerial, secretarial, manual, or clerical in nature and, as such, does not require the City Council members to make or participate in making a governmental decision, pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18704(d)(1). Consequently, this item does not present a conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. Securing public input through a public opinion survey supports the Connected Community goal.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are available in the non-departmental contract services budget for these services. No additional appropriation is required.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS
Voter Survey and Feasibility Study Agreement Amendment No. 17144-A1
Staff Contact: Maria Kachadoorian, Assistant City Manager