TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to report to the City Council on the feasibility of forming a joint powers authority with the City of Lakewood for the purpose of providing improvements in the Carson Street corridor.
DISCUSSION
A joint powers agreement (Government Code section 6500 et seq.) allows two or more agencies to jointly wield powers that are common to them. It does not create new powers, but instead provides a vehicle for the cooperative use of existing governmental powers. Agencies that may enter into joint exercise of powers agreements include the federal and state governments, cities, counties, county school boards, public districts, and public agencies of other states. A joint powers authority can enter into contracts, employ people, acquire, construct and maintain buildings, improvements and public works, and issue revenue bonds. The member agencies can also agree to exchange services.
As an example, the Spring Street Joint Powers Authority was formed in order to work cooperatively with the City of Signal Hill to provide for the development of facilities and improvements in the Spring Street corridor, which included obtaining federal funding in order to improve Spring Street which runs between the two cities.
Carson Street is a major transportation corridor that runs between the cities of Long Beach and Lakewood and is badly in need of repair. This major street runs directly in front of Long Beach City College and the soon to be developed Douglas Park project and is heavily trafficked on a daily basis.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, Fifth District