Powers and FunctionsContracts
Section § 130220
This law allows the commission to enter into all kinds of agreements and contracts, whether related to eminent domain proceedings or other matters. These contracts can include indemnifying others, employing workers, and taking necessary actions to use the powers given by this division.
Section § 130220.5
In essence, this section grants the commission the authority to use eminent domain to acquire property needed for its functions. Eminent domain allows them to forcibly buy private property for public use, but only under specific conditions.
If the commission wants to take land outside its area for environmental purposes, they need legal approval and must get consent from the county where the land is. Before they can proceed with taking land in a city or county area, they must notify the local government and allow them a chance to be heard, similar to other affected parties.
Section § 130221
This law allows a commission to enter into contracts with various entities, such as US departments or public agencies, as well as private individuals, as long as it believes the terms are beneficial.
Section § 130231
The Los Angeles County Transportation Commission can impose a special tax in Los Angeles County if the voters agree, based on specific ordinances from 1980 and 1990. This authority allows the commission to handle large transit projects, like creating a special mass transit guideway system. When they hire companies to build these projects, they need to follow certain contracting rules outlined in this legal section.
Section § 130232
This statute outlines the rules for purchasing supplies, equipment, materials, and construction work, primarily focusing on contracts exceeding certain monetary thresholds. Generally, any purchase over $25,000 must be open to competitive bidding, awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, and advertised in a general-circulation newspaper at least 10 days before receiving bids.
Smaller expenditures, between $1,000 and $25,000, require at least three price quotations for comparison. For bids under $50,000, the executive director can act for the commission. All construction bids must include a security deposit via cash, check, or bond. If not awarded, the security will be returned within 60 days.
Exceptions exist for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which can choose the lowest bidder or one offering the best value, defined by the solicitation's criteria, for purchases over $150,000. The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority has similar, but slightly differing rules. Special provisions apply for small and medium businesses and disabled veteran enterprises, especially incentivizing contracts through set-asides and preferences.
Section § 130233
This law allows certain authorities to bypass the normal bidding process for purchasing supplies, equipment, or materials if they can find a lower price in the open market. Generally, the commission needs a two-thirds vote to decide on this, but the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority only requires a majority vote. It means they can skip usual procedures like contracts, bids, and advertisements if they reject initial bids and find better deals elsewhere.
Section § 130234
This law allows a commission to quickly spend public money without following the usual rules for contracts, bids, and notices if there's a major disaster like a fire, flood, epidemic, or equipment failure. This can only happen when two-thirds of the commission members agree that it's necessary to protect people's lives, health, or property.
Section § 130235
This law allows the executive director to quickly spend money to fix or replace damaged facilities if it's urgent to keep the transportation services running for the public. This spending can bypass certain usual procedures if immediate action is necessary and existing options aren't enough. After doing so, the executive director must report back to the commission explaining why this fast action was needed.
Section § 130236
This law allows the commission to purchase or modify equipment for testing under certain conditions, even if it doesn't follow the usual procurement rules. Specifically, if two-thirds of the commission members agree that the standard purchase process isn't suitable, they can bypass the usual requirements for contracts, bids, and ads to get what's needed for testing.
Section § 130237
This law allows the commission to bypass usual contract and bidding processes when buying supplies, equipment, or materials. This can only happen if two-thirds of the commission members agree there's only one source for these items and they are needed to replicate or replace what's already being used.
Section § 130238
This law outlines how the commission should purchase specialized rail transit equipment and related electronic devices. They can choose vendors not just based on price, but also factors like reliability, technology, and warranties. A competitive negotiation process may be used, meeting specific requirements: requests for proposals should reach qualified vendors with fair competition and clear evaluation criteria. Proposals will be thoroughly assessed, and the contract is awarded to the most beneficial offer, even if it's not the cheapest. Protests about the process can be made at certain stages, with the chance to be heard. Contracts must follow rules about women and minority-owned businesses.
