SunnyvaleRTC

December 2, 2003

SUBJECT: City Council Interim Appointment to Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board of Directors

The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has requested that the City appoint an interim City of Sunnyvale representative to the VTA Board of Directors. The current Board representative position was vacated as a result of the Council reorganization in November 2003. Staff recommends that Council appoint one of its members to serve as interim Board representative for the remainder of 2003, and that this position be included in the annual IGR assignment process in January 2004.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, in January of each year, the City Council fills a number of positions for intergovernmental (IGR) assignments (see Attachment A.) The City Council appoints members to a variety of intergovernmental agencies in order to represent the City's interests and to influence policies and regulations of other agencies. The City Council also ratifies the appointments of Councilmembers made by other organizations. From time to time, appointments come up that require Council action outside of the normal timeframe.

EXISTING POLICY

Goal 7.3C Participate in intergovernmental activities, including national, state and regional groups, in order to represent the City's interest, influence policy and regulations, and enhance awareness.

Policy 7.3C.1 Represent adopted City policy in intergovernmental activities.

Legislative Policy 7.3.15 City Council Assignments

DISCUSSION

Regular and alternate members of the VTA Board of Directors rotate among the VTA member cities in accordance with the VTA Joint Powers Agreement and established VTA Group 2 Cities’ Rotation Schedule (see Attachment B). Currently, the City holds regular membership, held by Councilmember Valerio. Normally, Council makes all of its intergovernmental assignments in January; however, the VTA Board is requesting action at this time due to the vacancy that occurred when Councilmember Valerio's term expired in November 2003 (see Attachment C.) The interim Board representative appointed by Council will begin his or her term at the VTA's Board of Director's regular meeting scheduled for December 4, 2003.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact to this report.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, publication of the Council agenda in the San Jose Mercury News, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Appoint a Councilmember to serve as interim City of Sunnyvale representative to the VTA Board of Directors and include this position in the annual IGR assignment process in January 2004.

2. Do not appoint a Councilmember to serve as interim City of Sunnyvale representative to the VTA Board of Directors and do not include this position in the annual IGR assignment process in January 2004.

3. Appoint a Councilmember to serve as interim City of Sunnyvale representative to the VTA Board of Directors but do not include this position in the annual IGR assignment process in January 2004.

4. Do not appoint a Councilmember to serve as interim City of Sunnyvale representative to the VTA Board of Directors but include this position in the annual IGR assignment process in January 2004.

5. Take no action at this time.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Alternative 1: Council selects one of its members to serve as interim representative to the VTA Board of Directors for the remainder of 2003 and includes this position in the annual IGR assignment process in January 2004.

Prepared by:

Coryn Campbell
Neighborhood and Community Services Manager

Reviewed by:

Amy Chan
Assistant City Manager

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager

Attachments

A. 2003 Sunnyvale Council IGR Assignments

B. VTA Board Rotation, 2000-2009 Master Calendar

C. Letter to Mayor Miller from Jane Kennedy, Chairperson, VTA Board of Directors