SR-100-000-06
F:\CMANAGER\Staff Reports\Westside Council of Governments.doc
Council Meeting: September 10, 2002 Santa Monica, CA
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Adopt a Resolution That Approves In Concept
Formation of A Westside Council of Governments including Beverly Hills,
Culver City, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.
Introduction
This report recommends Council adopt a resolution that approves in concept of
formation of a Westside Cities Council of Governments (COG) involving Beverly Hills,
Culver City, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.
Background
The Westside Cities have functioned in a voluntary association since the early 1990’s
to discuss and exchange ideas and information regarding inter-jurisdictional issues.
The cities have taken action on subregional transportation plans, policies and programs;
representation on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) ; and subregional
SCAG planning issues.
Over the past few months, the Cities have met to discuss formation of a COG to
formalize communication among the cities and outside agencies in order to more
responsively meet the demands and opportunities facing subregions in Southern
California. Recent developments at the MTA such as the new sector approach for
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transit operations and a return to area focused planning have underscored the need to
formalize coordination.
Discussion:
The COG would be a voluntary cooperative effort among the cities and not represent
another level of government. The purpose is to forge consensus on policies and
programs of regional significance. The COG structure would provide a forum for
discussion and communication as well as representation and advocacy on behalf of the
Westside subregion. A COG structure would allow the cities to be more competitive in
responding to funding opportunities from Regional, State and Federal sources in order
to present projects that maximize limited public funds through a multi-city approach.
The upcoming MTA “Call for Projects” and reauthorization of Federal transportation
funds (TEA 3) will provide opportunities to promote inter-jurisdictional projects that
benefit the subregion. Lastly, the COG structure will permit greater efficiency in regional
programming such as in consolidating resources for contract or training services. A
draft mission statement is attached which more fully identifies the purpose.
Representatives of the four cities agreed on August 10, 2002 to recommend approval in
concept of the COG for their cities. By-laws and establishment of a Joint Powers
Agreement to effect the COG would be submitted for consideration by each City
Council. Representatives would be appointed by the Councils. In Santa Monica, all
major policy decisions would be brought back to the Council for approval, unless
consistent with already adopted Council policy.
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Budget Impact:
Existing staff is working on formation of the COG so there is no budget impact at this
time. However, as the work program of the COG develops and using the experience of
the COG as a guide, the need for dues and other resource needs will evolve.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve in concept the formation of a Westside
Cities COG and adopt attached resolution.
Attachments: A) Draft Westside Council of Governments Mission Statement
B) Resolution
Prepared by: Kathryn Vernez, Assistant to the City Manager for Government
Relations
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MISSION STATEMENT
The Westside Cities Council of Governments (COG) is a voluntary cooperative effort among the
cities to forge consensus on policies and programs of regional significance. The COG provides a
forum for discussion and communication as well as formalized representation and advocacy on
behalf of the Westside subregion with Regional, State and Federal agencies.
The COG’s primary objective is to keep informed and take action on issues that are of mutual
interest, working together in partnership to preserve and enhance the quality of life in the
subregion. The COG works as a clearinghouse sharing information on items such as grants,
regulations, legislation and rule making. The COG works with member cities to respond to
funding opportunities from Regional, State and Federal sources to maximize limited public funds
through a multi-city approach.
The COG also undertakes training and research to develop policy positions through established
COG Committees and Working Groups. All participating agencies work through the COG
structure.
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F:\CMANAGER\Staff Reports\Westside Council of Governments(Reso).doc
City Council Meeting: September 10, 2002 Santa Monica, CA
RESOLUTION NUMBER ______(CCS)
(City Council Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SANTA MONICA APPROVING IN CONCEPT THE FORMATION
OF A WESTSIDE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
INCLUDING BEVERLY HILLS, CULVER CITY,
SANTA MONICA, WEST HOLLYWOOD
WHEREAS, the Santa Monica City Council wishes to approve in concept the
formation of a Westside Council of Governments including Beverly Hills, Culver City,
Santa Monica, West Hollywood; and
WHEREAS, the Westside Cities have functioned in a voluntary association since
the early 1990’s to discuss and exchange ideas and information regarding inter-
jurisdictional issues; and
WHEREAS, the Westside Cities have met to discuss formation of a Council of
Governments (COG) to formalize communication among the cities and with outside
agencies in order to more responsively meet the demands and opportunities facing the
subregion; and
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WHEREAS, the Westside Cities COG would be a voluntary cooperative effort
among the cities to forge consensus on policies, programs and projects of regional
significance; and
WHEREAS, the COG structure would provide a forum for discussion and
communication as well as representation and advocacy on behalf of the subregion,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby conceptually approves the formation of a
Council of Governments which will include the cities of Beverly Hills, Culver City, Santa
Monica, and West Hollywood.
SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution, and
thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
MARSHA JONES MOUTRIE
City Attorney
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