Section § 130239
This regulation allows the commission to create a program that supports minority-owned, women-owned businesses, and disadvantaged individuals in its contracts and activities. The program adapts similar diversity and inclusion policies as outlined in certain federal regulations, particularly when those specific regulations don't directly apply.
Section § 130240
This law gives the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) a range of powers to manage transit-related facilities and services. It allows OCTA to acquire, construct, and manage transit facilities in Orange County, including State Highway Route 91. OCTA can impose tolls on this highway, but revenues must primarily cover expenses like maintenance and debt. Excess revenues may be used to enhance transit services or reduce congestion. However, any operations in Riverside County require approval from local authorities. OCTA can issue bonds to fund projects and must coordinate with Riverside if both operate toll facilities. Additionally, any transfer of franchise interests needs legislative approval.
Section § 130240.1
The Orange County Transportation Authority is allowed to make partnerships with cities, public agencies, or private entities both inside and outside the county for using or developing property together. This can be for purposes like setting up routes, sharing costs, or other arrangements that support their transportation services. They can also enter into contracts for services with cities, counties, or utilities in the county.
Joint development can include working with others to develop, plan, finance, or operate facilities related to transportation projects or areas next to them.
Nontransit facilities are defined as assets like land or buildings used mainly to generate transit revenue without operating a transit system.
Section § 130240.5
This law allows the Orange County Transportation Authority to buy land from willing sellers for specific road projects. These projects include adding an extra westbound lane to a section of State Route 91 and widening the northbound side of State Route 57 at certain points in Orange County.
Section § 130241
This section states that all the rules and powers given to the Orange County Transit District in the 1965 Act also apply to the Orange County Transportation Authority. They have the same abilities to operate, and they can choose which specific rules are relevant to them.
Section § 130242
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has the power to make contracts with private businesses for various aspects of transit projects, like planning and construction. These contracts can also include operating and maintaining these projects if it helps with evaluating performance and doesn't interfere with labor agreements.
Any construction work must follow public works laws. Contracts are typically awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, or through a competitive process considering quality and design, among other factors, not just price. Contract opportunities must be advertised in newspapers, with different timelines for bids based on the project's cost. Also, successful subcontractors must be identified early and follow fair practices in subletting and subcontracting.
Section § 130244
This law deals with the management and development of transportation facilities along State Highway Route 91 between Orange County and Riverside County. It defines key terms like 'authority,' 'bonds,' and 'transportation facilities.' The Orange County Transportation Authority can amend or terminate agreements regarding portions of the highway. The Riverside County Transportation Commission is allowed to collect tolls and fees to cover costs related to highway improvements and maintenance. Any additional revenues can be used to improve traffic flow and transit options along the highway corridor.
The commission can issue bonds to fund these projects, but these bonds are not backed by the state's full faith and credit. The law also mandates that toll schedules must be available for public review. Tolls can be imposed for up to 50 years after a facility opens, unless the legislature extends this. The transportation facilities will return to the Department of Transportation once the bonds are paid off unless toll collection is extended.
This statute also states that the commission cannot receive compensation if new construction affects toll revenues, and explains that parts of the law can still apply even if certain sections are deemed invalid.
Section § 130245
This statute establishes an advisory committee to oversee and make recommendations on transportation facilities related to State Highway Route 91 in Orange and Riverside counties. The committee, comprising ten voting members from the local transportation authorities and three nonvoting members, will address issues like tolls, operations, and improvements needed along the corridor. The authority and commission must audit toll revenues and expenditures annually to ensure consistency with their respective sections. Costs for this section are shared between both counties and cannot use state funds.
Section § 130246
The Riverside County Transportation Commission is allowed to hire private companies to handle two main tasks. First, they can enforce parking rules that the commission sets, following specific guidelines from the Vehicle Code. Second, they can also remove cars parked illegally according to those same guidelines.