Minutes - May 2, 2002

STAFF PRESENT: Michael Scanlon, Kristin Lamson, George Cameron, Roger Contreras, Jim Gallagher, Howard Goode, Chuck Harvey, Jill Unikel, Martha Martinez

Chair Guingona called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

CONSENT CALENDAR

The Board unanimously approved the items under the Consent Calendar as follows:

1. Approval of Minutes of April 4, 2002

2. Financial Statements for March 2002.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Speaker, Carrie German, addressed the delays to the Route 92 Uphill Lanes Project. Chair Guingona confirmed with Mr. Scanlon that they have a meeting with Half Moon Bay set for May 10^th to discuss this project.

CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT

Ken Colmen reported that the CAC has four new members. Everyone at the meeting was brought up-to-date. The CAC is trying to take an active position on the following key issues: project on 92, particularly the 35 interchange, Hwy 84, and the Station Access Study with Korve Engineering. Mr. Colmen stated the CAC would like to determine all the available options for the 92 project and make their recommendations accordingly.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

Chair Guingona addressed concerns regarding a steering committee as it relates to the re-authorization of Measure A. He confirmed that there have been a few meetings between himself, reps of C/CAG, and the Board of Supervisors to decide how to approach the re-authorization of Measure A. He also suggested that a sub-committee be appointed to report back to the TA Board regarding the progress of the steering committee and how it impacts future policies.

Director Galligan agreed that comments made at the steering committee meetings should be addressed and discussed in the TA Board meetings.

Director Gordon commented it is appropriate for a sub-committee of the board to work with the steering committee to ensure all appropriate parties are on board and moving to identify the next phase of projects in the re-authorization. He also suggested it would be instructive to talk to Alameda and other neighboring counties to determine how they recently passed successful measures.

Chair Guingona said he would determine how many members can participate on the sub-committee and report who will serve on it.

Pat Dixon, CAC, suggested that the Board provide information regarding the re-authorization of Measure A, so they are able to answer questions when approached.

SAMTRANS LIAISON REPORT

Chair Guingona asked if the Board members read the written report on the SamTrans Board meeting of April 10, 2002. Everyone confirmed they read the report and no questions were asked.

JOINT POWERS BOARD REPORT

Mr. Scanlon reported on the following matters from the Joint Powers Board meeting held earlier in the day.

• Approved the Attendance Policy and Meeting Location of the CAC. Decided to drop the issue of term limit for CAC members.
• Approved Authorizing the Annual Renewal of All Risk Property/Difference in Conditions Insurance Coverage for FY 2002-2003. The earthquake coverage was eliminated.
• Approved the Adoption of FY 2002 – 2003 Operation Budget in the amount of almost $66 million, a Capital Contingency Fund of $1 million, and a Farebox Capital Fund of about $1.1 million, subject to a possible amendment in the coming months.
• JPB Board members heard updated reports from the project management team on Electrification and the overall construction progress.
• Approved the leasing of a warehouse in Menlo Park that will be a support office for the major construction beginning in June, with weekend shutdowns beginning in July.
• Caltrain ridership continues to be gloomy, but things are looking up. Mr. Scanlon cautioned that paying attention to employment and high quality of service are the keys to recovery. He stated congestion on the highway and price of gasoline will be two key indicators as to how soon ridership recover.
• Good news on increased security. They had a successful arrest and confession of people who were doing vandalism to the right of way.
• Ridership on Caltrain for the ballgames have been very good, except for this past week, possibly due to cold weather.
• Upcoming events are: the KFOG service on May 11^th, the Bay to Breakers race on May 19^th, Kids Are Giants Too on May 29^th, Operation Lifesaver on May 15^th, and public meetings on May 20^th to discuss the slight reduction in service from 80 weekday trips down to 76 weekday trips in order to balance the budget this year.

Director Gordon requested a report about what the SamTrans Board will be doing in terms of budget. Mr. Scanlon responded next year will be a rough year for SamTrans. In terms of the budget, they have done fare increases, they will be having public hearings for modest service reductions, and will be dipping into reserves. Mr. Scanlon mentioned that the SamTrans Board will receive the numbers next week. He can bring the TA Board up-to-date at a later time.

REPORT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Scanlon talked about strategic planning as it relates to the current fiscal year 2002. Mr. Scanlon believes SamTrans has a unique opportunity to leverage funds in FY ’02. SamTrans is currently working on their 20-year strategic plan and short-range transit plan. Mr. Scanlon proposes that they use an available $40,000 to do a statistically valid survey, along with C/CAG, MTC, and the Alliance for Congestion, of non-San Mateo County residents to obtain data on what it would take to change their behavior, (i.e. transit improvements, road improvements).

Corinne Goodrich, Manager, Strategic and Long-Range Planning, explained the method that would be used in the survey.

Mr. Scanlon talked about the budget and re-authorization of Measure A. He has included $250,000 for strategic planning purposes in the TA budget to ensure effective, two-way communication with the public of San Mateo County to find out what they feel is most important to invest in. The board agreed with this item.

Mr. Scanlon reported that the 101 Auxillary Lanes project is coming to completion. The southbound lanes are open and making a difference. The northbound lanes are moving along. A tentative date of Friday, June 14^th has been set for an event to mark the successful completion of this project.

FINANCE

1. Call for Public Hearing on the Proposed Capital and Operating Budgets for Fiscal Year 2003 at the Transportation Authority Board Meeting of June 6, 2002

Susan Stark, Director of Finance & Budget, requested permission to call for Public Hearing on the Proposed Capital and Operations Budgets for FY 2003 at the TA Board Meeting of June 6, 2002. Ms. Stark explained that the proposed budgets are being passed out and Finance staff would be contacting them individually to discuss and/or answer questions they may have on the budgets. The board unanimously adopted this request.

2. Annual Adoption of Investment Policies

   The board unanimously approved the annual adoption of the Investment Policies.

REPORT OF LEGAL COUNSEL

Attorney Kristin Lamson announced in accordance with the Brown Act, the Board will convene in a closed session regarding real estate negotiations.

Mr. Scanlon requested that the board complete the other items on the agenda before closing the session to ensure that attendance doesn’t drop off for the close of the meeting.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS TO AUTHORITY

John Lee noted a letter from Half Moon Bay.

CLOSED SESSION

The meeting adjourned into closed session at 5:45 p.m. to follow up on real estate negotiations. The meeting convened into open session at 5:54 p.m.

1. Closed Session: Real Estate Negotiations – Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8: Under negotiation: Price and terms of contract.

Property Locations and Owners:

Kristin Lamson reported that no formal action was taken in the closed session, but the Board has provided the staff with direction to proceed with offers for the property interest highlighted in the closed session item.

The next meeting of the Transportation Authority will be held on June 6, 2002 at 5 p.m. at 1250 San Carlos Avenue, San Carlos.

ADJOURNED: 5:55 p.m.