City Council Approves 2 Percent Traffic Fee Increase

The City Council unanimously approved a 2 percent traffic fee increase at its Tuesday meeting.

According to the city report, the Regional Transportation Congestion Improvement Program Traffic Fee, which is required by the TransNet Ordinance, will be used for roadway improvements. The 2 percent hike is an increase from $2,081 to $2,123 per residential unit, beginning July 1, 2011, for fiscal year 2011-12.

The City Council originally adopted the RTCIP Traffic Mitigation Fee on April 1, 2008. However according to the report, the ordinance requires the fee to be adjusted annually on July 1 of each year to reflect increases in construction costs. The San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, informed the city of Poway that the increase is set at 2 percent for fiscal year 2011-12, according to the report.

In November 2004, San Diego County voters approved a 40-year extension to the existing TransNet program, which was formed in 1987 to help fund improvements to the region’s transportation system.

According to the report, funds collected from this fee will go toward roadway and traffic signal improvements on Espola Road, Poway Road, Pomerado Road, Twin Peaks Road, Community Road, Ted Williams Parkway, Camino Del Norte and Scripps Poway Parkway.

Councilman Dave Grosch noted that the increase assumes the City will have about 1,500-1,600 single-family homes being built.Councilman John Mullin added that because the fee increase is required by the ordinance he would “avoid the temptation of voting against it on a matter of principle and vote for it because we need to.”

No members from the public commented during the quick public hearing, which was the last item on the council’s agenda. 

In other council business:

• The City Council awarded Tri-Group Construction’s bid to complete the public facilities upgrade of Poway's three fire stations for $62,855. The project includes installation of new stairway handrails, detectable warning stripping on stairways, removal and replacement of walkways, curb ramps and sidewalks and disabled parking stall striping and signage.  The project is meant to meet current ADA requirements.
• The council also awarded Anemos Enterprises Inc.’s bid to install 31 roof hatches at eight water pump stations throughout Poway for $43,560. The project is meant to comply with Cal-OSHA regulations.
• The council accepted the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which includes an audit by private accounting firm Caporicci & Larson. The report is for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.
• City Manager Penny Riley thanked Mark Elvin, the captain of the Sheriff's Department for his service. Elvin has been promoted to commander (Check in with Poway Patch this week to watch an interview with Elvin).
• In council members' comments, Councilwoman Merrilee Boyack reminded the public about from 8 a.m. to noon on April 16. Grosch told attendees about the latest mixer, as well as a Safety Wellness Advocacy Community Coalition meeting he attended. Councilman Jim Cunningham gave the public an update about the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Board. He also talked about his trip to the State Water Project.

Mayor Don Higginson was absent from the meeting.